The day was so bright that even the northern banners looked like they burned against the winter sky.

The capital was choked with peoplemerchants, nobles, soldiers, citizens filling every balcony and every stretch of marble road that led toward the Grand Parliament Hall.

It was not just another meeting; it was the first open convocation of war the North had held in over three decades.

And at the center of that massive assembly stood a single man cloaked in grey and silver his face half-veiled by a mask that glimmered faintly beneath the sun.

Machiavelli.

The name "Machiavelli" was a phantom title, whispered through alleys and trade routes, the face of Chrome Hearts. Now it stood in the daylight before nobles, soldiers, and the Emperor himself.

---

The Great Hall's dome loomed like an iron crown over the gathering. Rows of lords filled the marble steps, dressed in ceremonial armor and silks, each sigil gleaming like the pride of centuries. Around the dais where the Emperor sat, guards in azure cloaks stood stiffly—each bearing the crest of the North, a silver stag under falling snow.

Chatter rolled like a storm across the hall until a deep gong resounded. Silence followed.

Chancellor Helbrandt, his old voice carrying authority carved from decades in politics spoke.

"By decree of His Imperial Majesty, the council convenes to finalize command appointments for the impending war."

The Emperor rose.

"Today," he said, his voice solemn but proud, "the North stands not in isolation, but in resolve. The South marches under the Church's banners; the Central Senate stirs with fear and arrogance alike. And we—" His gaze swept across the ranks of generals and ministers. "—we answer not in kind, but in strength."

A sea of applause thundered. Outside, thousands cheered as his words echoed through the brass horns suspended above the balconies.

When the noise subsided, the Chancellor turned to the appointed generals. "Step forward, those who shall lead our legions."

One by one, the names were read.

Lord Vyrn of House Alderidge, the Northern Wall's commander.

General Helis, captain of the royal dragoons.

Countess Mira Vex, master of arcane artillery.

And lastly, a name that sent murmurs through both nobility and commoners alike.

"Machiavelli of the Chrome Hearts."

The hall rippled with disbelief and discomfort. Some ministers exchanged sharp glances. One of them, Lord Rucien of House Marenth, rose immediately, his hand slamming the desk.

"This is madness!" he barked. "A criminal organization leader? An outlaw given command of imperial forces?"

"He's not an outlaw," another lord countered. "He restored stability where our bureaucrats failed. The underbelly listens to him."

"Because they fear him!"

"That fear brought order," said yet another. "Even your ships cross safely now because his men purge the bandits that the government never could."

Helbrandt lifted a hand. "Enough. The decision was voted and passed by the majority of the noble Houses. The Emperor has consented. You will all respect the outcome."

Reluctant silence followed. But beneath the noble tension, there was something heavier in the air—curiosity. Everyone wanted to see the face behind the name.

Noah stepped forward.

---

The crowd stilled. His mask caught the sunlight, reflecting a faint silver gleam that seemed both regal and alien. He bowed—not deeply, but enough to be respectful.

"Your Majesty," he began, his tone smooth but measured, "I accept the appointment as Field Commander of the First Northern Army."

Even his voice carried a weight the crowd couldn't quite place. It wasn't arrogance—it was certainty. A calm, sharp certainty that drew attention like gravity.

The Emperor regarded him quietly, perhaps measuring him. "Machiavelli… I have heard many things about you. Some speak of you as a menace, others as the North's unseen guardian."

"I am neither, Your Majesty," Noah said. "I am simply... efficient."

That earned a ripple of laughter among a few generals. But the Emperor didn't smile. Instead, he leaned forward slightly. "Then be efficient in the service of the North. Bring back Frostveil Port before the enemy plants their banners there."

Noah bowed once more. "It will be done."

---

Outside, after the ceremony concluded, the crowd erupted into feverish applause. The soldiers on the lower steps raised their swords, shouting the chant of the newly forged alliance.

"Glory to the North!"

"Honor to the Stag!"

And among them, whispers spread like wildfire.

"The Silver General."

"The Masked Strategist."

"The criminal who became a commander."

It didn't matter what they called him. Every title was a tool.

As the horns blared and banners unfurled, Noah stood motionless beside Iris Star, who watched from a few steps behind. Her silver hair was braided tight under her dark hood, her eyes fixed on him with the steady calm of someone who'd been with him far too long to be surprised anymore.

"You did it," she said softly, as the crowd roared around them. "Exactly as you planned."

Noah's lips curved slightly under the mask. "I told you, didn't I? To change this empire, you have to grip its heart first."

"And now you're holding it," she murmured.

He didn't answer. But he didn't need to. The sound of drums rising in the distance was answer enough.

---

That night, within the temporary war offices of the Chrome Hearts—a fortress hidden beneath the capital's frost-worn catacombs—Noah studied the war maps under candlelight. His cloak hung over the back of the chair, his hands gloved and steady as he traced the borderlines.

"Frostveil Port is our first objective," he said, not looking up.

Across from him, Iris leaned against the table, her arms folded. "Our scouts say the Central-South alliance already deployed two divisions. They're building supply chains along the southern ridge."

"Expected." Noah's tone was faint, thoughtful. "They'll move slower with the Church's relic transport. That gives us… a week."

She frowned. "That's not long."

"It doesn't have to be." He turned, eyes narrowing slightly. "Our advantage isn't in numbers. It's in shadows."

At that, Iris smiled faintly. "So the Chrome Hearts move again?"

Noah nodded. "But this time under the army's name. Officially, they're reconnaissance units. Unofficially—our shadow corps."

"And my assignment?"

"You lead them." He slid a sealed document toward her. "Every spy, thief, and informant you've cultivated—bring them under your banner. Frostveil will be our test."

She looked down at the document, then back up. "You trust me that much?"

"You're the only one I can trust," he said simply.

Something flickered in her eyes.

But she only nodded and took the parchment.