Chapter 85: To Gamble With A Tressure

    Herald snapped his fingers, and a butler dressed in a tailored black suit soon stepped forward. In his hands was a small chest adorned with glowing golden runes, casting flickers of light across the room.

    The butler approached Herald''s seat and carefully handed him the chest before retreating silently to the corner of the room.

    With slowness, Herald placed the chest on the table before him, allowing the runes'' glow to draw everyone''s attention.

    The air seemed to thicken as he opened it, revealing an object that immediately caused a collective gasp.

    Inside lay what appeared to be a severed root, but this was no ordinary piece of wood.

    It glowed softly, emanating a divine light that bathed the room in a warm, golden hue. The divine aura radiating from the root was so profound that even the most stoic among them couldn''t help but gaze in awe.

    It felt as though they were standing in the presence of something divine, something that did not belong in the mortal realm.

    Herald''s lips curled into a knowing smile.

    "When I mentioned handling the fallen angel..."

    "I never intended to suggest we fight it. Such an endeavor would be... unwise."

    He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the stunned faces before him.

    "Instead, we have other options. We could ask it to turn a blind eye to our activities. Or perhaps..."

    His voice dropped slightly, taking on a more devious tone. "We could convince it to join us."

    He reached into the chest and gently lifted the glowing root, holding it aloft for all to see.

    "And for such a bargain, I offer this: a root from the Tree of Eden. The very tree said to grow fruits that grant divinity."

    All eyes widened in shock. How could Herald, some noble who was stuck in his territory during the war, be in possession of such an item? When the previous emperor and his knight commanders fought and searched for the tree, they didn''t even find a single leaf.

    But how could one possess the root but not the actual fruit? It seemed illogical, but all that mattered now was that it was here, and clearly, Herald had not obtained it by himself. He had to have had help, and who else but the knight commanders standing in this room?

    If that were truly the case, it would mean one among them had betrayed their precious lord—the one who had given them everything... the one to whom they had pledged their loyalty.

    The thought was vexing. Each of them turned their focus to the others.

    Jareth was the first to break the silence. "How in the nine realms did you come to possess such an item, Herald?"

    They said she viewed Illena as a traitor to their people, someone willing to tarnish the legacy of their race for personal reasons.

    Whether it was grief or disdain that drove Sylthiel''s decision, the result was the same: Illena was cast out of her homeland... now basically a commoner who relied on Arkanos'' authority.

    Yet Illena''s story did not end there.

    Though she was exiled, some elves chose to follow her to the Bloodbane Empire.

    These loyalists—whether out of personal devotion or shared ideals—became a part of her court.

    This was why the empire now had so many elven maids and attendants serving in the royal palace.

    But the presence of elves in the empire was not solely due to Illena. The previous Empress, Selene, a wind spirit who once ruled alongside Emperor Veltharion, had also brought a retinue of elven attendants into the empire.

    These two influences—Illena and her predecessor—had left an indelible mark on the empire''s culture and court.

    Herald, composed as ever, addressed Morwen''s concern. "I understand the risks involved, Lady Ralford. But let us not overestimate Queen Sylthiel''s willingness to act. She disowned her daughter publicly, made her choice clear to all of Eveandale. If Illena were to meet an unfortunate end, Empress Sylthiel would hardly have the standing to rally her people for vengeance. And even if she tried, the elven race is currently fractured in its loyalties. Many still hold resentment toward Illena and those who followed her. I doubt they would unite under such a banner."

    Morwen frowned but did not respond immediately, her eyes scrutinizing Herald''s every word.

    "But," Herald continued, "I do not intend to get her blood on our hands. Illena''s involvement will be... managed, discreetly. We need not draw undue attention to ourselves."

    Herald clapped his hands sharply, drawing the room''s attention once more. "Alright."

    "Now that all of that is out of the way, we must shift our focus. Preparations need to be completed swiftly. In four days, our forces will begin to march, but it will take at least a couple more for them to arrive at the capital."

    Jareth narrowed his gaze at Herald. "I trust you haven''t forgotten what you promised."

    Herald''s expression remained composed. "I assure you, I have not. I already have spies embedded within the castle. They will successfully abduct the second concubine when the time comes."

    Jareth leaned forward slightly, his tone turning colder. "And Arkanos?"

    Herald smirked faintly. "All yours."

    With that, Herald rose to his feet with his signature sly smile on his face. "I believe we are done here. My manor has a wide range of rooms. You are all welcome to make yourselves at home tonight."

    Outside, the soft patter of rain began to fall, adding an almost somber note to the meeting''s conclusion.

    One by one, the attendees dispersed.