CHAPTER 54: MEETING

The prince had returned to Hitoshi’s home.

He stood in the living chamber. Around him, they all gathered—Serina, Leria, Alan, Hitoshi, and even the carriage driver. The Rune Stone was also connected, allowing Borag, Twicher, and the Lord of Heidz to join the meeting remotely.

Aric had called this gathering with everyone present because the situation the king had placed him in meant all his plans would have to unfold without his direct intervention. If that were the case, he needed to ensure he could delegate effectively and trust his allies to carry out their parts.

"I spoke with Aszer two days ago... and tomorrow, the Byzeth Kingdom and its forces will begin multiple raids on Valeria... orchestrated by me."

Hearing this, everyone stayed silent, though it was clear what they were thinking. Was that not madness? How does one attack his own empire as an offensive against another?

It might have seemed foolish on the surface, but there was nothing shallow about Aric’s ambition.

"I know some of you are confused... Why would a Valerian prince lead raids on his own kingdoms and empire? That I will not explain. But do I look like a fool to any of you? And even if I ever acted like one, in the end, was I not vindicated? Was there not always a greater scheme?"

The prince’s eyes swept over each person in the room, and though they remained silent, it was clear they agreed. Aric was not one to act without reason.

"Wait, I’m sorry... Did you say Valerian prince?" Twicher’s voice echoed from the Rune Stone.

"Shut your mouth," Borag growled.

"Listen," Aric’s voice cut them off before they could continue. "I should have killed you all in that tavern at Ezra’s Path, but I gave you a chance to be more than common bandits. And I’m giving you another now."

Aric exhaled slowly as he walked closer to the fireplace. The flames danced gracefully, casting shadows on the stone walls.

"I am a prince seeking to take a kingdom by striking my own empire. If I fail, I will surely die—whether by Aszer’s hand or for treason against Valeria. And you—"

He turned from the fire to face them before continuing.

"All of you will likely die with me for my sins. But if I succeed—if we execute everything perfectly—then you will be loyal not merely to a prince, but to the ruler of Byzeth, the empire’s most vital kingdom. This victory will propel me to the forefront of the crown’s succession."

Aric paced slowly around the room.

"Wealth, power, and glory... they will be nothing compared to the rewards of triumph."

The prince stopped, meeting each of their eyes.

"So I ask you all, and I offer you a true choice: Will you rise or fall with me, or will you leave and find your own path?"

The room fell silent until Borag and Twicher spoke through the Rune Stone.

"We live to serve you, Your Highness," they declared.

Then Lerai followed, then Alan, and the others in turn, all repeating the same words as they bowed their heads.

"We live to serve you, Your Highness."

Aric smiled—a genuine one.

"I am honored... and I will not fail you."

He sighed, composing himself as his tone returned to its usual stoicism.

"Now, let’s return to the matter at hand. I will not be here for some time, so you must follow my instructions precisely."

Aric began to lay out his plans. He instructed the Lord of Heidz to work closely with Borag and his men. He would reveal which figures in Miredis were under his control so the bandits would leave them untouched, while eliminating all other authorities using intelligence Hitoshi would provide.

Once this was done, the lord would use his influence to replace those authorities with people loyal to him, which meant loyal to the prince, raising Aric’s control in Miredis to near totality.

While Miredis was being seized, Lerai would focus on producing new MPG weapons—either more of the current models for Borag’s men or fresh designs. He would make the bandits as formidable as possible.

Alan would train the bandits in MPG use, as he was still the most skilled wielder.

Finally, Serina would serve as the cavalry. If anything went wrong or required direct intervention, she would step in. She would also relay updates and carry advanced orders from Aric through a dedicated Rune Stone.

"I trust all of this is understood? Dismissed."

Everyone nodded as they rose and dispersed, while those connected through the Rune Stone disconnected.

This left Aric and Serina alone.

They remained quiet for a while, simply staring at each other.

"So... have you succeeded?" Aric asked.

"Yes, I entered the 9th circle last night," Serina replied.

Aric nodded. "Well, congratulations... Now, for what I have taken, what is my sacrifice?"

Serina gazed into his eyes.

"You paid the price from the start—your life. It seems it was all ordained, even what you’ve been given."

"You speak to the Weaver of Balance?"

Serina nodded. "Yes."

"Then how do I speak to the Weaver of Fate?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea. Everything about you is an absurdity. Your path doesn’t follow the usual laws. You must understand it yourself."

Serina tapped the chair beside her before rising.

"Please, sit."

Aric walked to the chair and sat down. Serina stepped behind him, placing her hands on the back of his neck.

"Now that you’ve broken through, how much more effective will this session be?" Aric asked.

"Significantly more, especially since we’ll be going all night."

Aric glanced at Serina, and she glanced back. They both laughed.