The following morning, the political intrigue took a more formal turn. Lucian was summoned by King Regulus—a formidable monarch known for his austere nature and uncompromising decrees. Outside the Rutherford estate, a grand wagner awaited, its sleek design bearing the insignia of the Golden Knights. Lucian, accompanied by Patriarch Mangus and Cedric, boarded the vehicle.
Inside the wagner, Lieutenant Aric—a stern and imposing figure representing the King's will—approached Lucian. "Lord Rutherford, the King expects your presence at the grand hall. He wishes to discuss your appointment."
Lucian's tone was measured, his eyes calm. "Lieutenant Aric, I am aware of the King's expectations. Tell me, does the King truly believe I will serve him without question?"
Aric's gaze hardened. "The King's decision is final. However, I understand that you have your own methods. He values strength and cunning in equal measure."
Lucian nodded slowly. "Indeed. Yet, you must realize that my influence extends beyond mere obedience. I can control magic on a scale that might even tempt the gods themselves—but such power carries consequences. I prefer to rely on my allies rather than provoke divine wrath."
Aric regarded him silently before replying, "Very well, Lord Rutherford. The King is prepared to negotiate."
At the Grand Hall of the Royal Palace
King Regulus: "Lord Rutherford, you have come before me once again. Your recent achievements have certainly caught my attention, but they also raise concerns about where your true loyalties lie."
Lucian: "Your Majesty, my appointment as General is not an act of rebellion but a recognition of our mutual interest in preserving order. I stand here not to subjugate myself, but to balance the scales of power in this realm."
King Regulus: "Balance, you say? Many whisper that your methods border on defiance. You wield power that could upset the very foundations of my rule. How do you propose to keep that in check?"
Lucian: "I propose the formation of a council—a body consisting of your most trusted advisors and my closest allies. This council will guide military strategy, ensuring that my influence benefits the kingdom rather than disrupts it."
General Octavian: "Your Majesty, if I may interject, the idea of such a council might serve as a useful compromise. Lord Rutherford's recent actions have indeed stoked dissent among the nobility, but his strength is undeniable."
King Regulus: (leaning forward, his gaze sharp) "I am well aware of his capabilities, yet I demand that his power be curbed. Tell me, Lord Rutherford, how do you address the murmurs among the nobles that you seek to eclipse even my authority?"
Lucian: "The dissent is largely fueled by envy. I have secured alliances with several influential houses—Valtorin, Draxen, Valmont, Ardent, and Raveshade. Their support will counterbalance the detractors. My plan is not to usurp your power but to reinforce the kingdom's stability from within."
King Regulus: (sighing) "And what of your personal ambition? Some would say you revel in the chaos you create."
Lucian: (with measured calm) "Personal ambition can be a tool for progress if tempered by wisdom. I have the power to command magic on a scale that might even tempt the gods, but I choose restraint. I am prepared to serve under your command—as long as I retain the strategic freedom necessary to counter those who would undermine us all."
King Regulus: "Very well, Lord Rutherford. I will consider your proposal. However, know that any misstep on your part will not be tolerated. The kingdom's order must be maintained above all."
Lucian: "I understand completely, Your Majesty. In return, I offer not blind obedience but a promise to act with foresight and the backing of our strongest allies. My methods may seem unorthodox, but they are designed to secure our future."
General Octavian: "Then it seems we have reached a tentative understanding. Let this council be our safeguard against instability."
King Regulus: "Agreed. You shall form this council, and you will have the autonomy you desire—within the strictures of royal oversight."
Lucian: (nodding with a slight, confident smile) "Thank you, Your Majesty. I assure you, our combined strength will uphold the order of the realm without resorting to extremes."
After the Agreement with the King.
As Lucian and his allies left the private chamber where the King had granted his approval, the moment of peace was shattered. The great hall was already filled with noble lords and their entourages, their voices echoing in outrage. A faction of powerful aristocrats—Duke Claudius Vermillion, Marquis Alistair Draven, and Count Magnus Heliore—stood at the forefront, their expressions thunderous.
Duke Claudius Vermillion: "Your Majesty, this is unacceptable! To allow Rutherford to maintain such unchecked power is a risk to the kingdom!"
Marquis Alistair Draven: "We cannot stand by as a single house rises above the rest. This decision places the balance of power in jeopardy!"
The nobles murmured in agreement, their resentment fueling the tense atmosphere. Lucian, standing calmly with his allies behind him, showed no sign of concern.
King Regulus: (firmly) "I have made my decision. Lord Rutherford will oversee a council to maintain stability. His strength is necessary for the security of the realm."
Count Magnus Heliore: "Necessary? Or dangerous? Even now, whispers claim he seeks to rival the throne itself!"
Before Lucian could respond, a powerful voice cut through the commotion.
Celestina Valtoria: (stepping forward, her noble bearing undeniable) "Duke Vermillion, Marquis Draven, Count Heliore—you all claim to be concerned with balance, yet your protests are nothing more than fear wrapped in political rhetoric. If you truly cared for the kingdom, you would recognize the necessity of Lord Rutherford's strength."
Maximus Raveshade: (crossing his arms, his presence imposing) "Rutherford has earned his position. If any of you believe otherwise, then perhaps you should step forward and challenge him yourselves."
A tense silence followed. Everyone in the room knew the weight of those words. Challenging Lucian was not a matter of mere politics—it was a gamble with one's very life.
Elias Draxen: (calmly) "The noble houses who stand against Lord Rutherford do so not out of concern for the kingdom but out of self-preservation. But let it be clear—we, the allied powers of Rutherford, stand by the King's decision."
Isolde Valmont: (her voice sharp like a blade) "To oppose him now is to oppose not just House Rutherford, but all who recognize the necessity of change."
A murmur spread through the room. House Valtoria, House Raveshade, House Draxen, House Valmont, and House Ardent—these were no minor families. Their combined influence was a force that even the most ambitious nobles could not ignore.
Lucian took a step forward, his golden eyes scanning the room.
Lucian: (his voice measured, but carrying undeniable authority) "You all fear change, but understand this—I have no intention of usurping the throne. My goal is stability, and I will not be deterred by the insecurities of those who cannot see beyond their own ambitions. If you stand in my way, know that you stand against not just me, but the very future of this kingdom."
The weight of his words settled in the room like a storm on the horizon. The dissenting nobles hesitated, realizing they had no leverage to oppose him.
King Regulus: (glancing at the opposition one last time) "This discussion is over. The matter is settled. If any noble house still wishes to challenge the order of things, they will answer not only to me, but to the full might of Rutherford and his allies."
One by one, the dissenting nobles fell silent. Some left the hall in frustration, while others begrudgingly accepted the outcome.
Lucian turned back to his allies, a knowing smile on his lips. The battle of words had ended, and the political arc had finally reached its conclusion.
Cedric: (grinning slightly as he leaned toward Lucian) "That was quite the show. I assume this was all according to your plan?"
Lucian: (his gaze distant, yet determined) "Of course. But this was just the beginning."
He turned his attention forward, his mind already focused on the next step—the Tenbris Heart awaited.