Over the next few weeks, the rebellion weakened significantly, thanks to Alaric's intelligence and the decisive actions taken by the nobles. Despite his aloof demeanor, Alaric couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction at seeing his efforts bear fruit.
His siblings, Damian and Eliza, continued to view him with disdain, although they could no longer openly mock him. The success of the operations, largely due to his efforts, had silenced their derision for now. Their father's attitude had softened slightly, showing a glimmer of respect that was tenuous at best. Alaric knew this newfound recognition was fragile and could easily dissipate with any misstep.
---
The next council meeting was set to be a significant one, with all the nobles eager to present their progress. The grand hall was filled with the low hum of conversation as the nobles took their seats, each bearing reports and updates on the state of their lands.
Count Vargas called the meeting to order, his authoritative voice echoing through the room. "We are here today to assess the progress in our efforts to quell the rebellion. I expect thorough and detailed reports from each of you."
The nobles began to report one by one. Baron Walter spoke first, detailing the increased stability in his region and the capture of several key rebel leaders. His tone was confident, almost boastful, as he described the decisive actions he had taken. Other nobles followed suit, each presenting their findings and the steps they had implemented to ensure peace in their territories. The atmosphere in the room was one of cautious optimism, with many feeling that the worst of the rebellion was behind them.
Finally, it was Alaric's turn to speak. He stood up, his usual nonchalant demeanor replaced with a more serious expression. All eyes were on him, including those of his siblings, who watched with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"I've assessed the situation thoroughly," Alaric began, his voice calm and measured. "Based on my intelligence and the operations carried out, I would say our mission is about fifty-five percent complete."
The room erupted into murmurs of disbelief and anger. Several nobles exchanged incredulous glances, while others openly expressed their frustration.
"Fifty-five percent?" Sir Roderick scoffed. "We've captured numerous rebel leaders and restored stability to our lands. How can you claim we're only halfway done?"
Alaric remained unfazed by the outburst. "The rebels we've captured are merely pawns. The real leaders are still out there, and their network is far more extensive than we've uncovered so far."
Count Vargas leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "And what do you suggest we do next, Alaric? We cannot afford to leave this rebellion unresolved."
Alaric glanced around the room, his gaze steady. "Politics are over. Now is the time for some cathartic ass-kicking."
A murmur of shock rippled through the room at Alaric's blunt language. Viscount Harlan, a dignified and elderly noble, frowned deeply. "Watch your language, young man. This is a council of nobility, not a tavern."
Alaric brushed off the reprimand and passed out papers to everyone in the room. "These documents contain the locations of all known rebel bases, including some that might be decoys. It took me considerable time to gather this information, so please do not crumple them. I don't have second copies."
The nobles studied the papers with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Alaric continued, "We need to hit these bases hard and fast. Capture any leaders and preserve all documents. We need information to trace back to their true headquarters and dismantle the entire network."
The Count nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Very well. We will follow your plan. Let us set it into motion immediately."
---
The plan was executed with precision. Over the following days, the noble forces launched coordinated strikes on the identified rebel bases. The operations were swift and brutal, leaving the rebels little time to regroup or retaliate. The rebellion was systematically dismantled, its infrastructure shattered, and its members scattered or captured.
However, despite Alaric's advice to preserve documents and capture leaders for interrogation, many nobles chose to kill the rebel leaders on sight. They believed it was the most effective way to ensure the rebellion's end and send a message to any would-be insurgents.
---
The final meeting to assess the rebellion's aftermath was held in a tense and charged atmosphere. The nobles were eager to celebrate their victory and praise their own efforts. The grand hall was filled with a sense of triumph, though it was tinged with an undercurrent of unease.
Count Vargas called the meeting to order. "We have successfully quelled the rebellion," he announced, his voice filled with pride. "Thanks to the efforts of everyone here, our lands are secure once more."
The nobles began to speak one by one, each detailing their role in the operations and lauding their own achievements. Baron Walter boasted about the decisive strikes he had led, while Viscount Harlan spoke of the intelligence his spies had gathered.
Amidst the self-congratulations, Alaric remained silent, his expression uncharacteristically serious. When it was his turn to speak, the room fell silent, all eyes on him once more.
"While the immediate threat of the rebellion has been dealt with," Alaric began, "I cannot share in the celebration. We have missed a crucial opportunity."
Count Vargas frowned. "What do you mean, Alaric?"
Alaric took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the room. "The leaders we captured – or rather, those you killed – held vital information. We needed them alive to uncover the true force behind this rebellion."
Damian, who had been simmering with frustration, finally snapped, hurling Alaric towards the wall with his wind magic. "You're always so full of yourself, Alaric! We did what needed to be done."
Alaric remained calm, his voice steady. "And in doing so, you have missed the chance to find the Iron Dominion. An organization capable of training and supplying rebel forces on a scale to challenge a count is not something we can afford to overlook. They will always be a threat."
Eliza joined her brother, her tone sharp and accusatory. "You think you're so much smarter than everyone else, don't you? Just because you uncovered some information doesn't mean you have all the answers."
Alaric, still on the ground, hurled some niche insults. "At least I use my brain for more than just keeping my head from caving in."
Before any further escalation could occur, Count Vargas intervened. "Enough! This is neither the time nor the place for such disputes."
Alaric got up, dusted himself off, and after giving the creepiest smile, he spoke in an even creepier voice, "There is something bigger at play here. Something that, mark my words, I will not help with."
With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving the nobles and his family in stunned silence. He headed straight to his room, his mind already racing with the next steps he would take.
---
Alaric spent the next few days in deep thought, pondering the implications of the Iron Dominion and the missed opportunity to dismantle it. He knew that the threat was far from over and that the kingdom would face greater challenges ahead. He also knew that he could no longer rely on his family or the nobles to see the bigger picture.
He decided to take matters into his own hands, starting by gathering more intelligence on the Iron Dominion. He reached out to his network of informants and spies, instructing them to keep an eye out for any unusual activities or movements. He also began to study historical records and old documents, searching for any clues that might shed light on the organization's origins and motives.
Despite the lack of immediate results, Alaric remained patient and persistent. He knew that uncovering the Iron Dominion's secrets would take time and effort, but he was determined to see it through. He also knew that he would have to be careful, as any misstep could expose him to danger.
Meanwhile, the kingdom began to rebuild and recover from the rebellion. The nobles, emboldened by their victory, continued to assert their power and influence. Count Vargas and his children resumed their usual roles, though the tension between them and Alaric remained palpable.
---
Months passed, and the situation in the kingdom continued to evolve. The rebellion had been crushed, but the underlying tensions remained. The nobles grew more complacent, believing that the worst was behind them. Count Vargas and his children returned to their usual routines, their focus shifting to other matters of state.
Alaric, however, remained vigilant.