In the quietude of a secluded chamber in the palace, Jhene reviewed a list of names sprawled across a large oak table. The room was sparse, lit by a few candles that cast a warm glow on the parchment and her determined face. As the newly appointed head of Central Intelligence for Obelia, Jhene's responsibilities had swiftly escalated.
Martin's directive was clear: establish a comprehensive network of spies to ensure Obelia's security and gather critical intelligence. It was a task she accepted with a mixture of anticipation and gravity. She had been chosen for her keen intellect and unwavering loyalty, but the scope of her new role was daunting.
She placed her quill down, her eyes scanning the list of potential recruits—individuals known for their discretion, skills, and reliability. Some were trusted servants, others were former scouts and informants. Each name represented a piece of the intricate puzzle she needed to assemble.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a quiet knock on the door. It opened slightly, and Aiden, a former scout with a reputation for loyalty, stepped in. Jhene gestured for him to enter.
"Please, come in, Aiden," she said, her tone both professional and welcoming.
Aiden bowed slightly, his expression attentive. "Lady Jhene, you requested my presence?"
"Yes," Jhene replied, motioning for him to take a seat. "I need your expertise to help set up our network. We have a lot of ground to cover, and I need reliable individuals to assist in recruiting and managing our agents."
Aiden nodded, understanding the gravity of the task. "What do you need from me?"
Jhene leaned forward, her eyes reflecting a steely resolve. "First, I need you to help identify trustworthy candidates. I'm looking for individuals who are discreet, capable, and have a strong network of their own. We need people who can blend into various circles and gather information without drawing attention."
Aiden's eyes met hers, a sense of purpose evident in his gaze. "I know several individuals who fit that description. I'll begin reaching out to them immediately. Is there anything specific you want me to look for?"
Jhene considered this for a moment. "Yes, aside from their discretion and skill, we need to ensure that they have no personal agendas that could conflict with our objectives. Their loyalty to the crown must be unwavering."
"Understood," Aiden replied. "I'll vet them carefully."
Jhene handed Aiden a small, sealed envelope containing instructions and a list of names. "Here are the initial candidates. Start with them and report back with your findings. We need to build this network quickly and efficiently."
Aiden took the envelope, his expression resolute. "I'll get to work on this at once."
As Aiden left the chamber, Jhene turned her attention back to the table. The task ahead was immense, but she felt a surge of determination. Establishing a robust intelligence network was crucial for Obelia's stability, and she was committed to ensuring its success.
She glanced at the list of names, mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. Recruiting and managing a network of spies would require meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail. But Jhene was ready to face these challenges head-on, driven by her loyalty to Martin and her desire to safeguard Obelia.
With a deep breath, she began making notes and organizing her plans. Each decision she made would be critical in shaping the efficiency and effectiveness of the intelligence network. Jhene knew that her efforts would be pivotal in navigating the turbulent waters of politics and securing the kingdom's future.
----
Days passed.
Martin sat in his chamber, staring at the flickering flames in the hearth. The warmth didn't reach him. His mind churned with the news Jhene had just delivered, and for the first time in months, a sinking feeling settled in his chest.
"Your Majesty," Jhene said quietly, standing near the door, "the rumors are spreading fast."
Martin clenched his jaw, not looking up. "What rumors?"
Jhene stepped forward, her face grim. "Word has spread throughout the kingdom that your sorcery no longer works after Frostfall. The people believe… they believe you're powerless now."
Martin felt a knot tighten in his stomach, but his expression remained unreadable. "Where did this start!?"
"No one knows exactly," Jhene replied, lowering her voice, "but many suspect the Snowveil family is behind it. They've always been the ones watching closely. The rumors seem to come from the northwest, and with their resources, it's plausible."
The Snowveil family. Of course. Martin's thoughts raced. He had always suspected they might move against him, but this? The speed at which the rumors spread spoke of careful planning, perhaps a deliberate attempt to weaken him before any open conflict could begin. If people believed he was powerless, his enemies would grow bolder by the day. His authority, built on strength and fear, was now in jeopardy.
"And what does the rest of the kingdom think?" Martin asked, his voice cold, controlled.
"There are different thoughts, Your Majesty," Jhene explained. "Some think it's just a ploy to draw out potential traitors or rebels. They believe you're pretending to have lost your powers to expose those who might try to take advantage. But others… others think the rumors are true."
Martin let out a slow breath. The Snowveil family was clever, too clever. By spreading rumors, they forced him into a precarious position. If he admitted weakness, he'd invite rebellion. If he denied it, he would still need to prove his strength in a world. Worse, the depletion of mana after Frostfall was no mere rumor; it was the truth. His magic had become almost impossible to wield, and without it, he wasn't sure if he could even match a three-star knight in battle.
His thoughts shifted to the knights under his command. They were his strongest asset now, but after mana had diminished, he had cautioned them against cultivating the internal force technique—because they used the energy flow for the dwarves strengthening techniques to harness power. Those who had tried had become crippled, their bodies shattered by the strain. He couldn't afford to lose more men, but could he afford to do nothing?
"What should i do?" Martin's voice was quiet, but the weight of the question hung in the air. "If they believe I'm powerless, rebellion won't be far behind."
He drummed his fingers on the table. The internal force technique still nagged at him. It was risky—deadly even—but if there was a way to master it safely.....
Martin sighed, the weight of the kingdom pressing on his shoulders. "Begin gathering information on the Snowveil family. I want to know everything—who they speak to, what alliances they're forming, and where these rumors started. And speak with the knights discreetly. We'll need volunteers to test the internal force method again."
Jhene bowed her head. "I'll see to it at once, Your Majesty."
As she left, Martin sat in silence, staring at the fire once more. The Snowveil family had made their move, spreading lies that cut deeper than any blade. But he would not be undone so easily. He would bend this crisis to his will, just as he had with every other challenge. If the people believed he was powerless, he would prove them wrong.
But deep down, he knew the clock was ticking. If the rumors continued, and if the Snowveil family struck at the right moment.