As the events unfolded in the training grounds, the excitement and tension among the knights reached new heights. The cheers and murmurs of admiration echoed through the courtyard as the knights marveled at Wolfram's skill and Aslı's mastery over Sir Ludwig. Yet, above all this, hidden from view, a more calculated gaze watched from the tower overlooking the training grounds.
Kaiser Anno had received word of the matches taking place. Curious about the rumors swirling around Wolfram and his unexpected victories, the Kaiser decided to personally witness the display of strength and skill. Accompanied by his two closest councilmen, the Kaiser ascended to one of the high towers overlooking the grounds, where they could observe without being seen.
Standing at the edge of the tower, the Kaiser watched intently, his sharp eyes never leaving the two figures at the center of the courtyard—Wolfram and Aslı. Behind him stood Spymaster Konrad, a calculating and secretive figure always lurking in the shadows, and Steward Rudolf, a more pragmatic advisor responsible for the kingdom's finances and internal affairs.
As Aslı's swords clashed against Sir Ludwig's during the earlier bout, Councilman Rudolf couldn't hide his shock. He had witnessed many duels before, but never had he seen a woman best one of the Kaiser's knights so easily.
"Did you see that?" Rudolf muttered, half to himself. "Sir Ludwig, one of our finest, bested so effortlessly... by a woman."
The Spymaster, on the other hand, had his eyes trained elsewhere, observing Wolfram's earlier fight with Baturay. His cold eyes narrowed as he watched the prince move with the kind of precision and discipline only honed through years of elite training.
"And Wolfram," Konrad muttered, "He made short work of that Turkic warrior, Baturay. I never expected such skill from him, not after all these years away. He's clearly learned much in Turk-il. Perhaps... too much."
Kaiser Anno said nothing for a long moment, his mind racing as he watched Wolfram and Aslı face off in their latest duel. Every calculated strike, every movement, the way Wolfram handled Aslı's dual-wielding attacks with a single dagger—it all unfolded before him like a masterful performance. The Kaiser's eyes gleamed with interest, a flicker of ambition lighting within him.
When Wolfram finally disarmed Aslı, ending the fight with his dagger pressed to her throat, Kaiser Anno turned toward his councilmen. His voice was low, but filled with conviction.
"Do you see it? The potential? You know what this means, don't you?"
The two councilmen exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond at first. It was clear the Kaiser had seen something in Wolfram that went beyond mere physical prowess.
Kaiser Anno continued, his eyes never leaving Wolfram. "Wolfram is only twenty-six, and already possesses skills that rival the best warriors in this empire. He's spent his years in Turk-il, forged by men like Kara, Timurtaş, and Uluç. And now, with Turk-il in the throes of civil war..." The Kaiser paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in.
"We can use this." His voice grew more intense. "With Wolfram's abilities, we have the chance to reclaim our lost territories—perhaps even more. The internal struggles in Turk-il leave them vulnerable. We can expand, push back, and maybe even drive the Moors from Europe. And Wolfram... Wolfram could be the one to lead this charge. He has the strength, the skills, and most importantly, there is no force that can stand against him right now."
The councilmen fell silent, absorbing the weight of the Kaiser's words. Steward Rudolf nodded thoughtfully, seeing the opportunity before them.
"Your Majesty, I agree. Wolfram needs a purpose. Right now, he's a weapon without direction, but if we guide him... if we give him a cause," Rudolf paused, his voice steady, "He could become the empire's most powerful asset."
Kaiser Anno nodded, pleased with his councilman's agreement. His mind was already moving ahead, forming plans, strategies. But there was one more voice he needed to hear—Spymaster Konrad.
Konrad, ever cautious, folded his arms and spoke with a more skeptical tone. "Wolfram is undoubtedly a powerful tool, Kaiser, but... we must also be wary of those who surround him."
The Kaiser glanced at his Spymaster, his brow raising in question.
"That woman—Aslı. The Duchess of Ephesus." Konrad's lips curled into a thin line. "She's dangerous. You saw how easily she defeated Sir Ludwig. But it's not just her skill with a blade that concerns me. She has an influence over Wolfram, a hold on him that could interfere with your plans." His voice grew darker as he continued. "She's cunning. I don't trust her. She's an agent of Turk-il, and if we don't act, she could ruin everything."
Kaiser Anno listened carefully, his expression hardening as Konrad's words sunk in. He knew the Spymaster was rarely wrong in his assessments, and he too had seen the way Wolfram and Aslı interacted. There was a closeness between them—something that could complicate the larger ambitions he had in mind.
After a long pause, the Kaiser finally spoke, his voice measured and thoughtful. "Perhaps you're right, Konrad. Wolfram is valuable, but we can't let this... Duchess interfere with his purpose. We may need to deal with her in time. For now, we watch."
The Spymaster nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes narrowing as he looked down at Aslı in the training grounds. She was dangerous, and he would make sure to keep a close watch on her.
"Very well, Your Majesty. I will keep an eye on her. If she proves to be a threat to our plans, we will take care of it."
Kaiser Anno turned back to the scene below, watching as the knights began to gather around Wolfram, clapping him on the back, congratulating him on his victory.
"Prepare him," the Kaiser said quietly, his tone filled with resolve. "Prepare Wolfram for what's to come. Give him a purpose, and we will see this empire rise to heights it has not seen in generations."
The councilmen exchanged one last glance, their loyalty to the Kaiser unwavering. They both understood the gravity of the situation—Wolfram was not just a prince anymore. He was a tool, a weapon, a potential leader who could change the fate of the empire. But he needed direction, and that was something only the Kaiser could provide.
As they stood in the tower, watching from above, the seeds of ambition and power were already being sown. Wolfram was unaware, but his future was being shaped, his path decided by those who saw his potential and sought to use it for the greater good of the empire.
And in the shadows, Aslı, ever dangerous and unpredictable, remained an obstacle—one that might need to be removed if she ever became too much of a threat.