Nyx chuckled, the sound hollow and cold. "Demon? I am simply a force of will—one that no one in this room can oppose." He leaned forward, his eyes flashing with malice.
Desperation flared in Wellian's eyes as he searched for something to say, some way to bargain. "I-I can offer you wealth! Position!" he sputtered. "Power beyond—"
Nyx raised his hand, silencing the man with a single gesture. "You mistake your importance, Wellian."
He leaned back on the throne, regarding the trembling man with a mix of amusement and disdain. "You're less than a pawn. And now, no longer needed."
At his command, two knights stepped forward, their faces unreadable, swords glinting as they advanced on the trembling Viscount.
Wellian's eyes darted in panic as he began to crawl backward. "Wait! The dragon—I can help with the dragon!"
"Wait! The dragon—I can help with the dragon!"
Nyx's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning calculating. "Dragon?" he repeated, his tone as if intrigued.
"Yes," Wellian sputtered, relief flooding his voice. "I know how to defeat it!"
Nyx's lip curled in amusement. "I know how to defeat it, too," he replied calmly.
"But—" Wellian stammered, grasping for any edge. "But you don't know where it is!"
Nyx's expression didn't falter. "Mijard Tower," he said smoothly, cutting off Wellian's fleeting hope. "I've already had reports of a winged beast sighted heading there."
This was a lie from Nyx, there had been no Scouts
The color drained from Wellian's face as Nyx's calm smile returned. "So, if that's all, I see no further use for you."
"No, wait!" Wellian choked out, sweating. "I control the dragon!"Nyx raised an eyebrow, feigning interest. "Is that so?" he replied.
For Nyx had already knew this from reading the Story
'He seems oddly interested in the Dragon'Viscount Wellian thought
'I didn't want to reveal this option, but nows not the time for keeping secrets' Viscount Wellian thought, 'What use is the Secret If I don't get to use it' He also thought again
"Well, that makes things interesting," Nyx said, letting his voice ring through the hall. "The Viscount's dragon has taken our princess. That makes you responsible, doesn't it?"
Wellian clenched his jaw, but before he could react, Nyx leaned back, waving a dismissive hand. "You'll do something for me, Viscount," he said, his tone leaving no room for dissent.
_________________________________________
The Capital Square, Center of Alasia
A hush fell over the massive crowd gathered in the capital square, the atmosphere heavy as storm clouds gathered above. Wellian stood on a raised wooden platform, visibly shaken but hiding it behind a practiced facade. He took a breath, projecting his voice to reach every ear in the crowd.
"Citizens of Alasia!" he began, his tone somber. "It is with great sorrow that I stand before you, bearing grave news."
"The King has succumbed to illness," announced Viscount Wellian, his voice grave and heavy with feigned sorrow.
Nyx watched from the shadows, hidden but ever-present, The Viscount's station is quite useful.
A murmur spread through the crowd as Wellian continued. "Fear not, for the King, in his wisdom, prepared for this very day." He paused dramatically. "Before his passing, he decreed a Tournament of Heir!"
The crowd gasped, whispers spreading in disbelief and excitement. The kingdom would not descend into chaos; now, anyone with strength and cunning might seize the throne.
"Wellian, the Royal Envoy of the Kingdom," Nyx thought, Let him be my mouthpiece...for now
The Viscount raised his hands, his voice trembling slightly. "The future will belong to a lion among men!" he proclaimed as the crowd erupted into cheers.
Then, as if nature itself responded to the Viscount's words, rain began to fall—a dark, heavy downpour. The skies had opened, as if marking the kingdom's uncertain future.
"For Alasia!" someone in the crowd cried, his voice echoing through the square.
"For Alasia!" the people chanted back, as thunder rumbled in the distance and Nyx smiled, knowing that his game was only beginning.