The Veridan estate thrummed with activity, each member of Lukas's elite guard working diligently to prepare for what they knew would be an inevitable strike. Yet, even as they braced for the unknown, there was an uncomfortable truth gnawing at Lukas—he didn't know what form the attack would take. For the first time in weeks, neither he nor the system had a clear indication of the advisor's next move. And that worried him.
Lukas stood in his chambers, his mind racing. The advisor had remained elusive, and unpredictable, and though her forces had been weakened, she wasn't defeated. She had allies in the court, including the powerful Prime Minister, who had been targeting Lukas's family for years.
He pulled up his system window, hoping for some insight. However, as expected, the system offered no concrete clues.
---
[System Status]
- Ether Points: 1,900
- Progress to Level 6: 99%
- Current Quest: Survive the Advisor's Counterstrike.
---
The vague quest objective only heightened his tension. It confirmed what he already knew—the attack could come in any form: political sabotage, military assault, or something far more sinister, like an assassination.
---
The door to his chambers creaked open, and Zane entered, his face grim. "No word yet from Selena's informants, but we're preparing for anything."
Lukas nodded. "We need to be ready. The attack could come from anywhere."
Zane gave him a long look, sensing Lukas's unease. "You think she'll strike at the court or here at the estate?"
Lukas exhaled, his gaze distant. "It could be both. We have to protect ourselves on all fronts."
---
Meanwhile, at the Royal Court
In the grand halls of the royal palace, a far more delicate battle was brewing. The emperor had convened the court to discuss the increasing tension between the noble houses, and though Lukas wasn't an official and couldn't attend, his grandfather, General Veridan, was a formidable presence.
The room was filled with key figures from across the kingdom, including Aurelia's grandfather, Lord Alistair Calderon, a powerful noble who had been General Veridan's closest friend for decades. Alistair's face was etched with years of battle and wisdom, his piercing blue eyes surveying the court like a hawk.
The emperor himself sat upon the throne, his posture stiff, flanked by his prime minister, Lord Helien—the very man who had been trying to dismantle the Veridan household from the shadows. Helien, with his silver hair and sharp features, radiated cunning. His influence was undeniable, and though he had never openly attacked Lukas's family, his every move seemed aimed at weakening their standing.
The royal family was also in attendance. The two princes, Prince Radcliffe, who was heir to the throne, and Prince Varian, the younger, more aloof sibling, stood nearby, watching the proceedings. Beside them was Princess Elara, a young woman known for her wit and beauty. Elara had long been close to Aurelia, but her gaze often lingered on Lukas whenever he was present, her admiration for him clear to those who knew her well.
Aurelia entered the hall with her grandfather, her presence commanding attention as always. She had left Lukas at his estate to handle his own preparations, but now, standing among her peers, her thoughts drifted to him. Princess Elara greeted her with a soft smile, her gaze flicking between Aurelia and her grandfather.
"It's good to see you, Aurelia," Elara said, her voice light but curious. "How fares Lukas? I hear he's been quite the rising star."
Aurelia's cheeks flushed slightly. "He's doing well... stronger than ever."
Elara raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing at her lips. "Stronger, you say? He certainly seems more... manly these days."
Before Aurelia could respond, the emperor's voice rang out across the court. "We are gathered to discuss the growing unrest among the noble houses."
General Veridan stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding. "Your Majesty, House Veridan remains loyal to the crown, but there are forces within this court, working in the shadows, who seek to destabilize us."
All eyes turned toward Lord Helien, the prime minister, though his expression remained neutral, his hands clasped behind his back.
"House Veridan has grown powerful," Helien said smoothly, his voice dripping with calm authority. "But power unchecked can be dangerous. I believe we should focus on unity, not division."
Before more could be said, Lord Calderon stepped forward, his deep voice carrying across the hall. "Your Majesty, my friend and I have long stood together in defense of the realm. It is in this spirit that I propose we unite our houses further."
The court murmured, wondering what was coming next. Aurelia's eyes widened slightly as her grandfather continued.
"I propose that we formalize the betrothal between my granddaughter, Aurelia, and General Veridan's grandson, Lukas Veridan. This union would solidify the bond between two of the kingdom's most loyal families."
A stunned silence filled the hall. Aurelia's face turned a deep shade of red, her eyes darting to her grandfather. Even Lukas's grandfather seemed surprised for a moment, but a broad smile quickly broke across his face.
"I agree," General Veridan said, his booming voice filled with approval. "Lukas has grown into a fine man, and this union would indeed strengthen our houses."
Aurelia glanced at her grandfather, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't opposed to the idea, but the suddenness of the announcement caught her off guard. When she finally nodded, a small blush on her cheeks, the court erupted in whispers.
Elara leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper. "Seems your fate is sealed, Aurelia."
---
Back at the Veridan Estate
Just as Lukas was settling into the idea that the court would remain stable for the time being, a sharp knock echoed at the door. Zane entered, his expression tense.
"Something's happening. I just got word from Selena—there's movement near the estate. Small, but dangerous."
Lukas felt the system pulse with a warning, but it still wasn't clear what the threat was. All he knew was that it was coming, and soon.
"We need to be ready," Lukas said, his voice steady but laced with tension.
Just as Zane nodded, a guard burst through the door, panic in his eyes. "Assassins, my lord! They've breached the outer walls!"
Lukas's blood ran cold. 'So this is how it begins,' he thought. The advisor was more cunning than he had anticipated, striking on multiple fronts at once