The court proceedings may have ended with the tide turning in Lukas's favor, but the air of tension had only thickened. As Lukas left the grand hall of the court, his mind was already racing ahead, thinking through every move the prime minister might still have up his sleeve. The forged letters had been exposed, and the document provided by Selena had dealt a serious blow to the prime minister's credibility. But Lukas knew this wasn't the end.
As he made his way back to the estate, flanked by Zane and Marcus, he turned to Zane. "We've weakened him, but we haven't finished the job. The prime minister still has influence, and as long as he holds onto his loyalists, we're not safe."
Zane nodded, his eyes scanning the streets for any sign of trouble. "We'll need to keep up the pressure. But he's going to retaliate."
Lukas agreed. The prime minister wasn't the type to back down easily. Now that he had been humiliated in court, he would come back more dangerous than ever. He might even accelerate his plans, pushing forward more drastic measures.
"We need to fortify our defenses at the estate," Lukas continued. "The spies may be gone, but I'm not taking any chances. Increase patrols and put the troops on high alert. Uncle Marcus, I need you to take charge of the security."
Marcus, who had remained silent during the court proceedings, simply nodded. His presence had grown stronger since his cultivation had been boosted, and now his experience as a seasoned general was more valuable than ever. "Consider it done," Marcus replied. "If the prime minister sends anyone else to test us, they won't make it past the gates."
---
Back at the Veridan Estate
The atmosphere at the Veridan estate was as tense as ever. News of the court session had spread fast, and though the estate was secure, there was an undercurrent of unease. The elite troops, now stronger than ever after their recent cultivation boosts, were still undergoing rigorous training, but Lukas had ordered even stricter drills. He couldn't afford any gaps in their readiness.
Zane was already overseeing the increased patrols, ensuring that every corner of the estate was guarded, and every entry point monitored. He was also in communication with Selena, ensuring that her network remained vigilant, watching for any signs of the prime minister's next move.
Lukas made his way to his chambers, where he planned to review the reports from the estate's information network. But before he could sit down, a familiar knock echoed at his door.
"Come in," Lukas called.
The door opened to reveal Aurelia, her face marked with concern. She stepped into the room, her usual confident demeanor slightly shaken. "We need to talk," she said quietly, closing the door behind her.
Lukas studied her for a moment before speaking. "What's wrong?"
Aurelia crossed the room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "It's about my family," she began, her voice low. "My grandfather's been supportive of us—of our engagement—but there's been unrest among the other noble houses. They're starting to question the strength of our alliance, especially after the accusations in court."
Lukas frowned. "Your family's one of the most powerful in the kingdom. Why would they question it now?"
"Because they see us as vulnerable," Aurelia replied. "The prime minister's attack may not have worked, but it made people wonder. My grandfather is doing what he can to keep them in line, but the longer we wait, the more divided they'll become."
Lukas's mind raced. The prime minister had managed to plant a seed of doubt, not just in the court, but among the very allies Lukas was counting on. And now, that seed was beginning to grow.
"We need to act fast," Lukas said, his tone firm. "I'll reach out to my contacts and strengthen our ties with the other houses. We'll show them that we're not vulnerable—that we're stronger than ever."
Aurelia's gaze softened slightly. "I knew you'd say that. But it's not just about showing strength. We need to give them a reason to believe in us again."
Lukas stood and crossed the room to stand in front of Aurelia. "And we will. I'll show them that we're not just a force in court, but on the battlefield too. The Drevyn forces are still a threat, and when the time comes, we'll face them head-on. That will solidify our standing."
Aurelia nodded, her confidence returning. "I'll talk to my grandfather and start rallying support from the other noble houses. But we'll need something more—a show of strength, something undeniable."
Lukas considered her words carefully. "Leave that to me. I have an idea."
---
The Next Morning: In the Training Yard
Lukas stood in the training yard, watching his elite troops go through their morning drills. The progress they had made in the past weeks was remarkable. With their newfound strength and the rigorous training Marcus and Zane had enforced, they were beginning to form a cohesive, disciplined fighting unit. But Lukas knew they needed something more—a demonstration that would show the court, and the other noble houses, that the Veridan household was not to be trifled with.
He turned to Marcus, who stood beside him. "We're going to take them on a campaign."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "A campaign? Where?"
"East, toward the Drevyn border," Lukas said, his eyes narrowing. "There have been reports of Drevyn forces massing near the border. Nothing is confirmed, but it's enough to warrant a response. We'll lead a small force, just enough to deal with any threats and show our strength."
Marcus considered this for a moment before nodding. "That could work. A decisive victory against the Drevyn forces would send a message to the entire kingdom."
Lukas glanced at Zane, who nodded quietly.
---
While Lukas and his inner circle were preparing for the campaign, the political landscape in the capital was shifting once again. The prime minister, now desperate to regain control after his public humiliation, had begun rallying his supporters in secret. His plan was no longer just about discrediting Lukas—it was about breaking him completely.
The prime minister had reached out to several noble families, promising wealth, land, and influence in exchange for their support. Slowly, he was rebuilding his web of alliances, preparing for a final strike that would cripple the Veridan household for good.
But even as the prime minister schemed, Selena's network was watching. Hidden agents reported back to the Veridan estate, giving Lukas crucial insights into his enemies' movements. And though the prime minister was playing a dangerous game, Lukas was preparing his counterattack.
---
As the day drew to a close, Lukas returned to his chambers, the plans for the northern campaign solidifying in his mind. But even as he prepared for war, he couldn't shake the feeling that the real battle was still brewing in the capital.
The system hummed softly, its latest quest flickering before him.
[New Quest Unlocked: Drevyn's Ambition]
Objective: Lead your elite troops to the eastern border and engage the Drevyn forces.
Reward: Battle Experience Enhancement, Court Influence Boost.
Lukas smiled grimly as he closed the interface. War was coming—both on the battlefield and in the court. And he would be ready for it.