After Altu returned to Kane's residence, the two gathered once again in the study. The glow of the fireplace illuminated the ancient map on the wall, casting a somber yet tense atmosphere. Kane narrowed his eyes slightly as he listened to Altu's report on his meeting with Leon.
"Leon seems more interested in the Western Continent for its culture and trade. He even mentioned the story of the Highland Staircase," Altu said. "But from my observation, he is not as simple as he appears—there's an ambition and desire that runs deep."
Kane smiled faintly, his tone casual yet carrying an undercurrent of significance. "Indeed. But, Altu, ambition and desire are precisely the things that can be exploited. The more someone craves something, the easier it is to lead them. The key lies in how we pave a path he believes leads to victory."
The fire flickered softly, its light dancing across Kane's face. He stood and approached the map on the wall, his gaze falling on the outline of the Eastern Continent. His voice was measured as he spoke, "Altu, you must understand—we are not alone in this endeavor. Here, there is another hidden ally. Though he does not appear in the open, his role is crucial."
Altu raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "Oh?"
Kane straightened his coat and turned to gaze out the window at the street below. "This ally, though concealed in the shadows, is an indispensable piece in our plans. His involvement will make the next steps proceed more smoothly."
He paused briefly before turning back to Altu, his tone calm yet laced with undeniable authority. "Tonight, I will take you to meet him. Once you see him, you will understand his value."
Altu nodded, though he had questions, he chose not to press further. He gave orders to prepare a carriage and departed for the destination Kane had mentioned.
Before long, the two arrived at a seemingly unremarkable tavern. The exterior was dimly lit, and the inside buzzed with the clamor of conversations and the clinking of glasses. After dismounting the carriage, Kane and Altu entered the tavern and made their way to a private room. Inside waited Wolf, one of the underworld leaders in New Port, Strongson Kingdom. An early ally of Kane's family, Wolf had established himself in this region, ostensibly building ties with the underworld and the business world, but in reality, serving as a key operative for Kane's family.
As they entered the private room, a lean man with hawk-like eyes was already seated at the table, appearing to have been waiting for some time. He stood immediately and bowed respectfully, his tone deferential. "Your Highness, welcome to the Eastern Continent."
Kane nodded slightly, his movements exuding the natural authority of a superior. He waved a hand casually. "Be seated, Wolf." He then turned to Altu, speaking in a soft yet meaningful tone. "This is Wolf—he is the most hidden yet effective eyes and ears in New Port."
After sitting down, Wolf's gaze fell on Altu, silently assessing him. Finally, he smiled and said, "Lord Altu, your reputation precedes you in New Port. It's an honor to meet you today."
Altu met his gaze, returning a slight smile of his own. "Likewise, Mr. Wolf. Your name is also well-known here, especially regarding the underground rumors of New Port. I've heard that you are often the first to know about everything happening in this city."
Wolf smiled modestly and replied in a low voice, "You flatter me, sir. I have achieved my current standing only by the grace of His Highness."
At this point, Kane interjected, his gaze sweeping across the two men. "Since you are both already familiar with each other's reputations, let this be your formal introduction. Wolf is our nation's most valuable informant in the Eastern Continent, while Altu is my most trusted confidant. You two will have many opportunities to collaborate, and I expect seamless cooperation between you."
Altu nodded politely, his demeanor composed and courteous. "It will be an honor to work with you, Mr. Wolf."
Wolf's eyes flashed briefly with intensity before he concealed it, responding respectfully. "The honor is mine, Lord Altu. Serving His Highness's cause is my greatest privilege."
Kane and Wolf sat opposite each other, while Altu waited outside the room.
Kane began, "Wolf, this place seems quite busy. Tell me, what is the current situation in Strongson Kingdom?"
Wolf was the first to speak. "Your Highness, the situation in the eastern part of Strongson has started to shift since Leon came to power."
"Leon is one of the most assertive military leaders in the history of Strongson Kingdom. During the reign of the previous king, he was the most loyal follower and the undisputed commander of the army. It can be said that the former king maintained order within the kingdom largely due to Leon's military strength."
Wolf unfolded a map, pointing to military garrisons around the capital. "At that time, Leon had already established his own military system. His control over the army far exceeded that of other noble lords, to the point where he could bypass royal authority to influence local regions directly."
Kane nodded slightly, his tone serious. "But how did he transition from a general to a king? Was it solely due to his military position?"
Wolf nodded. "It wasn't just his military position—it was also his decisiveness and iron-fisted methods. After the previous king's death, disputes over succession caused significant internal conflict. Nobles engaged in both overt and covert struggles. During this chaos, Leon mobilized loyal troops under the guise of 'quelling unrest,' blockading the capital, and coercing the noble council into holding a so-called 'election.'"
He paused before continuing, "Under armed threat, no noble dared oppose Leon's demands. Those who challenged him were either arrested before the election or mysteriously disappeared. Ultimately, Leon was declared king by an overwhelming margin. Through ruthless tactics, he silenced opposition and established dominance. His intelligence network spans the entire kingdom—anyone who publicly opposes his policies faces execution or exile. To suppress potential rebellions, he directly abolished the hereditary rights of several border lords, replacing them with royal garrisons."
Kane smiled faintly, his voice steady yet layered with insight. "His brilliance is indeed worthy of respect, but he relies too heavily on military and political power. Strongson Kingdom's situation is far more complex than he imagines. Have you heard about his fiscal reform plans?"
Wolf nodded. "Yes, but I don't believe those are his true intentions. If the kingdom's finances come under strain, many nobles' interests will be affected. I've heard dissenting voices even among the northern armies. It seems his reforms are unsettling the upper echelons, and it's not just about taxation. Since ascending the throne, he's been eyeing the eastern Eldenia region, possibly planning a war to finance his ambitions through plunder."
Kane traced a finger across the map on the table, his gaze fixed on the border between Eldenia and Strongson. His tone was calm but resolute. "Wolf, though the nobles in Strongson are dissatisfied with Leon's hardline policies, there hasn't been any overt opposition yet. Leon needs a reason to accelerate his military actions, and we shall 'create' one for him."
Wolf frowned slightly, probing cautiously. "What would you have me do, Your Highness?"
Kane's gaze remained sharp, his tone unwavering. "If Leon truly wishes to provoke Eldenia into conflict, go to the border and orchestrate an incident. Ensure that Strongson soldiers 'die' in an 'attack' by Eldenia. Everything must appear flawless."
Wolf's expression shifted slightly as he realized the risks involved. "Faking an attack and killing Strongson soldiers? If this is exposed, it could have dire consequences…"
Kane smirked coldly. "Exposed? If you execute it well, there will be no doubts. Leave behind Eldenia military insignias and make it look like a deliberate provocation. The more obvious it seems, the more convincing it will be."
Wolf bowed his head in thought, then nodded slowly. "Understood. But how will you ensure Leon believes it?"
Kane chuckled softly, his tone filled with certainty. "Leon, for all his military prowess, lacks a nuanced intelligence network. Any disturbance along the eastern border will catch his attention. If he sees solid 'evidence,' combined with his existing ambitions toward Eldenia, he will act without hesitation. What we need is his war with Eldenia to set the stage for the next move."
Wolf gave a slow nod but remained cautious. "If Eldenia realizes this is a trap, they might attempt to explain to Leon…"
Kane's smile grew colder. "Explain? Leon doesn't want explanations—he wants justification for war. Once conflict begins, he'll mobilize his forces without giving Eldenia a chance to respond."
Wolf took a deep breath, then lowered his head in submission. "Understood, Your Highness. I will personally ensure this 'attack' is carried out flawlessly."
Kane rose, draping his cloak over his shoulders, and walked toward the door. Pausing, he looked back at Wolf. "Wolf, remember this: in this game of chess, we are not mere players—we are the masters. Leon may believe he is in control, but he is just another piece on our board."
Wolf stood and bowed deeply. "I understand, Your Highness."
After leaving the tavern, Wolf disappeared into the streets of New Port.