Royal Commendations and Hidden HostilityA Grand Honor with Undercurrents of Malice
The opulent halls of Carosso's royal palace shimmered with golden candlelight as nobles and dignitaries gathered to witness the grand commendation. The Frost-Dragon's death had sparked a new age of prosperity for the northern territories, and at its heart were Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess.
Draped in regal attire, they stood before the court, their presence commanding as the king himself praised their heroism. Applause resounded through the great hall, though beneath the surface, Li Ran could sense the silent undercurrents of envy and resentment weaving through the nobility.
Then, a voice rang out, sharp and disdainful.
"An impressive feat, truly. But let's be honest—wasn't it the Darkmoon Dragon Princess who truly secured this victory? Li Ran, you merely bask in her glory, do you not?"
The air grew heavy as all eyes turned toward the speaker. A high-ranking minister, his smirk laced with derision, stood with a cluster of nobles who shared his sentiment. It was a calculated strike, a test of Li Ran's standing among them.
Darkmoon Dragon Princess's crimson gaze darkened, the air around her warping subtly with shadowed energy. Her voice was as cold as the Frost-Dragon's breath.
"Are you questioning my master?"
A pulse of unseen force rippled through the hall, forcing the minister back a step. His bravado faltered, though he quickly composed himself, feigning amusement.
Before tensions could escalate further, Li Ran gently touched the Princess's shoulder, a silent plea for restraint. Her body tensed for a moment before she relented, stepping back.
Li Ran turned his attention to the room, his expression unreadable. Then, with a casual smile, he spoke.
"I must thank you for such high praise of my companion. But as with any battle, victory is not achieved by strength alone, but through strategy, trust, and teamwork."
His words were light, yet laced with an unmistakable authority. The minister hesitated, realizing he had misjudged his target. Murmurs stirred among the gathered nobles, some nodding in agreement, others measuring Li Ran with newfound curiosity.
The evening continued, but Li Ran remained wary. He had learned a vital lesson from Alva city: the true battles in Carosso were not fought with swords, but with words and influence.
A Transmigrator's Gaze
As the night progressed, Li Ran felt the weight of an unfamiliar gaze upon him. He turned and locked eyes with a black-haired nobleman standing among the elites, his demeanor relaxed, yet his gaze piercing.
Then, with a subtle raise of his goblet, the stranger acknowledged him.
A silent message passed between them.
You're not the only one.
Li Ran's grip on his own glass tightened ever so slightly. Another transmigrator—one who had already embedded himself within the kingdom's elite. Was he an ally, or another obstacle in this treacherous game?
The Princess's Gambit
The evening after the ceremony, Darkmoon Dragon Princess approached Li Ran with an unusual request.
"I have matters to attend to," she stated, her tone calm but resolute. "Alone."
Li Ran arched a brow but did not question her. "If it's important to you, I won't stop you. Just be careful."
A rare, pleased smile touched her lips before she disappeared into the evening mist.
What she sought was influence, and she would claim it not through force, but through the power of persuasion.
Within hours, she had arranged private meetings with several noble houses—those who had subtly expressed interest in aligning with her the previous night. In the lavish halls of their estates, veiled in silk and shadow, she spun her web.
Political Contention
The Merchant Lords:
"The mines in the north will need new trade routes. Who better to oversee them than those who hold sway over the caravans?"
The merchants hesitated but soon saw the lucrative opportunity. They pledged their support in exchange for trade rights.
The Discontented Barons:
"Carosso's borders are fragile, are they not? A strong, independent northern territory under Li Ran's protection would ensure stability."
The barons, wary of their own precarious positions, agreed to consider her offer, seeing a chance to gain leverage against the central aristocracy.
The Loyalist Dukes:
"His Majesty favors strength. What better way to demonstrate loyalty than to secure the North for the crown?"
They agreed, but with conditions—Li Ran would need to formally swear fealty to the king.
The Silver Tongue Minister:
"Politics is a game of patience. Wouldn't it be wise to keep your options open, should the tides shift?"
The minister chuckled at her words but left the meeting deep in thought.
The Queen's Handmaidens:
"A foreign princess—what a fascinating presence you must be. Tell us, do you plan to stay by his side forever?"
She merely smiled. "A dragon does not leave its hoard."
The handmaidens whispered of her words in the Queen's chambers that night.
The Ambitious Duke:
"Power shifts, alliances form and crumble. I wonder… will your master seek more than just the North?"
She met his gaze unflinchingly. "He seeks only what is his by right."
The Duke laughed, raising his glass. "Then we shall see how fate plays its hand."
By nightfall, the first steps had been taken. The nobility of Carosso now danced to a tune of her making, their knowledge, wealth, and influence inching closer into her grasp.
When she returned to Li Ran that evening, she merely said, "We now have allies."
Li Ran studied her for a moment before chuckling softly. "You always surprise me."
She leaned against him, crimson eyes glinting. "And I always will."
Final Thoughts: Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess's path to power was only just beginning. Beneath the grand halls of Carosso, a silent war raged, one fought with whispers, alliances, and ambition. And in this game, they would not merely be players—they would be the ones rewriting the rules.