Chương 48: The Queen of the Board

The freezing night wind cut through the stone streets when I reached the boundaries of the commercial city. My countenance carried a profound apathy, and my eyes were entirely devoid of hesitation. Walking with silent steps toward the central inn, I stopped upon noticing atypical movement and approached a woman hurrying down the sidewalk. — What is happening over there at the inn? The woman looked around, drawing closer to whisper the gossip that was already taking over the place.

— They found a dead adventurer inside the establishment... The place is cordoned off, and it's absolute chaos. I already knew exactly who was lying on that floor: it was Lyra, Aurélia's sister. I had only asked the question to confirm if they had found the body. — Alright, thank you for the information. I turned my back immediately. Walking away from there, I recalculated my mental route. My initial plan was to fake Aurélia's death to keep her hidden, but the political landscape demanded a change.

Faking a death now would be a waste of energy. I harbored a crucial secret: the one to blame for Lyra's death was Liora herself, who had fulfilled a contract issued by Advisor Hina, ordering the execution of Lyra and Aurélia under the accusation of treason to the kingdom. I knew Aurélia had told me she didn't betray the kingdom; they were merely friends with the princess of the Silver Kingdom.

And since I possess the raw power necessary to save Ithrya from destruction, I want Queen Liria and Commander Kaelia to know the exact scale of that power. Instead of hiding Aurélia, I will use the crown itself to clear her name by force, keeping Liora's involvement buried deep beneath seven keys. Pushing open the heavy doors of the guild, I entered the hall. It took only a few steps toward the counter for a woman with sharp curves and a predatory gaze to cross my path, exuding a dense, sweet perfume. A succubus.

— Hello, a pleasure? There is an exclusive succubus bar just around the corner... what do you think about us going there? I can introduce you to pleasures you can't even imagine. I stopped and locked my eyes directly onto hers. — You steal vital energy, right? But know this: I no longer have a soul you can take. My emotions are gone. But... I will drop by for the pleasure. The succubus tanked a step back, stammering, visibly uncomfortable with the absolute absence of human reactions in my eyes.

— W-We take energy... but it's very little, you wouldn't even miss it... — If I go there, I will want to stay with you. Understood? She vanished into the crowd. Before I could resume my step, three local adventurers who were observing the scene approached, drawn by my implacable audacity. They surrounded me with provocative smiles. — Look at him, so full of attitude. Do you have a party? A wife? Or some woman to take care of you? — I have two girlfriends, and they like each other. I couldn't ask for more than that.

If you pass me information about the demon lord's army, I can drop by your house later. Their flirting ceased, realizing I was there strictly for business. One of them looked around and dropped a piece of information. — The Kingdom of the Union has already fallen. It is completely controlled by one of the demon generals. I extended my hand, lightly touching the head of the adventurer who spoke, displaying a calm and calculating countenance. — You were of great help.

Leaving the guild's counter behind, I located my real target. I walked in a straight line toward a more distant table in the dark corner of the hall, sitting down without asking for permission in front of a figure drinking alone, hidden beneath a heavy travel hood. It was Commander Kaelia, trying to enjoy her day off in anonymity. The warrior's reaction was instantaneous.

Sensing the abrupt approach, Kaelia's hand went straight to the hilt of the sword sheathed beneath the table, her blue eyes shining with hostility under the shadow of the hood. — Who are you and what do you think you're doing? — I am merely an adventurer, Kaelia. The commander recoiled slightly, her guard wavering for a second as she processed the fact of being recognized so easily. — How did you know it was me? I'm off duty, alright. — Irrelevant details. I can save the kingdom.

For that, I want an audience with Liria. Kaelia let out a short laugh, heavy with suspicion. She released her grip on the weapon but kept her eyes locked onto me, evaluating my presence before her. — An audience with the Queen? How do I know you're speaking the truth or if you even have anything to offer? Up until now, you've only used words. — I can show you what I have to offer. Choose an isolated location. Convinced by my dangerously focused tone, Kaelia paid for her drink and gestured for me to follow.

She led me through deserted alleys to the back of a fortified military warehouse, located within the protected outskirts of the Royal Palace. The area was completely empty and isolated from the public. As we walked, she attempted to test my intentions. — You don't seem nervous for someone who just demanded an audience with the queen. — Nervousness does not alter the outcome of a negotiation. — And what if Liria orders your arrest? — Then I will discover that she isn't as intelligent as I imagined.

— You speak of the queen as if you already know her. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. — I don't need to know her. People who possess power like to believe they are in control. Kaelia turned to face me with her arms crossed, letting out a sigh before giving the definitive clearance to enter the palace. — We are going to the throne room. Now. But you are going to have to prove to me in there what you are capable of doing.

Before pushing open the interior doors, I paused for an instant and stared at her. — Kaelia. — What? — When I speak to the queen, do not interrupt me. — Are you giving me orders? — No. I am telling you that if you interrupt me, you might destroy the opportunity to save Ithrya. Kaelia averted her gaze, her jaw tight. —... You know exactly how to pressure someone. — I am merely telling the truth. In my inner self, I analyzed her reaction. Kaelia is loyal to the kingdom before she is loyal to the queen herself.

That is her weakness. I don't need to make her like me. I need to make her believe that I am necessary. Cruising past the military compound, guided by her clearance, we crossed the inner corridors of the Royal Palace without being stopped by a single guard. When the double doors of solid oak swung open, I was introduced to the imposing grandeur of the throne room. The chamber was sealed and strictly reserved; inside stood only Queen Liria, Commander Kaelia, and the Royal Advisor, Hina.

Liria wore an elegant black dress paired with a princess's crown, highlighting her blonde hair and expressive blue eyes, while maintaining a posture that exuded the natural arrogance of someone born to rule. Beside the throne, Hina displayed her elven features beneath long white hair, wearing an impeccable white outfit that contrasted with her sharp, analytical brown eyes.

Kaelia, now stripped of her hood, showed her own brilliant blue eyes and blonde hair, clad in light metal armor and warrior's trousers that perfectly accentuated the shape of her body. Kaelia stepped forward, explaining to the sovereign that I claimed to possess an armament of unknown technology capable of changing the entire course of the war. From atop her throne, Queen Liria observed me in silence for a few moments. Resting her chin upon her palm, she fixed her eyes directly onto me.

— Do you truly believe you can save Ithrya? — I don't believe. — Then why did you come all the way here? — Because I know I can. Liria arched an eyebrow, a discreet and arrogant smirk surfaces at the corner of her lips facing my blunt response. — And do you want something in exchange for this supposed salvation of yours? How much? I took a step forward, delivering the definitive checkmate that would initiate the true political game. — Five things.

Commander Kaelia let out a heavy sigh at my side, clearly uncomfortable and irritated by my absolute audacity. — He certainly doesn't know how to ask for little... Liria, however, entirely ignored her subordinate's comment. Her blue eyes sparkled with a purely aristocratic interest, finding the situation deeply amusing. She gestured with her free hand. — Speak. I maintained an icy, linear tone of voice, dictating my demands as if closing a standard commercial contract.

— First and second: I want to marry you, and I want Aurélia to be completely exonerated of any and all charges. An absolute silence engulfed the chamber. Kaelia slowly turned her face in my direction, her eyes wide, entirely paralyzed by the sheer absurdity of what she had just heard. — You started with the most ridiculous choice... — Kaelia muttered, her grip tightening. — A woman who isn't even present here? — the queen questioned, tilting her head. — She is important to my group.

Third and fourth: I want a mansion for my group, and unrestricted access to the kingdom's mineral resources. Any ore available in your reserves. Liria narrowed her eyes, raising a slender eyebrow. — A mansion? Easy. But you didn't specify any mineral in particular for your forges. — I do not yet know which ones will be necessary. It made absolutely no sense to limit my own Molecular Alchemy resources before even exploring what the kingdom of Ithrya had to offer. I wanted the entire inventory at my disposal.

The queen crossed her legs, leaning back into the golden throne while tapping her fingers against the armrest. — And what would be your fifth and final request? I took the absolute step. Advancing one more centimeter, I dropped my knee, kneeling before the sovereign in a false sign of submission while keeping my eyes fixed entirely on the crown. — I want to be the king. This time, Kaelia completely lost her posture.

Thoroughly outraged by the monumental breach of protocol and political heresy, the commander surged to her feet in a single leap, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword hard enough to whiten her knuckles. — Have you lost your bloody mind?! Liria raised an open hand, cutting through the warrior's fury immediately. Her blue eyes practically devoured my figure on the floor. — Kaelia, calm down. I want to hear his justification. Do you truly believe you deserve to sit by my side?

I stood up with effortless elegance, staring directly back at her. — No. — No? — I know I deserve it. Liria leaned forward, locking her blue eyes onto mine with a challenge and a smug smile. To her, this was an entertaining spectacle, a proposal to entertain her before she would even genuinely consider my demands for marriage or the throne. — And if I refuse? — Then I will continue saving the kingdom without your permission. — You are arrogant. — I am merely offering a choice where you stand to win.

She does not need to believe I am manipulating her. She only needs to believe that she was the one who decided to trust me. Liria sustained my gaze for a few seconds before dictating her new condition. — To prove you deserve it, I want to see your strength. Fight against Kaelia here and now. I looked over at the commander in her form-fitting armor, and then brought my eyes back to the queen. — Kaelia is powerful, but she is far too beautiful and perfect. I do not wish to have to hit her.

Therefore, I prefer to prove my strength in a mission or against a target to demonstrate my weapon. But, if you insist, I can easily do both. Liria let out a short laugh, clearly intrigued by the audacity of the counterproposal, accepting the target test. I wasted no time. With a fluid movement, I drew the Eclipse Musket from my faux black sword sheath right before the entire throne room. The tactical design and dark aura of the armament immediately drew the eyes of both the queen and the elven advisor.

— This is a neutral Black Mithril cartridge — I explained, pointing toward the runic mechanism. — It functions by absorbing external mana and adapting perfectly to the wielder's magic. Observe. Utilizing the low-level fire magic I had recently learned from Selene, I channeled the energy into the weapon. Because my training was still in its infancy, only a small, almost insignificant flame formed at the tip of the barrel.

However, the moment I pulled the trigger, the molecular shot tore through the hall toward an ornamental pillar of reinforced iron at the back. The runic projectile caused a surgical and devastating impact that instantly pierced and melted the dense block of metal, leaving a trace of exact, lethal destruction right in front of Liria and Hina. Silence crashed over the hall. Kaelia's blue eyes widened in shock, while Liria's smirk wavered for a single second before widening with pure, unadulterated interest.

At that exact moment, the elven advisor, Hina, stepped discreetly toward the throne. She leaned over Liria's shoulder, whispering in a low, urgent tone into the queen's ear: — Your Majesty... his mana... he possesses a direct connection to the Goddess. Something shifted. Hina had said something crucial. I didn't catch the exact words, but Liria's reaction was more than enough. The queen's gaze changed instantly, tinged by a deep, calculating interest. Liria gestured, enumerating the concessions with royal pomp.

The mansion would be provided immediately, access to the minerals was granted, and the investigations regarding Aurélia would be frozen to keep her protected. As for the marriage and the status of king, the queen left the answers floating in the air as the true, ultimate test of worth: "We will see if you prove you truly deserve such a position." Leaning back against the throne once more, Liria's features turned cruel.

— However, there is an unnegotiable condition for all of these promises to stand and for you to prove yourself worthy of the throne. The enemy army is advancing. General Seraphine Veyra is the one leading them. I want you to go out there and kill her. Just as I calculated. She is actually giving me this mission. Liria isn't just interested in saving Ithrya. She wants to prove she possesses someone powerful enough to bring the entire kingdom to its knees at her feet. Seraphine Veyra...

I quite like the idea of facing a powerful enemy. But my chances of victory are, at most, fifty percent. I do not know her abilities. I do not know her speed. I do not know her magic. I only know her name. That is what makes the mission interesting. — I accept. Kaelia whirled toward me, thoroughly indignant at my immediate response. — Have you completely lost your mind?! You didn't even ask about her army! You know absolutely nothing about Seraphine! — That is precisely why I want to face her. — You are insane.

— Perhaps. Liria rose from her throne, sealing the political pact with a haughty gaze. — Then we have a definitive agreement. Come back alive to claim your prizes... future king. I walked toward the large exit doors. To lock down the psychological control and leave the perfect bluff implanted in their minds, I paused just before crossing the portal. I donned my mask of manipulation, turning my face directly back toward Queen Liria and declaring falsely, simulating a sudden break in my apathy: — I will do this.

Because I have fallen in love with you, Liria. I love you, and I swear I will be your definitive sword, fighting and remaining faithfully by your side on the throne until the very end. Liria and Kaelia absorbed the heavy impact of those words, fully believing they had tamed my presence through affection and the promise of absolute power.

I kept my gaze locked onto them for one more second, but before exiting, I fixed my eyes directly onto the white-haired elf, changing my tone of voice to something sharp and dangerous: — I am going to help you all. But do not meddle in my personal life. Especially you, Hina. I crossed the doors and stepped out. Walking past the outer boundaries of the Royal Palace, the declaration of love had been pure tactics—a surgical bluff to grant Liria a false, comfortable sense of absolute control over me.

I updated the real values of my chessboard mentally. Liria was my primary piece on the political board. Kaelia was a purely military asset. Hina is dangerous. She observes far too much. Kaelia is entirely predictable. Liria is driven solely by her own ambition. But Hina thinks before she acts. She could become a severe problem. Or she could become a magnificent tool. I have not yet decided which of the two she will be. Continuing my walk through the dark alleys, I projected the next steps.

My long-term plan required very specific tools. A useful piece. I focused my thoughts on Akari, who was already under my influence as a perfect piece of submission. But my mind knew I needed more. I mentally projected finding one more woman who was directly inside the Palace—someone with an infinite, hidden potential who would accept being entirely used and submissive, executing every single one of my commands without question and doing exactly everything I ordered when the moment arrived.

If Hina knows things and decides to open her mouth, things could turn ugly for me. If she makes any move against my alignment, I will have no option but to kill her. I also discovered that Liria has a secret relationship with her girlfriend, and that girlfriend happens to be Selene's half-sister, the most powerful mage in the entire kingdom. If the queen and Selene's half-sister accept my terms, I will have the strongest mage in the kingdom completely on my side.

Now, I am a single step away from marrying Queen Liria.