Inside the grand halls of the Sidom Kingdom, King Elric moved with purpose into a private chamber. This wasn't just any royal discussion—it was a moment that could shape the future of two nations. Alongside him were his most trusted nobles, Queen elenora, Crown Prince Lucien, Princess Rebecca, and Sion himself. The air was thick with anticipation.
King Elric, seated at the head of the round table, looked directly at Sion.
"Now that we've agreed on the unofficial treaty, tell me—what exactly are you planning, Duke Sion?"
Sion, composed and steady, replied,
"My vision is simple, Your Majesty. A future where our people live without fear—where no empire dares to look down on us. But with the current conditions in both the Clover Kingdom and Sidom, that future is still far out of reach."
The king nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand your concern. But any drastic change must follow diplomacy. We can't risk shaking the political foundation without approval from our kingdom heads."
Sion leaned forward slightly.
"True, but the current monarchy in Clover has its flaws. Prince Leonard, the likely heir, is far from fit to rule. Katherine is engaged to me, and she's already expressed no interest in becoming queen. That leaves Leonard… and that's a danger we can't ignore."
Murmurs erupted. One of the nobles rose in protest.
"How can you call yourself a Duke and go against your king? And you expect us to support treason?"
Sion's gaze was firm but respectful.
"I am Duke of the people first—not a servant to a crown that cannot lead. A kingdom's strength lies not in its rulers, but in the well-being of its people. If they thrive, so does the nation. That is my oath."
Silence followed. The noble slowly sat back down, visibly shaken by Sion's conviction.
Then Prince Lucien, ever calm and composed, spoke up.
"What benefits will Sidom gain by aligning with you unofficially?"
Sion smiled.
"I can't promise you gold or instant power. But I can promise this—you'll never regret standing with me."
Lucien chuckled, impressed.
"You truly are cut from a different cloth, Sion."
He turned to his father. "I support him."
Others hesitated, until Queen Lysandra raised her hand with quiet authority.
"I agree with Prince Lucien. I see strength in Sion's honesty—and vision."
With her endorsement, the last resistance crumbled. One by one, the nobles nodded in agreement.
Sion had found his first allies.
Later that evening, a grand banquet was held in his honor. Laughter, music, and toasts echoed through the Sidom palace—an atmosphere of newfound alliance and hope.
But far away in the heart of the Bethel Empire, a much darker celebration was taking place.
A battalion of 500 elite cavalrymen prepared for mobilization.
"We will crush the Leaf Dukedom," barked a general.
"And contact the Assassin Guild. I want a high-class mage. Make sure they know the target: Sion Ragnar."
The shadow of war loomed closer.