"First," Kazien began, his tone formal like a superior giving a mandate, "appoint Rio as a member of the supervisory board overseeing the Altavis Territory. His abilities in guild management, risk assessment, and crisis handling are too valuable to be wasted only within the scope of a regular adventurer's guild."
Rio's jaw dropped. He stood rooted to the spot, his eyes blinking in disbelief. His mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. To become a member of the Duke's territorial supervisory board? That was an insane career leap. It wasn't just a promotion; it was a change of fate. From a guild employee to a high-ranking territorial official.
Duke Elgard looked at Rio, assessing the man for a moment, then nodded in agreement. He knew Rio had a clean and competent track record. "Request granted. Rio, prepare yourself for your new duties."
Rio bowed deeply, his body trembling with respect and gratitude. "I... I will serve with my whole soul!"
Kazien was pleased that Rio was willing to accept the position as supervisor of the Altavis region.
"And the second," Kazien continued immediately, not letting the atmosphere soften. This time, his voice sounded much heavier, deeper. His eyes were locked sharply on his father's face, demanding full attention.
"Form a special magic corps and a Griffon-rider air force for the Altavis Territory."
Silence.
If the room had been quiet due to emotion before, now it was silent due to a gripping shock.
The room instantly felt devoid of air. Even Rio, who had just received his dream promotion, was stunned to the point of forgetting how to breathe. The request was no joke. It wasn't the request of a child wanting toy soldiers.
A Griffon troop? That was a high-level military asset. Possessing just one Griffon was a symbol of power not to be underestimated. Forming an entire troop? That was equivalent to strengthening the military of a small nation. The cost, logistics, and political implications were massive.
King Nalvon, who had only been listening until now, leaned forward slightly. His eyes narrowed, intrigued.
"Are you sure, Kazien?" asked Duke Elgard very carefully. He tried to verify his youngest son's request, searching for doubt in those eyes. But he found nothing but steely conviction. "Do you know what that means? Mobilizing a Griffon troop and a magic corps is no small matter."
"I am very sure, Father," Kazien answered without wavering in the slightest. He looked at his father, then glanced briefly at King Nalvon, as if asking the King to also heed his warning.
"Diplomatic relations between our kingdom and the Ignias Kingdom are deteriorating," Kazien explained, his voice calm but containing a terrifying urgency. "We cannot be naive. We must be prepared for every possibility, including the worst. A special magic corps for long-range defense and wide-area attacks, as well as a Griffon force for air superiority and rapid mobility. If Ignias decides to cross the line, we must be ready before the storm hits."
Everyone in the room absorbed his words. Ignias... the threat from that notoriously aggressive neighboring kingdom was indeed real, but thus far it was considered to still be in the stage of cold diplomacy. No one expected it to be bad enough to require war preparations.
Yet here, a thirteen-year-old boy was speaking about geopolitics and military defense strategy with an insight surpassing that of old generals. His insight, foresight, and wisdom shone brightly, blinding anyone who looked at him. He saw dangers others had not yet seen. He saw the shadow of war while others were still enjoying a false peace.
Kazien then smiled calmly, a mysterious smile that was hard to interpret. The smile contrasted with the heavy talk of war he had just delivered.
"But, please do not misunderstand. I have no desire for power." he added hurriedly, as if wanting to correct the perception of King Nalvon, who was staring at him. Kazien stroked the head of Alvin, his emotional anchor in this world, once more. "I prefer to act from the shadows rather than appear in public as a hero or leader. I do not like showing a fake smile in front of crowds. I prefer being myself rather than having to wear a mask in exhausting noble gatherings full of pretenses."
He looked down at Alvin. "I just want to ensure this place is safe for the people I care about. That is all."
King Nalvon stared at Kazien intently. He did not blink. There was deep admiration, mixed with a respect he rarely accorded to anyone, let alone a child.
In the King's mind, thoughts raged. A boy only thirteen years old, King Nalvon thought, yet possessing such terrifying intelligence and clarity of mind...
King Nalvon imagined if Kazien had been born a prince in his own family. If he were my son... he would have surely changed the fate of this entire continent. He could be a conqueror, or the greatest savior in history.
King Nalvon glanced at Duke Elgard and Duchess Larina. Those parents had every reason to feel proud; their bloodline carried a genius whose talent promised a bright future—and perhaps a frightening one with all its possibilities. Kazien was a double-edged sword; on one side an impenetrable protector, on the other, a force that could shake the world order if he so willed.
However, seeing how Kazien gazed at Alvin with such love, King Nalvon knew that this "monster" of a genius had a heart. And that was what made him more human, yet simultaneously more dangerous to anyone who dared disturb his peace.
The family and King Nalvon sat in a moment of silent contemplation. The sound of Alvin's regular breathing became the only rhythm in the room.
They realized, fully realized, that this silver-white haired boy named Kazien Altavis was destined not just to inherit land or titles. He was destined to shape the fate of nations, turn the wheels of history, and protect the future in his own way—from the shadows he had chosen.