Kaito spoke. His voice was clear. Firm. No longer the voice of a scared boy.
—Rise.
They obeyed.
—Vargun ruled with fear. With extortion. With blind cruelty.
He paused.
—I will not rule like that.
He walked to the edge of the platform.
—I will rule with justice. With fair trade. With protection for those who serve me loyally.
He looked at Gorman.
—But also with absolute force against those who betray that trust.
He pointed at Vargun's body.
—Let this be a lesson. Not to intimidate you. But to remind you that in my kingdom... actions have consequences.
Gorman nodded.
—Understood, sir.
Kaito turned to Adelheid.
—Commander Adelheid will be my military hand. When she speaks... she speaks with my voice.
Adelheid inclined her head.
Then he looked at Lilith.
—And Lady Lilith will be my advisor on internal affairs. When she acts... she acts with my authority.
Lilith smiled, giving an elegant bow.
The crowd murmured.
Some with approval.
Others with fear.
But no one opposed.
Kaito stepped down from the platform.
—Gorman. Organize a meeting with the leaders of the three fortresses. This afternoon. We have much to discuss.
Gorman stood up.
—Yes, sir.
Kaito began to walk away.
Adelheid and Lilith followed him.
Like shadows.
Like queens.
---
Later — Meeting Room
The leaders of the three fortresses were assembled.
Gorman from Raven's Pass.
A woman named Mirena from the Northern Fortress.
And a veteran named Kaspar from the Eastern Guard.
Kaito was sitting at the head of the table.
Adelheid standing to his right.
Lilith lounging casually in a chair to his left.
—Thank you for coming —Kaito began—. I know this is... unusual.
Mirena, a middle-aged woman with gray hair tied in a braid, spoke first.
—Unusual is putting it mildly, Lord Kaito. Vargun ruled these mountains for a decade. And you defeated him in less than a week.
Kaspar, a muscular man with a black beard, added:
—The question is... what do you plan to do with us?
Kaito leaned back in his chair.
—I don't plan to "do" anything with you.
The three looked at him, confused.
—I want you to rule as before. Guard the passes. Maintain order.
He paused.
—But without extortion. Without unjust tributes.
Mirena frowned.
—Then... how will we sustain ourselves?
Kaito smiled.
—With legitimate trade.
He unfurled a map.
—We'll establish trade routes between my future kingdom, Avernor, and neighboring territories. You'll charge fair fees for passage. Not arbitrary tributes.
Kaspar leaned forward, studying the map.
—That... could work.
—It will work —Adelheid corrected—. Because the commander has alliances Vargun never had.
Lilith added softly:
—And because if anyone tries to attack you... we will respond.
The three leaders exchanged looks.
Gorman spoke.
—And our loyalty?
Kaito looked at him directly.
—I don't want slaves. I want allies.
He stood up.
—Pledge loyalty to me, yes. But not because I force you. Because it's the best option you have.
He walked around the table.
—With me, you will prosper. You'll have protection. Trade. A future.
He stopped.
—Without me... eventually Avernor or another kingdom will conquer you. And they won't be as kind as I am.
Silence.
Finally, Mirena spoke.
—What guarantees do we have?
Kaito smiled.
—None. Except my word.
He extended his hand.
—And the promise that as long as you serve me loyally... I will protect you with everything I have.
Mirena studied him for several seconds.
Then took his hand.
—I accept.
Kaspar did the same.
—Me too.
Gorman was the last.
—I already pledged loyalty, sir. But I do it again. From the heart this time.
Kaito nodded.
—Good.
He turned to Adelheid.
—Commander. Establish rotating garrisons. Mixed with our men and theirs.
—Understood.
He looked at Lilith.
—And you... make sure the trade terms are fair. For everyone.
Lilith smiled.
—Of course, my king.
The meeting continued for hours.
Discussing details. Routes. Fees. Protocols.
When it finally ended, night had fallen.
---
That Night — Camp
Kaito was alone under the stars.
Looking at the mountains that now, technically, belonged to him.
Three fortresses.
Hundreds of soldiers.
Thousands of inhabitants.
All under his command.
How did I get here?
Adelheid's voice broke the silence.
—Commander.
Kaito turned.
She was standing a few meters away, illuminated by moonlight.
—Can't sleep? —Kaito asked.
Adelheid shook her head.
—Not after today.
She approached.
—And you?
Kaito smiled wearily.
—I'm processing... everything.
Adelheid stood beside him, looking at the same stars.
—You did the right thing.
Kaito looked at her.
—Do you really believe that?
Adelheid nodded.
—Vargun was a monster. The world is better without him.
She paused.
—And you... are becoming the leader this world needs.
Kaito looked at his hands.
—Sometimes I wonder... if I'm becoming something worse.
Adelheid looked at him.
—You're not.
She touched his shoulder.
—Because you still wonder. You still doubt. You still care.
Her eyes shone.
—The day you stop wondering... that day I will come for you.
Kaito smiled faintly.
—I know.
Adelheid withdrew her hand.
—Rest, commander. Tomorrow we plan the next move.
She walked away.
Kaito was alone again.
But this time...
He didn't feel so lost.
---
Far Away — Capital of Avernor
In a dark room, Eldric and Aria studied a map.
—Dreisburg has been officially expelled —said Aria—. But reports say Kaito moved into the mountains.
Eldric clenched his fist.
—And conquered the Three Fortresses.
Aria looked at him.
—How do you know?
Eldric pointed to a report.
—Spies. Vargun was executed two days ago.
Aria whistled.
—That was... fast.
Eldric stood up.
—Too fast. Kaito isn't just a failed summon.
He looked out the window.
—He's dangerous.
Aria approached.
—What will you do?
Eldric smiled coldly.
—I'll wait. Let him build his kingdom.
He turned.
—And when it's big enough...
His eyes flashed.
—I'll destroy it. Personally.