Kael did not confront Elder Vaelin the next morning.
He did not glare during council.
He did not change his routine.
If Vaelin suspected exposure, he would retreat.
Kael preferred him comfortable.
For three days, Kael acted normally.
He trained.
He visited the trade quarter once.
He attended one minor clan meeting without argument.
Vaelin observed him each time.
Trying to read something.
Kael gave him nothing.
Meanwhile, Kael instructed his guard captain quietly.
"I want full records of Vaelin's private caravan routes."
The captain hesitated.
"That may be interpreted as internal spying."
"It is," Kael replied calmly.
The captain bowed. "Understood."
By the fourth night, Kael had what he needed.
Vaelin controlled two independent caravans not recorded in official clan accounts.
Private profit channels.
Illegal.
If exposed publicly, it would weaken his faction.
If destroyed quietly, it would cost him power.
Kael chose destruction.
The first caravan moved at dawn.
Small escort.
Foundation Early guards.
No Core Formation protection.
Vaelin likely believed the routes were hidden.
Kael rode out before sunrise with three trusted guards.
Not wearing heir robes.
Simple dark attire.
When the caravan reached the narrow canyon pass north of the city, Kael was already waiting.
The guards recognized Viremont insignia immediately.
"Young Master?" one asked cautiously.
Kael stepped forward.
"These goods violate clan trade records," he said calmly.
The guard stiffened.
"We serve Elder Vaelin."
"I know."
Silence.
The guards looked uncertain.
Kael released a small amount of Foundation pressure.
Controlled.
Dominant.
"You can step aside," he said evenly. "Or you can defend illegal cargo."
They hesitated.
Then stepped aside.
Smart choice.
Kael inspected the caravan personally.
Spiritual iron.
Rare herbs.
High profit goods.
Unregistered.
He turned to his guards.
"Confiscate everything."
"Yes, Young Master."
The goods would be redirected into official clan channels.
No public exposure yet.
Just silent removal.
That evening, Vaelin received the report.
His caravan had been intercepted.
By Kael.
Not by rivals.
By his own heir.
Vaelin's expression hardened.
So.
The boy knew.
The second caravan was attacked differently.
Not by Kael.
But by masked mercenaries.
Paid anonymously.
Goods destroyed.
Survivors allowed to flee.
Message clear.
Vaelin's hidden profit channels collapsed in two days.
At the next council meeting, Vaelin remained composed.
But his aura was slightly unstable.
Kael noticed immediately.
He said nothing.
Morvain spoke first.
"There have been irregularities in clan trade."
Kael glanced at Vaelin briefly.
"Corrected," he said calmly.
Vaelin's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Corrected without council approval," Vaelin replied.
Kael looked at him directly.
"Heir authority permits immediate correction of internal violations."
Silence.
The other elders watched carefully.
Vaelin leaned forward slightly.
"Internal violations should be handled internally."
"They were," Kael said.
No emotion.
Just fact.
After the meeting, Vaelin requested private conversation.
Kael agreed.
Inside Vaelin's study, the elder did not pretend.
"You overstepped," Vaelin said quietly.
"I corrected theft," Kael replied.
"You think you are untouchable?"
"No."
Kael's answer was immediate.
"But I am heir."
Vaelin's eyes sharpened.
"You have grown arrogant."
Kael shook his head slightly.
"No. I have grown aware."
Silence filled the room.
Vaelin studied him for several seconds.
"You think you can remove me?"
Kael did not deny it.
"If necessary."
There was no threat in his tone.
Only clarity.
Vaelin smiled faintly.
"You still lack the strength."
Kael met his gaze calmly.
"For now."
He turned and left.
That night, Kael cultivated longer than usual.
Foundation Mid had stabilized fully.
With Vaelin's hidden goods absorbed into clan treasury, his position strengthened.
He did not need to attack Vaelin publicly.
Not yet.
Pressure was enough.
If Vaelin moved again—
Kael would finish it.
Across the city, Aric Vale received new information.
"The Viremont heir intercepted his own elder's caravan."
Aric frowned deeply.
"That's not reckless," he said.
"No," his master agreed. "That's strategic."
Silence followed.
The villain was not behaving like a villain.
And that made him dangerous.
Kael stood at his balcony again that night.
Internal threat weakened.
External enemies watching.
Good.
He preferred visible tension.
Because tension meant movement.
And movement meant mistakes.
He would wait.
And when Vaelin made his next move—
It would be his last.