The day following Quinus and his companions'' return from their long journey, the Divalo Manor, situated on the western fringes of Tairal, bustled with activity as servants moved in and out of the grand mansion, carrying boxes, bags, and furniture.


    The grand entrance of the mansion was disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious figure cloaked in black. As he stepped inside, he theatrically removed his hood, unveiling himself as none other than Duke Revelia, the esteemed uncle of the Crown Prince of the Fiafyr Kingdom. His silver locks were elegantly tied into a ponytail, and his weary visage bore the weight of his experiences. Yet, behind his tired eyes, a fierce blaze of fury burned brightly.


    As he entered the room, he was met by Belial, the butler, who greeted him with a respectful bow.


    "Has the trip been fruitful, my lord?" inquired Belial.


    "Not here... Let''s talk in my study," Duke Revelia murmured, then swiftly departed from the entrance.


    "Absolutely, sir," replied Belial as the Duke disappeared into the hallway and ascended the stairs.


    After the Duke departed, Belial quietly trailed behind him, making his way to the study. Once inside, the two men closed the heavy oak doors and secured them with a firm lock.


    "Who would have thought that the Advisor to the King is actually a snake? Well, color me shocked," Belial said with a hint of sarcasm.


    elial inquired, catching the Duke''s attention as he glanced up.


    "Yes, I have heard that they can be extremely possessive. But maybe it would be even better if we could somehow get one of those wood elves to sleep with him. Dark Elves hate their cousins by nature. I am sure she would kill both of the Wood Elves if push came to shove," Belial pointed out.


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    "Like what?" he snapped back at his butler.


    Belial cast a quick glance toward his lord, who arched an eyebrow in response.


    Belial gazed at the sealed letter, its parchment adorned with the official seal of the Prime Minister. What caught his attention was the deep purple wax used to seal the letter, a departure from the usual red wax. This unconventional choice hinted at an imminent emergency session of the Major Nobles.


    Belial let out a heavy sigh as he made his way over to his lord. With a sense of solemnity, he extended his hand, offering the letter to his master.


    "Oh? Looks like there''ll be an emergency meeting. What are you afraid of now, Duval," Alaric mumbled to himself while he broke the seal and read the letter.


    Belial feigned disinterest as he carefully concealed his curiosity about the contents of the letter. Maintaining his guise as a servant was paramount despite his eagerness to know more.


    Duke Alaric''s expression brightened, and a wide smirk spread across his face, lighting up his features.


    The Duke''s eyes darkened, "So... My brother has learned how to be more tactical? But it doesn''t matter. The meeting has to commence within four days. What can he do by delaying the inevitable in a week''s time? Nothing, that''s what."


    "But what if they bring her to the Church of Balance, and Iyomelka''s idol lights up for this dark elf? It will be like what happened when Rianna knelt before the altar," Belial reminded the Duke.


    "Belial... Did you even hear yourself? Rianna was a once-in-a-century thing, and the idol barely lit up. No one from the Royal family or the Nobles has been able to get any reaction from the goddess besides Rianna. And you think the goddess will make her presence known to a dark elf? Hell! Even that zealot, Mother Astra, couldn''t get the idol to react, and she''s the damn High Priestess of the Goddess''s religion!" Duke Alaric reminded his servant.


    "Good, now leave me. I need to devise a plan for how to rid King Dupont after he served his purpose," Duke Alaric ordered, and Belial bowed.


    The butler pivoted on his heel, reached for the doorknob, and smoothly stepped out of the room, ensuring that the door was shut firmly behind him. Meanwhile, Alaric let out a light, amused laugh as he gazed down at the letter in his hand.


    "It''s about time you became useful to me, Duval... But I can''t wait to see your face once I strip everything from you. I''ll take your money, lands, and people. I''ll leave you with nothing but the clothes on your back and a small amount of food. nce he indo on ," Duke Alaric said, and a twisted smirk appeared on his lips.


    The Duke  from his cross the room to the window, and ed out at the  in the distanceuld be his in due time; all he needed to do was play his cards


    "It''s all finally falling into place... I will avenge the death of my son... I''ll make sure that your death will be a slow and painful one, nephew," Duke Alaric hissed to himself while watching his butler giving orders to his soldiers outside of the manor.