After the first spy got caught, Duke Reinhardt sent another spy with a strict order of just observing.


    Confidential Report to His Grace, Duke Reinhardt


    From: Agent Marius Lorne


    Subject: Analysis of Lord Veilwood and the Rise of Duskwatch


    Your Grace,


    I have spent several weeks embedded in Duskwatch, observing the governance of Lord Lucian Veilwood.


    Upon my arrival, I expected to find an incompetent noble overseeing a failing territory. What I found instead is something far more concerning.


    <hr>


    The Economic Mystery


    Duskwatch, by all logic, should be failing.


    <ul><li>Lord Veilwood abolished taxes.</li><li>The imperial bureaucracy has no presence here.</li><li>There are no tariffs, no collection offices, and no financial oversight.</li></ul>


    And yet, the town’s economy is thriving.


    Merchants flock to Duskwatch. Local businesses are expanding. There is no financial collapse, no hoarding, no signs of instability.


    In short: The man broke every economic rule we know… and it’s working.


    <hr>


    The Militia That Trains Itself


    Duskwatch has no imperial garrison. Instead, it relies on a local militia composed of farmers, traders, and former bandits.


    I initially assumed this was an untrained rabble. However, their formations are disciplined. Their training is daily.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The most alarming factor?


    Lord Veilwood does not command them directly.


    <ul><li>He does not hold war councils.</li><li>He does not issue tactical orders.</li><li>And yet, they act as if he is a military genius guiding them from the shadows.</li></ul>


    Worse, they are fiercely loyal.


    Even former criminals have integrated into the system. Bandit activity in the region has disappeared.


    I spoke to a former highwayman. His words:


    "I don’t know how it happened, but this town doesn’t need crime anymore."


    <hr>


    The Mercenary King’s Allegiance


    Perhaps the most concerning development is Lord Veilwood’s recent deal with Varian Blackthorn.


    The Mercenary King is a man of pragmatism, not loyalty. He does not work for weak nobles. He does not lower his prices.


    And yet, he has aligned himself with Veilwood at half his usual fee.


    This means one of two things:


    1?? Veilwood is a hidden military genius who impressed Blackthorn.


    2?? Veilwood has something even more valuable—something worth securing before the rest of the empire realizes his power.


    Both possibilities are equally dangerous.


    <hr>


    The Man Himself


    I have studied Lord Veilwood’s movements closely.


    He is a contradiction.


    <ul><li>He rarely gives direct orders, yet everything falls into place.</li><li>He avoids responsibility, yet his people follow him without question.</li><li>He has no political ambition, yet he now holds economic and military influence.</li></ul>


    Your Grace, I must be frank.


    If Lord Veilwood is truly a lazy fool, then he is the luckiest man in the empire.


    If he is not?


    Then we are dealing with one of the most dangerous minds of our time.


    I strongly advise proceeding with caution.


    Your Loyal Servant,


    Agent Marius Lorne


    <hr>


    Duke Reinhardt’s Reaction


    Duke Reinhardt set the report down, deep in thought.


    He had ruled long enough to know that power came in many forms.


    But this?


    This was something new.


    He let out a slow breath and murmured:


    "What are you hiding, Veilwood?"


    A long pause.


    Then, a smirk.


    "Let’s test you further."