The next morning, in a dimly lit, secluded chamber,
Kaelith sat at the large oak table, his fingers tapping rhythmically on its worn surface. His eyes, sharp and probing, were fixed on Aether, who sat calmly across from him.
“Don’t you think it’s quite… greedy of you?” Kaelith finally asked, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Aether, seeking any sign of hesitation.
“Greedy?” Aria responded before Aether could speak, her voice steady yet defiant. “It’s not like no one has tried this before, Father.” She sat beside Aether, her posture straight and unyielding.
Kaelith sighed deeply, the weight of their words pressing down on him. He turned his weary gaze to Maelona, who sat on Aether’s other side. Her presence was a calming contrast to the tension in the room, “Do you really believe he can overthrow the Emperor?” he asked.
Maelona smiled gently, “No, he can’t do it alone. That’s why he’s seeking your help,” she replied softly.
Kaelith rubbed his temples, feeling a headache forming. The fact that even Maelona was supporting Aether added a layer of seriousness to the situation he had not anticipated.
“Sigh. It’s not just about me, Maelona. Do you realize that if word gets out about what we’re planning… our tribe will face dire consequences? Hell, we could all be hanged for treason!” Kaelith’s voice quivered with the fear of potential disaster. The boy he had once trusted was now pushing them all toward a perilous path.
“It’s fine, Mr. Kaelith…” Aether leaned forward, his eyes blazing with a strange intensity that sent a chill down Kaelith’s spine, “Why do you think Alaric is still the Emperor?”
Kaelith frowned, puzzled by the question, “Because of his wisdom and knowledge in scrip—”
“Because he’s the Arcane King,” Aether interrupted, “Or at least, he was.”
Kaelith blinked, “Yes, initially it was because of the Arcane King title, but he later earned many accolades on his own.”
“So?” Aether shrugged dismissively, “What if Alaric has wisdom and knowledge? Anyone can acquire those with time and effort.”
Kaelith’s frown deepened as he turned to Maelona, seeking clarity, “Has he manipulated you too?”
Maelona shook her head, her expression resolute, “Manipulated? No. He’s opened my eyes.”
“Opened your eyes?” Kaelith echoed, bewildered, “To what?”
“Yes,” Maelona’s voice grew firmer, “Our tribe once ruled this entire empire until Alaric became the Arcane King. It’s time we reclaim what we lost… just like how the Wood Elf tribe used Alaric to elevate themselves.”
Kaelith finally grasped what Maelona was implying, but a sense of reluctance still gnawed at him. He was tired of conflicts and desired a peaceful life with his beloved.
That’s why, even though Liora offered him the chance to be with his beloved in their territory without hiding their relationship as her tribe accepted anything…. only if he stayed away during the duel, he rejected the offer and chose to appear. He knew he could not allow his tribe to suffer because of his negligence.
Sensing his hesitation, Maelona’s eyes flashed with determination, “If we overthrow him, you could legally marry whomever you wish.”
She made a promise just like a politician who would do it at the right time!
“!!!!”
Kaelith’s eyes widened, shock rendering him speechless. He never imagined she would bring up such a deeply personal matter.
“I see… not bad…” Kaelith muttered, contemplating the possibilities. He didn’t fully understand his wife, but he knew one thing: she always kept her promises.
Seeing a small, satisfied smile creep onto Kaelith’s face, Aether nodded approvingly. He extended his hands, and Maelona and Aria lightly slapped his palms in a gesture of triumph.
Clearing his throat, Kaelith spoke up. “Well, since you insist, I will support you.”
The trio grinned, their relief palpable.
“But,” Kaelith continued, his tone serious, “you don’t think you can overthrow the throne with just Aria, right? You’ll need the consent of other tribes and what’s more Darkfang has Arcane King, I am pretty that woman would do—–”
Suddenly,
Thud
The heavy door swung open, and a commanding voice rang out,
“What would I do?” Liora asked, her expression haughty as she strode into the room with a regal air.
“What the…” Kaelith frowned, confused by her sudden appearance and bold statement. He had not expected any other visitors, least of all Liora.
Liora, ruffling her hair, stood confidently before Kaelith, “As the Elder of my tribe, I give my consent to overthrow Alaric’s rule.”
Kaelith blinked, utterly baffled. He shot a look at Aether, wondering, ‘Did he bribe her?’
Liora glanced at Aether, then at Aria, and finally at Maelona.
Nodding slightly, she moved closer, pushing Maelona aside with a determined shove and seated herself beside Aether, wrapping her arms possessively around his.
Maelona stared, her shock evident. Her surprise deepened as Liora, clinging to Aether, looked at Kaelith and said, “With my son as the Arcane King, we can rally the lower-ranked tribes to our side…” She began detailing the number of tribes under her influence and how their Elders could be bribed or coerced into submission.
“W-Well…” Kaelith was slightly taken aback by her words, his thoughts racing. ‘S-She’s still a ruthless woman…’ he thought, glancing at Aria, who was staring at him with void eyes.
Kaelith flinched, at the sight of his daughter’s expression… he felt weird as he remembered his beloved who also showed this expression.
Aether cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention back to him. “Anyhow, since we have the Darkfang tribe on our side, we now have two chosen ones who oppose the previous Arcane King’s rule. Just like how the Wood Elf tribe played their card, it’s our turn now. I’m confident it will be a matter of time before we secure the support of the other tribe elders, right?”
Both Kaelith and Liora, as elders of high-ranking tribes, had influence over several lower-ranked tribes. However, to successfully overthrow Alaric, they needed unanimous consent from all the elders.
“And you don’t need to worry about the other elders,” Aether interjected, her voice steady. “My mother-in-law and I will handle them.”
Kaelith rubbed his temples even more vigorously, feeling as though everything had already been decided without his input. He was just the last to know. ‘Well, it’s not like I can blame her…’ he thought, before frowning and asking, “What about her son? I mean, he’s the Arcane King, right? Won’t he backstab us and fight for the position?”
Liora laughed, her voice echoing through the chamber. “Hahaha… Don’t worry, Kaelith. We will take care of it,” she said, glancing at Aether with a knowing look.
Maelona and Aria frowned, their expressions mirroring each other’s concern.
Kaelith sighed heavily before standing up, “Okay, then… I’ll ask my friends,” he said, turning to leave. Just as he reached the door, Maelona called him into another room, saying there was something important they needed to discuss.
In a separate room,
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Maelona bowed her head deeply before speaking. “Please forgive me…” she said, handing him a document.
It was a divorce paper.
Kaelith took the document, his face unreadable. “So, it’s come to this…” he mumbled.
Maelona bit her lip, just about to explain when,
“FINALLY!” Kaelith shouted, his voice filled with unexpected relief. He reached into his pouch and pulled out an old, weathered document, handing it to Maelona.
Maelona took the old paper, her eyes widening as she realized it was another divorce paper…. dated a thousand years ago.
Her face twisted in disgust, and before she could say anything,
“The moment Aria was born, I decided to leave you,” Kaelith said, his expression serious. “But I couldn’t because I loved my daughter. I didn’t want her to be sad, so I held onto this…”
Maelona blinked a few times, the veins on her forehead bulging with anger. ‘So there was no hope for me from the very beginning? Yet I kept thinking this fool would love me one day!’ Her anger was palpable and understandable.
Seeing the pure, happy smile on Kaelith’s face, as if he had been liberated from a long-held burden, she couldn’t help but snap back, “Yeah, I also found a wonderful man who loves me, enjoys my cooking, and even whispers sweetly to me like I’ve never been held before. He even went to Hell to get me back!”
Kaelith was surprised but then smiled genuinely. “Good for you, then!” he said, walking away with a spring in his step.
Maelona stood there, mouth agape, unable to believe this jerk was so selfish!!!!
But then she remembered what she had just said, her cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
“What the hell!!” she shouted in shock.
[+800 AP]
Meanwhile,
Aria blankly stared at Liora, who was sniffing Aether without hesitation. Her mind suddenly flashed back to the events of the previous night…