"The mediocre king."
"A man whose only achievement is the stability of his realm."
"Yet they do not understand how hard stability is to maintain."
"Nor will they see how they are slowly manoeuvred into checkmate."
"Trapped in a web they never knew was woven until it was too late."
"Far too late."
King Luther II Kendari of Nathia.
….
King Luther Kendari was a man who enjoyed peace and quiet.
Unfortunately, as king, he got little of either, especially now that his two eldest sons were fighting for the throne.
It was why he was trimming his gardens now, a chore that he insisted he do himself, not the gardeners who helped the royal family maintain their holdings and palaces and gave him a much-needed reprieve from his regular royal duties, which included signing off on god knows how many petitions with his decision.
Only when he is too busy does he then reluctantly allow the gardeners to touch his beloved gardens.
It was also only when he was in the gardens that people finally left him alone and allowed him to think.
People only ever see the opulent palaces and fragrant foods, never the tediousness of governmental affairs or the management of lords who fawn over you like bitches in heat just to get a scrap of your attention for even a 1% chance of gaining power for their noble house.
The endless politicking and games that the nobles play, which at first seem interesting and even fun, quickly turn childish, with land disputes here, trespassing cattle there, and endless demands for compensation to make up for perceived losses and disrespect.
The problems seem endless.
Over time, it becomes well….
Exhausting.
The position of king, a title that people plot schemes and kill millions for, is not an easy throne to sit in.
Just the thought of the daily mountain of paperwork he had to deal with and sign made his hand cramp in pain, refusing point blank even to pick up a quill unless he took a day off.
So here he was using one of his few days off to enjoy some time in his beloved gardens, which also happened by pure coincidence and with absolutely no intention on his part whatsoever to align with Lord Railius Aurellion's arrival in the capital.
Though only a fool would think that such a coincidence exists in this world, even if he wished to just spend his day in peace and not meet with he eccentric young lord.
But what the king personally wanted was irrelevant, no matter what people say about the privileges of royalty, for he had a kingdom to look after, and he was about to meet with one of its most mysterious and more volatile elements.
A volatile element who appears to have joined his eldest son, the crown prince, and appointed successor in his fight for the throne.
Not that Luther had much of a problem with that after all, his eldest was the paragon of justice and possessed one of the sharpest minds ever seen in Nathia's history.
He would become one of the greatest kings in all of history.
It's just a shame that this conflict between brothers is needed for the good of the realm to wash away and tear up the roots of the corruption which had slowly rotted into the very foundations of the kingdom.
But that was a story still being written, a conflict inevitably fought in the future, a hidden plot years in the making, which only the closest to the royal visage had an inkling existed, as it would not be long until he met with Lord Railius Aurellion.
A man who has made some curious moves over the last month or so, which have once again caused an uproar and has a reputation for being less than conventional in both his solutions to problems and conduct in society.
As if the young fallen noble hadn't caused enough trouble as it is since coming of age, suddenly, many mayors of towns and even some lower-ranking lords had found that their mercenary bodyguards had suddenly all broken their contracts at the same time.
Well, the contracts were not broken, so to say that would only hurt the reputation of House Aurellions' mercenary group, something the leadership of the noble house would never be stupid enough to do.
Though upon reflection, a mercenary group is a rather ingenious guise with which to build up a private army.
Instead, for the first time in nearly 10 years, these monthly contracts were no longer renewed. As soon as the contracts expired, the mercenaries began to gather in small groups at the border of the Beastman United States and found excuses to cross the border, heading for an unknown destination.
Even if the leaders of the mercenary group made the excuse that they were repaying a debt, some would not believe it.
This unprecedented simultaneous non-renewal of so many contracts put the Kingdom of Nathia on guard, and Luther was relieved when he realised that Nathia was not the target of the 8000-man group, as with the skill of the Pelican Guards, he would need to send at least a marquis, if not a duke, to put them down.
He was days away from making a move against House Aurellion and branding them enemies of the realm when the first groups began to pour out of the kingdom like a softly flowing river with only the most observant or on guard being able to notice the significance of this seemingly small wave which while garnered some interest initially quickly fizzled out especially when the Chavarian Empire was making moves to prepare for an invasion of Nathia.
Well moves that only the intelligent would see or those with an intelligence network as extensive as that which answers only to the king.
So, once the danger these mercenaries posed to Nathia was gone, Luther became interested in what could have led Railius to make such a move that could potentially expose him and his house as Sigismund Security Companies' hidden backer.
Why would the last scion of House Aurellion, who possesses subordinates willing to burn down kingdoms to defend him, order them to leave just a month or two after he returns to Nathia?
"What was the game at play?
Especially when the young lord himself was in Nathia and heading towards the capital.
Railius' reasons for this journey were known only to the fallen noble himself, but if what Kodjis said or well complained about him in the confines of his quarters, the only place where he feels safe, is true….
Then it is likely that the intelligent lord will know that Luther would want to meet with him and come purely because it would make it convenient for Luther to summon him for an audience, so that the king can question him and reassure himself that Railius means no harm.
If this were the case, then Luther and the royal family, by extension, would have to be careful dealing with such an insightful person who is so young and acts like a seasoned politician.
Because such people can be very dangerous to deal with, and it would only add to the large stack of reasons to meet with the young man, as it was always best to judge someone yourself rather than through the mouths of others.
Though this intelligence and talent would explain why Baron Malwin, a man who could have become an important advisor anywhere he went, would continue to serve and even tutor the boy.
And by the gods was he a damn fine teacher.
A damn fine teacher indeed if he managed to weave together the web that is Railius Aurellion
Luther was still busy cutting bushes in his garden when he heard the young man approach and continued with what he was doing as if the young lord who was now staring at him was invisible.
He would never tell anyone, except maybe Thaddeus, that he had been able to detect the young man far before he ever came within sight of gardens.
As it would not do for the constantly circling shark-like nobles ever to have even an inclination as to his true capabilities.
The true extent of his plans.
Something that must stay hidden until the time comes for them to sweep through the realm.
This was just the first of many tests, designed to clearly demonstrate the differences between them, their status, and the current lop-sided power dynamics between them.
A lop-sided power dynamic that was ostensibly in his favour, and a way to show his displeasure at how House Aurellion so expertly managed to manipulate the kingdom to get what they wanted.
'Would Railius be impatient or cautious?'
Luther wondered with a small smile as he continued gardening, not letting his interest in the young man's reaction show for one can gain a lot from just observing someone in silence, knowing that there was no chance of any part of this meeting being leaked because of the many preparations that he had made to ensure they could not be overheard.
Apart from the giant antimagic crystal, whose radius covered the city and which every city has to prevent magic from being wantonly cast, including magic that may allow someone to eavesdrop on a conversation there was also guards preventing anyone within 12 feet of the pair as well as soft music to overshadow their words so that even a grandmaster would have trouble overhearing the conversation with their superhuman like senses.
It seemed that Railius Aurellion was cautious and a young man with far more patience than the Nathian king expected.
The young fallen noble did not seem rushed in the slightest, unlike others his age would be, as if he were content just observing the gardens of the royal palace until he was dismissed.
It seemed that Luther himself would have to take the lead on this conversation, or Railius would stand there for hours without Luther getting anything out of the encounter, and it would not do to have to summon someone who appears to be insignificant twice in two days.
Otherwise, people would think that something was wrong or going on.
"So you are Railius Aurellion."
King Luther Kendari said in a raspy voice after waiting for around 10 minutes, revealing his immense age for a man living in a medieval world.
It annoyed the king how weak his voice sounded with none of the boom it had when he was but a young princeling green as grass, a product of both his age and design.
Better for his enemies to think him a weak, mediocre old man than a sharp mind, as only then will they let their guard down.
It is a deception, a role that Luther has played for so long that it has become a genuine part of himself instead of the illusion that it was intended to be.
"Yes, your majesty, I wonder what this humble subject has done to warrant such an honour as to be blessed with seeing your majesty's radiant countenance."
Railius said with his head bowed in respect, lacking any of the arrogance usually seen even from the lowest of landed nobles who think that just because they are the lord of a minor holding, they deserve the world.
It was refreshing to find such a man who knew when to advance and retreat, as they were far easier to deal with, usually working by logic rather than emotions.
It appears that the young lord Aurellion was well aware of his position, so it was time to get to business, or they would be here all day, and the king wanted to spend the least amount of his small holiday dealing with state affairs as humanly possible.
"My son Kodjis seems to think highly of you, for it is rare for him to spend so much to win someone over who has no lands and titles only a few thousand men under his command and an old stubborn grandmaster who seems to think that he can gallivant around my realm wantonly killing my subjects without even a by your leave."
The King said the first part of the sentence with interest, and the last in a cold, sarcastic voice, indicating that he was less than pleased at the actions of House Aurellion that sent an earthquake-like shockwave through the Kingdom of Nathia, nearly destroying part of its foundation that had spent his entire reign trying to maintain
"I am humbled to be held in such high esteem by his highness the Crown Prince and apologise for the reckless actions of my subordinates. I was not in the kingdom when this event occurred, and they were most angered to learn of the plot against my life. As you well know, I am the last of my line, so my loyal Pelican Guards are…."
"Rather overprotective when it comes to my personal safety."
"This humble subject asks Your Majesty's infinite benevolence to forgive his insolent subordinates for their transgressions and actions which shook the kingdom."
Railius said respectfully as he bowed deeply before the Nathian monarch, the respect and composure of the young noble surprising Luther.
There was no righteous indignation or anger at all at his assassination attempt; instead, it appeared that he understood things from not only the king's but the nobles' point of view when it comes to such a sensitive matter.
Such a careful tone and attitude seemed to be completely opposite to the relaxed, uncaring yet capable man he was reputed to be.
Yet another reason to judge people yourself, rather than by their reputation or the words of others, as the arrogant, casual demeanour was likely a ruse designed to hide the sharp mind beneath
"I'm surprised you seem so uncaring about an assassination attempt on your life."
Luther could almost smell the obvious amusement in the slight smile Railius tried to hide by bowing his head respectfully and stifling a chuckle as he spoke, the young man's eyes seemingly locked onto the paved stone of the garden pathway.
But there was something else simmering under the surface.
Ambition.
Ambition so deeply hidden that, as of yet, the young man had no idea even existed within him.
"Leon has already punished the perpetrators, and few would ever dare to try something like that again in fear of his retribution that even I would have trouble stopping, so why would I care?"
"If I got unreasonably mad at every attempt on my life, my house, and I would be long dead with the amount of enemies I have anyway, such actions are merely the games every noble has to deal with, as I imagine even your majesty has had to deal with a fair few assassins over your long reign."
Railius said, keeping his tone calm and respectful, fully aware of his position in this conversation.
'Such flexibility was as impressive as it was dangerous.'
The king thought, putting aside that information for later, before asking the question that he really wanted answered.
"Why did you decide to support the crown prince? Surely, Prince Rahlan would have offered you more?"
The king asked, narrowing his eyes, the bush he was cutting had long been left unattended, as Railius now had the king's full attention.
Attention that most people would fight for, would kill and scheme for, Railius wanted nothing of.
Railius was silent for a few seconds as he thought about his answer. It was something he had been brooding about for the past two years.
Why would he support Prince Kodjos over Prince Rahlan, ignoring Rahlan's faction's attempt on his life, which only reinforced such a decision?
Surely it would be easier to take the kingdom from Rahlan rather than Kodjis, as he had already seen that the crown prince had a genius-level intellect if House Aurellion wanted to be kings?
But now, especially after meeting the king, he realised it was because he had felt that something was off.
The factions around the two princes had formed far too naturally, with a significant divide between them, whether in terms of character or skill. The crown prince had managed to gather the best of both within his faction, while the second prince was stuck with those greedy for more power and a moral compass that would make even shit smell like flowers.
The crown prince got the support of the Grand Duke of Grucia through his mother, the ruling queen, who also supported his accession to the throne.
Kodjis also received the support of Ranier Lantier, the Grand Duke of Bundo, and the kingdom's most powerful general, a man whose daughter he had recently married.
Not to mention a few other nobles and even some of the powerful vassals of those within his brother's faction, like Count Nidor Pagnar, a vassal of the Duke of Deternor, who supports the Prince Rahlan.
The two factions seemed engineered by someone from the shadows, a test for the nobility to see who would side with the right person.
Railius now had his answer.
"I have chosen the crown prince because Your Majesty has chosen the crown prince."
Railius said seriously, finally meeting the king's purple gold eyes for the first time since entering the garden.
Hearing the answer, the Nathian king's expression did not change; only the man's gaze turned from one of pressure to interest as the king met the young lord's gaze unflinchingly.
'What a diplomatic non-answer.'
The king ideally thought while sighing, for he had talked to many powerful nobles and ministers who supported his second son, Rahlan.
And all of them parroted the exact same words, even if their actions beat to a completely different rhythm entirely.
To his face, they say 'of course we support the crown prince' while behind closed doors, they curse and scheme against him.
'It is so funny that everyone in the capital thinks I have no idea what is going on.'
The king thought.
This, of course, could not be further from the truth.
The king knew of every plot, every move made by those in his court.
But even if he knew the old king still did nothing, watching the downfall of many a man, some of whom he knew were innocent, and did nothing.
The most he would do is give the innocent ones lighter sentences.
All for the greater good.
All so that his plan could succeed.
It was now time to see whether Railius would be an ally, a sword to slice through the darkness that constantly shrouds his realm, or a stumbling block to be removed from the murky path ahead.
"Yet despite my decision, there are those who plot to put the second prince on the throne."
"So why would my decision matter to you when the Rahlan seems to be the more powerful one?"
The king asked, his gaze turning sharp, searching almost.
"Because in this humble subject's opinion, your majesty has far more influence and power than it appears, so why would I choose a side destined to lose?"
Now the king was shocked.
No one else had ever dared to say that the second prince was destined to lose the coming power struggle.
Only two others had ever managed to detect that the power of the king far transcended what people thought.
Yet this boy, who has barely come of age and taken the reins of his noble house, dared to come to such a conclusion.
But it was his following words that made the king momentarily freeze and his eyes widen in shock.
"Or are you honestly going to tell me that you had nothing to do with the development of the two factions in the court?"
"And nothing to do with Ranier Lantier's support for the crown prince, a man who had never cared for the politics and power struggle in the royal court, suddenly marches to the capital to help Kodjis ascend to the position of crown prince."
"He is called 'The King's Sword' by the world, is he not?"
"Tell me, your majesty, have you ever heard of a weapon refusing a command from its owner?"
"It may hurt you accidentally, but it won't kill you."
"Not unless you will it too, or the weapon suddenly changes its owner."