The noble gathering lasted three more days.
Each day brought new negotiations, subtle conflicts, and silent alliances.
Arin learned quickly.
Who cooperated only for profit.
Who held grudges.
Who secretly reported to larger powers.
Politics was not fought with swords.
It was fought with smiles.
Count Helmar softened his attitude slightly after several discussions. Though still proud, he no longer looked down on Arin. Lady Yvonne, on the other hand, grew openly supportive, often backing his proposals during meetings.
By the final day, Arin had secured three minor trade agreements and a joint defense pact.
For a lord of a remote territory, it was impressive.
But not everyone was pleased.
In a shadowed corner of the hall, Baron Trevik watched Arin coldly.
His family had once controlled Blackridge's trade routes.
Now, they were losing influence.
"Upstart," he muttered.
That night, as Arin prepared to leave Silverford, Kael sent an urgent message.
Bandits had appeared near the eastern road.
Organized.
Well-equipped.
Unusual.
Arin's eyes narrowed.
"Too coincidental," he murmured.
They departed immediately.
Along the forest road, Rynor rode beside Arin.
"These aren't normal bandits," he said quietly. "I recognize military formations."
Lyra nodded. "And their mana signatures are trained."
An ambush came at dusk.
Arrows rained down.
Explosive fireballs followed.
Masked men charged from both sides.
"Protect His Highness!" Rynor roared.
Steel clashed.
Mana erupted.
Arin remained calm.
"Left flank. Three mages. Right flank. Heavy infantry."
He issued orders instantly.
Selene and Lyra moved.
Rynor and Jaren countercharged.
The battle ended quickly.
Too quickly.
Most attackers committed suicide with poison.
Only one was captured.
Under interrogation, he broke.
"Baron Trevik… hired us…"
Silence followed.
Arin closed his eyes briefly.
"So it begins."
Back in Blackridge, emergency measures were implemented.
Extra patrols.
Stricter checkpoints.
Intelligence network expansion.
Kael worked day and night organizing reports.
One evening, he approached Arin.
"My lord, we traced payments. They go through three merchant guilds."
Arin nodded. "Good work."
The system responded.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Intelligence Network Formed]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Hidden Authority +5%]
Meanwhile, in Trevik Manor, panic spread.
"Impossible! They survived?"
Trevik smashed a vase.
"We must act faster!"
A hooded figure emerged from the shadows.
"For a price, I can remove him."
Trevik hesitated.
"How much?"
"Your loyalty," the figure replied.
Far away, Arin stood on Blackridge's wall.
Enemies were no longer hidden.
They were revealing themselves.
And this time…
He would not wait.