Chapter 1442: Contributions

With Maximillian’s ascension to the Mana Core Rank, the Ignisra Kingdom’s position within the Union changed overnight.

A Mana Core-level ruler was no longer a negotiable entity. It was a constant. From this point on, Ignisra could not be casually pressured, sidelined, or used as a proxy by larger factions.

Any policy affecting the kingdom would now require careful consideration, because retaliation was no longer theatrical.

Politically, Ignisra had gained leverage. Its voice in the Union’s council would carry greater weight, its objections harder to ignore. Other smaller factions that once dismissed it as a peripheral power would begin seeking alliances, while rival states would begin reassessing their strategies.

Even the Union itself would have to tread more carefully, aware that overreach could provoke consequences it could not easily contain.

Internally, this shift also altered the balance of influence. The throne was no longer dependent on external guardians for protection, reducing the Union’s indirect control over Ignisra’s security.

The kingdom had crossed an invisible threshold. From a protected state, it had become a self-sustaining power.

In short, Maximillian Fireborne’s breakthrough did not just elevate the man. It reshaped the political landscape.

"Let us begin," the red-haired prince spoke in a solemn voice.

Currently, only three high nobles were gathered in the council room: Prince Marlow, Duke Quinn, and Duke Bray. Other than that, there were also several administrative scribes.

Seeing the Prince sit at the head of the table, Duke Bray couldn’t help but ask, "Forgive me, My Prince, but... where is His Majesty?"

Marlow’s expression remained calm as he met the gazes of the assembled dukes.

"His Majesty is currently engaged in matters that require his full attention," he replied in an even voice. "For the time being, I will be overseeing affairs in his stead."

The Dukes, though accepting of this arrangement, couldn’t help but voice their concerns. After all, this was unprecedented. The King had never once been absent from a council meeting.

Marlow raised a hand, interrupting them.

"For reasons of security, His Majesty’s whereabouts and activities will remain confidential," he continued. "You need not concern yourselves. His authority remains absolute, and his directives will be carried out without delay."

What Marlow did not say — well, what he

could not

say — was that the King’s advancement had to remain a secret.

Revealing it now would draw too much attention, invite scrutiny from the Union, and disrupt the delicate balance that Maximillian had just secured. But most importantly, it would alert the enemies hiding within the city walls.

Until the time was right, Marlow would take the reins.

The council meeting continued, turning back to matters of trade, security, and governance. Reports were delivered, proposals were debated, and directives were issued as they always were.

Yet the mood was... different.

The Dukes listened attentively to Marlow’s instructions and carried them out without dissent. Yet beneath their outward compliance lingered a sense of unease. Still, no one challenged the Prince’s authority.

When the council meeting neared its end, Marlow spoke again, his tone casual, "By the way, what of that clown, Nilrem? Is he still in the capital?"

Duke Quinn’s lips twitched. He couldn’t help but wonder why the Prince seemed so hostile towards the man. In truth, Nilrem was an easy-going fellow and a wonderful company.

"Yes, Your Highness," Tostig Quinn respectfully answered. He let out a light chuckle and continued, "He says his research is complete. It shouldn’t be long before he finishes his book."

"So I take it he’ll be leaving once that’s done?" Marlow asked, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

"I would assume so, My Prince." Duke Quinn nodded.

"Good riddance." Marlow scoffed as he rose to his feet. "Council dismissed."

The Dukes got to their feet, and everyone in the chamber bowed in unison.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

***

Count Burne Ward sat alone in his private study, fondly gazing at the pile of gold coins spread across his desk.

He rolled a coin between his fingers and couldn’t help but chuckle in satisfaction.

Knock! Knock!

The Count froze.

He quickly put away the pile of coins. He adjusted in his seat and straightened out his expression. Then he pretended to read his bookkeeping ledgers and diligently scribbled something down.

"Enter," he said in an even voice.

A scribe from the council stepped inside and bowed respectfully. "My Lord."

"Speak," Burne murmured without looking up.

"The council meeting has concluded," the scribe reported. "His Majesty was absent. The Prince presided in his stead."

Burne Ward’s eyes gleamed sharply. He put away the quill and finally looked at the scribe — his spy within the council meetings.

"Oh?" The Count feigned surprise. "And what explanation was given?"

"None beyond ’matters of state’, my lord," the scribe respectfully replied. "The Dukes were uneasy, but they obeyed nonetheless. The Prince dismissed the council shortly after."

"Interesting." Burne nodded. "Anything else?"

The scribe hesitated. "The Prince asked about Magus Nilrem. He, uh... did not speak favorably of him."

Bastard!

Adam cursed inwardly.

On the surface, though, he sneered. "Heh, I’ve not met a single man who speaks favorably of that clown."

He then looked the scribe in the eye and nodded. "You’ve done well. Now, leave."

"Yes, my lord." The scribe bowed again.

Once the door closed, Burne Ward leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a wicked smirk.

The final act of the play is about to begin,

Adam thought to himself with anticipation.

I’m really looking forward to it!

***

"My Lord, the Prince has made his move."

Count Ward bowed respectfully as he stood before Osbert and Leila. They were gathered in a private chamber within the two-story opulent manor.

Leila’s eyes gleamed. Meanwhile, Osbert carefully assessed the situation and coldly said, "Elaborate."

Burne Ward then went on to explain what the scibe had reported to him earlier that day. By the time he had finished speaking, Leila’s melodious giggles could be heard echoing in the chamber.

"Oh, that foolish prince!" She exclaimed, her blue eyes flashing with cruelty. "To think that he would begin moving so soon."

Burne Ward bowed even lower, his voice filled with awe.

"Praise be to you, Lady Leila," he said humbly. "None of this would have been possible without your mastery over enchantment magic!"

Leila glanced at the Count with a haughty gaze. She suddenly found the man a little pleasing to the eye.

Osbert thought for a moment, then coldly stated, "Bring that scribe to me. I will examine his memories myself. Once I’ve corroborated the facts, we can make our move."

"Of course, my lord!" Burne Ward readily agreed.

He hesitated for a moment, then said in a soft voice, "My Lord, this... uhm, those arcane resources you mentioned... What I mean to say is, please don’t forget my contributions."

Osbert cast him an indifferent glance before giving him a light nod.

"Thank you, my lord!" Burne bowed deeply.

"Now leave us," Leila commanded.

"By your will, my lady!"

Count Burne Ward turned around and happily exited the chamber.

Once the doors closed, Leila couldn’t help but sneer in disdain. She turned to the necromancer and said, "When this is over, I’m going to strangle him to death."

Osbert leaned back in his seat and let out a soft sigh. "Do with him as you wish."

While the pair believed that the Count’s days were numbered, little did they know, theirs were too...