In Duke Derek Sneider's private lounge, the flickering torchlight illuminated the tense faces of those gathered. The air was thick with smoke and distrust. Count Tomas Denisse, Count Noah Armett, Count Brandi Brown, and Mateo Carruso sat in silence, all eyes fixed on Derek, whose furrowed brow betrayed his growing impatience.

  "So, Tomas," Derek said at last, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "have your plans failed?"

  Tomas leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms calmly."It was nothing more than a minor setback. The plan is still in motion. The fate of the kingdom has already been decided," he replied with confidence, though a faint trace of unease flickered in his eyes.

  "A minor setback?" Derek roared. "You tried to assassinate the prince in the middle of a hunting tournament, and you didn't send reinforcements! Do you have any idea how serious this is?"

  Brandi leaned forward, curiosity tempered by caution."Yes, Tomas. We need more men. Why wasn't a second group of assassins dispatched? This could ruin everything."

  Tomas interlaced his fingers, his expression composed yet unyielding."More men? Do you want us to be exposed? It was already a miracle that we managed to infiltrate forty Imperial warriors without raising suspicion. A second attempt would have been a disaster. The operation was pushed to its limit—one mistake, and everything would have been lost."

  "But if you had succeeded, the prince would be dead!" Mateo snapped, his frustration evident.

  "And if we send more assassins now, the Douglas family would track them down to the last village in the kingdom," Noah intervened in a low, grave tone. "Tomas is right. Discretion is the only way to stay one step ahead."

  Tomas rose slowly, his commanding presence sharply contrasting with the others' unease."Listen carefully," he said coldly. "There is no room for incompetence. If you want results, you must understand the risk involved. Discretion is worth more than immediate ambition. The Empire does not forgive mistakes—and neither do the Douglas. Anyone who dares betray the kingdom will be eliminated without mercy. One misstep, and this kingdom will burn, and no amount of wealth or artifacts will save you."

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  While the banquet in the main hall reached its peak and the young nobles prepared to enter the academy, a hidden chamber behind the royal quarters and the Douglas estate served as the setting for a private meeting between King Philip and Duke Lawrence.

  Philip regarded him with a grave expression, keenly aware of how long it had been since their last meeting. Despite his oath as king, he felt powerless to alter the rigid power structure that had existed since the kingdom's founding: the Sneider duchy controlled administration, the Bourlance family oversaw security, and the Douglas family… the Inquisition.

  Their name was feared and cursed by most, yet it concealed a simple truth—their duty was to keep the kingdom pure, free from noble corruption and from any threat that might endanger it.

  "It's been some time, Lawrence. How have you been?" Philip asked, attempting to ease the tension.

  "Well, Your Majesty. And you? How fare the affairs of the realm?" Lawrence replied, choosing his words carefully.

  "Not well," Philip admitted with a sigh. "The Empire appears to be conspiring against us. By the way, thank Lusian for saving my son's life. I intend to reward him properly."

  Lawrence nodded, surprised by the mention of Lusian, as the young man had never spoken of his involvement."I will inform him, Your Majesty. As for the Empire, I will begin investigating at once. If there are infiltrators, they are likely receiving assistance from one of the noble families."

  "Good. Identify the collaborator and eliminate them if necessary. And if you require support, inform me," Philip ordered firmly.

  "It will be done, Your Majesty," Lawrence replied. Though Philip disapproved of the Douglas family's extreme methods, there was something reassuring in their calculated coldness during times of crisis.

  Moments later, the banquet continued in the grand hall. Seated upon his throne, Philip called forth the representatives of each family to present the rewards of the hunting tournament. Congratulations, bows, and murmurs filled the chamber as the young nobles prepared to begin their lives at the Royal Academy of Magic and Martial Arts.

  The king smiled with practiced courtesy, unaware that beyond the glow of ceremony, the shadows of the kingdom remained vigilant.

  The Douglas were watching.

  Hidden from all, they ensured that corruption and betrayal would find no sanctuary.