After the recent victory, respect for Rin had grown like wildfire. News spread quickly that he had saved a lot of hostages,defeated strong enemies, crushed Kaelion's ambush, and even defeated a general-level enemy. Fear and admiration bloomed in the hearts of many.But respect for Rin… was still directed to another name.
Varros.
The nobles gathered again today in Rin's chamber. Lavish robes, stiff postures, and overly polite words,nobles never changed. Yet, every time Rin spoke, their eyes drifted to the older man beside him. Every decision Rin proposed, they glanced toward Varros for silent approval. Every sentence he finished was followed by Varros' nod.
Rin sat, smiling politely. Inside, he was seething.
"These lands are ripe for reform," Rin said evenly, looking at a row of middle-ranked noblemen. "But we cannot move forward while Kaelion's spies live among us."
"Well said, Your Highness," one noble chimed.
Another quickly added, "Lord Varros, what's your take on this?"
Varros gave a slow nod. "His Highness is correct. We should begin the purging process carefully. We'll provide lists within the week."
The nobles all murmured in approval.
Rin's smile didn't twitch, but his thoughts were sharp and venomous.
They look at him more than me. He speaks, they listen. I command, they ask his permission. If this continues, they will never be mine. They'll only ever be borrowed.
He was still too reliant on Varros. A man who wore a loyal mask, but whose every move screamed ambition. Rin's instinct whispered that Varros would betray him the moment he believed he didn't need him anymore.
He couldn't let that happen.
Then, the door creaked open.
A young woman stepped inside with hesitant steps and soft brown hair tied in a ribbon. She was lovely,not in the extravagant noble way, but in a quiet, dignified sense.
"Father," she said timidly, "May I speak with you alone?"
Varros' face immediately darkened. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of something with His Highness?!"
She shrank under his voice. "I… I apologize..m"
Rin raised his hand. "It's alright, Lord Varros," he said with a disarming smile. "Your child is more important. I'll wait."
Varros looked surprised. "You're too generous, Your Highness."
Rin nodded and turned his gaze to the girl, observing her like a scholar might inspect a rare flower. Smart eyes. Measured voice. Beautiful, too. Then he looked at her trembling hands. Afraid. She's innocent.
His eyes narrowed slightly. Pity. I don't have room for innocence.
As they stepped out of the room, Rin's smile faded.
His mind raced. The nobles still follow Varros. Not me. Even now, I rely on the goodwill of a man whose ambitions reek from every word. I need to move,quickly,before the nobles begin to think they owe everything to him. I can't afford mercy.
A few minutes later, Varros returned, looking mildly amused.
"Forgive her, Your Highness. The girl's obsessed with marrying me off. Can you believe that? Even thinking of preparing a list of possible wives!"
He laughed, shaking his head.
Rin's smile returned,gentle, composed. But behind it, something had clicked.
So she's trying to protect you from being alone. Loyal. Good-hearted. You don't deserve her, Varros. And she… deserves better than what's coming.
He looked down at his teacup.
By the end of next year, your bloodline will be dust.
That night, Rin began drawing the first threads of his next plan. The girl had entered like a breeze,unnoticed, light. But to Rin, she had been a sign. A tool. A liability.
And perhaps… a knife for Varros to feel,when it was too late.