Adam pitched his "better idea," one that would take more time but ensure a surer path to victory. "To truly unite the nobles and people," Adam explained, "you need an undeniable scapegoat. Not an assassination, but a public act by a well-known figure."
He proposed a grand deception: "Instead of assassinating your brother, you should align with the nobles of the kingdom you plan to conquer. Make them switch sides, creating internal turmoil. Then, orchestrate an ambush where their nobles kill their king. They'll claim it was a direct order from their monarch, which will be distasteful to their populace who don't want war. It will be seen as an act of aggression by their king, leading their own nobles to defect to your side, seeking peace."
"By carefully orchestrating this," Adam continued, "a civil war will erupt in their kingdom, allowing you to dethrone their king with popular support. You'll have an obvious scapegoat to launch a full-scale war and conquer their lands. You, Arthur, will be known as the king who protected both kingdoms by aiding their nobles and dethroning a warmongering ruler."
Arthur was flabbergasted, showering Adam with compliments on his intellect and knowledge. "I'd be proud to have you by my side," he declared.
Adam coughed. "Lyra, however, is vital to this plan. With our combined connection and her capabilities, we can easily execute this by your orders. You won't even need to lift a finger. Give us some time, and watch your kingdom become the greatest in the human lands."
Blinded by greed and ambition, Arthur readily agreed to Adam's plan. He granted Adam and Lyra full authority to proceed with haste. Adam shook King Arthur's hand, a shared, insidious laugh echoing between them. Arthur handed Adam a bag of gold coins and a sealed royal decree, stating that no one in his kingdom could refuse Adam's requests. "Use it to your full extent," Arthur urged, "and ensure the plan is executed perfectly."
A Rejected Heart
"Quite a performance you put on," Lyra commented through their neural link as Adam, Lyra, and Leon took their leave.
Adam sighed. "We've bought ourselves some time to settle this dire situation before it spirals out of control." He felt a heavy pang, realizing this elaborate scheme would delay his reunion with Emily. Until the conflict was resolved, Emily's life would remain at risk under Nalthis's volatile King.
As they passed Emily, Adam tried to strike up a conversation. But she quickly cut him off, stating she had duties to attend to as she and other knights carried injured adventurers away. Adam felt an electric jolt of rejection, kneeling in defeat. As Emily walked away, she glanced back at him before continuing her task.
"The real King's location is a minute away," Lyra informed him.
Adam, still reeling from the rejection, told Lyra he needed a moment to rest. He wasn't in the right frame of mind. Lyra chuckled at his sudden mood swing. Leon, with surprising gentleness, picked Adam up like a child and carried him towards a nearby restaurant. Lyra, displaying her noble crest, secured them a VIP seat.
The owner, delighted to welcome a noble from outside the kingdom, greeted them warmly. Adam, still sulking, laid his head on the table. "Bring every dish you have," Lyra instructed the owner, "since the cuisine here is different from Damarsh."
Adam is clearly affected by Emily's lack of recognition and her quick dismissal.