The Court fell silent. A messenger had just arrived in the royal court and mocked the Lord- that too in front of all the Courtiers. This audacity was too much for the proud nobles of Veridia to withstand. After all, the messenger didn't just insult Lorian; he insulted every person in that room. Everyone was on edge. The Throne Guards tightened their grip on their spears and took a half-step forward. It seemed they were waiting for a single word from Lorian to cut the messenger down.
Lorian also read the vibe of the room, and it was more intense than he had expected or desired. It appeared that after the purge and the death of Lord Elmsworth, the whole state's mentality had changed. People were getting more restless, aggressive, and on edge. However, Lorian knew well that charging or arresting a diplomatic messenger would be a massive breach of international law. Even if Lorian arrested him, he would only prove the messenger's point- that Veridia is lawless and doesn't respect 'civilized' codes.
Lorian realized the need to stay on the moral high ground. He should let the court's anger simmer, but he must be the one to keep the peace. And doing so would make him look more in control.
However, a younger, hot-headed lord, who was recently elevated to nobility after the purge, shouted, "You dare speak of weakness while standing on our land? You are a kidnapper with a shiny coat of paint!" The rest of the court, seething with visible and audible anger, joined him with cries of "Mind your tongue, Valorian!", "You stand in the Lord's bedchamber, not a stable!" and so on. Even the old and experienced Gravil Fartom, who was usually calm and composed, joined the fray, reminding the messenger that "Justice" doesn't usually involve crossing borders in the middle of the night to kidnap women.
Lorian realized things were taking a wrong turn and a great diplomatic blunder might happen soon if they were not checked right now. He raised his hand and the cacophony died down, everyone eager to listen to what the Lord had to say. Lorian let out a short, dry laugh that sounded more like a cough. His eyes were cold, locked onto the messenger. He didn't look offended; rather, he looked entertained. It was a visible look of superiority.
And then he began, "You speak of chivalry and codes, Sir Knight, yet you've traveled all this way just to mock a man's health in his own bedroom. In Veridia, we don't call that 'justice' or 'chivalry.' We call it cowardice- a clear sign of a lack of culture. It seems Valorian courage is only as thick as the plate armor you hide behind."
The room went silent as Lorian leaned back slightly against his pillows, a cruel smile of mockery playing on his lips. "But do tell your Council this: the Thorne family does not need to be standing on its feet to see a trap- or to spring one. We accept your charming invitation. We will for sure send a representative. Not because we believe a single word of your 'rot,' but because I want to see exactly how your High Tribunal handles the weight of the truth. It would be a tragedy if your 'Scales of Justice' snapped under the pressure of your own lies."
Lorian's smile widened. "Go back to your masters. Tell them I am mending quickly. And tell them that when a Thorne finally decides to stand up, it is usually so he can look down at someone else's grave. You are dismissed."
A wave of cold chill swept across the hall. Seeing Lorian so calm and threatening while 'broken' made him look even more terrifying than if he were standing. It was a testament that his power came from his mind and his name, not just his sword arm.
The messenger, however, wasn't just a delivery boy, but a low-ranking Justicar of the Golden Order of Knights who ruled the City-State. He was the voice of the Council. If he simply ran away after Lorian's comment, he would bring shame to the whole Order, and his masters in Valoria would punish him. He refused to let a 'weak' boy, who had just become lord of a money-minded, honorless bunch, have the last word.
"Your tongue is as sharp as they say, Lord Lorian," he replied. "But sharp words do not heal bone, nor do they hide the truth. I have not mocked your health; I simply observed. A leader who cannot stand may find it difficult to hold a city together when the winds change."
He adjusted his heavy cloak. "We shall expect your representative in Valoria. But let me warn you as a token of goodwill: our Tribunal is a place of light. And the light has a way of burning those who have grown too comfortable in the shadows. We do not set 'traps' like cowards; we claim what is rightfully ours."
He gave a final, shallow nod—not out of respect, but as a gesture of departure. "Take rest, Your Highness. We shall see if your representative is as bold as their master's words. Until the trial."
He turned on his heel and marched out. He didn't look back, leaving the court in a stunned, angry silence.
"Forgive me, Highness, for my insolence," spoke a noble, bending his knee in front of Lorian, "but a mere messenger dared to arrive in our home, threatened us, and left like it is nothing!"
Lorian smiled and asked coldly, "Then what should we have done? Imprison him? Break his limbs? Or just kill him?"
"My Lord," said another, "our honored guests were kidnapped from our border. The same thing can happen again, even with a mere messenger, can't it?"
"And what would that achieve?" Lorian's voice was cold as ice. Even though the smile remained on his face, it looked creepy now. Everyone looked at each other, trying to understand what the Lord was implying.
Lorian resumed, "That man came here as the representative of the Valorian Pretenders. The same group who insulted our sovereignty and now again insulted us. If we need to teach a lesson, we need to teach the main body, not the nameless appendages like this no-name messenger!"
"My Lord, if I may?" A young boy approached. Although he was donning noble attire, his young age made him look oddly out of place in this hall. He was around twelve to fourteen at most. Some in the crowd laughed and compassionately advised him to step back, saying it was a discussion for adults.
Lorian looked at the boy closely. Although he was visibly overwhelmed by the elders surrounding him, there was a strange determination in his eyes that kept his head straight. Lorian felt intrigued. He raised his hand to silence the murmurs and signaled the boy to continue.
The boy nodded, bit his lip, and continued, "I have always known Valoria as the biggest trading partner and ally of Veridia. Veridia has helped Valoria with food and supplies, and Valoria, in turn, has always been the unofficial military arm of Veridia."
Someone from behind taunted, "The kid has done his homework!" followed by a wave of suppressed laughter. It was quickly silenced by a heavy thud as Commander Lucien Lehance hit the floor with the pommel of his greatsword.
The boy felt the support of the Lord, and it boosted his confidence. "I do not understand why they are trying to offend their long-term ally. If the Paladin Order really seeks to control Valoria after this coup, they would need Veridia's support to recover. They should be more cordial. But they are trying to instigate us, as if they want us to take a step against them! As if... as if..."
"...As if they want us to attack them?" Lorian chuckled, helping the boy complete his sentence.
"Yes, my Lord!" the boy nodded gleefully.
Lorian looked at Lady Anya Vesper. The intelligent lady understood Lorian's signal and whispered the boy's identity. He was Leofrick "Leo" Vane-Ashbourne, the new Lord of Cinder Coast. Before the Purge, they were a minor branch under the main House Ashbourne—the then Lords of Cinder Coast and prominent rebels. It was from that port that the Bistro family ran their slave trade.
During the Purge, when the Throne Guards arrived, the Count tried to use Leo's family as a human shield. While the rebel Count was ready to let Leo and his mother die, Commander Lucien Lehance, who was leading the operation, realized Leo's father, Fredrick, was actually helping the Thornes. Fredrick was killed by the Ashbournes for his loyalty. Leo's mother died in the crossfire, but Lucien saved the boy. On his recommendation, Leo was not charged with treason; instead, he was made the new Lord of Cinder Coast, inheriting the land and titles of the traitors who had tried to kill him.
Lorian felt intrigued. He gave a genuine smile to the boy and beckoned him closer. Leo's eyes sparkled with joy as he approached the bed and took a knee. Lorian spoke in a pleased voice, "With age comes experience, but wisdom... wisdom does not always depend on age. You have proven that today by asking the right question. You have impressed me!"
Lorian turned his gaze toward the court. "Everyone! The Count of Cinder Coast has raised a valid question. So, can anyone answer it?"
Everyone looked at each other. They realized the boy had identified a trap set by the Valorians. They felt ashamed that they had missed it, but they still could not find the answer the Lord demanded.
Baron Torin Sienna, a staunch Throne loyalist, approached Lorian, "The Young Count is indeed wise beyond his years. When all of us had nearly fallen into their trap, Count Leofrick Vane-Ashbourne kept his cool and saved us. I, on behalf of the entire General Assembly, convey our heartfelt gratitude and compliment him. You did not let the Assembly fall low in the eyes of our esteemed Lord!"
Leo was overwhelmed by the compliment. He smiled like a child of his age, bowing his head in a mix of respect and happy recognition.
Torin then resumed, "When the young Count was raising these valid points, it all became clear to me. With Lord Throne's permission, I would love to share my own speculation."
Lorian waved his hand in permission. Baron Torin continued, "The Valorian conspirators have captured the ruling family and their most prominent supporters. But it is not easy to convince the entire populace of Valoria to ditch a family that has ruled them for generations just to embrace a Council of Paladins; or some stooge they might install on the throne. Without a common enemy, the Stormhold family and their loyalists would be remembered as martyrs.
But if they are successful in enraging Veridia,- if they can start a war,- then they could frame the Stormhold family as nothing more than puppets of Veridia. After all, a war with a foreign nation is always the best and quickest way to unite a people, regardless of their differences in ideology. We would be the cement that solidifies their claim to power over Valoria!"
Lorian suddenly broke into a fit of laughter. The sound echoed through the corridors, leaving everyone puzzled. Very few realized it was an outburst of Lorian's pure satisfaction at acquiring two intelligent minds. To Lorian, human resources were the most important asset of any organization. Any leader would love to have talents who could think so clearly instead of just following orders blindly. He briefly considered giving them a raise or a bonus, but he quickly thought of a far more interesting reward.
"You two are indeed very wise, and Veridia is proud to have you in its employ," Lorian said, his eyes gleaming, "However, I am now tempted to test you both further. I have an offer for you;- the two of you will represent Veridia in the upcoming trial in Valoria. It would be fun, wouldn't it?"
Lorian grinned, and the room felt a sudden shift in the air.