An official invitation arrived one morning.
It bore the seal of the Royal Council.
Kelsin read it carefully before handing it to Arin.
"A regional noble gathering," he said. "All territory holders in the western provinces are summoned."
Arin skimmed through the letter.
Purpose: economic coordination, border security, and internal stability.
He smiled faintly.
"A political battlefield."
Selene nodded. "They want to measure you."
Rynor frowned. "And maybe intimidate you."
"Both," Arin replied calmly.
Two days later, Arin departed with a small escort.
Rynor led security.
Lyra handled magical defense.
Selene and Kelsin accompanied him.
Kael stayed behind to assist Bren.
The gathering was held in Silverford City, a prosperous trade hub.
High walls.
Wide streets.
Lavish estates.
Compared to Blackridge, it felt like another world.
Inside the council hall, dozens of nobles had already gathered.
Counts. Barons. Viscounts.
Each with their own entourages.
Whispers spread as Arin entered.
"That's him…"
"The Sixth Prince…"
"The one who beat Ravenholt…"
A tall man stepped forward.
Count Helmar of Westfield.
Known as a Master-level warrior.
He smiled thinly.
"So you're Arin Eldoria."
Arin nodded politely.
"An honor."
Helmar's eyes were sharp.
"Your rise is… impressive. But rapid growth often leads to collapse."
A warning.
And a threat.
Before Arin could reply, a soft voice intervened.
"Is that so, Count Helmar?"
A woman in blue robes approached.
Lady Yvonne, an Arcane Expert mage and ruler of Riverfall.
"I find stability more impressive than speed."
Helmar snorted.
"Magic users always favor idealism."
Yvonne smiled.
"And warriors favor brute force."
Tension filled the hall.
Arin stepped in smoothly.
"Gentlemen, Lady Yvonne, we're here to cooperate."
His calm tone defused the moment.
Several nobles glanced at him with new interest.
The meeting began soon after.
Topics were raised.
Trade tariffs.
Monster suppression.
Road maintenance.
Defense funding.
Many nobles tried to dominate the conversation.
Arin spoke only when necessary.
When he did, his suggestions were practical and precise.
Cost-effective patrol routes.
Shared supply depots.
Joint training camps.
Even experienced lords nodded in approval.
By evening, opinions had shifted.
"He's competent."
"Not just lucky."
"Dangerous, actually."
During dinner, Helmar approached again.
"You're smarter than I expected," he admitted reluctantly.
"But intelligence alone won't protect you."
Arin smiled lightly.
"Neither will arrogance."
Helmar froze.
Then laughed loudly.
"Interesting."
Meanwhile, Lady Yvonne spoke quietly to Selene.
"He has kingly temperament."
Selene replied softly, "He's still learning."
Late at night, Arin stood on the balcony of his guest room.
Silverford glittered below.
Kelsin joined him.
"You gained allies today," he said.
"And enemies," Arin added.
Kelsin smiled. "That's politics."
The system activated faintly.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Political Reputation Increased]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Regional Recognition +10%]
Arin looked at the stars.
"Step by step," he whispered.
"Toward something bigger."