Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 318

Chapter 318: Lana

Later that morning, Aiden returned to the Loain estate, greeted by the sight of its grand entrance, flanked by intricate stone columns adorned with the family crest. The crisp morning air carried a sense of purpose as he crossed the courtyard, his mind already strategizing the next steps in his plan.

Lady Lana awaited him in the study, dressed in a refined yet simple gown that reflected her position as the head of the Loain family’s inner workings. She looked up from a pile of documents as he entered, giving him a brief nod.

“You were successful?” she asked, her tone carrying a faint edge of curiosity.

Aiden nodded, settling into the chair across from her. “The Durnham tunnels have been mostly neutralized. They’ll find only a few paths left open, and those are strategically useless. They’re effectively isolated from the city’s underground network.”

A flicker of satisfaction crossed her face. “Good. With the Durnhams’ influence cut off, it’s only a matter of time before their power begins to wane.”

“It’s a start, but we’ll need to be vigilant,” Aiden replied, folding his hands. “They’ll likely retaliate in some way, or attempt to reach out to their contacts. We’ll need eyes on the streets, especially near the city’s south district.”

Lana leaned forward, resting her chin on her clasped hands. “The Loain family guards can be redeployed to the southern gates and watch the perimeter. Any suspicious activity won’t go unnoticed.”

Aiden inclined his head in agreement. “I’ll have a few of my own contacts blend in among the regulars. We’ll have both covert and overt surveillance, which should keep them on edge.”

Just as they were discussing these arrangements, the heavy oak doors of the study opened, and Lord Edrik entered with a purposeful stride. He looked between Aiden and Lana, his eyes narrowing with interest.

“Have the preparations gone well?” he inquired, settling his imposing figure into a nearby armchair.

Elara turned to her father with a calm nod. “Aiden’s cut off the Durnhams from their underground paths. They’ll soon realize the ground is shifting under their feet.”

A pleased smile spread across Edrik’s face. “Excellent. This city needs stability, and I trust that with you two working together, the Loain family will provide that stability.” His eyes met Aiden’s with a glint of respect. “Though I must say, your methods are… effective.”

Aiden returned the look, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. “Effective methods yield effective results, Lord Edrik. And when the other families fall in line, Moon City will finally be at peace.”

They spent the next hour refining their plans. Edrik proposed subtle ways to further undermine the Durnhams—small policy changes, tariffs on their businesses, and increased scrutiny from city officials loyal to the Loains. Every suggestion was intended to drain the Durnhams’ resources, limiting their ability to mount any meaningful counteraction.

Aiden, meanwhile, proposed a more insidious approach for dealing with the Edran family. “The Edrans are deeply intertwined with the trade guilds,” he began. “If we can sow discord among the guild leaders, perhaps spread rumors of financial instability, it’ll undermine the Edrans’ credibility. The merchants will lose faith in their ability to secure trade routes, and the city’s commerce will begin to waver.”

Lana tapped her chin thoughtfully. “If they sense instability, the Edrans will scramble to protect their interests. It’s a brilliant way to divide their focus—make them struggle to maintain control over the guilds while also fighting for their reputation.”

Edrik looked between the two with approval. “It seems you’re both well-prepared. I’ll see to it that our officials in the trade district circulate these rumors in the coming days.”

Just then, a quiet knock on the study door interrupted them. A servant entered, bowing respectfully before addressing Lord Edrik.

“My lord, the Edran family has sent a messenger requesting an audience with you. They said it pertains to certain… disturbances in the southern district.”

Aiden and lana exchanged glances. The Edrans had likely already caught wind of the Durnhams’ sudden difficulties, and they were undoubtedly beginning to sense the shifting power dynamics.

Lord Edrik gave a curt nod. “Very well. Inform them that I’ll receive them in the council room shortly.”

Once the servant departed, Edrik looked back at Aiden and Lana. “This is our chance to see how the Edrans respond. They’re coming to us, which means they’re already feeling the pressure.”

Aiden’s mind was already racing through possible outcomes. “If they’re coming to you, they’re likely seeking an alliance, or at least information. If we can plant the right seeds, it might draw them into the open.”

Lana’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint. “Father, we should proceed with caution but also show them that the Loains have been keeping the peace. Perhaps mention the rising threats we’re handling in the city’s southern sector.”

Edrik chuckled, clearly pleased with her insight. “We’ll give them just enough to make them wonder. Let them stew in uncertainty.”

With their strategies set, Aiden and Lana left the study to allow Lord Edrik to handle the meeting with the Edran messenger. Aiden’s thoughts turned to the next steps; he knew that while the Durnhams were weakened, the Edrans wouldn’t be easy to break. They had resources, and if they sensed a threat, they could be unpredictable.

As they walked through the estate’s stone corridors, Lana broke the silence. “You’ve set a chain of events in motion that will reshape this city. Do you ever tire of it?”

Aiden glanced at her, a faint smile on his face. “Tiring, perhaps, but necessary. This city won’t survive if it’s divided. And with each family fighting for their own gain, the only way forward is to break the cycle.”

Her gaze softened, a rare glimpse of admiration showing through her composed demeanor. “It’s rare to meet someone so dedicated to a cause beyond themselves. Most people would take the power and be satisfied.”

He shrugged, a dark glint in his eyes. “Power alone isn’t satisfying. Purpose is. When I leave Moon City, I want to know it’s stronger than it was when I arrived. And if that means tearing down a few families to rebuild it… so be it.”

They continued walking, the weight of their unspoken alliance settling between them. Both understood that this was a game of patience, calculation, and control. Moon City’s future hung on their success, and as they prepared to confront the Edrans, Aiden felt a deep resolve settle within him.

This was only the beginning of his vision.