Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 319

Chapter 319: Edrans

As Aiden and neared the estate’s grand hall, the murmur of voices and footsteps from the Loain guards echoed around them. The tension between Moon City’s noble families had been building for months, but now, with Aiden’s carefully orchestrated strikes, it was coming to a head.

Lady Lana paused before the hall doors, her voice low. “Remember, the Edrans are shrewd and perceptive. We need to tread carefully. Any sign of weakness, and they’ll sense it.”

Aiden nodded, his eyes steely. “Don’t worry. By the end of this, they’ll see nothing but strength.”

The doors swung open, and they entered the council chamber, where the Edran emissary waited, flanked by two Edran guards. The emissary, a wiry man with sharp features and a calculating gaze, rose as Aiden and Lana approached. He bowed respectfully to Lana but cast a curious glance at Aiden.

“Lady Lana, Lord Aiden,” the emissary greeted, his voice as smooth as silk. “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”

Elara inclined her head, keeping her expression neutral. “The pleasure is ours. To what do we owe this unexpected visit?”

The emissary’s lips curled in a faint smile. “We’ve heard rumors of certain… disruptions in the southern district, disruptions that seem to be affecting some of our interests. The Edran family hopes to clarify these matters and perhaps discuss a mutual arrangement that would benefit all parties.”

Aiden exchanged a glance with Lana, both well aware of the Edrans’ intent. They had come to gauge the Loains’ position and, if possible, secure an alliance that would shield them from any further disruption.

Aiden spoke, his tone calm but firm. “The southern district has indeed seen some unrest. However, we’ve taken steps to ensure the city’s safety. The Loain family is dedicated to maintaining order in Moon City, and we expect other families to respect that.”

The emissary’s eyes narrowed slightly, though he maintained his polite facade. “Of course, Lord Aiden. The Edrans, too, value peace and stability. However, we are concerned that some of our business ventures have encountered… obstacles. We trust that these measures are not aimed at our family directly?”

Aiden let a faint smile tug at his lips. “Any measures we take are solely for the welfare of Moon City. Families that abide by the city’s laws and prioritize the kingdom’s interests have nothing to fear.”

The emissary’s eyes flicked briefly to Lana, perhaps hoping for a softer approach. But Lady Lana remained impassive, her gaze steady.

“House Edran is a valued part of Moon City’s legacy,” Lana said smoothly, “and we trust that they will act in accordance with their noble responsibilities. The Loains believe that stability must come before profit. We have no desire to hinder those who contribute to that stability.”

The emissary’s face tightened almost imperceptibly at her words. “Then I will assure my family of the Loain’s continued goodwill. I only hope that any future developments will remain favorable to us all.”

With a final bow, he excused himself and left, his guards trailing behind.

Once he was gone, Aiden exhaled, his demeanor shifting from diplomacy back to quiet determination. “They’ll return with a countermeasure. Edrans are resourceful, and they’ll be on guard now.”

Lana nodded. “True. But we’ve planted a seed of doubt, and that’s often more dangerous than any direct action. Now that they’re aware of our strength, they’ll be more cautious.”

Aiden’s eyes darkened with satisfaction. “Which gives us time to solidify our position. With the Edrans on edge, they’ll have less capacity to support the Durnhams or the other families.”

Elara regarded him thoughtfully. “The next steps are critical. Do you have a strategy for dealing with the Valros family?”

Aiden nodded, his expression hardening. “The Valros family controls much of Moon City’s merchant fleet. They’re traders and opportunists, quick to shift alliances for profit. If we can destabilize their trade routes or disrupt their flow of goods, we’ll weaken their influence. Once they start losing profits, their loyalty will waver.”

Lana raised an eyebrow, impressed. “And how do you propose to interfere with their trade routes?”

Aiden smiled faintly. “I have contacts in the coastal cities. We’ll disrupt their shipments subtly—sudden delays, unexpected inspections, mysterious shortages. They won’t be able to trace it back to us, but they’ll know something’s wrong. It’ll drain their resources and force them to focus on their own business rather than meddling in Mon City’s politics.”

A gleam of approval shone in Lana’s eyes. “It seems the Valros family is about to experience some ‘unfortunate’ events.”

They spent the next several hours drafting plans, laying out precise steps for weakening each family’s influence. The Durnhams were already crippled by the loss of their secret pathways, the Edrans wary and defensive, and soon, the Valros family would feel the strain on their merchant empire.

As night fell, Aiden prepared to leave the Loain estate, his mind already focused on the next phase. Lana walked him to the door, a sense of camaraderie growing between them after their hours of intense planning.

“Tonight marks another turning point for Moon City,” Lara said, her voice filled with quiet conviction. “Together, we’ll secure its future.”

Aiden nodded, a sense of purpose in his gaze. “Moon City will be a different place soon. The other families won’t see it coming until it’s too late.”

With a final nod, he departed, slipping into the shadows of the city streets, his steps soundless and confident.

As night draped its veil over Mon City, Aiden returned to his quarters, satisfaction simmering beneath his composed demeanor. He knew that the meeting with the Edran emissary had struck the right chord. The noble families were now in a state of calculated unease, and it was only a matter of time before their walls of confidence began to crumble. Tonight, however, he had left the task of reinforcing his plans to others, allowing himself a rare evening free from the usual intricate maneuvers.

He entered his room, where a low fire flickered, casting a soft glow across the polished stone floors. As he closed the door, a familiar presence slipped out from the shadows—one of his Shadow Maids, dressed in a sleek, dark robe that flowed like silk around her form. Her eyes gleamed with a mix of loyalty and fervor as she moved closer, a hint of playfulness in her step.

Haaah! It seems even tonight he is not going to rest.