Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 321

Chapter 321: Meeting II

Aiden smirked, noting the subtle power Edik wielded. Watching from the shadows, he could sense that Edik’s words carried more weight than simple caution; he was subtly calling each head to prove their loyalty.

Lady Durnham, unable to stay silent, crossed her arms. “Perhaps we should search each district, prioritize inspections, and assign joint patrols. This will allow us to monitor for any suspicious movement.”

“An efficient plan,” Lord Valros agreed. “Yet, if I may suggest, perhaps each head should oversee another family’s district. It would keep the process unbiased.”

Edik nodded thoughtfully, a faint glint of approval in his eyes. “Precisely what I had in mind, Valros.”

Master Edran narrowed his eyes, clearly displeased. “And if one of us should uncover something in another district, would it not imply a lack of trust? Each family should be capable of policing their own.”

Lady Durnham’s gaze shifted to Edran. “You sound defensive, Edran. Do you have something to hide?”

Edran scowled. “I am merely suggesting caution. If we question each other’s loyalty, we weaken our unity.”

Edik raised a hand, silencing the brewing argument. “Enough. Our goal is to preserve the city. Let us each agree to submit reports at our next meeting and hold each other accountable.”

Watching from his vantage point, Aiden felt a spark of satisfaction. The plan was already unfolding as he’d hoped; with Edik and the heads mistrusting each other, they’d keep each other in check without realizing they were playing into his strategy.

Lana noticed his expression and arched a brow. “You seem pleased.”

Aiden gave her a faint smile. “Your father is indeed as wise as you claimed, Lana. His influence will hold this city together just long enough for me to tip the scales in our favor.”

Edik’s commanding voice echoed through the chamber as he began to assign specific roles to each family.

“Lady Durnham,” he addressed, “your family will take charge of bolstering internal security, particularly the old passageways. Seal any unused routes and increase patrols at every entry point into the city. We can’t afford any gaps in our defenses.”

Lady Durnham gave a curt nod, her expression unchanging but a glint of approval in her eyes. “Understood, Lord Loain. Consider it done. I’ll double our efforts.”

Turning next to Lord Valros, Edik continued, “Your family’s expertise in strategy and trade puts you in the perfect position to manage our supply lines and detect any unusual shipments entering the city. Use your network to identify anything or anyone suspicious, especially in the merchant districts.”

Lord Valros leaned back, a faint smile appearing. “It’s time we see who dares exploit our city’s resources. We’ll keep a close eye on every shipment.”

Finally, Edik focused on Master Edran. “Edran, I’ll be blunt. Your family’s influence over the common folk is unparalleled. You know the city’s pulse. I want you to gather information from the lower ranks, listen for whispers, rumors, anything that might suggest a larger threat at play. Your discretion and insight are essential.”

Master Edran’s jaw tightened as he gave a reluctant nod, clearly uneasy about the task yet unwilling to decline. “I’ll see what I can uncover. But if anything seems too… directed, we may find ourselves questioning more than just outsiders.”

Edik’s gaze was steely. “Indeed. I trust that you’ll put the city’s welfare above all else.”

Aiden observed the subtle exchange of glances, sensing the unspoken rivalries and suspicions simmering beneath the surface. The tension was precisely what he’d anticipated. By pitting each family against one another in their separate duties, he knew they’d inevitably uncover—or manufacture—grievances. And in that discord, he’d find the leverage he needed.

As the meeting concluded, the heads each retreated with their respective guards, lost in their thoughts and newfound suspicions.

Lana approached Aiden with a curious look. “So, what’s next for you, Aiden? Are you planning to reveal yourself to them, or do you intend to remain the shadow behind the scenes?”

Aiden’s eyes gleamed. “For now, a shadow serves me well. Your father has already begun laying the foundation of what I need.”

Lana gave him a contemplative look, her loyalty unwavering. “Father will support you once he knows the full extent of your plan, but he’ll expect the truth sooner rather than later. He won’t tolerate deception forever, not even from me.”

Aiden’s expression softened as he looked at her. “Trust me, Lana. When the time is right, I’ll reveal everything. For now, let’s continue to guide the pieces into place. Your family’s loyalty will be rewarded.”

Lana’s expression softened, though her gaze was still tinged with a hint of worry. She gave him a faint smile before stepping back, leaving Aiden to his thoughts.

As the city lights dimmed into the night, Aiden returned to his chambers, his mind racing with plans. He took a seat near the window, overlooking Moon City’s quiet streets. The outline of the districts and houses stretched below him like pieces on a chessboard, each district a potential stronghold—or weakness—depending on how he chose to use them.

Tomorrow, Lady Durnham would begin her inspections, doubtlessly turning her attention to every secret pathway, looking for any signs of betrayal. Lord Valros would sharpen his eyes on the city’s trade routes, catching those who profited from the city’s turmoil. And Edran would uncover rumors, stirring the common folk’s fears.

With each family pulling in their own direction, the delicate balance that held the city together would start to unravel. And at the center of it all, Aiden’s presence would remain a shadow, bending the city to his will from within.

He leaned back, satisfied, as a faint knock at the door drew his attention. A shadowy figure slipped in, one of his own trusted agents, bowing slightly. “Master, everything is proceeding as you instructed. The families are watching each other closely. Soon, they’ll turn to you for answers.”

Aiden nodded, his voice low. “Excellent. Keep monitoring them. I want to know every alliance, every crack in their trust. The time will come when we’ll need to strike.”

The agent nodded and slipped back into the shadows, leaving Aiden alone. Smiling to himself, he gazed out at Moon City once more, a silent promise lingering in his mind.

Moon City would soon be his, and none of its protectors would see the fall coming until it was far too late.

***

As the dawn began to break over Moon City, Aiden prepared for the day, dressing in the attire befitting an influential visitor of the Loain family. Today was pivotal—the family heads would start their assigned tasks, each looking for signs of betrayal, each driven by both duty and suspicion. Aiden knew their tension would heighten soon, feeding his plans even further.

Just after breakfast, a messenger arrived with a message from Edik Loain, requesting Aiden’s presence in the central courtyard of the Loain estate. Stepping out into the open air, Aiden found Edik deep in discussion with his advisors. Edik greeted him with a nod, his voice steady as he gestured for Aiden to join.

“Aiden, I’m sure you noticed the exchanges at yesterday’s meeting,” Edik began, his voice low and measured. “The other families may be useful in their roles, but I don’t trust them. Their interests are too self-serving.”

Aiden maintained an attentive expression, nodding. “You’re right to be wary, Lord Loain. Lady Durnham, for example, has eyes everywhere in the city, not just within her family’s domain. She’ll be alert to any unusual movements.”

Edik grunted in agreement. “That’s why we’ll need to play our cards carefully. The other heads may be watching the city, but it’s our family that’s protecting it. Moon City belongs to us, and we’ll safeguard it however we need to.”

Aiden glanced around the courtyard and noticed Lana approaching. She carried a scroll, her expression serious.

“Father,” she said, handing the scroll to Edik. “The latest intelligence from our patrols around the city. There’s a noticeable increase in movement around certain quarters, particularly near the merchant routes under Lord Valros’s jurisdiction. Rumors suggest they’re setting up secret trade agreements with outsiders.”

Edik’s expression darkened as he read through the scroll. “Valros… he’s always had one foot in foreign markets. I had hoped he would exercise restraint, given the threat we’re facing.”

Aiden observed, “Lord Valros has long used his family’s influence in trade to consolidate power. It’s possible he sees this as an opportunity to expand his control.”

Edik nodded slowly, clearly contemplating the implications. “We must keep an eye on him. His dealings might be more dangerous than they appear. And as for Edran…”

He trailed off, glancing back to Aiden. “Master Edran’s power over the common folk could sway public opinion in his favor if left unchecked. He’s influential enough to rally support, should he decide the city’s leadership is weak.”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Exactly, Lord Loain. Edran’s influence among the commoners makes him unpredictable. If he senses weakness or discord, he could turn his following against the city’s leadership. But if we can anticipate his moves, we may be able to counter him.”