Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 323

Chapter 323: Mayhem

A/ N : Idk, what webnovel did, My privilege was suddenly removed, now I have to add it one more time sigh

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Valeria, his loyal Shadow Maid, recognized the glint in his eyes as he discussed the plan with her. “Master,” she said softly, “they’ll suspect each other even before the inspection begins.”

Aiden’s smile was sharp. “Exactly. This isn’t merely an investigation—it’s an invitation for them to turn against each other. Once they’re focused on finding faults and treachery among themselves, they’ll have no energy left to challenge the Loains.”

He leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. “Divide and rule, Valeria. It’s a simple principle, yet its effects are profound.”

As Aiden settled back, his gaze drifting toward the moonlit window, he couldn’t help but relish how smoothly his plan was unfolding. He imagined the subtle chaos that would seep into each family’s core, doubt spreading like a silent infection. Just as planned, the inspection would begin with innocent questions, probing into records and security details. Soon, however, it would spiral as accusations were whispered, and old resentments resurfaced.

“Lord Eldrik Loain will remain unscathed, of course,” Aiden murmured, eyes glinting with satisfaction. “He’s the only one trustworthy in the eyes of the people, and he’s too cautious to leave loose ends.”

Valeria, standing beside him, nodded thoughtfully. “But will the other heads turn on him as well, Master? Or will they focus solely on each other?”

“That depends on their desperation,” Aiden replied, steepling his fingers. “Lady Durnham is too proud and paranoid; she’s already distrustful. Lord Valros knows the art of strategy and might hold back at first, yet even he can be swayed by pressure from the others. As for Edran…” he chuckled, “he’s the wild card. Calculating, but self-serving. He’ll watch them destroy each other and then make his move.”

A faint knock echoed through the room, interrupting their exchange. Aiden straightened, motioning for Valeria to answer. A young spy from his network entered, bowing deeply.

“Master Aiden,” the spy reported, “the families have already begun preparations for the inspection. Lady Durnham’s men have intensified their watch over the Valros estate, while Master Edran’s household is quietly removing sensitive documents. It seems they’re all responding…exactly as you anticipated.”

Aiden’s smile deepened. “Good. The gears are already turning. Now, inform Lord Eldrik that we’ll be expecting his report on security by week’s end. He should have all the ammunition he needs to propose a consolidation of power over city security.”

The spy nodded, vanishing back into the shadows.

Valeria watched Aiden, a glint of admiration in her gaze. “Master, the way you manipulate the threads of this city is…breathtaking.”

Aiden met her gaze, a quiet pride in his expression. “Control over Moon City’s families is only the first step, Valeria. Once they’ve fractured and turned on each other, it will be time to take hold of everything.”

“Your empire will expand from here,” Valeria murmured, “and those who dared to defy you will fall in line.”

Aiden raised a glass, reflecting the city lights flickering outside. “To the empire,” he said softly, as the city below unknowingly spun toward his command.

As dawn approached, Aiden took one last look at the city below, lost in thought. His ambitions extended beyond Moon City; it was just a stepping stone, albeit an important one. The city’s power structure—rooted in the four noble families—presented an intricate challenge, but one he was steadily dismantling.

At the Loain estate, Lord Eldrik was already preparing for the inspection, carefully orchestrating every detail to ensure that his own reputation remained untarnished. As the sole loyalist among the families, his alignment with the kingdom was well known, and his straightforward military manner veiled his strategic prowess. Eldrik’s allies were strong, yet he would need Aiden’s hidden support to navigate the treacherous waters rising within the city.

Meanwhile, Lady Durnham, Lord Valros, and Master Edran, each buried in their own worlds of suspicion, were readying their estates for scrutiny. Behind closed doors, they met with advisors, reviewed documents, and bolstered their defenses, unwilling to show any weakness. But the inspections would only ignite tensions further.

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Aiden dressed meticulously, wearing attire fit for the day ahead—polished yet understated, a look that projected authority without flaunting it. Today, he would finally present himself to Lord Eldrik Loain in a formal setting, strengthening their alliance. His role in this unfolding power play required that he maintain an image of respectability.

As he arrived at the Loain estate, he was greeted by Eldrik’s daughter, Lana, who guided him through the stately halls. Her poised demeanor masked a curious sparkle as she glanced at him.

“Father is waiting for you in the study,” she said, her tone formal, but her eyes betraying a hint of admiration. “He’s been eager to hear your thoughts on the inspections.”

Aiden met her gaze with a slight nod. “Your father is wise to initiate them. Unity has to be preserved, even if… certain alliances are pruned along the way.”

Her lips quirked slightly. “Indeed, and I suppose you would know a thing or two about ‘pruning.'”

Inside the study, Lord Eldrik stood by a large map of Moon City laid out on the table, his attention fixated on the four estates and their positioning within the city’s defenses. As Aiden entered, Eldrik straightened, offering a curt nod.

“Aiden,” he greeted, motioning for him to approach. “The inspections are underway, and already there are… developments.”

“Expected ones, I hope?” Aiden replied, taking a seat across from him.

“More than that,” Eldrik said, eyes narrowing. “Durnham has doubled the patrols around her estate, intercepting any outside visitors. Valros has dismissed half his staff under the guise of ‘security protocol.’ And Edran, as usual, has pulled his strings in the merchant district to acquire every record of recent transactions.”

Aiden smiled faintly. “Paranoia is a powerful tool. They’ll exhaust themselves defending against shadows while we control the city’s true security.”

Eldrik looked thoughtful. “And yet, they’re shrewd. They’ll catch on if we don’t keep them occupied with something more… tangible.”

Aiden nodded. “Indeed. My agents are already spreading rumors of a hidden network beneath the city. A smuggling ring, perhaps. Something they’ll be eager to uncover. If we nudge them toward each other’s estates, suspicion will fester.”

The older man let out a low chuckle. “Let them tear each other apart, then.”