Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 327

Chapter 327: New Rule

That evening, Aiden returned to his quarters, feeling the weight of the day’s events settle over him. His room was quiet, the flicker of candlelight casting shadows against the walls. As he unfastened his collar, there was a soft knock at the door. Valeria entered, her demeanor calm but her eyes alight with curiosity.

“I heard everything went according to plan,” she said, closing the door behind her.

Aiden nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “The families are under control, though it’ll take time for them to accept their new roles.”

Valeria stepped closer, observing him intently. “And what about you, Aiden? You’ve achieved what you set out to do here. Do you feel satisfied?”

He paused, considering her question. “Power is rarely satisfying in itself. It’s a means to an end. Moon City is only the beginning.”

She tilted her head, a faint smile touching her lips. “Then I suppose I should prepare for more long nights.”

Aiden’s gaze softened, and he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I couldn’t ask for a better ally than you, Valeria. Your loyalty has never wavered.”

Valeria held his gaze, her expression unwavering. “And it never will. Whatever path you choose, I’ll be by your side.”

In that quiet moment, Aiden realized that despite all his ambitions, the loyalty of those close to him was a treasure he couldn’t take for granted. The road ahead would be filled with challenges, and he would need allies who were more than just pawns in his game.

The days that followed marked the beginning of a new era for Moon City. The Loain family, under Aiden’s leadership, implemented reforms that brought peace and prosperity, albeit through strict control. Crime rates plummeted, and the people grew accustomed to the presence of Loain soldiers in every district. The noble families, though disgruntled, played their roles as figureheads, their once defiant spirits subdued under the weight of Aiden’s rule.

Rumors of Moon City’s transformation spread to neighboring regions, stirring interest and apprehension among rulers who once saw the city as inconsequential. Some saw Aiden’s control as a beacon of stability, while others whispered of tyranny. Aiden knew that in time, they would all come to understand the strength of his rule—either by choice or by force.

As Moon City settled into this new order, Aiden set his sights on the horizon, his mind already turning toward the next conquest. He would not rest until his influence extended beyond Moon City’s borders, until every city, every noble family, and every faction acknowledged the Loain family’s dominance.

In the quiet of his chambers, Aiden studied maps of the surrounding territories, plotting his next moves. The path to power was unyielding, but he was prepared to face whatever lay ahead. The world was vast, and he intended to leave his mark on every corner of it.

Weeks passed, and Moon City continued to settle under the ironclad influence of the Loain family. Under Aiden’s command, the once-unpredictable city was becoming a place of order, efficiency, and progress. The fear that had once filled the people’s eyes was beginning to shift to a guarded respect. Streets that once bustled with crime now hummed with productivity, while businesses that paid homage to the Loain family found themselves with new opportunities and protections.

The public’s respect, however, did not extend to the heads of the noble families. Aiden was well aware that their obedience was born out of necessity rather than loyalty. Lady Durnham, Lord Valros, and Master Edran performed their roles with stiff professionalism, each of them carefully guarding their true thoughts, always keeping a distance. The nobles’ resentment was something Aiden knew he could manipulate, yet he remained vigilant. He would need to keep his eye on them, as their old influence could easily sway the minds of others if he let it go unchecked.

One evening, after overseeing the restructuring of the city’s taxation system—a change that funneled funds toward public infrastructure and the Loain coffers alike—Aiden found himself in the training hall, sparring with a group of his personal guards. Sweat dampened his brow as he parried and lunged, each movement sharp and precise. His soldiers struggled to keep up with his pace, but their loyalty made them eager to meet his standards.

Eldrik entered the hall, his presence commanding attention as he observed his son in action. “You’ve been pushing yourself hard lately, Aiden,” he said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall.

Aiden ended his bout with a final strike, sending his sparring partner stumbling back. He offered a respectful nod to his opponent before turning to his father. “There’s much to prepare for,” he replied, wiping his brow. “Moon City is stable, but only just. The people need more than control; they need purpose. We need them to believe that under the Loain name, they’ll have a future.”

Eldrik’s expression softened. “Your vision for this city goes beyond even my own ambitions. I am proud, but I also want you to remember that the larger our reach becomes, the more threats we invite.”

Aiden nodded, well aware of the risks. “That’s why I want us to look outward—to prepare the city for what’s beyond our walls. If we stay isolated, we risk being overtaken. But if we unify and expand, we can become a force strong enough to command respect.”

Eldrik chuckled, a note of admiration in his voice. “You’re thinking beyond Moon City already. I didn’t expect anything less.”

As the two men spoke, a guard approached, bowing deeply before addressing them. “My lord, we’ve received word from the outskirts. A scouting party from the neighboring Trelos region has been seen observing our defenses.”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed. “So, they’ve finally decided to take notice,” he said, his tone calm but thoughtful. Trelos had long been a city of mercenaries and trade, a place of shifting alliances and opportunistic power plays. Their interest in Moon City could mean many things, but Aiden knew he had to be prepared for all of them.

“We’ll send an emissary to Trelos,” he instructed, glancing at Eldrik. “I want to understand their intentions before they have a chance to act.”

Eldrik nodded, clearly approving of Aiden’s measured approach. “And if they refuse the meeting?”

Aiden’s expression hardened. “Then we’ll show them why Moon City isn’t to be underestimated.”