Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 328

Chapter 328: New Rulers

The next day, Aiden’s emissary departed for Trelos with a small contingent of guards, carrying a message of diplomacy, but also a thinly veiled warning. Meanwhile, Aiden took time to meet with several key advisors within the city, including the noble heads, who now reported to him directly. He had begun assigning them specific roles within the new structure of the city’s governance, keeping them busy and watched, while also giving them a taste of authority under his command.

Lady Durnham was put in charge of the city’s health and welfare systems, responsible for overseeing the well-being of the common folk. She took on the task with reluctance, yet Aiden could see the spark of genuine care that glinted beneath her composed exterior. Lord Valros was given control over trade and economic growth, his expertise in strategy now applied to balancing imports and exports, ensuring Moon City became more self-sufficient. Master Edran, with his calculating mind, was assigned to monitor the intelligence network, ensuring any threats—internal or external—were swiftly identified.

In this way, Aiden wielded both their strengths and their grudges as tools for his own purpose.

As evening fell, Aiden returned to his quarters, where Valeria awaited him with news. Her demeanor was calm, but her eyes held a hint of excitement.

“The emissary has returned, my lord,” she informed him. “And it seems Trelos is willing to entertain a discussion.”

Aiden’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Then it’s time we make our move.”

Days later, Aiden, accompanied by Valeria, Eldrik, and a select group of elite guards, arrived at the neutral ground agreed upon by Trelos for the meeting. The site was a secluded area just beyond Moon City’s borders, an old fortress that had fallen into disrepair but was still structurally sound. Trelos’s representatives awaited them in the fortress courtyard, their dark-cloaked forms exuding an air of mystery and strength.

Their leader, a tall man with silver hair and a calculating gaze, stepped forward. “Aiden Loain,” he greeted, his voice smooth. “I’ve heard much about the young man who has taken Moon City by storm.”

Aiden regarded him evenly. “And you are?”

“Rylan Trelos, advisor to the Trelos family,” the man replied, inclining his head in a gesture of respect. “We’ve been watching your rise with interest.”

Aiden cut to the chase. “Interest or concern?”

Rylan’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Both, perhaps. We are a city of mercenaries, after all. Stability is valuable to us, but not at the cost of our freedom. Moon City’s recent actions have made us wonder about your intentions.”

Aiden nodded, understanding the unspoken question. “Moon City seeks unity and strength, but not at the cost of freedom. I do not intend to infringe upon Trelos’s autonomy. But I won’t deny that Moon City is growing, and that growth requires cooperation from those around us.”

Rylan regarded Aiden carefully, weighing his words. “And if Trelos prefers to remain independent?”

“Then we remain as neighbors,” Aiden replied calmly. “But I offer you an alliance, one that would allow both of our cities to thrive.”

Rylan’s gaze sharpened, intrigued by the offer. “What kind of alliance?”

“Trade, military support if needed, and mutual respect,” Aiden said, his tone firm. “Moon City has resources that can benefit Trelos, and your mercenaries are known for their skill. We have common interests, and by working together, we ensure that both of our cities are strong.”

The Trelos advisor considered the proposal, a flicker of approval passing over his face. “It is… a tempting offer. I will take your words back to the Trelos council.”

Aiden nodded, his expression unreadable. “Do so. But understand this—if Trelos chooses to act against Moon City, we will respond. I am offering an alliance, not a plea for peace.”

Rylan smiled, his respect for Aiden evident. “Understood. I look forward to our future correspondence.”

With that, the Trelos delegation took their leave, vanishing into the forest that bordered the fortress. Aiden watched them go, his mind already calculating the potential outcomes. Beside him, Eldrik placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

“You handled that well,” Eldrik said. “Trelos respects strength, and they’ve seen it in you.”

Aiden gave a slight nod, though his thoughts were already racing ahead. “We’ve made an impression, but this is only the beginning. Moon City needs allies, but I won’t let it become dependent on any one power.”

Valeria joined them, her eyes thoughtful as she glanced after the departing Trelos delegation. “Do you believe they’ll accept your offer?”

Aiden shrugged. “That depends on their priorities. But they’ll find that joining us offers more security than resisting.”

The journey back to Moon City was filled with quiet reflection. Aiden knew that this tentative alliance, if it formed, would open new doors for Moon City and its people. But he also knew it would bring new challenges, as every alliance carried risks along with rewards.

As they approached the city’s gates, Aiden felt a renewed sense of purpose. Moon City was on the brink of becoming something far greater than a mere stronghold. Soon, it would be a center of influence, a city where power and purpose intertwined. And as Aiden gazed upon the city’s walls, he knew that this was only the first step on his journey to reshape the world.

“I wonder what the princess is thinking now. Anyway, wasn’t Elara stationed in Trelos?” Aiden thought with amusement. There were over ten major cities in this kingdom, and he had come to Moon City specifically because the princess lived here, though only as a puppet, as had become clear in the past few weeks. The city’s power had shifted dramatically, with the four noble families consolidated under a single authority—yet there had been no sign of the princess.

Aiden turned back, his eyes resting on the grand castle at the heart of the city. “It’s time to meet again,” he murmured, a faint smirk curving his lips.

Up in Moon Castle, the princess stood on her balcony, her gaze focused on the city gate below. She could see him clearly, and somehow, even from that distance, Aiden felt her presence as if she was standing right before him. Her eyes met his, and she murmured under her breath, “Very well.”

Then, with a final glance, she turned and glided back inside, her steps silent and purposeful.

Below, Aiden’s smile deepened. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging the silent exchange.