Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 330

Chapter 330: Other cities

Aiden’s dominion over the cities was meticulously organized, each one handled by his carefully chosen maids, each specializing in their own skills. Together, they had taken over these towns and cities in ways that solidified Aiden’s grasp over the kingdom without raising suspicion. Tonight, as he prepared to finally meet with Princess Lirael, he thought of how his maids were executing his plans across the kingdom’s landscape, all serving a unique purpose in his grand design.

1. Trelos – The Fortress City

Valeria, Aiden’s Shadow Maid of Death and Destruction, was stationed here. Her shadow-based abilities allowed her to silently infiltrate and destabilize any factions opposing Aiden. Trelos, known for its strong military presence and fortified borders, had initially been resistant to external influence. Valeria had taken advantage of this by strategically eliminating problematic leaders and replacing them with her own loyal shadows who enforced strict loyalty to Aiden. With her expertise in covert operations, Valeria had seamlessly transformed Trelos into Aiden’s eyes and ears on the frontlines, ensuring his directives were executed without question.

2. Norvian – The Trade Hub

Selina, known for her mastery of persuasion and charm, handled Norvian, a bustling trade city known for its merchants and wealth. Selina’s approach was different; she had not overthrown the existing power structure but instead slowly influenced and seduced key merchants and guild leaders. Through her subtle tactics, she brought Norvian’s wealth and resources under Aiden’s control. Using her negotiation skills, she ensured that the city’s trade routes and flow of goods were restructured to support Aiden’s upcoming rebellion, all while the town’s wealthy elite remained unaware of her true motives.

3. Fenwood – The Forested Haven

Elara, the maid with a natural affinity for plants and animals, was assigned to Fenwood, a city deep within the forests. Known for its lumber, rare herbs, and connection to the spirit beasts in the area, Fenwood’s people revered nature, making them difficult to control directly. Instead, Elara used her abilities to gain the trust of the spiritual and naturalist communities, gradually securing Fenwood’s allegiance through alliances with local leaders. Her gentle approach and connection to the forest made her an ideal guide for the people, who soon trusted her completely. She established Aiden’s influence by promoting environmental initiatives that aligned with the people’s values, while secretly ensuring Fenwood’s resources would be at Aiden’s disposal.

4. Myrith – The Scholar’s Domain

Mira, a maid with unmatched intellect and a vast knowledge of ancient texts, was stationed in Myrith, the intellectual heart of the kingdom. Known for its libraries and institutions of learning, Myrith had a population of scholars, magicians, and historians who valued knowledge above all else. Mira immersed herself in the academic community, gaining access to forbidden archives and forming relationships with the scholars and mages there. Her strategy involved subtly rewriting the city’s educational texts and doctrines to align with Aiden’s ideology, ensuring the next generation would grow up loyal to his cause. She also gained access to ancient magical artifacts and spells, which she carefully studied and passed along to Aiden to strengthen his arsenal.

5. Gaviron – The Mining City

Amara, a maid known for her strength and martial prowess, had taken control of Gaviron, a city rich with mines and forges that provided metals and gems essential for crafting. Gaviron was home to a tough and rebellious people, largely due to its heavy labor environment and lack of wealth distribution. Amara’s approach was direct—she instigated minor uprisings, offering herself as a “champion of the people,” slowly taking control through her fighting skills and charismatic speeches. She eventually restructured the mining guilds to operate under Aiden’s banner, ensuring Gaviron’s valuable resources would supply his future empire.

6. Silvershore – The Coastal Port

Cassia, whose skills lay in navigation and trade, had been assigned to Silvershore, a port city with access to distant lands. With her expertise, she secured control over the city’s maritime trade routes, which connected the kingdom to foreign markets and distant allies. Cassia worked behind the scenes to eliminate any pirates or hostile factions that might interfere with Aiden’s plans. Under her watch, Silvershore became a gateway for secret shipments and communication lines, strengthening Aiden’s connections and resources beyond the kingdom’s borders.

7. Falhurst – The Agrarian Heartland

Lyra, a maid with a calming presence and skill in herbal magic, was positioned in Falhurst, a town known for its fertile fields and vast farmlands. lyra introduced agricultural practices that increased crop yields and improved the health of livestock, gaining the trust and admiration of the farming communities. She subtly diverted a portion of the food supplies to Aiden’s stores, securing a reliable food source for his future campaigns. Lyra’s gentle yet persuasive methods had ingrained loyalty within the agrarian population, making them willing allies for Aiden when the time came.

8. Brighthearth – The Industrial City

Naomi, who specialized in engineering and alchemy, took charge of Brighthearth, a city filled with workshops, blacksmiths, and inventors. Brighthearth was crucial for its production of weapons, armor, and various tools, so Naomi focused on upgrading the city’s forges and introducing advanced technology, seemingly as an act of goodwill. Behind the scenes, she redirected the finest weaponry and resources to Aiden’s private stores. Her knowledge of alchemical compounds and engineering ensured that Brighthearth’s production lines operated with maximum efficiency, supplying Aiden’s forces with an edge that would prove invaluable.

As he reflected on each city and the unique strategies his maids employed, Aiden was impressed by the seamless way they had all woven his influence into the kingdom. The loyalty and respect they commanded in each city would serve as the foundation for his next moves.

He has already gained control over the kingdom. Now, only the capital city remains, and then the kingdom will be his for the taking. No one can stop him from ascending as king—not even that false minister, who is just a spy from the neighboring empire.

After his meeting with Princess Lirael, Aiden retreated to his quarters in the grand palace. The night had proven fruitful; they had exchanged more than just words of rebellion but laid the groundwork for what would soon unfold as a full-fledged revolt against the throne. Lirael had listened intently, her gaze sharp and resolute, her loyalty sealed in a promise that their alliance would grow ever stronger.