Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 332

Chapter 332: Next Step II
As the night deepened, Aiden and Lirael stood on the castle balcony, gazing out over the flickering lights of the city. They could see the faint outlines of each district, where loyalists and allies lay in wait, prepared to rise when the signal was given. It was surreal to think that just a few months ago, they had been quietly plotting the foundation of this movement. Now, the pieces were in place, and Aiden knew they were on the brink of something monumental.

“Tomorrow, we make the first move,” he said, his tone resolute. “Our allies are prepared, and each city under our control stands ready to support us. But we must be careful with how we proceed. Once the nobles hear of the shift in power, they’ll be quick to take sides.”

Lirael’s eyes held a steely determination. “We must tread carefully, but we cannot wait much longer. Every day we delay, my uncle’s influence spreads further. I’ve already heard whispers that he’s begun to form alliances with distant clans. He knows something is coming, even if he doesn’t yet know it’s us.”

Aiden nodded. He had anticipated this. The king was a shrewd man, and even though he’d overlooked Lirael in the past, he would see her as a threat the moment he sensed her intentions. That’s why their timing had to be flawless.

Aiden glanced at her, observing the resolve in her expression. She was no longer just the princess hidden away in a corner of the kingdom. She had become the figurehead of a rebellion, a symbol of change for those who had grown weary of the king’s rule.

“There’s one final task for tonight,” Aiden said, breaking the silence. “I need to meet with our allies in Norvian. The merchants there are eager to see Lirael’s rise, but they want assurances. They fear being on the wrong side of history.”

Lirael’s gaze softened as she looked at him. “Then I’ll leave that to you. They respect you, Aiden, and I know you’ll show them that their trust isn’t misplaced.”

With a slight nod, Aiden turned away from the balcony. The meeting with the merchants would be critical—they controlled much of the wealth flowing in and out of the kingdom, and their support would strengthen their claim immeasurably.

**

The grand hall in Norvian’s merchant district was alive with anticipation as Aiden arrived. The wealthiest merchants and trade barons sat around a long oak table, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and wariness. They were men and women who had risen to power through cunning and shrewd deals, and Aiden knew they wouldn’t throw their support behind just anyone.

“Aiden,” greeted Master Brennon, a seasoned merchant with sharp eyes. “We’ve heard much about your plans, but we need to know: why should we risk our fortunes on Lirael? The kingdom has prospered under her uncle’s rule, at least for some of us.”

Aiden met Brennon’s gaze calmly. “The prosperity you speak of is a fragile illusion. You all know that the king’s reach extends only as far as he can squeeze the gold from you. He treats you as resources, not allies. With Lirael, that will change. She understands that a prosperous kingdom is built on the prosperity of its people. When she takes the throne, you won’t have to fear the arbitrary demands of the crown.”

A murmur rippled through the hall as the merchants exchanged glances, evaluating his words.

“And why should we trust her?” another voice called out. It was Lady Maren, a respected figure who controlled the spice trade routes. “Many rulers make promises in their rise to power. Few fulfill them.”

Aiden’s eyes met hers with unflinching resolve. “Because she’s not alone. She has my support, and as you’ve seen, I honor my commitments. Each of you has already benefited from my dealings, and I assure you, those benefits will only grow once Lirael is queen. Imagine a kingdom where your businesses can thrive without fear of sudden taxes or sanctions, where trade routes are protected by royal decree.”

Lady Maren’s expression softened, and she gave a slight nod, her gaze thoughtful.

Aiden continued, his voice steady and commanding. “The kingdom is shifting, whether we choose to act or not. If you side with us, you will be part of the change, shaping the future of this kingdom to suit your ambitions. Stand against us, and when the dust settles, you may find yourselves on the wrong side of history.”

The room fell silent, each merchant weighing his words. Finally, Master Brennon rose, extending a hand. “You make a compelling case, Aiden. We’ll support Lirael’s claim. But know this: we expect her to honor her promises.”

Aiden took Brennon’s hand, sealing the pact. “She will. And so will I.”

***

The grand hall in Norvian’s merchant district was alive with anticipation as Aiden arrived. The wealthiest merchants and trade barons sat around a long oak table, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and wariness. They were men and women who had risen to power through cunning and shrewd deals, and Aiden knew they wouldn’t throw their support behind just anyone.

“Aiden,” greeted Master Brennon, a seasoned merchant with sharp eyes. “We’ve heard much about your plans, but we need to know: why should we risk our fortunes on Lirael? The kingdom has prospered under her uncle’s rule, at least for some of us.”

Aiden met Brennon’s gaze calmly. “The prosperity you speak of is a fragile illusion. You all know that the king’s reach extends only as far as he can squeeze the gold from you. He treats you as resources, not allies. With Lirael, that will change. She understands that a prosperous kingdom is built on the prosperity of its people. When she takes the throne, you won’t have to fear the arbitrary demands of the crown.”

A murmur rippled through the hall as the merchants exchanged glances, evaluating his words.

“And why should we trust her?” another voice called out. It was Lady Maren, a respected figure who controlled the spice trade routes. “Many rulers make promises in their rise to power. Few fulfill them.”

Aiden’s eyes met hers with unflinching resolve. “Because she’s not alone. She has my support, and as you’ve seen, I honor my commitments. Each of you has already benefited from my dealings, and I assure you, those benefits will only grow once Lirael is queen. Imagine a kingdom where your businesses can thrive without fear of sudden taxes or sanctions, where trade routes are protected by royal decree.”

Lady Maren’s expression softened, and she gave a slight nod, her gaze thoughtful.

Aiden continued, his voice steady and commanding. “The kingdom is shifting, whether we choose to act or not. If you side with us, you will be part of the change, shaping the future of this kingdom to suit your ambitions. Stand against us, and when the dust settles, you may find yourselves on the wrong side of history.”

The room fell silent, each merchant weighing his words. Finally, Master Brennon rose, extending a hand. “You make a compelling case, Aiden. We’ll support Lirael’s claim. But know this: we expect her to honor her promises.”

Aiden took Brennon’s hand, sealing the pact. “She will. And so will I.”

***

By dawn, Aiden had returned to Lirael’s quarters in the Moon Castle. The plan was now in motion; each of his maids in the cities would begin their own operations, rallying support among the townsfolk and nobility alike. Messages had been sent, signals exchanged. Each ally was now primed to act.

As he stepped into Lirael’s chamber, she turned to him, a questioning look in her eyes. “How did it go?”

“It’s done,” he replied. “The merchants will back us. Their influence is considerable, and with their wealth, we’ll have the resources to keep the kingdom running smoothly even during the transition.”

She exhaled a sigh of relief, nodding. “I knew you would succeed.”

They shared a brief moment of silence, each contemplating the path ahead. Then Aiden broke the quiet, his tone thoughtful. “There’s one last thing. We need to ensure the loyalty of the palace guard. They are sworn to the throne, not to the individual sitting on it.”

Lirael hesitated. “They’re trained to protect my uncle. How do you suggest we turn them?”

Aiden gave a knowing smile. “Loyalty can be swayed, especially if they believe they’re serving the kingdom’s true ruler. We’ll approach the captains individually, speak of their duty to protect the kingdom, not one man. Once they see you as the rightful heir, they’ll follow you without hesitation.”

Lirael nodded, understanding. “I’ll speak to them myself if necessary. They’ve known me since I was a child; perhaps that will sway them.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Aiden said seriously. For a moment, Lirael’s eyes flickered, but then she regained her composure and replied, “I know. I’m doing what’s best for the kingdom.”

Aiden nodded. “I hope so,” he said, turning his back and beginning to walk away.

“I hope you don’t do anything reckless,” Aiden thought as she watched him go.