### Chapter 3: The Gold That Binds
Rain began to fall as Aurelius and his company returned to the estate, each droplet glinting like molten coins in the misty dusk. The scent of victory and scorched earth lingered in his memory, but unease crept beneath his composure. Word of his intervention would not go unnoticed in Eloria's halls of power — and power always bred envy.
In the vestibule, servants bowed low, eyes wide at the mud-spattered knights bearing the battered banner of House Davian. Sir Lucien dismounted and saluted with practiced grace, but his expression betrayed concern. Aurelius caught it, a flicker in the stoic man's eyes.
"Sir Lucien, gather the council. Have the wounded tended and the gold accounted for. Double the guards at the eastern walls," Aurelius commanded. His tone was iron, his mind already moving to the next game.
As his cloak was removed, the duchess approached — tall, regal, every inch the shield and blade of her lineage.
"You were reckless," she chided quietly, but her eyes glimmered with pride. "But effective."
Aurelius allowed himself a small smile. "The golden lion must roar, mother. Quiet wealth inspires only whispers; visible strength commands respect."
Before she could retort, a runner arrived, breathless, pressing a sealed parchment into the duchess's hands. She broke the wax, reading swiftly. Her face froze.
"Another summons," she said, voice low. "The Duke of Wesker invites us to a gathering. Rumor spreads: some claim your gold was conjured by forbidden magic. Others say the bandits were mere puppets for nobler hands."
Aurelius's mind sharpened. In this world, accusations of forbidden magic were no trivial matter. His system glowed at the edge of perception, hungering for use; subtly, he tapped into [World-Building Authority], seeking any trace of hidden strings connecting the assault to their rivals.
In the grand library that evening, Aurelius spread maps and letters across a mahogany table. Sir Lucien and the duchess sat beside him as he spoke:
"We have power, wealth, and now — attention. If we play this poorly, our strength will become a target. But if we move swiftly, show unity, and claim our actions as justice, we control the narrative."
He distributed gold florins stamped with the Davian crest to trusted messengers. "Let our generosity rebuild the village, but let our valor echo louder. And let every noble in Eloria see: the House Davian stands together, unafraid, and unmatched."
As night deepened, Aurelius pondered the challenges ahead, the creaking winds of ambition and betrayal echoing through his new life. Yet with every calculated decision, every coin spent or blade drawn, his legend — the legend of the Golden Sovereign — took greater shape.
**To be continued...**