### Chapter 4: Whispers in Marble Halls
Night clung to the Davian estate, velvet and secretive, as Aurelius paced the mosaic-tiled corridor outside his study. Candlelight shimmered on gilded cornices, casting long shadows that danced like restless spirits. Each step echoed his unease; victory in the village brought new dangers, and every whisper in the halls might conceal an enemy's plot.
He paused at a balcony overlooking the moon-bathed gardens, where trusted knights patrolled and mana-lanterns flickered against the dark. The world outside seemed calm, but within, tension crackled.
A discreet knock drew his attention. Calista, the youngest of his councillors and a prodigy in magical wards, entered, cloak damp from the rain. She bowed, eyes sharp.
"My lord," she murmured, "the gold you distributed is attracting unwanted attention. Agents from the Royal Treasury arrived this evening—asking questions."
Aurelius's lips curved in a mirthless smile. "As expected. Gold flows and the wolves catch its scent. Did they question our loyalty, or our magic?"
"Both," Calista replied, lowering her voice. "They asked for records. And there are rumors—the council suspects you conjured wealth with forbidden arts."
Aurelius's mind raced. In this world, displays of power—especially new or unexplained ones—could be as dangerous as any sword. Still, he relished the challenge.
He summoned [Limitless Wealth Creation] within, feeling invisible currents stir at his fingertips. Quietly, he spoke:
"Spread word that all gifts were paid from recovered bandit spoils. Deliver generous tithes to the capital's orphanages and a gift to the royal archives. We will be seen as loyal and just—and far too public for quiet elimination."
Calista nodded, her respect evident. "And the magical audit?"
Aurelius tapped Sunshatter's hilt. "Allow their mage to inspect our vaults. My system will mask any anomalies." Privately, he knew the Divine System forged gold indistinguishable from nature itself; only a god—or something close—could unravel the secret.
As dawn neared, Aurelius gathered his inner circle—Sir Lucien, Calista, and his mother—around a polished oak table. His tone was crisp, purposeful:
- "We must stay on the offensive. Prepare for the Duke of Wesker's banquet: send envoys, flatter rival houses, and uncover their secrets in turn."
- "Double the magical wards. Calista, instruct our enchanters to add anti-scrying veils around the treasury."
- "Sir Lucien, our knights will parade openly through the city markets. Let the people see our compassion and our strength."
Aurelius met each gaze in turn, the memories of Kaito Ren blending seamlessly with Aurelius Davian's poise.
"Enemies thrive in darkness and rumor. We will answer with action and proof—always giving more than we lose, appearing both generous and impervious."
The family crest—a roaring lion wreathed in gold—gleamed above him. Outside, the first notes of birdsong carried through the glass. Aurelius knew dawn would bring new intrigues, but for now, every move was his to make, every piece on the board under his quiet control.
**To be continued...**