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The rising threat in the Magic Empire had shaken the continent. Its propaganda seeped across borders, even reaching the heart of the Atlas Empire. In response, the Soviet Union—once a distant concern—was now a common enemy.
Emperor Aldreath, ever calculating, dispatched his diplomatic envoy Alia to the Ravenfield Dukedom for peace talks. It was a strategic move, but to Alia, it felt like exile.
She didn't understand why the Emperor hadn't simply crushed Ravenfield. After all, Ash was a villain—wasn't he?
Alia had known Leon since their academy days. Back then, she was one of the loudest voices against Ash, making his life a living hell. She had always sided with Leon, even though he barely acknowledged her existence. Still, she remained a devoted admirer—some might say a hopeless simp.
News of Leon's disappearance during the war between Atlas and the Magic Empire had shaken her. She had been preparing to search for him herself when the Emperor's orders came: she was to go to Ravenfield.
She loathed the place. Especially Ash.
To her, he radiated villainy.
Ravenfield territory
As Alia entered Ravenfield, she was surprised by the modern infrastructure—bricked streets, clean roads, organized districts. But her bias twisted the view.
"He must be looting his people," she muttered. "Spending their money on these illusions."
She ignored the prosperity, the order, the quiet dignity of the land. Instead, she clung to her imagined narrative: Ash was a tyrant warlord, indulging in lavish desires while his people suffered.
By the time she reached the palace, her mind had already written a villain's biography for Ash.
If Ash had heard her thoughts, he would've been utterly dumbfounded. None of it matched reality.
But that was the nature of this world—sometimes heroines were the sharpest minds alive, and sometimes they were the densest fools in existence. It all depended on the plot.
Throne room
Alia was escorted to the throne room, where Ash sat reviewing reports with his officers. The air was calm, professional.
She entered like a storm.
Her eyes locked onto Ash with the intensity of a predator. She strode forward, unfurled a scroll, and declared in a booming voice:
"Duke Ash Ravenfield, kneel and hereby receive the royal decree!"
Silence.
Then, laughter.
The entire court burst into hysterics. Even Ash struggled to contain his amusement.
Alia stood frozen, expecting reverence. Instead, she received ridicule.
Her face flushed with indignation. "Duke Ash, do you not respect the Empire anymore? It is by His Majesty's royal blessing that Ravenfield exists! Without it, you are nothing!"
The laughter died instantly.
The room turned cold.
Eyes narrowed. The nobles stared at her with quiet fury.
Ash rose from his throne, his voice calm but cutting.
"His Majesty exists because he carries the blood of the First Emperor. But he stands today because of the Dukes who supported him—my ancestors among them. Without Ravenfield, your so-called Empire would have crumbled long ago."
It was true. Ravenfield had been one of the founding pillars of the Empire, its loyalty unmatched.
Scene IV: The Proposal
The scroll was read aloud. The Emperor's terms were unveiled:
1. Ravenfield would be recognized as an independent kingdom.
2. Ash must surrender his title as Duke.
3. A 30% tribute tax for the next 50 years.
4. Mandatory participation in the war against the Soviet Union.
5. A military cap of 5,000 soldiers.
6. No navy or foreign trade outside Atlas Empire.
Ash and his officers listened in silence.
Their expressions were identical: outrage.
This wasn't diplomacy. It was subjugation.
Alia, however, smiled smugly—as if she'd proven her point.
Ash didn't respond immediately. But the storm brewing behind his eyes promised that this negotiation was far from over.