The next day, Dreadholm's streets were quiet, with only a few citizens stirring. Some opened their shops, the shutters creaking softly in the morning chill, while others haggled over apples and bread at market stalls, their voices blending gently into the waking town.
Inside the Dreadholm mansion, the Order's meeting room carried a heavy, thoughtful air. A polished wooden rectangular table dominated the space, surrounded by sixteen sturdy chairs. One distinct seat, marked with ornate carvings, held Subaru, his presence steady yet relaxed.
Auren sat to his left, posture attentive and respectful. Raphael sat to his right, his expression unreadable. Ruin sat beside Auren, her hands folded calmly, while Baek Dae-Won sat silently beside her, composed and observant. Old Man Wu, near Raphael, wore a deep frown, his eyes narrowed as he broke the silence.
"Why we have meeting today? Why not tomorrow? I have work. Much work."
Subaru let out a light laugh, leaning back comfortably. "Old Man Wu, I know your hands are full, but some matters cannot wait. Changes are happening quickly. We need to stay ahead."
Auren smiled softly, his voice gentle. "Old Man Wu, granduncle is correct. The situation may develop into something more delicate if not addressed early."
Old Man Wu gave Auren a brief glare. "You think I no know? That why I work. Work for peace. Work to help. But world not same as before."
Subaru raised a calming hand, his voice easy but firm. "That is why we are here, Wu. To make sure your hard work doesn't go to waste."
Old Man Wu huffed. "Hmph. You talk too much. Why you not handle everything yourself? You good at that."
Subaru chuckled warmly. "You want me to die early from all the burden? Is that your plan?"
Old Man Wu narrowed his eyes. "You leader. You carry the weight. That is why leader exist."
Ruin spoke gently, her voice soft like a breeze. "But Old Man Wu, you know that isn't fair. Even the strongest tree needs support, or it will fall under too much weight."
Old Man Wu glanced at her but said nothing.
Auren leaned forward slightly, his tone respectful. "Old Man Wu, this matter concerns Dwarfen. Since we have cut supply with them, it is natural they will seek other ways to pressure us. It is our responsibility to prepare before it escalates."
Old Man Wu's frown deepened. "Their king too greedy. He bring this problem to himself. We already help them before. Not our fault if they want more."
Auren opened his mouth to continue, but Subaru gently gestured for him to hold. His tone grew more thoughtful as he spoke to Wu. "I know you, Wu. I know your heart. Even when you pretend not to care, you are already thinking of solutions. You care for Dwarfen more than you admit."
Old Man Wu snorted. "I no care."
Ruin's smile was kind, her voice light. "You do care, Old Man Wu. Was it not you who suggested monitoring their trade routes two weeks ago?"
Old Man Wu waved his hand quickly. "Enough. No need talk too much. But still, why we need meeting? Subaru can handle alone."
Subaru laughed heartily. "I see. You want me to carry everything."
Old Man Wu pointed at him. "That your job."
Auren spoke again, calm and steady. "Old Man Wu, the Order must discuss together. Even if not everyone is present, we can still reach understanding."
Old Man Wu shook his head, letting out a dry breath. "Hah. I feel bad for Dreadholm."
Subaru laughed, the mood lightening slightly.
Raphael finally spoke, his tone smooth and steady. "May I ask then? What direction does the Order plan to take concerning Dwarfen position in this matter?"
Subaru's eyes glimmered with amusement. "What do you mean by 'The Order,' Raphael? You are already part of this."
Ruin gave a gentle nod. "Yes, you are."
Raphael's face swept the room, taking in Baek Dae-Won's silent nod of agreement. He exhaled softly, turning to Auren. "Very well. But from what has already been shared, Yami is currently in the Dwarfen kingdom, operating quietly. What more needs to be done?"
Subaru leaned back, a subtle smile playing at his lips. "Ah, Raphael... you truly need to step into the world of politics someday."
Old Man Wu let out a quiet grunt. "They hope Dwarfen kingdom not be controlled by other greedy kingdom. This very important."
Raphael's brow furrowed slightly. "I do not quite follow."
Auren leaned forward, his voice calm and steady. "Allow me to explain. Since we have already severed our supply lines to the Dwarfen kingdom, it is only a matter of time before other kingdoms take notice."
Ruin continued softly. "And when they do, they will see it as an opportunity to approach the Dwarfen kingdom and offer support, but not without their own intentions."
Raphael raised his brow. "Is that not a positive outcome? To have alliances?"
Subaru exchanged glances with Auren, both chuckling lightly. Old Man Wu let out a brief, dry laugh.
Raphael frowned slightly. "Have I said something amusing?"
Baek Dae-Won spoke, his tone calm and measured. "No. What you said is reasonable. However, the kingdoms that seek alliance are not doing so out of goodwill. They seek to control, not to cooperate."
Old Man Wu's eyes glinted. "You try hard. But still young. I like you. You need weapon special. I make for you."
Subaru chuckled. "You hear that, Raphael? Old Man Wu rarely offers such gifts. You should feel honored."
Raphael glanced briefly at his chainfangs resting beside him. "Is my weapon not sufficient already?"
Old Man Wu waved a hand dismissively. "That one cheap copy. Not worthy. Later, you come. I make proper one fit for you."
Raphael gave a small shrug. "If you insist. But if Baek Dae-Won speaks truthfully, what is our next course of action?"
Auren smiled faintly, his voice thoughtful. "We announce to the world that Granduncle is alive."
Subaru groaned softly. "Must we really take that route?"
Auren nodded gently. "Yes, we must. It will unsettle my father greatly."
Subaru paused, his eyes narrowing slightly before sighing. "You are correct. Your father would not take kindly to the news, knowing that I would stand firmly against his ambitions."
Auren's voice remained soft but firm. "Exactly."
Raphael tilted his head. "And your father is?"
Both Subaru and Auren turned towards him, momentarily surprised. Subaru hummed thoughtfully. "It seems you truly did not know."
Ruin leaned in slightly, her voice kind. "Auren's father is the Imperial King."
Raphael's shocked as he shifted his gaze to Auren. "Your father is the Imperial King?"
Auren gave a light nod, his tone composed. "Yes, though I do not consider it a burden."
Raphael's expression remained thoughtful, and Baek Dae-Won added quietly. "You may wonder why Auren is here, rather than preparing to inherit the throne."
Raphael nodded. "Indeed, I am."
Auren exhaled softly, his words measured. "Simply put, I have no desire to become king, despite being the heir."
Raphael confused. "And you chose to serve in the Order instead?"
Auren nodded gently. "Yes. I understand it may sound rather foolish."
Subaru chuckled under his breath. "It is."
Auren smiled faintly at him. "Granduncle, but you already know my reasons."
Subaru's tone shifted, calm but weighty. "That is simply who you are. And I do not blame you. If I stood in your place, I would not seek the throne either, especially with your brother so eager to claim it."
Auren's voice grew quieter. "I hold no resentment. He has his own struggles."
Subaru's expression darkened slightly. "Do not forget, Auren, were it not for Thorn's request that I allow matters to settle, and for my choice to remain secluded and uninvolved, your brother would not be alive today. That conflict could have led to war, and unnecessary bloodshed would have followed."
Old Man Wu spoke softly, a note of genuine sympathy in his voice. "Your brother have many trouble, I feel sorry for him.
Auren sighed again, his gaze lowering to the table. "Yes, I know… I only hope he will change someday."
Subaru shook his head, voice steady. "He will not. Thorn is already growing weary of his conduct."
The silence hung for a brief moment, broken by Old Man Wu's brisk tone. "So what now? We simply announce Subaru's return?"
Auren lifted his head, his voice calm but firm. "Yes. That remains our best course. We must act swiftly. My father will soon begin to move."
Baek Dae-Won leaned slightly forward, speaking softly. "Shall I assign two of my best elites?"
Subaru shook his head gently. "That will not be necessary. Dreadholm's protection remains our priority. Announcing that Lord Reaper has returned is sufficient."
Auren added, his tone deliberates. "And only those who hold power will understand the true meaning behind the announcement."
Raphael's brows drew together slightly. "And what is that true meaning?"
Subaru's expression darkened. "To strike fear into the hearts of those who lust for power… and to remind the hidden hands behind the Bloodbound Covenant that Dreadholm will not be touched. From today, we will increase our security. I do not want even a shadow of the Bloodbound Covenant crossing into my Nation."
Baek Dae-Won nodded quietly. "Understood, Granduncle."
Old Man Wu frowned, voice skeptical. "Tighten security? Security already tight!"
Subaru sighed, rubbing his temple lightly. "I know. But caution cannot be excessive. There is someone I do not wish wandering into this land as he pleases… though, in truth, he is already bound… forget it."
Ruin tilted her head gently. "Grandpa… who are you referring to?"
Subaru waved a hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter. There is no purpose in discussing it now."
Auren's gaze narrowed slightly. "Is it connected to my father?"
Subaru laughed lightly. "Why would it concern your father? He is not one I fear." He laughed again, easing the tension in the room.
Auren exhaled softly, nodding. "Then it is settled. We will let the world know Granduncle lives. His presence alone will shift the balance, given his standing."
Raphael leaned back, curious. "And how will this news reach the world?"
Subaru's eyes glinted, his voice sly. "We scatter the information across their kingdoms."
Auren frowned slightly. "That was not what I had in mind."
Old Man Wu's eyes brightened, his voice quick. "Good plan! I agree with that!"
Ruin smiled gently. "I support it as well."
Baek Dae-Won gave a small nod. "I am in favor."
Auren's brows drew together. "Wait. We cannot proceed like this. It will…"
Ruin interrupted softly, her smile unwavering. "I still believe we should follow Grandpa's decision."
Auren turned to her. "Truly, Ruin? You support this approach?"
Raphael exhaled, voice steady. "If it delivers the message, then I, too, am in favor."
Subaru chuckled, looking at Auren. "Auren, what troubles you?"
Auren's voice remained measured. "It is simply not the most proper method."
Subaru's grin widened. "It will serve its purpose. Let them feel the pressure from the start."
Auren exhaled softly, giving in. "Very well. Since this is the path we have chosen, then we must act without delay."
Old Man Wu stood from his chair, his tone brisk and confident. "Leave to me. I handle it."
Subaru chuckled. "Are you planning to use the old method again?"
Old Man Wu, already halfway to the door, gave a slight nod. "Yes. Old ways still best ways. Now, no one disturb me."
Subaru called out, "Wait, Wu."
Old Man Wu halted, turning back with a sharp tone. "What now?"
Subaru smirked, his voice light. "I will need one of your recording globes."
Old Man Wu huffed, waving a hand. "Hmm, fine. You come bother me for it later." He opened the door and stepped out, his footsteps fading down the hall.
Subaru shook his head with a quiet laugh.
Baek Dae-Won raised his gaze, voice calm. "Granduncle, why do you require a recording globe?"
Subaru waved dismissively. "Oh, that? Nothing important. I merely wish to test it." Seeing their doubtful expressions, his brows furrowed slightly. "Why do you all stare at me like that? Can an old man not have his space?"
He rose to his feet, muttering under his breath. "Look at their faces. Always suspicious." He walked out, feigning indignation as the door closed behind him.
For a moment, silence filled the room before soft chuckles followed. Auren, Ruin, Raphael, and Baek Dae-Won exchanged quiet glances, their shared laughter easing the weight that politics had placed upon them.