As the sun set over Duskwatch, Countess Amelia sat in her private quarters, reviewing her notes from the day. Every piece of evidence pointed to the same baffling conclusion—Lucian Veilwood was either the most brilliant tactician she had ever encountered or the most absurdly lucky noble in history.

  She needed to push further.

  The next morning, Amelia requested a private audience with Lucian. He arrived fashionably late, yawning and stretching as he entered the meeting room. Dorian and Elaine stood behind him, their expressions carefully neutral.

  "Countess," Lucian said smoothly, dropping into his chair. "I trust you slept well?"

  "I did," Amelia replied, steepling her fingers. "Though I must admit, I spent much of the night pondering the mystery that is Duskwatch."

  Lucian grinned. "Ah, yes. It does have a certain… charm, doesn’t it?"

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  She tilted her head. "Your policies are unconventional. No taxes, decentralized governance, an independent militia—all measures that should spell disaster. And yet, everything runs seamlessly. Why is that?"

  Lucian leaned back, exuding false confidence. "Because, Countess, the key to ruling is understanding that people will do what’s best for themselves. Give them freedom, and they’ll build something great."

  Dorian’s eye twitched. Elaine pinched the bridge of her nose.

  Amelia studied him for a long moment. Then, she smiled. "A fascinating perspective. I wonder… have you considered expanding your influence?"

  Lucian blinked. "Expanding?"

  "The empire is watching, Lord Veilwood," Amelia said. "There are other struggling regions—places that could benefit from your leadership. If you were to take them under your wing, you could reshape the political landscape."

  Lucian’s stomach dropped. "That sounds… like a lot of work."

  Amelia chuckled. "Ah, but a man of your vision surely has the foresight to prepare for such an inevitability. Or… are you afraid of the responsibility?"

  Lucian bristled. "Afraid? Ha! Hardly! I just… prefer to act when the time is right."

  Dorian barely held in a scream. Why is he taking the bait?!

  Amelia’s eyes gleamed. "Then I shall send word to the imperial court. They will be most interested to hear of your ambitions."

  Lucian paled. "Wait, what?"

  Elaine sighed. "Here we go again."