Three months ago, the smoke from the battle at Konsh Castle cleared. Count Mulai stood at the peak of victory, overlooking his territory.
However, he did not know that this victory was not the beginning of peace, but the prelude to an even greater storm.
In the aftermath of the war, Count Mulai’s territory appeared as calm as still water on the surface, but dark undercurrents surged beneath.
After driving out the previous leader, Fesca, the Count did not fulfill the promises he had previously made. Instead, to consolidate his rule, he adopted a series of high-pressure policies.
He ordered severe punishment for all Human villages that had participated in the rebellion. Some villagers were forcibly conscripted as slaves to build castles and fortifications.
While these measures deterred Human resistance in the short term, they also stirred up a deeper layer of hatred.
In a small village in Assam County, the villagers gathered at the village chief’s house, discussing the current situation in hushed tones.
The village chief’s face was covered in wrinkles, and his eyes flashed with a glimmer of rage. “We cannot go on like this. The Count does not view us as people; we are merely his slaves.”
“But what can we do?” a young man asked, his voice filled with helplessness and fear. “The Rebels have already failed. We have no weapons, and we have no leader.”
“No, we still have hope,” the village chief said firmly. “I heard that Fesca is still alive and is secretly organizing a new resistance. We cannot give up; we must wait for the right moment.”
Similar scenes played out across Count Mulai’s territory. On the surface, the Human villages appeared submissive, but in the shadows, the seeds of resistance were quietly sprouting.
At the same time, a divide began to appear within the Beastmen.
Chief Babatok was forced to reach a temporary peace agreement with Count Mulai after the battle for Konsh Castle. However, this decision sparked massive controversy within the Beastmen race.
In the camp of the Afuluo Tribe, several young Beastmen warriors gathered, speaking in low voices.
“Why is Chief Babatok collaborating with that Vampire?”
A young warrior said angrily, “Our Beastmen race will never bow our heads to an enemy!”
“Perhaps the Chief has his reasons,” another warrior said, trying to defend him. “After all, our current strength is not enough to fight against Count Mulai.”
“Reasons?”
The first warrior retorted excitedly, “The honor of our Beastmen race is more important than life itself! If we continue like this, our dignity will be completely gone!”
This dissatisfaction gradually spread as more and more young warriors began to question the Chief’s leadership. Some even began to secretly plot a rebellion.
As time passed, the turmoil within Count Mulai’s territory continued to escalate.
The Human villages grew increasingly defiant, the internal conflicts of the Beastmen intensified, and the struggle for power became more severe.
One stormy night, a rebellion suddenly broke out in a Human village in Assam County.
The villagers took up their crude weapons and charged toward Count Mulai’s garrison, attempting to reclaim their freedom.
Simultaneously, the young warriors of the Afuluo Tribe also rose up. They refused to continue following Chief Babatok’s orders and declared their independence from Count Mulai’s control.
The entire territory was instantly plunged into unprecedented chaos — the friction between the Humans, the Beastmen, and the Blood Clan intensified, and what once seemed like a stable regime rapidly transformed into a battlefield filled with conflict and upheaval.
—
On a rainy night, inside the study of the Duke’s Castle, candlelight flickered as the scent of dampness filled the air.
Sista stood by the window, watching the torrential rain outside with a heavy expression.
She had just received a secret letter handed to her by Duke Lorian, and the paper trembled slightly in her hand.
The letter detailed the chaotic situation in Count Mulai’s territory — it was as if the entire land were a volcano on the verge of erupting, ready to collapse at any moment.
Sista remained silent for a long time, her brow furrowed slightly.
She looked up at Duke Lorian, who was sitting behind the desk.
The Duke sat with his hands folded, his expression calm and profound.
“Lord Duke,” Sista said, “you showed me this letter to help me understand the current situation, or do you have deeper intentions?”
Duke Lorian smiled faintly, his gaze meaningful. “Your Highness, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.”
“I would like to hear your thoughts — why do you think Count Mulai’s territory has fallen into such chaos?”
Sista fell into contemplation for a moment, her gaze returning to the letter.
“Because he ignored the needs and interests of the Humans, attempting to maintain his rule through violence and fear. That approach is destined to fail.”
Her voice was low yet clear and firm.
“At the same time, while his cooperation with Chief Babatok temporarily stabilized the Beastmen, it also stirred up internal dissatisfaction.”
She looked up, meeting the Duke’s eyes. “Ultimately, the problem lies in his inability to reconcile the interests of all parties.”
Duke Lorian raised an eyebrow slightly, signaling for her to continue.
Sista continued, “Desire and fear are the two sharpest tools for maintaining a rule. He used desire to seize power, but he attempted to maintain it solely through fear.”
“When the balance between the two is lost, conflicts will break out across the board. That is the root of his failure.”
Duke Lorian nodded, a flicker of approval flashing in his eyes. “Your Highness’s analysis is very thorough. So, how should we respond?”
Sista pondered for a moment.
“This is also how we play the game against Moria. If we want to emerge victorious from the turmoil, we must reconcile the interests of all parties — granting certain benefits to the Humans and Beastmen while also satisfying the power demands of the Blood Clan Nobles.”
Duke Lorian wore a satisfied smile. “Your Highness’s insights are heartening. I believe that under your leadership, we will surely find a path to victory.”
Sista stood up, her tone firm. “I will do my best to live up to your expectations.”
Just as she was about to leave the study, the Duke suddenly spoke.
“Your Highness, there is one more thing.”
Sista turned back.
The Duke’s tone was probing. “Would you be willing to reconsider the marriage with Buke? I sincerely hope that we can cooperate even further.”
He lightly tapped his fingertips together, his gaze filled with expectation.
If this marriage could be facilitated, the Lorian Family’s status in the future regime would be unshakable.
However —
“My apologies, but I must refuse.”
Sista’s eyes instantly turned cold, without a hint of hesitation.
“I already have someone in my heart.”
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