Chapter 71 | 10th Lord
[Aiden’s POV]
"Kill him, also make sure that it doesn’t track back to you," I ordered.
"As you command, master," Damien bowed and left towards the door.
Just as he opened the door, he found someone standing in front of it, ready to knock.
"Damien, was it? I want to speak to your master," the voice of Malachi reached my ears.
I hurried to the door. "You could have called for me, Chancellor. You didn’t have to come here personally," I stated.
However, I noticed a crease forming on his forehead and a face filled with worry.
"I am afraid the situation called for it," he replied. "May I come in?"
"Ahh...forgive me, of course," I showed him the way in.
’Damien, stay for the moment,’ I shared with him mentally.
We sat on the adjacent sofa; Damien stood behind me.
"I noticed the commotion of the guards; is it related to that?" I asked.
"Before I deliver the bad news, I guess I should tell you the good news," he articulated.
He was trying to appear jovial, but I could feel something was gnawing at his thoughts. Suddenly, an ominous feeling arose in my heart; however, for now, I just listened.
"Congratulations on being appointed as the 10th Lord of the Kronesthion Federation. I hope you will be an exemplary lord and work in favor of Kronesthion and its people." Malachi announced.
I just sat there with my mind staring blankly. Although I had put my foot down in all the right places, I had already prepared few counters to strong-arm them.
But this felt easy, except for the winning-the-tournament part. After a few seconds of staring like a statue, happiness erupted as a euphoric feeling passed over my whole body.
’I have done it, that dream which appeared distant when I was at the Awakening ceremony, now it is in my grip.’ I got the sudden urge to laugh like a madman.
For all those, especially in Arclights, many used to call me a daydreamer. But it wasn’t a dream anymore.
"Aiden...Aiden," Malachi’s voice broke my chain of thoughts.
"Ahh...sorry Chancellor, my mind wandered for a minute," I apologized.
"No worries, you had told us that it was your dream, so I understand the situation. Believe me, this was not how I envisioned when I was deciding about announcing your appointment," Malachi responded.
"But this sudden crisis has put a hold on that celebration. Now, as the 10th lord of council, I would like to make a formal request for a task from the council," he added.
"The recent crisis is due to rifts; there are news of rifts from all over Kronesthion. Other lords have already left for their territory; they should be arriving soon."
"It has been recently confirmed that the strength of monsters pouring out is between Grandmaster-Rank and Saint-Rank. However, looking at the scale of the attack, there is a possibility of a Sovereign leading the attack."
"Your task is to close as many rifts as possible on the outskirts and in the wilds and report to us if you find the Sovereign leading the attack." He finished explaining the situation along with my first official business.
This sudden news poured a bucket of cold water over my thoughts; now I get why the Chancellor was worried.
"How much time has passed since the opening of the rift?" I asked.
"About 20-25 minutes; we received reports about 15 minutes ago," he answered.
"Just when the tournament ended," I blurted.
For a moment there was silence. "Well, damn it, I was hoping it was bad luck and not some planned attack. But your point is making a good case of someone being behind it," Malachi responded.
"The only good part about the current situation is that not much time has passed and we have the possibility to control the situation. I have already mobilized the Nesthorin army of the Council and also called a platoon for you to command," he added.
"They will be arriving within an hour; you can be ready till then. Is there anything else you need?" He asked.
My thoughts churned as I processed the situation; at the mention of a monster, suddenly an idea came to mind.
This crisis could be turned into an opportunity; I would need Origin points in heaps when establishing a city.
I was already thinking about raiding at least one dungeon before, but now I don’t need that.
"Chancellor, you don’t have to worry about the army. I have my own people, and I want to establish myself as a lord. I can’t complete my first task with the help of the Council," I stated.
"After all, there are only two things that are respected in Kronesthion: strength and rules. If I can’t show my strength, then I would not be able to earn the respect of demons that may become citizens of my city." I added.
"I noticed people sitting in the room provided to you; they are a peculiar bunch and don’t seem to be from Aetherionis. If I have to guess, it relates to your other ability," Malachi shared his thoughts.
A bead of sweat formed on my head; he hadn’t even properly seen them yet he could tell that easily. It was a good idea to make myself known as a dual-ability user.
Looking at my alarmed face, he let out a small laugh. "I am over a thousand years old, Aiden. I have roamed the world, and your people don’t fit the description of any known beings on Aetherionis," he shared.
"You don’t have to worry; not many posses have eyes like mine. I would love to chat more with a young soul like you. But the commander of the Nesthorin army will be replying to my call soon."
"Do you truly want to tackle this situation on your own?" he asked.
"Yes, chancellor," I replied while I already started thinking about how to handle the rifts.
"Hmm...as a lord, I respect your choices, but I still want to take at least some of my people. How about two Saint-Rank vampires? They are good at fighting and are part of my personal army." He presented an alternative.
I thought for a moment and agreed; there was no harm if they were vampires.
"Regalia, Donald," Malachi called.
Two vampires entered the room and bent one knee with respect.
"Until Lord Aiden says otherwise. You are to follow him and his commands." Malachi ordered.
"Yes, Chancellor," they said in unison.
"You can have them under you permanently if you like them during this task. Consider this a small gift for your appointment as a lord," Malachi said with a slight smile.
"Thank you for your consideration, Chancellor. I accept; I promise I will treat them like my own people," I reassured him.
"Okay, I should leave. I have already spent a few minutes here." He stood up, ready to leave.
I followed him to the door; just as he was at the gate of the room, he stopped.
"Aiden, I know you have the strength to face Grandmaster rank and survive Sage rank. But be careful; monsters aren’t the only enemy." He gave a warning as he left.
"I will always keep that in mind, Chancellor," I agreed.
"We are at your service, Lord Aiden," both vampires spoke in the same position.
"Damien," I called. ’Release your ancient vampire aura,’ I commanded mentally.
A second later, both vampires were bowing with their heads touching the ground.
"We greet the lord," ×2 they spoke, but their heads were turned towards Damien. I could feel primal fear radiating from them.
"You changed your lord quickly," I commented as I sat on the sofa.
"No worries. Damien, take them and go bring Seraphine and others; I have prepared for our task," I added before they could speak.
"Follow me," Damien said, and they obeyed like puppets.
’So that’s blood authority,’ I noticed. ’System, time to add a new banner.’