The Third Prince Of Darkness

After Thaerd's death, the oaths of loyalty directed toward me began to grow in number, and with each passing day, my reputation continued to improve. Ultimately, it would not be wrong to say that I now controlled the entire northern and central regions of the Asina Kingdom. Liam's power, however, was more dangerous than ever before, and even his supporters were aware of this.

At the same time, my terrifying reputation had grown significantly, largely because of my devastating destruction of Thaerd's army during the war. This had likely made Liam's supporters hesitate to defect to my side. To address this, I issued a royal decree immediately, announcing that all nobles who pledged loyalty to me would not be tried for treason. The impact of this decree would become evident in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Ellera's fleet of fifty trade ships finally reached the western ports. I informed Duke Grohandal without delay, assigning him the task of protecting the cargo, gold, and other goods. After providing Ellera with several thousand guards for her safety, I sent her on her way. According to the Servant Guild, which kept a watchful eye on Liam, there had been no movement on his side, so it seemed the goods would reach the capital without issue.

In addition, the lands of the duke who supported Thaerd had been unoccupied for some time, and I decided to appoint a new duke to govern them. The best candidate for this was Isabella's family. Already an established and wealthy household, her parents initially hesitated when I offered them this position, but they soon accepted. With several brothers in Isabella's family, the elderly Duchy could be easily managed.

The fall of Thaerd had fundamentally altered the balance of power in the Asina Kingdom, and I knew I stood at the center of this change. My strength and reputation were increasing, but I was also acutely aware of the dangers that came with this. Everyone admired power, but they also feared it—especially power wielded by someone like me.

Despite my decree, there were still those who chose to remain in Liam's camp. Most did so out of fear, while others clung to loyalty out of sheer stubbornness. But such loyalty would not last forever. People were drawn to where their interests lay, and my task was to accelerate this shift. Some, particularly minor barons and counts in the north, had already begun to cautiously reach out to me. As they approached with gifts and flattering words, it would be my responsibility to discern which of them could be trusted and which were merely biding their time.

Ellera's journey west was of critical importance. Delivering the goods to the capital was not merely a commercial matter; it was also a demonstration of power. Liam and his supporters needed to see that I was capable of organizing such a large-scale logistical operation seamlessly. However, this undertaking also carried great risk. Any attack or sabotage would be seen as a sign of weakness. While I had full confidence in Duke Grohandal, I could not shake the unease within me. This journey could present my enemies with an opportunity to bear their fangs.

Offering the duchy to Isabella's family was another calculated move in my plans. They were a deeply rooted and powerful noble family, but I also wanted them to feel indebted to me. Expanding my power was not just about conquering territories, but also about ensuring the loyalty of those who governed them. Entrusting this responsibility to one of Isabella's brothers would ensure that her family remained firmly on my side. However, this decision could breed jealousy and suspicion among other nobles, requiring me to carefully maintain balance and control.

Liam's silence, meanwhile, had begun to unsettle me. A wolf remained quiet while waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Although the Servant Guild reported no signs of activity on his part, this did not mean he was powerless. He could very well be assembling an army or forging new alliances. To prepare for this, I increased the number of patrols along the southern borders and tasked my spies with closely monitoring anyone who might be linked to him.

The regions of the Asina Kingdom under my control were expanding, and my claim to the throne was growing stronger. However, every ascent came with a cost, and I was prepared to pay it. War was not only fought with swords, but also with minds. I needed to deepen my strategies and stay one step ahead of my opponents. I knew that power was not merely a blessing for those who possessed it; it was also a curse that weighed heavily on those who bore it.

Fortunately, my days were far from dull, thanks to the remarkable support and affection of the women in my expansive harem.

Each woman in my harem was a world unto herself, and this diversity kept both my mind and spirit alive. Luciana's laughter and energy were like rays of sunlight piercing the dark corners of the palace. Her joy was infectious; even in the tensest moments, she could soften the atmosphere with a joke or an impromptu dance. Yet, behind her cheerfulness, lay a sharp intellect. She could quickly discern people's intentions and playfully turn them to her advantage.

Isabella, on the other hand, was a true strategist. Our discussions felt like intellectual duels. She never outright corrected me, but presented her ideas in such a way that I would inevitably conclude her suggestion was the most logical course of action. From royal documents to diplomatic correspondence, she was an invaluable aide. She was also a loving person; her affection for me was evident not only in her words but also in her gaze.

Evangeline was the most enigmatic woman in the harem. Her silence could be both soothing and ominous. She rarely displayed emotion, yet her eyes seemed to see everything. She could read secrets from people's faces and whisper them to me at precisely the right moment. Her wisdom and keen intuition had been crucial to the success of many of my plans.

Ellera, meanwhile, was like an icy statue. Her exterior was devoid of emotion, but her loyalty was unyielding. She carried out her duties flawlessly, without complaint or hesitation. This made her the perfect choice to lead the trade fleet. She was a reliable weapon, always delivering results regardless of the task.

Roxanne and Kayle, however, were a different story. Their obsessive love marked both for me. Roxanne expressed this love with intense passion, while Kayle's feelings were impulsive and uncontrollable. They often competed with one another, but whenever they sensed that their rivalry bothered me, they would quickly soften. Their energy and passion broke the monotony of my days.

Then there was Avanne... She was like a quiet shadow. She never drew attention to herself, yet her presence was always felt. Her calm demeanor brought me peace even amidst chaos. Though she spoke little, her words were always carefully chosen. Her perspective often provided the most honest guidance I needed.

The women in my harem were not just supporters in my rise as a ruler, but also sources of inspiration. Occasionally, they would argue among themselves, but fortunately, I could easily quell these disputes, as each of them obeyed my word.

Each of them played a different role in the growth of my kingdom. With their love and support, I was determined to further solidify my claim to the throne. However, as I bore the weight of this power, it was a matter of honor for me to give each one the value they deserved.

Just as I now showed affection to Roxanne, who was sitting on my lap, I took care not to neglect any of them.

Roxanne sat on my lap, her hands resting on my chest, her fingertips gently exploring the skin beneath the fabric. Her breath, warm and soft, brushed against my neck like a gentle breeze. Her eyes locked onto mine, and in that gaze, I encountered a passion so deep it felt as though her very existence in this world revolved solely around me. Roxanne was breathtaking in every way, but her obsessive devotion… that was what made her both alluring and dangerous.
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Under the spell of Roxanne's intense gaze, for a fleeting moment, it was as if I had forgotten my past victories and future plans. While her presence warmed my heart, a silent warning bell rang somewhere in the back of my mind, reminding me to always remain cautious. No matter how enchanting her love was, Roxanne's passion could turn into a perilous weapon. Loving her meant keeping her boundaries in check as well.

"Ethan…" she murmured. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried such weight that it felt as though everything in the room resonated around that single word. As her fingers brushed against my neck, I felt a slight shiver run through me. Roxanne's tone always struck a strange balance between devotion and an unspoken warning—pure love on one side, and a veiled threat on the other.

"I am bound to you with everything I have," Roxanne continued, resting her head against my chest. "But sometimes, I fear that one day you might forget me. That I might one day be lost amidst the attention you give to the others."

Running my fingers through her hair, I tried to decipher the emotions hidden within her words. Roxanne, with her obsessive love, was one of my most loyal supporters; yet, buried within the depths of her devotion lay uncontrollable jealousy and ambition. Calming her and keeping her balanced had always been my responsibility as a leader.