Aric spun the dagger around in his hand, its weight, its blade so fine. Montclair had finally moved at last. A threat—handed over to scare him, to make him cautious. But it only served to verify what Aric had already suspected. Montclair regarded him as a threat.
"Good."
He smiled slowly with his face, laying the dagger on the table. Fear was creeping in.
And now, it was time to reverse the pressure.
Aric leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. "System, display my available abilities."
A smooth, familiar voice echoed in his head.
[System Notification]
Available Abilities:
Sovereign's Embrace (Dominance effect over weaker minds)
Sovereign's Brand (Permanent influence over a target)
Commandment of the Throne (Issue an order with overwhelming authority)
He thought aloud, "What's the best way to handle Montclair?".
[System Suggestion: Brand Sovereign's Brand on a key member of Montclair's inner circle. Rot from within.]
Aric's fingers drummed the desk. A perilous motion. If I brand the correct person.
But who?
And then, in his mind, one name came to mind.
Lord Revelle.
Revelle was Montclair's top advisor. If Aric could get him in his pocket, he wouldn't merely turn Montclair over—he could mislead him, get him to distrust his friends, and even use his own paranoia against himself.
"System, what's the risk?"
[System Warning: High-risk target. In event of discovery, you might cause direct retaliation. Success will secure long-term influence over Montclair's strategic decisions.]
Aric grinned. "Sounds like the ideal play."
Arranging a meeting with Revelle wasn't difficult. A simple note, an offer of information—Montclair's enemies were numerous, and any cautious man would be eager to listen.
The old noble arrived at a secluded inn, his steps careful as he slipped into a private room where Aric was waiting.
"Lord Aric," Revelle greeted, eyes sharp. "You claim to have intelligence on Montclair's enemies. Speak quickly."
Aric filled a glass of wine, holding it out. "Drink first. It's going to be a long talk."
Revelle hesitated. Then, reluctantly, he took it.
It was his first mistake.
As Revelle sipped, Aric leaned forward. His eyes darkened, power vibrating beneath his skin.
[Engaging: Sovereign's Brand]
A shiver of energy radiated out—invisible but unmistakable. Revelle halted mid-sip, his breath caught in his throat. His pupils expanded as the magic closed around his mind.
"Wh-what… is this…?" he gasped, fighting.
Aric's voice was soft, unyielding. "You will obey me, Revelle. You will do as I command."
The old noble shook, beads of perspiration bursting forth on his forehead. He struggled, his brain rebelled—but too late.
The Brand held fast.
Aric's smile stretched wider.
"Let us talk of Montclair now."