The fragile peace in the Clover Kingdom shattered overnight. Rumors of noble unrest had lingered for weeks, but no one anticipated how swiftly and decisively the rebellion would strike. In a single night, coordinated acts of defiance erupted across the kingdom—supply convoys were ambushed, merchant storehouses burned, and several military outposts found themselves under siege. The kingdom's newfound stability was under direct assault.
The Rebels Make Their Move
Duke Alistair, the orchestrator of the noble rebellion, stood atop a balcony in his eastern province stronghold, surveying the first phase of his uprising. The sight of mercenaries, disillusioned knights, and fanatical loyalists rallying under his banner filled him with a sense of triumph.
"That boy-king has ruled for too long," he declared to his gathered supporters. "He dares call himself a king while trampling upon the noble traditions that made this kingdom great. We will reclaim what is rightfully ours!"
His words were met with a chorus of cheers. By morning, several border towns had fallen under noble control. Their forces moved swiftly, cutting off trade routes and striking key military installations before the Royal Army could react.
Solis's Response – A Declaration of War
News of the uprising reached the palace before dawn. The war room was alive with tension as King Solis entered, his expression unreadable.
Fuegoleon Vermillion slammed his fist on the table, fury burning in his eyes. "This is outright treason! They strike at the foundation of the kingdom itself!"
Nozel Silva nodded in agreement but remained composed. "The rebels have acted swiftly and with precision. They knew exactly where to strike. This was planned well in advance."
Julius Novachrono, who had joined the emergency meeting, watched Solis carefully. The young king had reformed much in so little time, but now he faced his first true test of rulership.
Solis looked at the map, his golden eyes trailing over the marked locations of attacks. Then, with a voice as steady as steel, he spoke:
"Mobilize the army. We will not let these traitors divide the kingdom. I am declaring a full military response—every noble estate that has raised arms against the crown will be treated as an enemy stronghold."
The commanders exchanged glances. This was not just suppression; this was war.
The Battle Begins
By midday, the first wave of loyalist forces clashed with the rebel armies. Solis himself led the charge into the eastern provinces, flanked by Fuegoleon and Nozel. Though he had only recently received his Grimoire, his strategic mind and relentless training put him at the forefront of battle.
His presence on the battlefield electrified his troops. Though his strength was still developing, his unwavering resolve and command presence made him an unshakable force.
"Advance! Crush the rebels and reclaim the kingdom!" he ordered, his voice carrying over the battlefield.
The rebels fought fiercely, their noble commanders wielding powerful magic that had long been feared throughout the kingdom. But Solis had already anticipated their tactics. His reforms in the military had produced stronger, more disciplined soldiers—and under his direct leadership, they fought with renewed vigor.
By nightfall, several noble strongholds had fallen, but the war was far from over.
A Kingdom Divided
As the battle stretched into the coming days, Solis knew this conflict would not end with mere skirmishes. He needed to deliver a decisive blow—one that would crush the rebellion before it could grow into an even greater threat.
The question was—who among the nobles would stand with him? And who would betray him next?
End of Chapter 42