In the presidential palace, the atmosphere was tense and filled with anxiety. The President of the State of Estiria sat behind his desk, his face showing clear signs of stress. In front of him was the Prime Minister, who was closely observing the situation.
President of the State of Estiria: "We've lost two of the royal families suddenly."
Prime Minister: "This is very strange; our family didn't have any issues, except for Everin's problem with Arcadia."
President of the State of Estiria: "And even their issue with Arcadia has been resolved, so what now? Who killed them? They can't be easily killed, which means there's a large state or organization behind it."
Prime Minister: "The four major organizations are: Arcadia, Terava, Ogura, and Crown Dynasty. These four are the strongest organizations, and they are the only ones who would dare attack nations. But I don't expect any of them to attack Everin and Falconier, there's no reason for that."
President of the State of Estiria: "I don't know, but losing two of the royal families will weaken us. They need to appoint a new leader, and I hope they are as strong as the previous ones."
In the village, Raven went to see the advisor. He said, "Listen, we killed the head of Everin, and Falconier .
cooperated with me so you wouldn't die as well."
Advisor: "What do you want from me?"
Raven: "Is there any business activity going on for the Everin family or any of the royal families?"
Advisor: "You killed their leader, what more do you want?"
Raven: "They'll appoint a new leader for sure. My revenge will be complete once I destroy all their businesses. They will become a burden on the government and will be expelled, but I'm not in a rush, I have time."
Advisor: "Currently, there's nothing. Since you killed their leader, their only agenda will be to choose a new one."
Raven left his counselor's cell and returned to his home in the village.
President of the state: "This is a disaster... we've now become enemies of a mighty empire!"
The Prime Minister, trying to process what he just heard: "What should we do now? We haven't even finished dealing with the Everin and Falconier issue, and now another problem has arisen!"
President of the state, his eyes filled with concern: "This is an empire we can't confront. It includes more than five countries. What I know is that they don't participate in the continental meetings, they send their country leaders instead. Their emperor wants nothing but to expand his empire, and the most likely scenario is that they'll take over our country."
The Prime Minister, in shock: "What? Are you going to hand it over to them so easily?"
President of the state, frustrated: "If we hand it over, we'll stay in the same positions. Nothing will change. He'll simply rule over this country under his leadership, and we'll become like provinces in his empire. Even our military will become part of theirs! I can't believe this."
The Prime Minister, trying to calm the situation: "Let's stay calm for now and wait... maybe we'll find a middle ground."
President of the state, biting his lip in deep thought: "He's looking for any reason to absorb the countries into his empire. There's no point in talking now, and no other countries will act to solve this problem. This is an empire, only other empires can talk to them! And there are empires larger than this one in this world."
In the heart of the Vanor Empire, beneath the towering halls of its grand palace adorned with the banners of its five allied nations—Orman, Vildar, Zynstra, Merax, and Savil—Emperor Valen sat at the head of a long obsidian table. The air was thick with tension as the leaders discussed the shocking incident that had shaken the continent.
President of Orman (angrily):
"The assassination of our Foreign Minister on Estirian soil? Are they declaring war on us?!"
President of Vildar (calmly):
"War? Against whom? Estiria is just a single state. Waging war against the Empire is suicide… I doubt they're that foolish."
Emperor Valen, his deep voice cutting through the noise like steel, leaned forward from his throne and said:
"I will summon the President of Estiria. I want to hear his explanation... then we decide their fate."
President of Zynstra (eagerly):
"Why even listen? We should annex them now. No need for pleasantries—this is an opportunity."
Emperor Valen gave a cold, knowing smile:
"I will take that land—sooner or later. That is certain. But I enjoy hearing lies before I crush them."
President of Merax, known for his wisdom and intelligence network, spoke gravely:
"Our intel confirms that the assassinations of Everin's and Falconir's leaders were carried out by just two individuals—each one striking alone. That level of power is... unusual. We don't know who these enemies are. Is it wise to absorb a state marked by such dangerous forces?"
President of Savil (confidently):
"All the more reason to annex them. Their enemies will back off the moment they hear Estiria is under the protection of Vanor. And if they dare attack us… we'll wipe them from existence."
Emperor Valen rose slowly from his throne, his steps echoing ominously in the chamber.
"Begin preparations to annex Estiria. And bring me their President. I want to hear his pathetic excuses before I decide if he deserves to remain in power."
The President of Isteria began preparing what he would say, his heart heavy with fear and his mind searching for the right words to justify the disaster. Within hours, a private aircraft from the Vanor Empire arrived, its sole mission: to take the President of Isteria to the heart of the empire.
He boarded the plane without guards, without companions—his complete surrender was the only protection he carried. Throughout the flight, one thought haunted him: "How can I get out of this disaster alive?"
He arrived at the grand imperial palace, where Emperor Valen awaited him on the throne. Before the emperor could ask a single question, the President of Isteria launched into a full explanation. He poured out everything—the chaos, the assassinations, even what he wasn't sure of himself.
The emperor remained silent, watching him with a cold, curious gaze. Then he suddenly raised his hand.
Emperor (sharply):
"Alright, alright… calm down. I'll ask you one question now… and if you answer it wrong, you'll die."
The President of Isteria froze in place, sweat dripping down his face, waiting for the question like his life depended on it—because it did.
Emperor:
"Do you wish to become a vassal of my empire and rule your country under my command?"
President of Isteria (without hesitation):
"Yes! Of course! Absolutely, without question!"
The emperor gave a faint smile and continued:
Emperor:
"Good… Now return to your country. Inform your government and all the royal families that Isteria is now officially under the rule of the Vanor Empire.
I'll be replacing your military leadership—your army will no longer be under your control.
You may manage Isteria as you wish, but only with my permission. All the nations under my empire pay a portion of their budget to me—and now, so will you.
As for your enemies… I want you to share all the information you have about the attackers with our intelligence agency. We'll begin the hunt for them."
The President of Isteria agreed to everything without resistance. All he wanted was to survive.
A few hours later, he returned to Isteria with the message:
Esteria was now officially part of the Vanor Empire.