Chapter 16 – War of Ideology
Vanessa said nothing more. They walked in silence toward the main gate of Thalveran's palace. The building loomed like a silver fortress, its pillars adorned with carvings of dragons and ancient royal emblems. In front of the towering entrance, two knights in black cloaks stood tall and vigilant.
"Name and purpose," one of them said in a deep voice.
"Vanessa Valemont. Invited for internal escort," she replied coldly.
"Hyunwoo, village chief of Andora," Hyunwoo added.
The knight checked the list in his hand, then nodded. "Proceed."
As the grand doors opened, the splendor of the main hall welcomed them. The walls were lined with stained glass in gold and blue, the ceiling high and painted with scenes of Thalveran's history—glorious and bloody. At the far end was a large chamber resembling a noble council room, with a round table, tall chairs, and a small stage at the front.
"This is where you stop," Vanessa said, standing beside the inner door. "I'll be stationed here."
Hyunwoo looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "If you change your mind about my offer earlier, you know who to look for."
Vanessa held back a faint smile. "Try not to die in there."
With calm steps, Hyunwoo entered the meeting room. Inside, the other village leaders were already seated—at least seven of them, dressed in the unique attire of their respective regions. Their expressions varied: some anxious, some confident. Among them were three figures in far more luxurious clothing—high-ranking officials of Thalveran.
One of them greeted Hyunwoo, an old woman with sharp eyes and a voice like a whisper. "Village chief of Andora. Please, take a seat."
Hyunwoo bowed politely and took his chair. This room felt like a battlefield of diplomacy, he thought. Words were weapons, and smiles were shields.
Minutes passed in polite but hollow conversation. Then… the faint sound of trumpets echoed.
Everyone stood. The main door opened slowly. The King entered.
He wore a white robe embroidered with gold, a small crown resting on his head. His gaze seemed friendly, but it was too perfect to be sincere. At his side stood an old man in a deep purple cloak, the insignia of Archduke on his chest—surely the King's right hand. And beside them… Kaelion. With a smug smile that chilled the room.
Hyunwoo knew all kinds of expressions. Kaelion's was the kind he trusted least: a predator's smile disguised as diplomacy.
"Welcome," the King said in a voice full of false charisma. "Today, we gather to discuss the future of Thalveran's lands… and your role within it."
Everyone bowed. But Hyunwoo only gave a slight nod. His eyes stayed open, scanning every face, noting who laughed too quickly, who sat too straight.
The show had begun.
And he, the main character, would play a role no one expected.
The grand hall's atmosphere grew heavier. Its tall walls adorned with golden carvings and Thalveran's royal crest added both splendor and intimidation. Around the circular table, seven village leaders sat with wary expressions. The Thalveran nobles stood on the opposite side, dressed in regal attire and sly smiles.
One by one, the village leaders introduced themselves.
"I'm Geralt of Rivenwood. Our village lies in the northwest, known for herbal fields and medical knowledge."
"I'm Mirella, village chief of Cloudmere. We live in the highlands and specialize in farming and water management."
"I'm Thoren from Darkhollow. Our village is small, but strong in defense and forest monster hunting."
And so on, until the final turn.
Hyunwoo stood calmly. "Kim Hyunwoo, village chief of Andora. We may seem ordinary, but we carry a big dream."
People turned toward him, especially the nobles, who observed his accent and appearance with intrigue.
Suddenly, a tall man with silvery blonde hair and a dark blue robe stood. His face looked calm but carried an air of arrogance. He was Lord Varelius Meredin, Thalveran's chief spokesperson.
"Listen closely to our offer," he spoke in a clear voice laced with composure. "We from Thalveran come not just as rulers, but as partners. We offer something you can't refuse—gold, protection from outside threats, and our kingdom's rapid development technology."
The village chiefs exchanged glances.
"Of course," Varelius continued, "on the condition… that you surrender part of your territory. Merely a gesture of trust and contribution to our shared progress."
A commotion stirred. Some chiefs stayed silent, but the majority shook their heads in protest.
"We can't just give up our land!" Thoren shouted.
"You think we can be bought with gold?!"
But before the uproar spread, King Thalveran stood. A large man in white and gold robes, his crown gleamed with a massive blue gem. He raised his hand and bowed slightly—not in respect, but in veiled threat.
"Accept my offer… or I will conquer you one by one," he said with a cunning smile. "Those who disagree… RAISE YOUR HANDS!"
The room fell silent.
Fear clouded the village leaders' faces. Slowly, one by one, they bowed their heads and nodded—agreeing, albeit reluctantly.
But one hand rose. A beautiful woman with long purple hair, voluptuous and elegant, stood. "I, Viola Hayward of Luminfall, refuse."
The other leaders widened their eyes.
"Are you insane?!" Thoren whispered.
Viola remained calm, though her hand trembled slightly. King Thalveran gripped the back of his chair tightly, his face contorted into a sneer.
The tension escalated as another hand rose. But it wasn't just a hand—Hyunwoo raised his middle finger.
"You think I give a damn about you, bastard? I won't give up my land to anyone—fat pig."
The King's face flushed. His body trembled with fury.
"HOW DARE YOU INSULT ME?!"
Chaos erupted. Guards moved in, some village leaders backed away in panic. Vanessa, behind the door, bit her lip anxiously as Hyunwoo was beaten and shackled.
Yet Hyunwoo kept his mocking smile, even as blood dripped from his temple.
"I don't play on the same board as you, King. And you've just made your first foolish move."
He was dragged away swiftly, down to the dungeons. But in his mind, this was not the end—this was the opening act to something far greater.