In the underground strategy room, the air was tense but focused. A large chessboard sat in the middle, its pieces shaped like princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials.
Moriarty stared at one small white piece.
"Greivahn sent a new report," said Rion, placing a scroll on the table. "The Heirs' Assembly will be held in two nights, in the Grand Hall."
"They'll talk about who will take Altair's place after the scandal," added Lysa, dipping her needles into a glowing green potion.
Leonhardt scoffed. "They're like hungry dogs. One falls, the rest tear each other apart."
"And that's perfect," Moriarty whispered. "Because in all that blood... we'll bring a light they can worship."
Rion leaned forward. "Princess Valeria?"
"Yes. She has no ambition, and that's what makes her the most dangerous. Everyone trusts her. Even the people."
Lysa raised an eyebrow. "But she's not a puppet. You think she'll obey?"
Moriarty gave a small, bittersweet smile. "I won't touch her will. I'll just give her the illusion of choice."
Leonhardt nodded. "How?"
"Make her believe that standing for the people is the only way to save them. Push her from every side. Gently. Sweetly... like a dream."
---
Meanwhile, in Eldia Palace...
Princess Valeria stood on her tower balcony, watching the sky turn red-orange.
Footsteps echoed behind her. A maid entered and bowed.
"There's a letter for you, Princess."
"From who?"
"No name. But... it's strange. Like a poem."
Valeria took the letter. The paper smelled like roses, and the silver ink sparkled.
> "To the light who doesn't know her own glow.
When darkness covers the world,
The light must choose:
Shine… or let the world burn."
Valeria stared at it in silence. Then her voice trembled.
"Why... does this feel so honest, but so terrifying?"
The maid stayed quiet, unsure what to say.
---
Later that night, in Valeria's private chambers
Valeria was awake, sitting on her bed, surrounded by more letters.
Suddenly—a shadow appeared at the window.
"Who's there?" she whispered.
The door creaked open. A man in a black coat stepped inside.
"Elric...?" she gasped.
He shook his head with a gentle smile. "Not anymore. Now I'm just a shadow who will protect you."
"Everyone thought you died at the border. Why didn't you send word?"
"I'm alive. But don't tell anyone."
"Why?"
"You'll understand soon."
Valeria stood slowly, her heart racing.
"Did you send all this?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because this world is burning. And you... you're the only light that can stop the flames."
Valeria looked down. "But I'm afraid..."
"I know."
He stepped closer.
"But as long as you're afraid... it means you're still human. And as long as you're human, I'll stand behind you."
Valeria took his hand.
"Then... guide me. But don't lie to me."
Elric bowed slightly, a small smile on his face.
"I promise..."
---
Two days later – The Grand Hall
Prince Revan shouted, "Altair is finished! Who else can take the throne if not me?!"
Young Duke Adbaris fired back, "You? Don't joke! Everyone knows you're tied to the weapons smuggling!"
The nobles argued, the room boiling with tension.
At the edge of the hall, a palace guard whispered to the assembly head, "Princess Valeria... has asked to speak."
Everyone fell silent as the princess entered. Her white dress shone, her face calm, her blue eyes glowing with determination.
"I'm not here to fight for the throne," she said quietly.
"But... someone has to protect the people from this fear."
Prince Revan narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Valeria raised the silver-lettered note.
"Someone sent me this. At first, I thought it was a threat. But now... I think it's a reminder."
She looked at them all.
"If none of you can lead... then let me protect them."
---
Behind the curtain of the underground base
Leonhardt looked stunned. "She really did it..."
Rion tapped the table. "She spoke from the heart. They'll trust her."
Lysa grinned. "But all of it started because she read our letter."
Moriarty watched through a crystal screen, Valeria's image glowing in its light.
"From this moment... she is the face of Ars Moriendi. The light born from the shadows."
---
Old Library's underground vault, night
Rain poured outside. A candle flickered on a worn table. Lord Greivahn sat in a tattered gray cloak. Then—footsteps.
Greivahn: "You came... finally."
Moriarty's calm voice answered, steps echoing slowly. "Of course. Someone like you... I wouldn't leave behind."
Greivahn looked at the masked figure stepping from the shadows.
"Who are you really, Moriarty?"
Moriarty (smiling beneath the mask): "I'm no one. And that's why... I can become anyone."
Greivahn slammed the table. "Enough riddles! I used to be in the High Council! Now those brat nobles call me a fossil!"
Moriarty slowly walked around him. "That's their mistake. They forgot... dust can become a storm. If there's wind strong enough to blow it."
Greivahn stared sharply. "And you... are the wind?"
Moriarty: "I simply... give you the choice."
He placed a scroll on the table.
Moriarty: "This is the distribution map to Arkeim Fortress. I need someone on the inside... to add a little note. No one will notice."
Greivahn narrowed his eyes. "You think I can be bought?"
Moriarty: "No. But I know... someone who's been cast aside just wants to feel important again."
Silence. The candle trembled. Greivahn slowly picked up the scroll.
Greivahn: "If I do this... what do I get?"
Moriarty (quiet, like a curse): "You'll become trash... or a legend. Depends how far you're willing to fall."
Greivahn laughed bitterly. "And if I'm caught?"
Moriarty sat across him, relaxed. "I'll make sure your name stays hidden. But if you'd rather be known... I can make you a hero."
Greivahn looked at the ceiling. "Funny. I used to fight for the empire's glory. Now... I help burn it."
Moriarty spoke softly. "You're not burning the empire. You're removing the rotten roots covered in gold."
Greivahn sighed deeply.
Greivahn laughed lightly. "Then... I guess I'm already in hell."
Moriarty stood, spinning his silver cane. "You're not alone, Lord Greivahn. In hell... we all have a seat of honor."
---
Days later – Empire's Logistics Room, late afternoon
Lord Greivahn wore his old formal robe, his graying hair neatly brushed. Before him was the final logistics report for Arkeim Fortress.
Greivahn (thinking):
"One line... one number... and the supply route changes. No one will notice… except those who know what to look for."
His hand trembled slightly as he held the pen. Then, calmly, he added a small line between two documents.
Greivahn (murmuring): "Temporary reroute requested by Southern Director. Approved by… Lord Greivahn."
He blew the ink dry and resealed the file. A young aide approached.
Aide: "Is the report for Arkeim Fortress ready, my lord?"
Greivahn smiled thinly. "Yes. Send it. And... make sure there are no copies left."
The aide looked confused but nodded. "Yes, my lord."
Once alone, Greivahn looked out the window at the cloudy sky over Eldia.
Greivahn (to himself):
"I just lit the fuse... I hope the fire knows where to burn."
---
Night – Hidden alley in the old district
Moriarty stood in the shadows, wearing his dark cloak.
Rion rushed in, handing over a scroll.
Rion (kneeling): "Greivahn wrote it exactly as you said."
Moriarty glanced through it. "...He chose our side. Good."
Leonhardt appeared from the dark, lighting a glowing blue crystal.
Leonhardt: "When do we reroute the troops into the sabotaged line?"
Moriarty's voice was cold. "Not yet. We wait until the palace starts sending artifacts to Arkeim Fortress. Then... we blow the central line."
Rion asked carefully. "And Greivahn...?"
Moriarty walked into the shadow, fading slowly. "He'll be a hero... or a traitor, depending on who survives after the fire."
---
Days later – Inside the palace, military chamber
A soldier burst in, panic in his voice.
"Your Majesty! The main supply route to Arkeim Fortress... exploded! Three carts destroyed! Two escort mages are missing!"
The emperor slammed his table. "What—! Who approved that route change?!"
An officer opened a document. "It's signed by Lord Greivahn, Your Majesty..."
Silence. Everyone stared at each other. The emperor clenched his teeth.
Emperor: "Bring me Greivahn. Now."
---
Greivahn's residence
Greivahn sat in his chair as a servant told him that palace guards were on their way.
He gave a bitter smile and sipped his tea.
"So quick to blame me... Impressive, Moriarty. You really are a cruel writer."
He stood, took a small box from his drawer. Inside: a silver mini-cane marked with "M", and... a dark communication crystal.
Greivahn touched the crystal, speaking softly.
"Your game has started... and I'm the first piece you sacrificed."
The crystal glowed. Moriarty's calm voice echoed faintly.
Moriarty:
"Every pawn... deserves an honorable death, as long as they know... the next step."
---