The council hall was already full when I entered.
Marble floors. Golden pillars. Banners of the empire hanging like silent judges above us.
This was where laws were written. Where wars were approved. Where my fate had first been sealed.
Every step I took echoed.
Nobles turned to look at me—some with polite smiles, some with eyes that were already calculating my worth.
I took my seat at the long table, right below the emperor's throne.
My father sat above us, expression calm, unreadable.
Just like in my first life.
I forced myself to breathe normally.
This meeting would decide everything.
The head minister stood. "Today's first matter: the border dispute between House Nightvale and House Corvin. Armed conflict has already broken out in the western provinces."
Murmurs filled the hall.
So it begins.
In my past life, I had suggested negotiation. I had believed in unity. I had tried to avoid war.
That choice had been used against me.
Not again.
The minister continued, "General Seraphine Nightvale has arrived to present her house's position."
The doors at the far end of the hall opened.
She walked in.
Even now, my chest tightened.
Silver hair tied back neatly. Black uniform fitted to her frame. Every step steady, controlled. The air around her felt… sharp.
This was not a woman who begged.
This was a woman who commanded.
Seraphine Nightvale bowed once, perfectly formal.
"Your Majesty. Lords of the council."
Her voice was calm. Clear. Dangerous.
Our eyes met.
For just a second.
No recognition. No emotion.
She did not know me.
To her, I was only the crown prince—another noble sitting in a golden hall.
But I knew her.
I knew the strength in her blade.The weight of her gaze.The cold resolve when she raised her sword over my neck.
I looked away first.
She spoke of border violations. Of Corvin troops burning Nightvale villages. Of civilians slaughtered.
Some nobles nodded in sympathy.
Others smirked.
Then House Corvin's representative stood.
"My lords," he said smoothly, "House Nightvale has always exaggerated threats to gain military authority. This so-called attack is nothing more than a provocation by their own forces."
A lie.
I had seen the bodies. The ruined cities. The war that followed.
In my first life, I had tried to remain neutral.
This time, I stood.
The room fell silent.
All eyes turned to me.
"House Nightvale's report is accurate," I said.
Several nobles stiffened.
Seraphine's eyes snapped back to me.
"The Corvin forces crossed imperial borders without authorization. This is not a dispute—it is rebellion."
Gasps. Shock. Anger.
The Corvin lord slammed his hand on the table. "Your Highness, you accuse us without evidence?"
I met his gaze calmly.
"Then present your records. Your troop movements. Your orders."
He hesitated.
Just for a moment.
Enough.
"I propose this," I continued. "Grant House Nightvale temporary military authority to secure the border. Any Corvin forces found within the restricted zone will be treated as traitors."
Silence.
I could feel my father watching me.
The emperor's voice finally echoed through the hall. "Bold words, Kael."
I bowed slightly. "Necessary ones."
After a long pause, he nodded.
"So be it."
The decision was made.
House Nightvale had power.
Seraphine turned fully toward me now.
Not grateful.
Not pleased.
Curious.
After the meeting ended, I walked out into the corridor.
I knew she would follow.
I just didn't expect her to speak so soon.
"Why?"
Her voice stopped me.
I turned.
She stood a few steps away, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"Why would the crown prince risk political backlash for my house?" she asked.
I studied her face.
So close.
So different from the battlefield version of her burned into my memories.
And yet… still the same.
"I believe in justice," I said.
A safe answer.
She didn't believe it.
"I don't trust politicians," she replied. "Especially royal ones."
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Good," I said. "Then we already understand each other."
Her gaze narrowed.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Something hung between us—not anger, not warmth.
Suspicion.
Interest.
Danger.
"If you are playing a game," she said quietly, "don't use my house as your piece."
I stepped closer.
Lowered my voice.
"I'm not using you," I said. "I'm choosing you."
Her breath faltered—just slightly.
Then her expression hardened again.
"We will see."
She turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
I watched her go.
In my first life, she had ended me without hesitation.
In this one…
I had just placed my fate in her hands.
And for the first time since I died…
I felt something other than revenge.
Anticipation.