Royal banners fluttered over Trevik Territory.
Hundreds of armored soldiers surrounded the main manor.
Magic formations sealed every escape route.
Baron Trevik stood in his courtyard, trembling.
"Impossible… impossible…"
The Royal Inspector, Lord Harren, stepped forward.
He was a Grandmaster-level swordsman and a direct representative of the crown.
His presence alone suppressed the area.
"Baron Trevik," Harren said coldly, "you are accused of illegal arms trade, corruption, collusion with slave traffickers, and attempted assassination of a royal prince."
Each word struck like thunder.
Trevik collapsed.
"I—I was framed!"
Harren raised his hand.
Boxes were opened.
Documents revealed.
Witnesses brought forth.
Kael's carefully organized evidence was presented.
Trevik's face turned ashen.
There was no escape.
Inside the manor hall, the trial was brief.
Facts spoke louder than pleas.
By sunset, the verdict was delivered.
"Baron Trevik," Harren announced, "you are stripped of title and lands. Your assets are confiscated. You are sentenced to life imprisonment."
A scream echoed.
The former baron was dragged away.
His power vanished in a single day.
Three days later, Arin received official notice.
Trevik Territory was placed under temporary royal administration.
And a recommendation was attached.
Candidate: Prince Arin Eldoria.
Kelsin stared at the document. "They're offering you control."
Selene smiled. "You've passed the first real test."
Arin remained calm.
"This is both reward and trap."
"If I manage it well, I rise."
"If I fail, I fall."
Rynor laughed. "Then don't fail."
Arin nodded.
"I won't."
The system responded.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Enemy Eliminated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: New Territory Opportunity]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynastic Expansion Path Unlocked]
At the same time, deep in an underground hall, the hooded figure watched through a crystal mirror.
"Interesting," he murmured.
"He dismantled Trevik without a single battle."
A subordinate knelt.
"Should we intervene?"
"Not yet," the figure replied. "Let him grow… bigger."
Back in Blackridge, Arin gathered his people.
"We're about to expand," he announced.
"New lands. New responsibilities. New enemies."
Lyra looked excited.
Kael looked determined.
Rynor looked eager.
Selene looked proud.
This was no longer survival.
This was conquest.
And the dynasty was beginning to take shape.