Aslan and his Shadows walked in silence.
One of them finally spoke.
"Boss… why did you let the others go?"
Aslan glanced at him, eyes cold but composed.
"Because it was all planned by Duke Lender," he said.
"And Dukes Percival and Osric were backing him completely. Removing them—and making the others watch—was necessary."
"Killing them wasn't just revenge… it was a warning."
"And the others?"
"They weren't the masterminds—just pawns following orders."
He paused, then added with a chilling edge,
"But don't worry. I'll deal with them too—one by one."
The Next Day
Lucian was adjusting his collar, getting ready for the council meeting, when Aslan suddenly popped into the room.
Lucian jumped, startled.
"Gosh! You scared me!"
Aslan gave him a lazy smile.
"Can I come with you to the council meeting today?"
Lucian blinked, caught off guard.
"…Okay," he said slowly. "But don't cause any trouble."
Aslan grinned.
"No promises."
Outside the window, Aslan's Shadows watched quietly from the rooftop, stunned.
"I can't believe… he's the same person from last night."
Imperial Council Hall
Aslan and Lucian walked side by side through the grand hallway.
"Don't worry, Lucian," Aslan said calmly.
"Everything will be alright."
Lucian gave a small nod, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
The double doors swung open.
"Presenting His Highness, Prince Lucian… and Prince Aslan."
The Imperial Council.
The air inside the chamber was tense — cold and heavy with expectation.
Grand Duke Roderic Valehart bowed.
"Prince Lucian. Prince Aslan."
Duke Alphonse Windmere narrowed his eyes.
"Why is the Third Prince here?"
Aslan smirked, hands in his pockets. (Thinking)
Duke Windmere… not aligned with anyone. Neutral, but sharp.
"I'm here as Lucian's butler today," he said casually.
"And as a royal family member, I believe there's no law preventing me from attending."
Duke Windmere scoffed.
"Butler, huh? Then don't interrupt."
Grand Duke Roderic stepped forward.
"Let's begin. The topic for today's council is whether Prince Lucian should be stripped of all authority and replaced with someone more suited to handle the Empire's affairs."
"All in favor of keeping Prince Lucian in his current role — raise your hands."
Lucian sighed quietly.
"I already know most of them support Duke Lender…"
He looked up — and froze.
Every hand was raised.
Even the ones expected to stand against him… were voting in his favor. Their faces were stiff with fear.
Lucian blinked, stunned. Then slowly, a small smile crept onto his face.
"I don't know what Aslan did… but whatever it was, it worked."
"I was surprised when he insisted on coming today. So… this was why."
The rest of the meeting passed quickly.
With every update, the nobles promised full cooperation.
As it ended, Lucian stretched and thought:
"Today… all the Empire's problems were resolved. Thanks to Aslan."
He turned to his brother.
"Why don't you join me in council meetings more often?"
Aslan raised an eyebrow.
"I don't like ruining my peace."
"Pfft… hahaha!" Lucian burst out laughing.
Aslan scowled.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Look at your face!" Lucian teased.
"You're blushing!"
After the Council
Aslan stood silently with his Shadows, the faint wind brushing past his cloak.
For a moment, his thoughts drifted back…
"Why?" Aslan had asked, his voice cold and steady. "Why betray the Empire?"
Bloodied and trembling, Duke Lender had replied:
"After the Emperor disappeared… someone approached me."
"He was wrapped in a heavy cloak, face hidden beneath the shadows of his hood. I couldn't see him clearly — but his presence… it was overwhelming."
"He told me I should claim the throne — that I was the rightful ruler."
"I refused. I told him that as long as the Empress lived, such a thing was impossible."
"And then… he smiled and said, 'Leave the Empress to me.'"
"Soon after… she was poisoned."
Aslan's jaw clenched slightly as the memory faded.
He turned to his Shadows, voice sharp and low.
"That man… have you found anything?"
One of them shook his head.
"No, Boss. No name. No trace. It's like he vanished into smoke."
Aslan looked out over the Empire's horizon, crimson eyes darkening.
"Then this isn't over."
"The real enemy is still out there… watching. Waiting."
"And next time… I'll be ready."
A heavy silence followed. Then—
Aslan (quietly): "Delta, go tell— wait, no, you're Beta— no… Gamma?"
Delta (blinking): "Boss… I'm Delta."
Aslan (rubbing his forehead): "Why did you all have to take code names?"
Gamma (grinning): "You're the one who gave them to us, Boss."
Aslan (muttering): "Blame my math textbook…"
There was a brief pause. Then Beta let out a quiet chuckle.
Beta: "Well… no one remembers our real names anyway. But they'll remember the storm we bring."
*"Yeah…" Aslan thought, "My storm."