Kian, Malak, Ezrel, and the maid left after helping the villagers in Biraz. Despite the villagers' requests, they could not stay. To thank them, they gifted Malak with gifts and dried food for their journey. Early in the morning, the group of four took their horses and left for Narbiln. The village was in a similar state without the massacre. Food was lacking and monsters were roaming near their settlement.

After helping the injured and killing the monster, the group quickly left for Nulundarar. Being the location where Lord Ekzu Rirdris rested, Nulundarar was the biggest city in his territory. In contrast to the small villages, there were guards protecting the citizens and food didn't seem scarce. However, not everyone benefited from the resources. A small community of people was living in poverty. Often, they were villagers who fled their homes for a better life or orphans and beggars. Life in a city was harsh as everyone fought for money. The Lord may help pay the heavy taxes to the King, but he couldn’t feed every mouth in his land. Those were the people Malak helped. Without asking for anything in return, he quietly helped the poor and unfortunate.

Unknowingly, in a mere few weeks, a rumour started to spread talking about the Morganite Saint and his three silver ravens. It was said that those who followed them would be blessed. As they attracted unwanted attention, the group decided to leave Nulundarar for Nunaraled. This was once a village under Lord Rirdris but was now under the enemy’s rule. It was the closest village ruled over by Lord Zakhar Zaytsev. Not only was he a close ally of the current King, but he also ruled his land with an iron fist. He did not tolerate defiance of his authority. Those who did were publicly executed. He had guards patrolling every corner of his territory to secure his tyranny. Unlike Biraz, the group had to be more careful. They weren’t certain of the citizens’ loyalty to their Lord. Only when they were convinced, they could safely reveal their powers. Some villagers quickly recognized Malak as the Morganite Saint after blessing those in need. After Nunaraled, they rode to Khiz, another village. Just like the others, they were overtaken by poverty.

Only when they approached Acrilas did the stench of poverty lift. The group of four rode their horses on a paved road. The horses’ hooves clacked on the rocks as they slowly walked toward their goal. With the sun high in the sky, the air was heavy and thick, with the heat heavy on their shoulders. The road was bare, with no trees to provide shade. Their heavy dark cloaks left no space for the light breeze to cool them. Sweat dripped from their forehead as they wiped it with a handkerchief for the nth time today. Taking shelter under a rare agglomeration of trees, Malak and the others tried to refresh themselves. Having tossed the cumbersome cloak to the ground, they took in the fresh air and water as they rested. Admiring the beautiful scenery, the horses parched their thirst. Other travellers painfully made their way toward or away from Acrilas. While a carriage passed every so often, many walked.

“What’s that?” Malak pointed to a strange carriage.

The carriage was not like the others. It was made of wood and had two small barred windows near the top. Years of use and exposure to the elements had weathered the wood. Guarding it were four armed horsemen, with two in the front and two in the rear. In the carriage, sobs of despair were drowned by the sound of chains clinking against each other.

“A carriage usually used for prisoners, but-” Ezrel started but was interrupted by Kian.

“They are slaves,” Kian glared at it.

Malak swallowed the lump in his throat. In the scorching heat, that sardine can could hold countless people stacked one on top of the other. The pain they were suffering without a crime to their name. It was unfair. It was inhumane.

“We need to save them,” Malak whispered.

“We will, but not this time,” Kian placed his hand over his husband’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Finally, they reached the gates of the city after almost a week of travel. Before anyone was allowed into the city of Acrilas, they needed to pass through security. With their horses by their sides, they waited for their turn. Because of the rumours, they weren’t wearing the silver masks and with the use of magic, they also changed the colour of their eyes to a dull brown.

“Next,” the armed guard called.

Kian took the lead and approached the sentry as the other three closely followed.

“What’s the purpose of your visit?”

“We are here for business and the pleasures your city has to offer,” Kian answered as he whispered the last part.

The guard grunted. “Travelling light.”

Kian took a step forward as the guards surrounding them grasped the pommel of their swords. He fetched out a heavy pouch of coins and discreetly placed it into the guarded man’s hand.

“We carefully select our products and are sure you will be satisfied,” Kian whispered as he glanced at Malak and the maid.

After weighing the pouch in his hand, A perverse grin appeared on the guard’s face. “They are good,” he nodded to the others. “Let them pass!”

With their horses by their side, they walked into Acrilas. The buildings were built tightly together, extending at least four stories high. Several windows covered the surface of every structure, though these do not have panes and can only be blocked through the use of a curtain. The paved streets were never empty. The citizens and merchants crowded every corner of the trading city. They sold a wide variety of products and goods, ranging from textiles to daggers. Merchants who sold rare ornaments generally do not own a store, but instead displayed their items on the street. Anyone who walked near them was compelled to take a look until they bought something.

“Lettuce?”

“N-no, thanks,” Malak politely refused with his hands in front of him.

Kian grabbed Malak’s hand, freeing him from the merchant. Leaving his stall unattended, the seller followed them to the end of the street.

“Cheap, cheap! Fresh lettuces! Buy two, and I’ll give you one free.”

Seeing the opportunity, others followed the lettuce merchant. They gathered around the couple like bees drawn to honey.

“I’ll take care of your horse for twenty-five coppers a day! Cheapest in town, that I promise you.”

“Where do you want to go? I’ll bring you there for five coppers!”

“Looking for a place to stay? I can bring your luggage to your room for three coppers!”

Kian ignored them all as he walked with a purpose. Ezrel and the maid closely followed while ignoring the pestering street sellers. Malak was confused as he mindlessly followed his lover. Upon hearing the outrageous prices, he was shocked. Escaping the crowd in a smaller alley, the group finally slowed down. Panting, Kian let go of Malak’s hand.

“Pretend like they don’t exist, or they’ll never stop chasing after you,” Kian explained as Malak nodded.

“It’s my first time in another city than the capital,” Malak muttered in embarrassment.

“Also, keep your pouch in your front pockets and beware the children. They’ll do anything to get their hands on money.”

“It’s also not recommended to eat street food. The water and oil they use aren’t clean,” Ezrel grimaced in disgust.

“I understand,” Malak replied, as he felt like a child. “Where will we stay?”

“I own a house. Please, follow me. It’s not far,” Ezrel walked down the alley and checked it before joining the main street.

“Is it safe?” Kian asked as he closely followed his friend.

“Yes, I bought it under an alias. They won’t be able to trace us.”

With their identity hidden, everyone followed the dark-haired man with confidence. Keeping an eye on the guards, Kian marked the layout of the city in his mind. Every street looked the same, which further complicated the task. In a labyrinth-like environment, they took many lefts and rights before arriving at their destination. Ezrel’s house towered in front of them. It was a two stories high building, with three sets of windows on each floor. Clay tiles covered the hipped rooftop with a single chimney going through it. A small grassed lawn extended in front of it, decorated with trimmed bushes and flower beds. Unlike the multiple stories building they saw near the gates, they didn’t need to share their lodging.

After tying their horses to a wooden pole next to the house, Ezrel knocked at the front door. Heavy footsteps were heard on the other side. The wooden door opened, and an older lady smiled at them.

“I’m glad to see you arrived safely, Sir Melromas,” she smiled with her head tilted backward.

“It’s good to see you too, Çiçek,” Ezrel smiled as she let them enter.

“Çiçek Çetinkaya greets your Majesties,” the woman bowed to Kian and Malak. “It is my honour to be graced by your presence.”

“At ease,” Kian acknowledged her. “I appreciate your willingness to shelter us. You shall be rewarded.”

“Thank you, your Majesty. Sir Melromas gave me the honourable task to manage his house, so I cannot accept it. It was my duty,” Çiçek politely answered while keeping her eyes fixed on the floor.

Kian carefully observed the woman in front of him. Malak stood next to his spouse and only mirrored his gaze. Unlike Kian, Malak never grew up in the palace. It was a harsh place to be for a child. Without quickly learning, Kian would have been just another piece on the chessboard.

“Loyalty isn’t something you can buy,” Kian praised. “The reward still stands but accept it as a token of gratitude for your dedication and loyal service.”

The maid took a step forward and with her two hands presented the pouch heavy with coins to Çiçek. Unable to refuse, she accepted it and thanked Kian and Malak for their generosity. Without keeping her masters waiting, she led them to their rooms. On the second floor, the royal couple got the master bedroom and Ezrel the biggest guest room. As for the maid, she’ll share the servant’s quarter with Çiçek on the main floor.

Having settled into their rooms comfortably, Kian, Malak, and Ezrel went to the office. The barrier protecting the room allowed them to freely discuss their plans. So far, everything went according to plan. The rumours spread like wildfire. After planting the seeds, the fruits quickly grew. Soon, they’ll be ripe to pick up.

“I have important news,” Ezrel announced as he took out a scroll. Opening it, he proceeded to read it.

After contacting the nobles, Ezrel gathered as much information as he could about the Lords in the Bazahian Kingdom. In summary, nine Lords accepted to join their cause, while three of them decided to remain neutral. By deduction, eight territories were reunited under the Lord of Casrum. With the map on the table, Ezrel places small figurines on the cities depending on their allegiance. Green towers represented the allies, while the red ones represented the enemies.

“This is better than I thought,” Kian mumbled while observing the map. Crimson flames burned in his eyes as he formed a plan in his mind.

Ezrel nodded in agreement. “In the East, we have the Lords of Kirakzar and Ginargzar. In the South, there are the Lords of Nuzan and Tessazalut. In the East, the Lords of Nulundarar, Elraurt and Ushurbil will assist us. Finally, in the North, there are the Lords of Bamunz and Vrocaster.”

“Could we get the neutral territories to join us?” Malak asked with a frown. “If they did, we will be able to surround the enemy’s heart.”

“We could perhaps convince Nilas as it would become a battlefield if war breaks out,” Kian answered after a brief moment. “However, I think it would be unnecessary.”

“Why?”

“Fortunately for us, the Lady of Nuzan is on our side. In terms of military power, he is the only one that could rival the capital.”

“Our relationship with Aisakar, however, isn't the friendliest. Especially after Serik Albimbert diplomatically insulted them. The Lady of Nuzan dispatched men at the border,” Ezrel added.

As Kian shook his head, he tightened his grip on the chair. The armrest squeaked under the pressure. “How many men?”

“A third.”

Kian closed his eyes. In the darkness, he imagined a hundred ways to kill and torture Serik Albimbert. For a man who spent his life enriching himself by trade, Kian couldn’t understand why he closed the Kingdom’s borders to other countries. Certainly, the Union of Aisakar didn’t own any riches the Bazahian Kingdom didn’t. However, unlike all others, the Union was directed by an agglomeration of people from different species. Their goal was to create a place where everyone could live equally. Therefore, the technology developed there was unique. Craftsmen from different origins collaborated together to create dishes, jewellery, and artifacts, no other country will ever achieve. It took Kian fifty years to create a sturdy and reliable relationship between the Union of Aisakar and the Bazahian Kingdom, and one fool destroyed it.

“I wish I could send an envoy…”

“Perhaps we have another option,” Ezrel proposed, attracting both Kian and Malak’s attention. “We could take Acrilas, Khar and Ashi.”

“But we don’t have the men,” Malak argued. “If we launched an open war, what was the point of keeping this secrecy?”

“There’ll be no war,” Ezrel smiled as Kian nodded. “Only a swift assassination.”