Inside the king's chamber, Arthur sat in his study chair, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as his mind wandered to the conditions he had devised for the Dukedom of Ashenfell. This should work, he thought. The information in the condition I've set is the same as what I gave to Richard but far worse.
His lips curled into a subtle, calculated smile. By demanding that Keldoria take 60% of the taxes generated by Ashenfell—especially given the lucrative nature of their magic artifact industry—this would essentially be like tapping into a gold mine. On top of that, the clause that denies Ashenfell any share of profits on infrastructure projects make by the kingdom within their own dukedom well generated more income for the Keldoria when building infrastructures.
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly as his thoughts deepened. The most significant part, though, is that this agreement is indefinite—no expiration date, no renegotiation period. They'll be bound by these terms forever. Harsh as it may seem, it's a fitting consequence for trying to kill me. They either accept these conditions, or they face war, not just with the kingdom's forces, but also with the army of the Dukedom of Luke.
Arthur's gaze shifted to the pile of documents on his desk, his thoughts turning to the future. Once this matter with Ashenfell is resolved, I can finally focus on implementing the tax reforms needed to stabilize the kingdom further. If the Dukedom of Ashenfell accepts the conditions, I'll be able to proceed without fearing rebellion from the other nobles. With both Ashenfell and Luke's support, any resistance will lack the strength to challenge me. However, if Ashenfell refuses... that will be an entirely different story.
As Arthur contemplated the possibilities, a knock interrupted his thoughts. The valet's voice came through the door. "Your Majesty, Duke David has arrived and awaits you in the great hall."
Arthur straightened, his expression firm. "Very well," he replied.
Gathering the documents prepared for the Ashenfell negotiations, he carefully organized them before rising. As he stepped out of his chamber, he handed the valet the documents and said, "Ensure these are brought to the great hall immediately."
With that, Arthur made his way toward the great hall.
As Arthur entered, the great hall exuded an air of tense anticipation as its occupants awaited the confrontation. At its center stood Duke David Ashenfell, a figure who radiated wisdom and power despite his advanced age. His flowing white hair and well-groomed beard lent him the aura of a seasoned mage. Dressed in a deep red robe adorned with silver runes, he leaned lightly on a staff crowned with a glowing crystal. His piercing gray eyes moved across the room, observing everything with measured caution. Standing close to him were two guards, both of whom seemed to be mages as well.
Standing nearby were Duke Richard Luke and his eldest son, Benjamin. Richard's steady demeanor contrasted with Benjamin's keen curiosity as the younger man absorbed the unfolding situation. Behind them stood a knight.
Arthur settled into the throne with measured grace, his commanding presence filling the great hall. Those present, including Duke David, his guards, Duke Richard, and Benjamin, bowed respectfully to greet their king. The absence of the King's Council added a peculiar weight to the room, heightening the sense of unease for everyone—most notably Duke David.
David straightened, his sharp gray eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "Your Majesty, may I ask why you have summoned both dukes here today, with the council conspicuously absent?"
Arthur's expression darkened, his previously composed demeanor shifting into something more severe. His voice, steady but steely, cut through the tension like a blade. "David, the reason for this assembly is simple. I summoned you here to address a grave matter—the assassination attempt on my life, orchestrated by none other than you."
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Gasps of shock rippled through the hall, the bluntness of the accusation reverberating in the grand chamber. Duke Richard's expression hardened, though he remained silent, observing the exchange closely. Benjamin glanced at his father in shock and surprise, then at Duke David, his curiosity barely masked by a thin veneer of restraint.
Duke David's grip tightened on his staff, though his face betrayed little emotion. He took a measured step forward, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "Your Majesty, such an accusation is not one I take lightly. If you have called me here to make such claims, I trust you have evidence to substantiate them?"
Arthur leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto David's. "I do not deal in baseless accusations, Duke David. For months, I have tasked my men, led by Klein, with investigating the truth behind the Odette assassination attempt on me. What they have uncovered leaves no doubt about your involvement."
Arthur motioned to Klein, who stepped forward, carrying a set of documents. Klein handed the documents containing the evident to Duke David.
"These documents," Arthur continued, his voice firm, "detail financial transactions, correspondences, and covert activities that trace directly back to you and your inner circle. They are undeniable proof of your betrayal."
Duke David's expression finally flickered, a subtle tightening of his jaw betraying his composed facade. His guards exchanged cautious glances, their magical energy faintly pulsing in response to the tension.
Arthur's gaze swept over the room, landing on each person present. "David, you have a choice. Deny these accusations and force me to take decisive action, or acknowledge your actions and face the consequences I prepared."
The silence that followed was deafening, every eye fixed on the old mage as the weight of Arthur's words hung in the air, demanding a response.
Duke David carefully examined the documents handed to him, his sharp eyes scanning every word and detail. He was searching for anything—an inconsistency, a loophole, a gap he could exploit to deny the accusations. Yet, to his dismay, the evidence was ironclad. The documents were meticulously compiled, with every transaction, correspondence, and covert operation traced unerringly back to him.
David's calculating mind raced, weighing his options. He knew there was no escape. The presence of formidable individuals like Duke Richard, Benjamin, and Klein—each a skilled seven-star aura knight—ensured that any attempt to flee or fight would be futile.
His expression hardened as he realized the depth of the trap he was in. Finally, after a long moment of tense silence, David exhaled deeply, his voice carefully measured. "What are the consequences, Your Majesty?"
Arthur leaned back on his throne, exuding a calm authority as he gestured to Klein. Klein stepped forward and handed over the carefully prepared document outlining the conditions and terms for the Dukedom of Ashenfell to follow.
Arthur's gaze bore into Duke David, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "The terms you see before you, including the new tax system, regulations, and other conditions, are not unique to you. In fact, the Dukedom of Luke has already agreed to these same terms when they requested additional support from the kingdom to defend against Elysia. However, your situation is different. The conditions for you are far more severe, and rightly so, considering your attempt on my life."
Arthur's tone grew more measured, the air in the hall thick with anticipation. "This document is not simply a contract. It has been inscribed with rare and powerful artifact magic. Should you or any of your descendants breach its terms, the magic will trigger, sealing your fate. Not only will it bring about your end, but it will also wipe out the entire Ashenfell bloodline, erasing your legacy forever."
David's face remained impassive, though his fingers tightened slightly on the document.
Arthur continued, "If you sign this agreement, the knowledge of your actions will remain a secret. You will retain your title as Duke and your position within Keldoria. Furthermore, despite the stricter terms, you and your family will still receive 40% of the Dukedom's tax revenues—more than sufficient to maintain your status and support your lineage."
Arthur leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "However, should you refuse, there will be war—not just with me, but also with the full support from Luke. Consider the odds. Do you truly believe Ashenfell can stand against the combined might of the kingdom and Luke? I trust you're wise enough to foresee the inevitable outcome."
Arthur paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words and the severity of the terms sink in. "Take your time to review the conditions thoroughly. Know that this is your only chance to preserve what remains of your legacy."