The Hall of Deception buzzed with subdued energy as Seloria Nightkiss stepped into the center of the council chamber. Her black silk robes shimmered faintly under the glow of the infernal torches, her expression calm but probing. Around her, Luke’s council members gathered, their faces reflecting various shades of intrigue, unease, and curiosity.
She cleared her throat, drawing the attention of Malakath the Seducer, Karyss Bloodlash, Vaeron Voidcrafter, and Xarathiel the Fallen. “I know you all might have noticed,” Seloria began, her melodic voice laced with a hint of gravity, “but our lord goes into a deep sleep for a whole day and majority of the second day after he departs.”
Her words hung in the air for a moment before Malakath, leaning against the shadowed edge of the room, frowned. “And yet the Vale doesn’t crumble during his absence. What exactly are you proposing, Seloria?”
She tilted her head, her silver eyes glinting. “I propose we appoint someone to take charge of the territory—at least the administrative duties—while our lord is away. Systems need to function. Resources need to flow. We can’t afford stagnation.”
Vaeron nodded slowly, his hands folded before him. “Pragmatic. Without proper management, Shadow Essence refinement and construction could fall behind. We’ve only just secured the eastern village.”
Karyss raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed as she leaned casually against a pillar. “And who would you suggest for this oh-so-important role, Seloria? Yourself, perhaps?”
Seloria’s calm smile didn’t waver. “Not necessarily. My skills lie in diplomacy and managing external relationships. But someone must ensure the gears of the Vale keep turning internally.”
Xarathiel, who had remained silent, finally spoke, his guttural voice cutting through the growing debate. “Do we truly need a steward? The lord’s absence is brief. The Vale survives on strength, not bureaucracy.”
“Strength alone doesn’t keep the Vale running,” Vaeron countered sharply. “You of all people should know that, Xarathiel. The Obsidian Nexus isn’t going to fuel itself.”
Karyss smirked, her tone teasing but edged. “Fine, let’s say we agree. Who do you think is capable of steering this ship without running it aground?”
Malakath’s sharp gaze flicked toward Seloria. “You’ve clearly given this thought, so tell us. Who?”
The council chamber grew silent as Seloria clasped her hands in front of her, her voice steady. “I suggest the Infernal Magistrate.”
The council exchanged glances. The Infernal Magistrate was not among them; his role was typically confined to governance, ensuring the Vale’s laws and taxes functioned seamlessly.
Karyss tilted her head, her crimson eyes narrowing. “The Magistrate? He’s not even here.”
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Seloria’s tone was firm. “Exactly. His absence from military matters makes him ideal to oversee administration while Lord Luke rests. He’s impartial, methodical, and already tasked with governance. This isn’t about replacing the Lord—it’s about maintaining order.”
Malakath crossed his arms, his golden hair falling over one shoulder. “Logical. The Magistrate’s job is governance. Elevating him temporarily aligns with his role. But will he accept?”
Xarathiel leaned forward, his scarred visage stern. “This is a distraction. But if someone must take the reins, it should be someone who understands the law.”
Karyss shrugged. “Better the Magistrate than me. Logistics and taxes bore me to tears.”
Seloria raised an eyebrow, glancing around the room. “Then we’re agreed? The Infernal Magistrate will oversee administrative tasks during Lord Luke’s absence.”
The council nodded, their confidence bolstered by the practicality of the decision. Xarathiel gave a reluctant grunt of approval, while Malakath inclined his head.
Seloria’s voice softened as she concluded, “I’ll inform him of the council’s decision. His focus will be solely on administration. The Lord’s vision remains sacred.”
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The Infernal Magistrate was summoned to the administrative chamber later that evening. Draped in his flowing black and crimson robes, he entered with his usual composure, his sharp eyes scanning the gathered council members.
“Councilors,” he greeted smoothly, his voice calm and deliberate. “To what do I owe this summons?”
Seloria stepped forward. “The council has decided to appoint you as interim overseer of administrative tasks during the Lord’s rest periods.”
The Magistrate’s brow arched slightly, his expression unreadable. “An honor, though unexpected. What precisely would my duties entail?”
“Governance,” Seloria explained. “Ensuring resources are allocated, Whisper Brokers remain active, and our influence in the Vale strengthens. The Lord’s orders remain paramount—you are merely maintaining the framework.”
Malakath added, his tone clipped, “You’re already managing half of this. It’s just official now.”
The Magistrate inclined his head, considering the weight of the proposal. “Very well. If the council agrees, I will accept this responsibility. My only aim is to ensure the Vale thrives.”
Karyss smirked. “And I’ll be out there doing what I do best. Good luck, Magistrate. Paperwork is all yours.”
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As the council dispersed, the Infernal Magistrate began his work with meticulous precision. Whisper Brokers were dispatched to deepen their infiltration of nearby factions, while Corruption Spreaders entrenched the Vale’s influence in the newly conquered eastern village.
Malakath remained vigilant over Shadow Essence refinement, ensuring every ounce of resource was utilized effectively. His sharp, commanding presence left no room for error.
Karyss prepared her Void Stalkers for further reconnaissance missions, her smirk growing sharper as she murmured, “Let’s see what surprises are out there for the Lord when he wakes.”
Xarathiel led combat training with relentless focus, driving the Vale’s forces to new heights of readiness. His scarred features bore the weight of his duty, yet his presence inspired unwavering discipline.
Seloria lingered briefly in the council chamber, her silver eyes reflecting the faint glow of the Vale’s shadows. “Even darkness needs structure,” she murmured before departing to oversee diplomatic ties.
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The Infernal Magistrate, now seated at the center of the Vale’s administrative hub, worked tirelessly. His commands were efficient, his oversight unwavering. Though his role was temporary, he understood the gravity of his duty. The Vale’s foundation had been set by Lord Luke, and it was his responsibility to ensure it thrived in the Lord’s absence.
While shadows lingered and whispers spread through the land, the Magistrate’s efforts ensured the Vale remained a bastion of order. Leadership, even temporary, was a burden, but it was one he bore with quiet determination. For in Malefic Vale, the shadows never rested—and neither could its stewards.