Gran approached Sylas with a sense of excitement, evident even in his usual reserved demeanor.
"It’s been three days since the documents were sent, and the Empire has already agreed to send a representative here to our manor,” he announced, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.
Gran at this point in his life cultivated a deep hatred for the Empire as he knew more about what they had done and how they had let go of the Sylind family in the hands of other noble families, most importantly in the hands of the Pamela family.
Sylas acknowledged him with a slow nod and a smile, eyes fixed on the untouched tea in his hand.
"And how has the news been received in the city?"
Sylas asked, though he could already sense the answer.
Gran's expression grew darker as he elaborated.
"The entire city is talking about it. Whispers on every street corner, in every household. People are calling it a reckoning."
He paused, a small smile curling on his lips as he continued.
"The Empire’s own headquarters in Blueice City have vanished overnight. They left without a trace."
A low chuckle escaped Sylas's lips.
"So, they’re running." He sipped his tea, savoring the aroma before setting the cup down.
His gaze drifted to the window, where the quiet scenery outside seemed blissfully ignorant of the political storm brewing beneath the surface.
Birds flitted from branch to branch, unconcerned by the upheaval that was shaking the city.
Sylas drew comfort from the scene.
"It is only natural for them to escape from the city."
"They are smart enough to know that when Empire notices what they have done starts to get known by the people, they will need a sacrifice."
Gran shifted slightly, drawing Sylas’s attention back to him. "It’s not just the Blue Ice officials,” he said, lowering his voice.
"Families aligned with the Empire are also beginning to grow nervous. Many of them owe their status to the influence of people like Ralni and Nadis. Without them in the picture, they’re worried their own deeds may come to surface. They are scared too much that I can smell them from here."
Gran said, a vicious smile manifesting on his lips...
Sylas smiled, a trace of amusement flickering in his gaze; seeing Gran like this is happy was a new experience for himself.
"So, the Empire's allies are scattering too, like leaves in the wind. But this was always their fate; they were fools to ally themselves with weak officials who lack both conviction and vision."
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He turned back to Gran, his expression hardening.
"And what of our allies? Do they remain steadfast?"
As he spoke, Sylas reflected on the past few months—the rise to power, the calculated moves, and the hidden battles that brought him to this point.
Everything he had done had been in preparation for this confrontation with the Empire.
Their actions, as predictable as they were, still delighted him.
He had shown restraint, extended olive branches, and even given them opportunities to correct their path, but they had spurned every offer.
"They will pay for everything they have done."
Now, they would learn the consequences of their arrogance.
Gran, sensing Sylas’s thoughts, spoke up,
“If I may, Master Sylas, there’s talk of the Empire reconsidering its approach to magic families like ours. Some say they’re afraid that others might follow your example and assert independence. They fear losing control.”
A knowing smile crept across Sylas’s face.
"Let them fear. They’ve held their power for too long by suppressing others. Now they’re seeing that their grip isn’t as tight as they thought.”
He looked back out the window.
"And all it took was for one family to stand up and demand respect."
Gran stood quietly.
After a few moments, Sylas spoke again, his voice contemplative.
“There will be challenges, Gran. The Empire doesn’t forget threats to its authority so easily.”
“True, Master,” Gran agreed,
“But they will also think twice before confronting you. No one expected the Sylind family to recover as we have, and certainly no one anticipated you’d align with the Third Circle. Even the highest echelons of the Empire will recognize that provoking you further could be disastrous.”
Sylas chuckled softly.
"Then we’ll give them plenty to think about. I want them to know that every move they make from now on will be scrutinized, not just by us but by others who are watching closely.
The more they blunder, the weaker they’ll appear.”
The two men stood in silence for a moment, savoring the calm before the storm.
Sylas took another sip of his tea, letting the warmth seep into him as he considered his next steps.
He had sent a message to the Empire, and now it was only a matter of time before their response arrived.
The prospect filled him with anticipation—he had carefully positioned his pieces on the board, and soon, the Empire would be forced to make their move.
"Gran," he said finally, setting his cup down with a decisive clink.
"I want you to keep a close eye on the Empire’s movements, especially around the borders. If they’re desperate, they may try to reach us indirectly."
Gran nodded, his expression serious.
"Understood, Master Sylas. I’ll ensure our informants are prepared.”
Sylas turned back to the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
"Good. We’ve waited long enough to reclaim our rightful place. Now that the Empire has recognized us, we will show them that the Sylind Family’s strength is more than they ever imagined."
He paused, a quiet intensity in his voice.
“We’re no longer bound to their whims. Let them learn what it means to face a family that has found its power.”
As Gran left to carry out his orders, Sylas remained by the window, lost in thought.
The quiet around him felt sharper, more charged, as if the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation.
This was a new era for the Sylind Family—an era of strength, of dignity, and of unyielding resolve. And as long as he led them, no one would take that away.
With a final, satisfied glance outside, Sylas whispered to himself,
"Let the Empire send their representative. We’ll show them just how far we’re willing to go."