Three days later,

Sylas sat at a table across from Alevis and other high-ranking officials from the Silver Empire.

"They look like they heard their ships sink at the ocean."

Sylas commented within but said nothing could help finding it funny though.

Each figure seated around the table was aware that today’s negotiation would set a new course for the Silver Empire and the Sylind Family alike.

Alevis unrolled a large, detailed map onto the table, the paper cracking slightly as it spread flat under his hands.

He looked around, catching the gaze of each person present, then pointed to a marked area.

"Here,” he began, tapping a point on the map, “And here. These are key territories on the western island of Rudmer.”

His fingers moved between points, each representing major cities, resources, and outposts.

“Rudmer is the second-largest island within the Silver Empire's borders, housing fourteen cities—cities as substantial as Blueice and Northern Frost Silver City. It also has more than thirty small-sized towns and two hundred villages.”

"The total population should be around ten to fifteen million."

Sylas leaned forward, his sharp gaze studying the map.

Alevis’ proposal intrigued him.

For an Empire to give a land without a battle, it seems like they were really scared of the Sylind family and the Third Circle.

“This island of Rudmer,” Alevis continued, “will be given to the Sylind Family. In its entirety.

With the words of Alevis, the people around the table all had different types of emotions surfacing on their faces.

Some of them were neutral, some of them were shocked, and some of them were jealous of the Sylind family.

But nobody had the guts to say anything; they knew the decision of the Silver Empire from the start, and despite hearing it, it still gave them shocks and put them on an emotional roller coaster.

Alevis then continued.

"This territory shall become a free state under Sylind rule, autonomous in governance, with the freedom to establish laws, defenses, and alliances as deemed fit by the Sylind Family. And,” he added, his tone shifting to a reassuring note,

“The Empire will support this new state during its initial years—financially, militarily, and logistically—to ensure a smooth transition.

The nobles will work for the Sylind family; the management will be continued, and nothing will change as long as Lord Sylas changes it himself.”

Sylas folded his hands, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considered the implications.

Control over Rudmer would be an immense step forward.

"With this land and a sovereign state, the foundations of the Sylind Empire will be set."

They would have control over trade routes, taxation, and a potentially formidable navy and ground defense if they established strategic fortifications across the island.

This degree of freedom and security had been an unreachable dream for generations of the Sylind family.

Alevis, sensing Sylas’ contemplative silence, offered further context.

“The Empire, at this moment, cannot afford internal discord. Your family’s contributions—and the recent events that illuminated the Sylind’s integrity—have not gone unnoticed."

"The Emperor wishes to avoid any lingering tensions and believes that giving Rudmer to the Sylind Family as a free state is both an honorable reward and a prudent measure to maintain harmony.”

Sylas’ fingers tapped softly on the table as he weighed the risks and benefits.

“A free state... within Empire borders. But autonomy would be absolute.”

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“Yes, absolute,” Alevis confirmed, nodding.

“The Empire’s support is simply a gesture to show our good faith. No interference will be made in the internal governance of Rudmer once it is fully established under Sylind control. In exchange, the Emperor expects that this transition will solidify a mutual respect between our domains.”

A flicker of a smile crossed Sylas’ face as he imagined the possibilities.

Rudmer would become a realm governed by his vision, one that he could shape and protect.

With the Empire’s initial support, they would have the foundation to build something formidable.

Alevis, catching Sylas’ shift in demeanor, pressed forward.

“At the start, the Empire will aid in the construction of key fortifications and the formation of local law enforcement as needed. Rudmers’s stability will also be mutually beneficial.

Trade routes will remain open, and the Sylind Family will have the freedom to grow its influence.”

Sylas took a deep breath, nodding slowly.

“Very well, Alevis. Rudmer as a free state is an arrangement that holds great potential. The Sylind Family accepts this opportunity, and I will see that it flourishes beyond expectation.”

The officials exchanged approving nods, and Alevis leaned back, a hint of relief in his expression.

The meeting had proceeded without opposition, a testament to the respect Sylas and the Sylind Family had earned.

“Then it’s decided,” Alevis declared, tapping the map once more for emphasis.

“The Sylind Family shall inherit the island of Rudmer, the second-largest island of the Empire, as their own."

"May this free state bring prosperity to both the Sylind and the Empire. From now on, the name of the Rudmer Empire will be changed to the "Sylind Empire." The regional name can still be called "Rudmer" for ease of navigation for the time being.”

With a firm handshake, the agreement was sealed, setting the stage for a new era of Sylind sovereignty and influence across the lands of the Silver Empire.

----------------------------------------

Back in the grand yet quiet interior of Sylind Manor, Sylas and Gran settled into the sitting room, a rare moment of calm after the intense negotiations.

Gran leaned forward, breaking the silence.

"So," he began with a steady gaze, "what do you make of this agreement, my lord, the land, the title... the responsibility?"

Sylas crossed his arms, a hint of a smile appearing on his lips as he looked over the map they'd laid across the table.

"Rudmer is exactly what we needed. Its climate, geography—it’s a perfect location for the Sylind Family."

The island’s vast and rich with resources, and it’s defensible if things ever go south. And,” he continued, tapping a finger on the edge of the map,

“The coastal access gives us a strategic advantage. We’ll have the option to expand our trade or, if necessary, sail to other continents.”

Gran nodded, clearly sharing his satisfaction.

“A prudent choice indeed,” he commented. Then, reaching into his saddle, he withdrew a document—a thick, weighty tome bound in dark leather.

He placed it on the table in front of Sylas, its cover unadorned but bearing the mark of the Silver Empire’s seal, which glimmered faintly in the dim light of the room.

Curious, Sylas looked from the document to Gran, raising an eyebrow. “And this would be...?”

Gran’s gaze was steady. “This,” he began, sliding the document closer, “is a dossier of sorts. It’s comprehensive—names, occupations, areas of influence, alliances, and personal histories, some of which are not exactly public knowledge.

Every official currently stationed in Rudmer, wealthy patrons, guild masters, gang leaders, even those who act behind closed doors.”

Gran’s voice lowered slightly, giving weight to the words.

“It’s the Empire’s key players on Rudmer, two hundred individuals who hold influence over its cities and towns.”

Sylas’s eyes gleamed with interest as he ran a finger along the edge of the document, his mind turning over the possibilities.

“So, they’re giving us not just the land but the framework of those who already have their stakes planted. This makes things... easier,” he said with a hint of satisfaction.

Gran inclined his head.

“Indeed. Many of these individuals will prove useful allies, or at the very least, manageable figures who will keep the island’s affairs running smoothly during our transition. But there are others, as you’ll see, who might need... guidance.”

Sylas opened the document, his eyes scanning the dense text filled with meticulous notes, each entry detailing personal histories, alliances, and vulnerabilities.

"Two hundred people," he murmured, his tone one of appreciation as he took in the thoroughness of the document.

“Impressive work,” he commented, glancing up at Gran with a smirk.

Gran gave a slight smile in return.

"It’s the least I could do. We’re stepping into a place that’s already simmering with tensions, a realm that doesn’t yet know what the Sylind Family will mean for its future.”

Sylas closed the document for the moment, hands resting on it thoughtfully.

“These two hundred,” he whispered, “are about to see a change. And I’ll make sure they understand that the Sylind rule will bring order and growth—but they’ll have to accept it. For those who resist..."

He let the thought linger, a small glint of resolve in his gaze.

Gran nodded in agreement, recognizing Sylas’s quiet intensity.

“I’ve marked those who might pose a threat to our vision, as well as those likely to be reliable partners. Your word alone will be enough to sway most of them. Those who resist... well, we’ll have the resources to handle any opposition.”

A look of satisfaction crossed Sylas’s face as he thought of Rudmer not just as a piece of land but as a chance to build something lasting—a domain that would reflect the power, legacy, and vision of the Sylind Family.

“Gran,” Sylas said, his voice carrying a new weight.

“We’ll make Rudmer into something the Empire will envy. Let’s start by establishing order, securing these alliances, and making sure the Sylind name commands respect.”