Part I – The Weakest Kingdom Is the Easiest to Steal
Lethandria.A small nation caught between three major powers.Known for neutrality, silk exports, and a cowardly king who survived by bowing to whoever shouted the loudest.
In the game, it fell in Chapter 340.
In my version, it would fall before Chapter 10.
I stood on a black stone balcony of my citadel, overlooking the war council chamber. Vaenira was still away, but Yurein and Gorhax stood beside me.
"I'm sending no army," I said.
Yurein blinked, hollow sockets pulsing. "None, my Lord?"
"No siege, no bloodshed," I continued. "This is a kingdom of merchants, not warriors. What does a merchant fear most?"
Gorhax growled. "Poverty?"
"Disruption," I corrected. "We don't crush them. We corrupt them."
Part II – Shadow and Silver
One week later, the court of King Elric of Lethandria received an unexpected guest:
A masked noble draped in velvet black, flanked by two cloaked attendants.No name. No origin. Only a single offer placed upon the king's lap:
"Sign this contract, and we guarantee your continued reign, stable trade, and protection from all external threats."
"In exchange, your throne becomes a vassal of the Shadow Empire."
King Elric laughed. "Who would threaten me? We are neutral."
Then the ground shook.The sky darkened for just a second.And the ambassador dropped three heads onto the floor—leaders of a nearby mercenary group that had been blackmailing the king for years.
"That's who," the ambassador said.
King Elric signed the contract the next morning.
Part III – Notification of Power
[Kingdom Conquered: Lethandria has fallen under your dominion.]New Title Acquired: Shadow Regent of the First Throne+20% Influence over Merchant Guilds in Western EudrosPassive Unlocked: Veil of Authority – Lowers suspicion in political negotiations
I leaned back in the war chamber.
"One down. Nine hundred and ninety-nine to go."
Yurein chuckled, bones creaking.
Gorhax grinned. "When do we get to burn things again?"
"Soon," I promised. "But first, we fatten the lambs. Then we slaughter them."
Part IV – In the Hero's Shadow
Meanwhile, Kael was now training under a knight named Sir Bram—strict, traditional, and painfully idealistic.
But Kael's motivation was no longer glory.
His swings were angrier.His eyes colder.The name "Vaenira" still echoed in his dreams.
"You want to protect people? Learn how to kill."
And so, the hero's hands slowly turned red.