Chapter 54: The sense of Betrayal

The nights in Rimuru had grown colder, the chill setting in earlier each evening as the seasons shifted. Padrino stood in the war room, surrounded by maps and battle plans, yet his mind was elsewhere. The quiet rumors swirling around the city had finally reached his ears—whispers of betrayal, of dissent within his own ranks. The nobles, whose loyalty had always been tenuous at best, were growing restless.

Marko leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for hidden threats. Hinata and Asuna sat at the large oak table, the flickering light from the nearby torches casting long shadows across their faces. Prince Benimaru had also been called to the council, but his arrival had been delayed.

Padrino broke the silence. "The people have begun to speak of discontent among the nobles. We've fought too long and bled too much for this kingdom to allow division to take root now."

Marko pushed off the wall and approached the table, his expression grim. "I've heard the same. Some of the more powerful nobles are meeting in secret, discussing their futures—futures that might not involve you."

Hinata's brow furrowed, her hands clasping the edge of the table. "Are they truly so blind to the threat still looming over us? Galdros isn't gone. They will return, and if we are not united, we'll fall."

Asuna nodded in agreement, her voice filled with conviction. "We've built something worth fighting for, something bigger than any one of us. They must see that."

Padrino placed his hands on the table, leaning forward as he spoke. "They're not blind, they're scared. Fear drives people to make desperate choices. But if even one noble turns against us, it could unravel everything we've worked for."

A Fateful Meeting

The council was interrupted by the sound of the chamber doors opening. Prince Benimaru entered, his expression serious. He gave a short bow before taking his seat at the table. His eyes met Padrino's, and there was a moment of understanding between them—Benimaru had his own share of dealing with treacherous nobles when his royal family still ruled Earlshide.

"I've just returned from a meeting with Lord Bravius," Benimaru began, his voice low. "He's one of the nobles who has been vocal about finding alternatives to this war. He believes that striking a deal with Galdros might save us from further bloodshed."

Marko cursed under his breath. "Galdros will never agree to peace. Not unless we give them everything."

Benimaru continued, "Lord Bravius is not alone. He's garnered the support of several other nobles, all of whom are growing tired of the strain this war has placed on their lands and their people. They see their fortunes dwindling, and their loyalty to you is fading as quickly as their coffers."

Padrino clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The war had been brutal on everyone, but betrayal from within their own kingdom was a threat he hadn't anticipated so soon. The war against Galdros had created cracks, and now, these cracks were being exploited by opportunists like Bravius.

"We can't allow this to fester," Padrino said, his voice firm. "If we lose the nobles, we lose the kingdom."

Hinata, ever the voice of reason, spoke calmly. "We must handle this delicately. If we move against them too harshly, we risk turning them into martyrs, emboldening others who share their fears."

Marko's jaw tightened. "Then what do you suggest? Let them continue plotting behind our backs until they act?"

"No," Padrino said, his mind already working through the possibilities. "We need to remind them why they swore loyalty to Rimuru. And if that doesn't work, we'll deal with them accordingly."

A Confrontation with Bravius

The following day, Padrino, Marko, and Benimaru rode out to Lord Bravius's estate. Situated on the edge of Rimuru's borders, it had been one of the few noble houses left untouched by the recent battles. Bravius had always been a man of influence, his wealth and land making him one of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom.

As they approached the grand gates of the estate, Padrino's thoughts were a mixture of frustration and determination. He could not allow Bravius's treachery to undermine everything he had built, but he also understood the need for caution. A show of strength, tempered with diplomacy, would be the key to handling this situation.

The grand hall of Lord Bravius's manor was opulent, with tall ceilings and ornate decorations, a stark contrast to the hardship being endured by the people of Rimuru. Bravius greeted them with a polite but guarded smile, his eyes betraying his nervousness at the sudden visit from the king and his council.

"My lord," Bravius said, bowing slightly. "To what do I owe the honor of this visit?"

Padrino wasted no time. "We need to speak of loyalty, Bravius. I've heard disturbing rumors—rumors that suggest your faith in Rimuru is wavering."

Bravius's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Surely, you don't believe every bit of gossip that reaches your ears, my king. My loyalty to Rimuru remains, but we must be pragmatic. The war with Galdros has taken its toll on all of us."

Benimaru stepped forward. "And yet, you speak of striking deals with the very enemy that seeks to destroy us."

Bravius's eyes flicked between the men standing before him, and for a brief moment, Padrino saw the fear beneath his polished exterior.

"I only wish to protect what remains of my people," Bravius said. "If Galdros offers peace—"

"They won't," Marko interrupted sharply. "They offer submission, not peace. If you think for one second that Galdros will let us live in peace, you're a fool."

Bravius's face reddened, but he held his ground. "What choice do we have? My lands are crumbling, my people starving. How long can we continue to fight before there's nothing left to save?"

Padrino stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "We fight because there is something left to save, Bravius. We fight because we believe in a future where Rimuru is free from the shadow of Galdros. If you've lost faith in that future, then perhaps you're no longer fit to hold the title of noble in this kingdom."

The room fell silent, the weight of Padrino's words hanging heavy in the air.

Bravius's face paled, and for a moment, he seemed to consider his options. Finally, he lowered his gaze. "I… I only wish to see my people safe."

"They will be," Padrino said, his voice softening. "But not by bowing to Galdros. We will rebuild, together. But I need your loyalty, Bravius. Unwavering and strong."

Bravius hesitated, then nodded. "You have it, my king."

A Fragile Victory

As Padrino and his companions left the estate, the tension between them remained. Bravius's pledge of loyalty had been given, but it was fragile, and Padrino knew that other nobles might not be as easily swayed. The kingdom of Rimuru was at a crossroads, and the war with Galdros was not just a battle of swords and magic, but a battle for the hearts and minds of its people.

Back at the castle, Padrino stood once again before his council, the weight of leadership pressing heavily on his shoulders. The kingdom had survived countless external threats, but the dangers from within were just as deadly.

"We've secured Bravius's loyalty for now," Padrino said, "but this is only the beginning. The nobles are growing restless, and we must be prepared for more dissent."

Marko nodded, his face hard. "Let them come. We'll handle them, one way or another."

Hinata's gaze softened. "We can't afford to lose sight of what we're fighting for. We must remind them, all of them, that Rimuru stands for more than survival. It stands for a future worth fighting for."

Padrino looked out the window at the city below, the fires of rebuilding still glowing in the distance. "We will," he said quietly. "And we'll win."