Crowning the Queen.

Ethan set his goblet down, watching King Edward carefully. His favorability had risen to 80, but he needed to push further. The next step was ensuring Bloodmoor's Territory Core remained within his reach and to do that he needed the ladies in control of the situation.

"Your Majesty," Ethan began, his voice calm but carrying a note of urgency. "I apolaize if I sound rude but I must ask, What measures have been taken to protect the Territory Core during this war?"

Edward arched a brow, intrigued by the question. "The core will remain in the palace, guarded by my elite knights. It is the safest location in the kingdom. Why do you ask?"

Ethan leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Because, Your Majesty, the greatest threat to a kingdom often comes from within, not from the battlefield."

The war room fell silent. Hearing my words made all the people present in the meeting doubtful and curious. Almost everyone started whispering amongst themselves.

Edward's golden eyes narrowed. "Explain." he said in a slight sharp tone making everyone wispering silent immediately.

Ethan exhaled, making sure to appear thoughtful rather than confrontational. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, leaving the Territory Core in the palace can be a critical mistake. You, your most elite forces will be at the frontlines, even the nobles will march alongside you, and the very foundation of Bloodmoor will be left in the hands of men who lack your leadership."

A few nobles exchanged doubtful glances as if they didn't understood my words.

"Are you suggesting my soldiers would grow complacent?" Edward's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

Ethan smiled subtly. "Not by their own fault, Your Majesty. But without your presence, their discipline will wane. With war consuming the kingdom's attention, spies and opportunists will take advantage of any lapses in security. The Territory Core is not just a symbol, it is the heart of Bloodmoor's strength. If compromised, your enemies won't need to win on the battlefield. They will seize the kingdom from within."

The room grew heavy with realization.

One of the Dukes, a grizzled warrior named Duke Roderic Bloodmane, folded his arms. "Then what do you suggest, Ethan?"

Ethan turned his attention back to Edward.

"Your Majesty, I propose a two-fold strategy to prevent any internal weakness." He raised two fingers.

"First, you must officially entrust the kingdom's rule to the Queen while you are at war. A direct royal decree will keep the soldiers alert, knowing that the palace still remains under the rule of someone from Bloodmoor's royal lineage. No one will dare slacken their duty when they know the Queen herself holds command in your absence."

Edward rubbed his chin, considering Ethan's words.

"And second?"

Ethan smiled. "The noble families accompanying you to battle must do the same. Their first ladies of these nobles must be appointed as temporary rulers of their territories this time by your official decree. This will ensure that every region of Bloodmoor remains under watchful governance, preventing internal decay and treachery while the war rages on."

Murmurs spread through the war chamber. Some nobles looked skeptical, but some nodded in agreement.

Witought waiting for anyone I continued "This is also a good opportunity for them to use the Cultivation realm hardly achieved by them without putting them in any real danger."

Hearing me finish Edward glanced at his advisors, then back at Ethan. "You speak with confidence, Ethan. But if this strategy fails…?

Ethan met his gaze without hesitation. "Then I will bear full responsibility. However, I'll say it now I do not like making losing bets your Majesty."

A long silence followed.

Then, Edward let out a deep chuckle, shaking his head. "A merchant with the mind of a king...very well." He turned to his advisors. "Summon the Queen and the noblewomen. We must make preparations immediately."

King Edward's Favorability +20 (100/100) – Max Favorability Reached!]

Ethan fought back a victorious smirk. "These idiots totally aren't aware of what I'm going to do with their wives"

He had just cemented himself as the most trusted advisor to the King of Bloodmoor. He can now manipulate the king as he wants.

@@@@

Ethan remained poised as the tension in the war room shifted. A royal decree was no small matter, and his influence had just shaped the very foundation of Bloodmoor's wartime strategy. Now, it was time for the next phase of his plan.

The heavy doors of the war chamber swung open, and a group of elegantly dressed noblewomen stepped inside, led by Queen Alina Bloodmoor herself. She was a strikingly beautiful woman tall and regal, with flowing raven-black hair and piercing sapphire eyes. Her presence alone commanded respect, yet there was a subtle sharpness in her gaze, as if she saw more than she let on.

Following closely behind her were the first ladies of the noble families each one dressed in luxurious yet practical attire, a clear reflection of their status and influence. Some of them looked uncertain, others curious, but all understood that whatever was about to be discussed carried great weight.

King Edward rose from his throne, addressing the gathered women with authority. "The war approaches, and the battlefield calls for every sword, every strategy, and every sacrifice. As such, I will be leading our forces alongside the nobility, but a kingdom must never be left without a ruler."

His golden gaze swept across the room. "From this moment forth, Queen Alina Bloodmoor shall act as Bloodmoor's ruler in my stead. The first ladies of every noble house will govern their respective territories until our return."

A ripple of surprise and murmurs spread among the women, but none dared question the King's command.

Edward gestured towards Ethan. "This decision was not made lightly. If any of you face troubles during this time, consult Ethan he's a very smart and resourceful merchant, and his insights have proven invaluable."

Ethan stepped forward smoothly, his expression respectful yet composed. "Your Majesty, Your Graces," he acknowledged with a bow. "I understand this arrangement may seem sudden, but it is the best course to ensure Bloodmoor's strength remains unwavering."

Queen Alina's sapphire eyes studied him closely, searching for any sign of deception. "And you, a mere merchant, devised this plan I assume."

Ethan smiled modestly. "Merchants thrive not on wealth alone, but on foresight and strategy. Bloodmoor cannot afford internal weakness, especially now."

One of the noblewomen, Lady Eleanor Bloodspire, crossed her arms. "And what guarantee do we have that this won't cause any issues?"

Ethan turned slightly, as if considering his words carefully. "War weakens nations, but not just on the battlefield. With all the noblemen at the frontlines, who will oversee the land? This is where you all come in handy. Isn't this good time to show that all that cultivation you worked hard for is useless.This responsibility is not a burden, but an opportunity."

Queen Alina's lips curved slightly, as if she was beginning to see the logic in his words. "An opportunity, you say?"

Ethan inclined his head. "Yes, Your Majesty. The noblewomen of Bloodmoor are not mere decorations now there's, the chance to show what you all are capable of. The people will respect a ruler who does not falter in her King's absence."

[Queen Alina's Favorability +10 (10/100)]

The Queen remained silent for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I shall oversee Bloodmoor in your absence."

Ethan bowed once more. "Should you require any counsel, I am always at your service."

[Queen Alina's Favorability +10 (20/100)]