Chapter 21: The Dawn of Vengeance
A New Reign Begins
The first rays of dawn illuminated the great city of the Strength Kingdom, now renamed the Noah Empire's capital. Light cascaded through grand windows, illuminating banners newly embroidered with the royal sigil—a lion poised upon a crimson shield, a symbol of power, unity, and rebirth. Jacques had ascended the throne after King Cassana's passing, but despite Jacques's wisdom and sincerity, he remained inexperienced in governance. Jacques understood this clearly, and thus he had appointed David Haipoli as Regent, granting him unprecedented authority over the kingdom's political and military affairs.
David stood silently at the window of his private chambers, gazing thoughtfully out across the capital, feeling the weight of responsibility settle heavily upon his shoulders. Jacques had placed absolute trust in him, conferring upon him the title of Regent and with it, control over both military and political decisions. David was acutely aware that while Jacques held the crown, the true burden of leadership rested upon his own shoulders. It was a heavy responsibility—one he accepted with both gratitude and caution.
Outside, crowds filled the city streets, cheering the arrival of a new era. But inside the palace walls, unease lingered. Many nobles still mistrusted David, whispering anxiously about the Regent's growing influence and uncertain intentions. He was, after all, an outsider—a man who had risen from exile and tragedy to wield unprecedented power in their kingdom.
Yet David's thoughts remained elsewhere, fixed firmly upon his ultimate goal: revenge against Chancellor Bismarck and the Canglang Empire. The memories of betrayal, loss, and ruin were fresh wounds he still bore deeply. Now, with the full resources of the Strength Kingdom—the newly christened Noah Empire—at his disposal, he could finally begin to strike back.
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Council of Shadows
That evening, David summoned his closest confidants to a secret council beneath the palace. The room was lit dimly by candlelight, flickering shadows dancing across maps and carefully laid plans spread upon the massive table. Present were Lily, ever vigilant; Peter, now one of David's most trusted generals; Jiang, his spymaster; and Princess Athena, whose presence had grown essential to his strategies.
David began clearly, his voice calm yet filled with intensity. "The kingdom is unified, Jacques reigns with stability, yet threats remain—both internal and external. My enemy, Chancellor Bismarck, still lives, hidden within the heart of the Canglang Empire. As long as he draws breath, our peace will remain fragile. Tonight, we begin preparations to end this threat once and for all."
Peter nodded firmly, his eyes sharp with determination. "Bismarck still controls factions loyal to him within the Canglang Empire. His survival ensures our enemies remain emboldened."
Athena spoke carefully, her voice both measured and firm. "Then we must act decisively. Jacques supports your revenge, David, yet openly attacking another empire risks provoking broader conflict. Our actions must appear justified to the other kingdoms, or we risk uniting our enemies against us."
David nodded seriously. "Precisely. We will provoke internal rebellion within the Canglang Empire first. Bismarck betrayed many nobles to rise to power—men who harbor grudges deep enough to fuel revolt."
Lily nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowed with calculation. "My spies report growing discontent across the Canglang Empire. Towns devastated by Bismarck's ruthless rule hunger for rebellion. If we support their uprising discreetly, we weaken Bismarck before we strike openly."
David agreed, his voice determined. "Then we move immediately. Jiang, dispatch agents into the heart of the Canglang Empire—identify factions sympathetic to our cause. Peter, ready our troops. We will strike swiftly when the moment comes."
Jiang inclined his head respectfully. "Consider it done, my lord."
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Unrest in the Shadows
Within days, David's carefully orchestrated plans began to unfold quietly. Secret emissaries traveled swiftly, spreading word of rebellion through villages oppressed by Bismarck's heavy taxes and cruel governance. Soon, unrest spread rapidly, villagers and minor nobles alike rallying against their tyrannical ruler.
Yet David was cautious. Bismarck was cunning, resourceful, and viciously ruthless. He had survived countless plots before, always managing to eliminate threats swiftly and mercilessly. David knew that for his revenge to succeed, he would need more than mere revolt—he needed absolute certainty, clear proof that the Chancellor was vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Bismarck's own spies were active, and David faced constant assassination attempts. The palace became a fortress under David's strict orders, every corridor patrolled relentlessly by soldiers fiercely loyal to him. Even so, David sensed the growing pressure. His enemies multiplied daily, both from within and without.
One night, an assassin infiltrated the palace chambers, nearly succeeding in his attack before Lily intercepted him. David interrogated the assassin himself, extracting a chilling revelation—Bismarck had joined forces secretly with the Dark Dominion, forging a dangerous alliance aimed at David's destruction.
This revelation hardened David's resolve further. He knew hesitation would invite disaster. Bismarck had to fall quickly, before his allies could mobilize further.
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Strengthening the Empire
David moved swiftly, reinforcing the kingdom's borders and fortifying key cities. Peter was tasked with overseeing military readiness, transforming the Strength Kingdom's already formidable army into an even more disciplined force capable of both swift attack and relentless defense.
Princess Athena became a diplomatic bridge between Jacques and the nobles, reassuring them of Jacques's legitimacy and wisdom. Her influence grew steadily, winning cautious trust even from nobles previously suspicious of David's intentions. Under Athena's guidance, Jacques's popularity soared among the populace. His rule was marked by fairness and genuine concern for the people, strengthening public loyalty and undermining Bismarck's attempts to destabilize them from within.
Yet David knew clearly that external threats remained dire. The Dark Dominion's alliance with Bismarck became increasingly evident, their support bolstering the chancellor's weakening grip over the Canglang Empire. Bismarck, growing desperate, openly called for Dark Dominion reinforcements, raising tensions to a dangerous new level.
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Final Preparations
Days before launching his decisive attack, David summoned Athena privately, meeting her quietly within the royal gardens. Their bond had deepened through their shared challenges, mutual trust now strengthened into a genuine partnership.
"Athena," David began quietly, meeting her gaze firmly, "war with the Canglang Empire and possibly the Dark Dominion is inevitable now. Bismarck must fall. Yet victory will carry heavy costs."
Athena regarded him softly, her expression calm and resolute. "Then we must prepare our people. Jacques supports your war fully. He trusts your judgment implicitly. But more importantly—I trust you. You've protected us countless times. Now, let us share this burden fully."
David took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of her words. "We must act swiftly, decisively. Bismarck expects caution. Instead, we'll strike boldly, overwhelming him before his allies fully mobilize."
Athena nodded resolutely. "Jacques will support your decision. Our people trust you completely. Lead us to victory, David."
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The Decision to March
That night, David addressed Jacques and the gathered nobles in the throne room, speaking clearly and confidently.
"The time has come," David announced firmly. "Bismarck's threat has grown intolerable. The rebellions we fostered within his empire now provide our opportunity. Tonight, we march. By dawn, our army moves toward the border. We will free the oppressed, topple Bismarck's regime, and secure lasting peace for our people."
Jacques stood resolutely at his side, declaring openly, "I support Regent David's decision fully. His strength and courage have secured our kingdom's future. Together, we will free the people of the Canglang Empire from tyranny."
Cheers erupted powerfully from the gathered nobles, soldiers, and generals. Loyalty surged visibly, men and women inspired by Jacques's wisdom and David's decisive leadership.
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Onward to Destiny
Hours later, David stood quietly upon the palace balcony, watching troops assemble steadily below. Thousands of soldiers, loyal and disciplined, prepared themselves for the march ahead.
Athena joined him softly, placing her hand gently upon his arm. "Tomorrow we march toward war, David. Yet never have I felt safer or more certain of victory."
David turned toward her gently, determination shining clearly within his eyes. "Then tomorrow begins our final journey, Athena. Bismarck's time ends soon, and the peace we've dreamed of draws near."
Together, they stood silently, watching as the sun rose over their kingdom—prepared to face war, ready to seize victory from chaos.
Tomorrow, David Haipoli's vengeance would finally begin.