The chamber was a vast hall of polished obsidian and gold, a remnant of Wize's former rulers, now claimed by its conqueror. Dim lanterns flickered along the walls, casting wavering shadows that stretched like specters over the gathered men and women. At the heart of it all sat Jai, the undisputed King of Wize, clad in deep crimson, his expression unreadable.
The Sultens—the provincial lords who were rulers in their own right—stood before him in stiff silence. Each had been summoned, and none had dared to refuse. The war was over, but its wounds had yet to heal, and the weight of unspoken grievances filled the air like the scent of incense and steel.
Jai let the silence stretch. Some fidgeted under his gaze—Sulten Lee shifted uncomfortably, his mind undoubtedly on the promises he had made to a prince whose name he dared not whisper in this room. Sulten Mahmoud, ever the diplomat, forced an easy smile, though the sweat on his brow betrayed him. Sulten Manaz, whose father had died in the last battle, stood rigid, grief and hatred simmering beneath his skin.
Jai scanned the room, his gaze shifting from those who had helped him ascend the throne to those who had once opposed him. In his eyes, all had something to prove. It didn't matter if they had supported him—after all, they had once been subjects of his brother, King Ken. Now, they were his, and he would not repeat his brother's mistakes.
Finally, Jai spoke.
"I want to welcome you all to Pshen. It is good to have the Sultens of each region gathered here in the capital to discuss the future of Wize." His voice was firm, heavy with authority. "I know the war has labeled each of us differently. Some of us were called usurpers, others traitors. Some were deemed heroes, others loyalists." He smirked. "But whatever we were, it is all in the past. Today, we are but one thing—we are all citizens of this great nation."
He paused, letting his words settle. "If there is one thing we all share, it is the desire to see our nation prosper. Because when Wize prospers, so do we. Yet we are still counting our losses from the war, and this is no time to show weakness."
Jai stood, his presence commanding. "We must punish those who seek to harm or control us. That is why I took the initiative to attack Conet just days after the war ended, after the role they played in joining hands with Burak and his band of traitors."
His gaze landed on Sulten Lee, whose trembling did not go unnoticed. Jai smiled slightly, amused.
"But strength alone is not enough. A divided nation is a vulnerable nation. Enemies can be dealt with on the battlefield, but traitors? Traitors must be dealt with before the battle even begins. Look at this room—every one of us is a backstabber in some way."
Tension thickened in the air.
"I betrayed my brother Ken. Many of you betrayed him as well. And those who did not? You betrayed me."
A heavy silence followed. Then, Jai continued, his tone unwavering. "This cycle of betrayal must end. I could purge those I suspect, but I have no interest in littering Wize with corpses after a war."
A guard stepped forward, handing Jai a document. He read it aloud.
"Effective immediately, the provinces of Fadis, Lyokis, Sworis, and Cosant will lose their provincial status indefinitely. They will no longer be regarded as provinces but will be annexed by neighboring territories."
Murmurs rose, but none dared voice their protests. Jai's eyes silenced them.
"Fadis, Lyokis, and the mountain range from the Whispering Mountains up to Hadia will be merged into a single province under Sulten Midinna."
"Cosant will now be treated as any other city in Wize and placed under the jurisdiction of Sulten Goro."
"Sworis will be absorbed into Amresh under Sulten Mahmoud."
Jai allowed a pause, glancing at the shifting expressions in the room—some pleased, others outraged but restrained.
He continued, "Furthermore, to display our strength, and in response to Eru's actions during the conflict, I formally declare war on the Nation of Eru and its allies. This war is now in full effect as we launch a second offensive and strengthen our borders, especially the port of Hadia."
He turned to Sulten Midinna. "General Karim and General Sayaka have begun preparations, yes?"
Sulten Midinna nodded.
"Good. Each province is also expected to conscript men for the coming battle. Each province is to draft two thousand men each to assist the army" Jai said.
"Yes your Majesty" the room chorused, amidst whispers and murmurs.
Jai, ignored the whispering and then addressed the final matter. "As you all know, we are securing an alliance with Omi, and not just any alliance—one by marriage. I will be sending an envoy to Omi to summon the princess to Wize, where she will meet her future husband and begin our plans. Sulten Viran will lead this envoy, accompanied by General Zai."
"You depart in one week."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Viran acknowledged.
Jai turned to the demoted Sultens, his expression unreadable. "As for those who have been stripped of their titles, you will also be stripped of all privileges that came with your status. You are now mere chiefs. You will be given small settlements to govern, and I expect you to serve with utmost sincerity."
The former Sultens gritted their teeth, barely able to contain their anger. Their silence, however, pleased Jai.
He turned to Paz, the former Sulten of Sworis. "Chief Paz, you once requested the return of those taken hostage in Sworis during the war. As a final act of your former station, I will grant it. Some of the girls are dead, but those who survived will be returned to their families."
Jai stepped forward, his voice cold and absolute. "These are the words of King Jai of Wize. All those concerned are expected to comply. Opposition will be seen as treason, and treason will be punished accordingly."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the room chorused.