Reyon sat across from Julie in the dimly lit chamber of the safe house. The weight of the documents he had stolen from Duke Callius's castle sat heavily between them. These papers detailed the intricate web of corruption within the noble class, exposing the ties between Duke Callius, Berth, and several other influential figures.
"To eliminate Berth," Reyon began, his voice measured, "we first have to cut off his support. He's powerful, but not untouchable. His influence comes from those who back him, and now we know exactly who they are."
Julie nodded, scanning the documents once more. "So your plan is to use Count Ervane?"
Reyon smirked. "That's exactly why I let him live. He despises Berth. If we can offer him protection and leverage, he'll gladly expose every dirty secret he knows."
"But what about my father?" Julie asked, leaning forward. "He won't take action against the Duke without solid proof."
"That's where you come in," Reyon said, handing her a set of carefully selected documents. "Take these to your father. Once he issues a subjugation order against Callius, Berth will panic. To keep the Duke from talking, Berth will attempt to kill him—and I guarantee he'll send Cyrus and his most trusted enforcers to do it."
Julie's eyes darkened. "And you plan to eliminate them first."
Reyon nodded. "Once Cyrus and his men are gone, I can use the situation to strike a deal with Callius. He'll have no choice but to betray Berth in exchange for his own survival. After Berth is exposed, we'll have all the evidence needed to bring down the rest of his corrupt allies."
Julie let out a slow breath. "You've thought this through."
"I had to," Reyon said. "Berth has too many eyes and ears. If we make a single mistake, he'll vanish before we can touch him."
Julie stood, gripping the documents tightly. "I'll go see my father."
Julie's Conversation with the King
Julie walked through the grand halls of the Elise Kingdom's palace, her mind racing. Though she had faced countless battles and political struggles, speaking to her father about this would be one of the most difficult challenges yet.
She finally reached the royal chambers and knocked firmly. A guard opened the door, bowing immediately upon recognizing her.
"Princess Julie," the guard said. "His Majesty is expecting you."
She stepped inside, her father seated behind an ornate wooden desk. King Aldric of Elise was a man of imposing stature, his presence alone capable of silencing a room. He regarded his daughter with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"You requested an urgent meeting, Julie. What is this about?"
Julie wasted no time, stepping forward and placing the documents on his desk. "Father, I have uncovered irrefutable proof of widespread corruption among the nobility, including Duke Callius."
King Aldric's brows furrowed as he flipped through the pages. His expression hardened with each passing second.
"These are serious allegations," he said gravely. "If what you're saying is true, Callius has betrayed not only me but the entire kingdom."
"It's worse than you think," Julie continued. "This corruption runs deep. The nobles have been exploiting their positions for personal gain, and Berth has been selling secrets to the highest bidder while maintaining his influence through bribes and intimidation."
The king's hands clenched into fists. "I always suspected some level of corruption, but I never imagined it was this extensive."
Julie took a deep breath. "Father, we must act swiftly. If we don't, Berth will eliminate anyone who can expose him—including Callius."
King Aldric's sharp gaze locked onto his daughter's. "And you believe Berth will send someone to silence Callius?"
"Without a doubt," Julie said firmly. "Reyon has already predicted Berth's moves. He plans to use this moment to sever Berth's power at its core."
King Aldric leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Very well. I will issue an order for the royal guards to subdue Duke Callius. He will be brought before the royal court for judgment."
Julie exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Father."
The king's expression remained stern. "But understand this, Julie. If you and this Reyon are wrong, and this is a political move rather than true justice, the consequences will be dire."
"We are not wrong," she said with unwavering certainty. "You'll see that soon enough."
King Aldric nodded and turned to one of his royal attendants. "Summon the commander of the royal guard. Effective immediately, Duke Callius is to be subdued and brought before me."
Julie watched as the order was given. The first step in dismantling Berth's empire had begun.
To be continued...