Scene – The First Political Lesson: The Map of Cold Fire
The next morning, Reishel was heading toward the eastern hall to which he had been summoned once again, with Silas walking behind him
Upon entering, he found the four instructors waiting for him around the long table...
On the table lay a map of the Kingdom of Arkadios, drawn with precision, surrounded by the nine kingdoms that represented potential threats and alliances
Michael Lucius, the most senior and most mysterious minister, stood before the map
Beside him was Harlow, the military tactics instructor, with white hair and sharp eyes, observing intently
Crane, the history instructor, sat silently in the corner, reading old books
Warner, the instructor of magic and defense, was gently touching the ancient magical symbols engraved on the books
Michael spoke in his deep, calm voice:
"Today we begin a lesson that will form the core of your reign, my lord, This map will be your starting point to understand the kingdom's politics, and the art of alliance and attack, But you will soon discover... not all allies are friends, and not all enemies are foes"
He pointed to the map, which had been carefully drawn, each kingdom marked with a different color
Michael: "Here, my lord, in the center of the map lies the Kingdom of Arkadios, surrounded by nine kingdoms, Each of them holds its own strength and weaknesses. But we do not see them all as constant friends"
Harlow, watching the map seriously, said:
"Tactics depend on the moment you choose to strike. Some kingdoms, like Nerax, possess great warrior strength, but rely on alliances to maintain their power, So if you seek their alliance, you must offer them what they need—lasting security"
Crane, raising his head from the book he was reading, added:
"But don't forget that there are kingdoms like Skarmoth, inhabited by powerful sorcerers, These don't trust easily. You will need more than kind words... you must make them feel fear of your power, and then pull them to your side"
Then Warner stood up and lit some magical symbols in the air, adding:
"Don't rely solely on the strength you possess, The smartest is not the one with the strongest weapon—but the one who knows when and how to use it"
Michael smiled calmly:
"Good answer, Warner, We must not always rely on brute force, Now let us move on to Aysteria and Etralis, If you're planning for the future, you must understand that these kingdoms do not submit to open threats—they engage in cold wars that grow more complex the deeper you get involved"
Then he pointed to another kingdom—Darmonia—on the map,
Michael: "That kingdom will not form an alliance unless you guarantee them long-term political stability. Darmonia does not move without allies, but they are constantly watching you. In every word you speak, they see either an opportunity or a threat"
Crane said in a serious tone:
"History teaches us that these kingdoms either build empires or bring them down. Those eras were full of betrayals that rulers rarely saw coming"
Harlow added:
"In military wars, my lord, every move must be calculated—even in defense. Don't assume that the kingdoms you see as stable will always remain strong"
Michael pointed to the map again:
"Let us look at Valmire—a kingdom that constantly seeks to dominate its neighbors, yet uses great magical power to maintain its internal balance. Now you must know how to turn that to your advantage"
Warner, also looking at the map, said:
"In this conflict, you will need to use your wits carefully. Never submit completely to others—maintain your balance"
Michael turned to them all, casting a calm look at Reishel, and said:
"Each of these ten kingdoms holds a unique secret. A historian may study the past—but you must be more than a historian. You must analyze every move, absorb every word, so you can shift the balance"
He then pointed toward the kingdoms in the corners:
"There are Arlinda and Marcelia in the west—two great powers, yet deeply contradictory. And Ashbara, standing at a crossroads between political alliances and magical secrets. You must deal with each of them carefully"
He continued:
"But Skarmoth and Nerax are not the only ones Arkadios must deal with. Despite their power, you will also fight internally—as if you are at war with yourself"
Harlow raised his head and said:
"The right tactic always means finding the weakness. If something can be exploited—you'll find it within these kingdoms"
Everyone watched as Michael concluded the lesson with a calm voice:
"The trap is not only in the land or in the mountains—it lies in the words and promises offered. Remember that well, my lord"
At the end of the session, Michael smiled softly and said:
"Tomorrow, we shall move on to another lesson. But remember—politics is a complicated game. No one can predict its end. But the one who controls the small moments... will rule in the end"