After wrapping up the conflict with the Draconoids, Isaac gained a strong reputation as a pacifist. His father would send him on various tasks across the territory to resolve disputes and bring about peaceful outcomes. Alongside him was his trusty aid, the Draconoid Xia Bai, a warrior of her clan sent to act as his guard and assistant. While Isaac was the peacemaker speaking and reaching out a peaceful hand, Xia Bai was the sword that defended him striking down his enemies before they could act.

  After arriving at the academy in the capital, he continued working to earn a name for himself. He earned himself a position on the academy’s illustrious student council. In any normal situation would find his way to the top of this board and the highest echelons of the school social order. But the King’s death shook everyone and everything to the core and rather quickly, power grabs became the norm alongside factions rising and lines being drawn.

  “This is horrible. At this rate, the country will split apart.” Isaac says, looking over maps and charts.

  Xia Bai sits nearby, staring at the ceiling. “So, I’ve heard. Didn’t your dad order you to come back so we could secure your territory or whatever?”

  “You're not seeing the bigger picture here! Even if we secure our lands, we’ll lose valuable trade partners and suffer long-term consequences at this point.”

  “So, what do you wanna do?”

  “I want to try talking to these people. Try something to keep the country together. At this rate, we’ll be seeing idiotic wars for lands and territory again, like it was before the king’s era.”

  “Honestly. I never expected that old guy to die. Kinda figured killing the Demon Lord made someone immortal or something.”

  “We could hope. What’s worse is he left no next of kin. As far as public record states, he was an orphan, so no distant relatives we could trace. And he had no children and didn’t adopt anyone as an heir before he died. Nor did he name a proper heir.” Isaac slams his hand on the table. “This situation is doomed. I can’t see a way out of this without some guiding hand to direct the country.”

  “So, a new king?”

  “Yes. We need a new king. But I don’t even know how that would work. Would we need to vote for a king? How would we all agree on that?”

  Xia Bai smirks. “Okay, now I have a surprise for you.”

  “What?”

  “Current rumor is that some bigwigs are trying to crown a new king. And the way they decided on it is to make a proxy war.”

  “A proxy war?”

  “Right, a battle between the candidates. Whoever comes out on top will get to be the king. Isn’t that great?”

  Isaac pauses. “Let’s assume this is true. Then who gets to choose these candidates?”

  “No clue.”

  “In all likelihood, these candidates will be a formality and whoever backed them will instruct them from the shadows. Not to mention the sheer amount of renown and growth in status they’ll experience from having backed the new king.” He pauses on the subject. “Where did you hear these rumors?”

  “Oh right, the Halfs were talking about it. You know those Half-Elves, Half-Dwarves, and the like. I overheard them while I was napping in the cafeteria.”

  “Why would they be….” He pauses for a moment. “No.”

  “What?”

  “He hasn’t been spotted for the past few days if he was starting to….”

  “Come on, you have to tell me what’s happening.”

  “Xia Bai, can you get me a list of student absences from the last few days?”

  “Okay? But a lot of them have left to go home to secure their lands.”

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  “That’s expected. But I can weed out who I’m looking for rather easily.”

  “If you say so.”

  Xia Bai returns later carrying a stack of papers and files, planting it on a table in front of Isaac. He gets to work sorting through the papers, marking each one as he scans the stack. After a few minutes, he closes a file and stares at the table.

  “This is worse than I expected.”

  “What?”

  “Those rumors are likely right. Several high-ranking noble students have withdrawn after being visited by many influential people in government.”

  “So?”

  “So, it’s a pattern. Their being moved either to safe locations for the oncoming fallout or preparing to head out. What’s worse is that he’s making moves.”

  “Him? Oh, you mean that randy old guy?”

  “Count Fenwick. He’s always been a conundrum to me. He acts on the surface as some lecherous noble indulging in the ‘benefits’ of his position. But his lands are well governed and defended. Not to mention to people under him are all highly competent and loyal. Something is up with that man. I can feel it.”

  “Maybe he wants to be the king or something?”

  “No. He had his chance to take the throne right after the king’s death. But he didn’t. Not only that, he prevented some other powerful nobles from taking the throne themselves.” Isaac pauses. “I can leave the mystery of Count Fenwick alone for another day. For now, we need to figure out what’s happening with….”

  Before Isaac can say another word, Xia Bai draws her sword and pulls him close. She swings her blade and strikes something in the air. A figure covered head to toe in a black cloak descends displaying a dagger before pulling it into their darkness.

  “A Shadow,” Isaac says. “The silent guardians of the capital.”

  “You’re aware of our existence.” The Shadow says in a raspy voice.

  “Yes. I did my research.”

  “Not too much, I hope.” They say, reaching into their cloak.

  Xia Bai holds out her sword. “Just try it.”

  “I give it to you, Draconoid. Your senses are strong. But I’m not here for an assassination, if that’s what you believe.”

  “Oh yeah. You stick of blood, so why else would you be here!?”

  “To deliver an invitation.”

  “So, this game is real?”

  The Shadow reaches into their cloak and tosses out an envelope onto Isaac’s stack of papers. “You’re a smart one. Those smarts could put you over the top of the other candidates. If you choose to participate. I’ll leave that choice up to you.”

  A window opens in the room and a burst of wind scatters the papers across the room. When the wind dies down, the Shadow is gone, leaving no trace as only the letter sits on the table now. Isaac stares at the letter cautiously, taking it and opening it slowly. He reads the contents slowly and then repeats the process twice more. After reading it three times, he lowers the letter, shaking his head.

  “A war simulation. As far as selection processes go, this isn’t the worst. But…”

  “But let me guess. An unneeded conflict, the potential loss of life, and the collateral damage or whatever.” Xia Bai says.

  He smiles. “Yes.”

  “You always go off about that stuff, you know. I think I have your speeches drilled into my head by this point.”

  “If only you could recount them properly. But…”

  “It’s tempting, isn’t it? If you become the king, then you can keep the peace, hell you could even make some changes if you wanted.”

  He crumples up the paper. “Get real Xia Bai. I can’t do anything like that. Me king? Who would follow a runt like me?”

  “Hey, I follow a runt like you, so don’t go insulting my efforts.”

  “That’s different. We’re more personable to each other. To a commoner, a king has to project strength and confidence. If you’re unable to do that, how would you give peace of mind to the populous? Not to mention the logistical matter. I’d have to divest from my father’s household to make it known I’m not biased. There’s so much that’d need to be done.”

  “Then let’s do it!”

  “Xia?”

  “Listen. I know you always sell yourself short. But you’re an outstanding leader. You're smart and you’ve pulled my butt out of trouble more times than I can count. I know you have it in you to become the king or, if not, that an advisor at the very least.”

  He pauses. “Are you sure about this?”

  “I’m sure. And I’m with you all the way!”

  Isaac smiles. “Well, then we have to come up with some plans.”

  “Yeah, we have to crush them all.”

  “No.”

  “Huh?”

  “I have to negotiate with the other candidates. If I can keep this ‘war’ a bloodless affair, then I will have shown what it means to lead. I have to make sure none of the other candidates kill each other and we prevent an all-out war from escalating.”

  “Are you sure about that? Seems like fighting would be easier.”

  “Yes. But it would go against my principles. On top of that, I’d rather try peaceful means before we raise a sword.”

  Xia Bai nods. “Well, if that’s how you want to do it. I have your back, no matter what.”

  Isaac smiles. “I know I can always count on you, Xia.”

  “Come on. Let’s talk about what you're gonna do when you become king. I say we make a new festival about various meats.”

  “I’ll think about it. Oh, but there is one thing I want to do. I want to make a solid distribution system. That way, we can make sure no lands go hungry ever again. What do you think?”

  “That’s a brilliant plan! We can find a way to get fresh fish inland or some other amazing feat.”

  He nods. “That’s right. I’m going to become king and then I’ll fix it so that everyone in this country can lead a happy, fulfilling life with no worries. Trust me on this,” Isaac says with a wide, eager smile.