Lucian woke up the next morning with a sinking feeling in his stomach. No matter how hard he tried to avoid responsibility, he was being dragged deeper into the empire’s politics.

  Dorian entered the room holding a stack of documents. "Good morning, my lord. Today’s agenda includes your first council meeting, a private discussion with Duke Reinhardt, and—"

  Lucian sat up abruptly. "Wait, Duke Reinhardt? The one who wants me gone?"

  Dorian adjusted his glasses. "The very same. Apparently, he has ‘concerns’ about your policies and wishes to speak to you personally."

  Elaine smirked. "Translation: he’s looking for an excuse to humiliate you."

  Lucian groaned. "Perfect. Just what I needed."

  The council chamber was packed with nobles when Lucian arrived. The Emperor sat at the head of the table, watching as Lucian took his seat. He barely had time to get comfortable before Duke Reinhardt cleared his throat.

  "Lord Veilwood," the Duke began, his tone silky but sharp, "since your arrival, I have heard many… fascinating tales of your governance. Tell me, do you truly believe a land can flourish without taxation?"

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  Lucian forced a smile. "Well, so far, Duskwatch seems to be doing alright."

  Reinhardt’s lips curled. "And yet, without taxation, where does the funding for roads, security, and infrastructure come from? Surely, you cannot expect good governance to exist on goodwill alone."

  Lucian glanced at Dorian, who gave him a frantic look. He took a deep breath. "It’s simple, really. People reinvest in their communities when they aren’t being squeezed dry. A town that prospers naturally creates wealth, and that wealth leads to development."

  A few nobles nodded in agreement. Others whispered amongst themselves. Reinhardt, however, was not so easily convinced.

  "Interesting theory," the Duke said. "Then tell me, what happens when a crisis occurs? Say, a drought or an invasion? Who pays for the recovery?"

  Lucian hesitated. "Uh… the people would… figure something out?"

  Reinhardt scoffed. "So you expect peasants to fund their own defenses? Absurd."

  Lucian swallowed. "Not exactly. But if people are left with their own resources, they can prepare for—"

  "Enough," the Duke interrupted. "If you truly believe in your methods, then prove it. I propose a challenge."

  Lucian narrowed his eyes. "What kind of challenge?"

  Reinhardt leaned forward, smiling coldly. "A test of leadership. You will be given temporary control over a struggling province. If your policies succeed there, then perhaps they warrant consideration. If they fail… well, then we will know just how much of Duskwatch’s success is sheer luck."

  Lucian’s stomach dropped. "That’s—"

  "A fantastic idea," the Emperor interjected, clearly amused. "What do you say, Lord Veilwood?"

  Lucian’s mind screamed at him to say no, but with every noble watching, he could already see the trap closing in around him.

  He forced a grin. "Sounds… great."

  Dorian whimpered. "We’re doomed."

  Elaine grinned. "This just keeps getting better."