After a long journey, Sebastian and his wife finally reached the square of the West Kingdom. It was truly a lively scene. As the sun hid beneath the horizon, the market glowed with a kaleidoscope of colorful lights. A fountain tirelessly danced, adding to the bustling ambiance.

  "We need to fill out our information there," Sebastian said.

  ---

  The West Kingdom was known for its strict laws. One of the rules mandated visitors to register their information and reason for visiting. Additionally, to fully benefit from the kingdom's opportunities, one had to apply for citizenship—a rule established by the former Western King, Lenar Von Arnold.

  ---

  To access all opportunities, one had to be a Westerner, with official documentation stating eligibility, sealed by the Imperial West Authority. It was said, "The West starts from the square fountain."

  "Sir, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that I, Sebastian, along with my wife, Menah, and my son, Owen Sebastian, seek nationality in the West Kingdom," Sebastian informed the officer at the information booth.

  "Please fill out these forms and sign here to complete your request," the officer said, handing over three forms.

  ---

  Sebastian took the forms and gave two to Menah to fill out her and their son's information. After completing the forms, Sebastian submitted them.

  "It will take seven days to receive your citizenship papers. For now, use these temporary documents to prove your status as Westerners. Return them when you receive your official cards," the officer explained.

  Sebastian thanked the officer for his assistance, and they entered the West Kingdom.

  ---

  "Where will we go now?" Menah asked, her voice tinged with fatigue. The baby began to cry, hungry and tired.

  "I've contacted a friend. We have an arrangement, so we'll head directly to his inn and rest," Sebastian reassured her.

  ---

  After a short walk, they reached the inn. Sebastian greeted his friend, as he was a former merchant,he had some connections in the West too. They entered their room and washed up.

  "Husband, please go to the market and buy a baby feeder. We have milk, and I'll prepare it in the meantime," Menah said.

  Sebastian quickly went to the market, while Menah boiled milk for the baby. The little boy, exhausted from crying, finally fell asleep.

  Sebastian returned with the baby feeder, handing it to Menah. She washed it, filled it with milk, and began feeding the baby.

  Sebastian watched the scene, a dream they had long shared. He saw contentment on Menah's face, and without disturbing them, he began unpacking.

  ***

  "Sir, may I ask you a question?" The captain, Alex, hesitantly asked the man with a sword sign on his right arm.

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  "Don't hesitate. You're the captain. If they see you hesitating, they might misunderstand," the man replied.

  "Yes. I was pondering the question Lady Alicia asked. Why did he change so abruptly?" Alex inquired.

  "You served him, didn't you? You should know better than I. Didn't you notice any abnormalities in his behavior or frequent contacts?" the man asked.

  Alex remained silent, feeling as though his lips were sealed. It was clear he was clueless about the previous king's movements. Though it wasn't his duty as an army captain, one thing was evident: the king acted without anyone noticing.

  "I'm sure the reason was something beyond mere mistakes, something punishable by death. The man I served wouldn't have caused such a scene otherwise," the man asserted.

  —-

  While talking with Alex, the man led the way to a burnt building. He excused Alex and walked inside. Though the exterior was charred, the interior resembled a palace, indicating its importance.

  It was the faction's building he had betrayed. And the room where he stood was the throne room of the faction. He approached the throne, caressing it gently. There was a crown made of shining gold, with a lion baring its teeth.The throne was slightly damaged, evidence of a fight.

  "You didn't deserve it. Blame your former lord who forced me to do this. I've always loved you. I would repeat this action throughout my lifetime if I had to," the man whispered, touching the damaged part of the throne.

  He then started walking towards the room where he was supposed to go.

  When he neared the room, he heard voices. It was clear his presence was unwelcome.

  "Oh! So the talk has already started without me, huh?" the man smirked and hid, eavesdropping on the conversation.

  ***

  "We should dispose of him too. He is a man of the faction and a black knight. He is dangerous!" the long-bearded man declared.

  "No, just interrogate him more. There are valuable treasures well hidden. Even he didn't know the map," the man with a scar countered.

  "What if he deliberately withheld information? He was the closest to them. Isn't it suspicious he doesn't know the map?" a man with a church sign on his clothes asked.

  The man hiding in the shadows smirked.

  "Pope, you are smart. But alas! Those money-blinded swine don't have the wisdom to suspect me," he muttered, laughing quietly.

  "No, the treasury was only known to the lordship and his black knights,so I don't think it's suspicious." the old bearded man said.

  The Pope remained suspicious.

  "But where is he? He shouldn't take this long to return from the border cliffs," the scarred man questioned.

  "He might already be inside, enjoying himself. He is set to ascend as the new lord and fulfill his dream," the Pope speculated.

  "To be honest, we should get rid of him first," the long-bearded man suggested.

  Both the other man and the one hidden in the shadows were shocked.

  "What are you saying? He helped us wipe them out! You want to betray our own?" the Pope exclaimed.

  "Can you guarantee he won't betray us too? He turned on those who cared for him. After seeing how the Strategist of the Strongest faction, known throughout the Eastern Kingdom, betrayed his lord, I can't assure my safety," the long-bearded man argued.

  The hidden man laughed and decided to make his entrance.

  ***

  The man,The Betrayer,was the Master Strategist of the newly fallen faction. He had served the faction under the previous lord and was highly trusted. His influence in political matters was immense, thanks to the faction's powerful position in the East Imperial Council.

  But when the previous lord passed leadership to his twenty-year-old son, the strategist felt shattered. He couldn't bear it and waited for an opportunity to usurp the inexperienced lord.

  Whenever he appeared in public, some people bowed their heads, worshipping him as a God of knowledge. This satisfied him and eased his greed for power. His strategic prowess and wisdom made his advice invaluable in the imperial meetings, leading to significant developments in the kingdom.

  "What is he? If the sword wasn't here, the kingdom would have turned to dust. Your God of knowledge wouldn't save it," some people murmured.

  Even when standing with the boy, the crowd hailed the boy's name, overshadowing the strategist. He felt like a monster stood before him, blocking his path. The king's interruption during meetings for his presence and the knights' deference to the boy fueled his frustration.

  "Who are you to deserve all this light and respect? It was all mine, MINE!!!" he would scream internally.

  Now, he had acted on his ambitions, ready to seize his moment.

  "Am I late, gentlemen?" the Master Strategist, Von Ashworld, with his sparkling eyes, entered the meeting room.

  "You are, Sir Ashworld!" the Pope said.

  "Then what are we waiting for? Let's begin," Ashworld said.

  —-