The grand doors of the meeting chamber in the Clover Kingdom swung open as Sion stepped inside. The hall fell into a heavy silence. Seated nobles turned their heads in unison, eyes narrowed — many saw him not as a hero, but as an obstacle to their secret alliances and ambitions.
Sion walked with calm confidence and took his designated seat, his gaze cold and unreadable.
At the head of the long table sat the King of Clover, his expression stern as he raised a hand and declared, "This session of the Noble Council is officially in order. Today, we review recent events, decisions taken without consultation, and their impact on our kingdom's stability."
Without delay, a high-ranking duke stood. "With all due respect, Your Majesty," he began, "Sion's recent actions have created friction with neighboring realms. His aggression and lack of diplomacy—especially in foreign territories—could endanger everything we've built."
Before the echo of that complaint died, a count stood in Sion's defense. "Yes, he acted on his own—but his conquest brought us an entire kingdom! He turned Leaf into a dukedom under Clover's banner. It was bold, yes, but effective."
The hall buzzed with conflicting murmurs until a sly noble rose, venom in his tone. "And what of the Avalon Merchant Group's branch he destroyed? That act severed a key supply chain and enraged the Bethel Empire, who have direct ties to Avalon."
Sion's calm broke.
"You miserable coward," he said, rising from his seat. "Do you even know what that group was doing? Poisoning food and water. Killing innocent people. You'd defend them for gold?"
The noble, fuming, hissed back, "You son of a bit—"
He didn't finish.
In a blink, Sion disappeared from his place—reappearing behind the noble, blade unsheathed and resting coldly against the man's throat.
"Mind your tongue," Sion whispered icily. "Or your head will decorate this hall."
Shocked gasps spread across the chamber. Some nobles gripped their chairs. Others looked away.
Duke John chuckled darkly. "This brat is going to be the death of fools."
From a shadowed corner, Rapheal observed silently, muttering, "Why are these men so eager to die at his hands?"
The king remained still, allowing the moment to settle. The message had been made loud and clear: Sion was not one to be trifled with.