The grand strategy hall of Clover Palace stood bathed in golden light as nobles, officers, and emissaries from both the Clover and Sidom kingdoms gathered. Conversations hushed as Sion stepped forward, holding a scroll sealed with the royal sigil.
The room grew still.
"As we rebuild this kingdom," Sion began, his voice firm and clear, "we must not only rely on strength, but on judgment, loyalty, and vision. Of the forty-nine noble houses of Clover, I have selected twelve—those who have proven themselves in the darkest of hours—to form the Queen's Council."
All eyes turned to Queen Katherine, who stood at his side. She accepted the scroll and read the names quietly to herself before addressing the room.
"These twelve nobles will serve not just the throne, but the people of Clover. They will act as governors, judges, and defenders of our realm. Their loyalty is not a favor—it is a foundation."
A moment of silence passed, then light applause broke out—an echo of both relief and resolve. A new chapter had begun.
Later that day, in the ceremonial court, a formal alliance was sealed between the kingdoms. King Elric of Sidom, flanked by royal guards, raised his hand.
"To ensure trust and diplomacy between our lands," he declared, "I appoint Princess Rebecca as the official diplomatic envoy of Sidom to the Clover Kingdom."
Rebecca stepped forward, her bearing graceful yet commanding. "I accept this role with conviction. I will ensure our alliance thrives, and that our people move forward as one."
Sion gave a small nod of approval. Rebecca caught it but saw no deeper meaning in his gaze. His expression was professional, focused. For now, his thoughts were not with romance, but with the future of both kingdoms.
That evening, the palace's war chamber glowed with candlelight. Sion stood over maps and reports, revisiting troop placements, resource shortages, and political tensions. The memory of Luthor, the fallen butler, drifted through his mind—his laughter, his wisdom, his silent sacrifice.
"I won't fail," Sion whispered to himself. "I won't let your death be in vain."
The next morning, Queen Katherine held the first official session of the Queen's Council. Seated around her were Sara, Rebecca, and several of the newly appointed nobles. This was not a grand court—it was a chamber of action.
"We begin with immediate reform," Katherine said. "Private armies will be regulated. Towns and villages will receive direct funding for rebuilding."
Rebecca added, "I'll oversee inter-kingdom affairs and trade negotiation. And I'll also serve as an observer in matters of noble disputes. That way, Sidom's neutrality ensures fairness."
Sara nodded, her tone calm but resolute. "We also need to refocus our healing resources. I'll organize a relief task force for the borderlands and oversee medical stations."
Katherine smiled. "Together, we'll stabilize this realm. We three stand not just as rulers, but as protectors."
From the edge of the chamber, Sion watched in silence. A hint of a smile flickered across his lips. He didn't need to command—he had faith in them.
Just as the meeting was ending, a scout burst into the chamber. Dust clung to his boots and sweat streaked down his brow.
"Your Majesty! News from the eastern wildlands."
Katherine straightened. "Report."
"A village near the border has gone dark. No signals, no scouts. Locals claim… the skies turned black for one night—and then, nothing."
A chilling silence swept the room.
Rebecca frowned. "Could it be… them?"
Sion replied, "There's no trace of the demonic cult in Clover anymore. We've searched every corner. But this… it may be something new. Or something worse."
Katherine nodded. "Dispatch scouts. Keep this quiet. We investigate—no panic, no rumors."
As dusk fell, and the final embers of sunlight kissed the spires of Clover Palace, a new power structure had formed. The Council of Twelve stood as guardians of peace, while shadows stirred in the distant wilds.
The kingdom had found its voice.
But the silence beyond… still waited.