Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Dinner Invitation
Days passed in a blur of political maneuvering and cautious planning. Valen had managed to keep the empire's spies at bay while his disciples continued their duties—always watching, always waiting. But for now, there was calm in the tower. A calm that could shatter at any moment.
Valen sat alone in his study, pouring over a map of his domain. He traced the borders of his province, noting where his forces were thinnest. The looming threat of the Serathin Empire weighed on his mind, but for now, they had yet to make a decisive move. He knew it wouldn't last.
As he mulled over his options, there was a knock on the door.
"Enter," Valen said, his voice flat.
Lucian stepped inside, his silver hair catching the light. He bowed slightly before speaking. "My Lord, a message has arrived from Lord Gareth Velorin. He invites you to a private dinner at his estate."
Valen frowned slightly. Lord Gareth was a high-ranking noble and one of the few individuals outside his immediate circle that held significant power. In the game, Gareth had been an elusive figure, always maintaining an air of neutrality. He was wealthy, influential, and known for his cunning in the political arena. For him to extend such an invitation was unusual, to say the least.
"A private dinner?" Valen asked, his tone devoid of the suspicion he felt. "Did he state the reason?"
Lucian shook his head. "No, my Lord. Only that it would be beneficial for you to attend."
Valen leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. A private dinner with Gareth could be an opportunity or a trap. He couldn't afford to ignore such a figure, but neither could he walk into a potential ambush unprepared.
"I'll go," Valen said finally, his voice steady. "Send word that I will attend."
Lucian bowed again and left the room, leaving Valen to his thoughts. This would be the first time he would meet Gareth in this world. In the game, their interactions had been limited, but now... now he had to play his cards carefully.
---
The night of the dinner arrived, and Valen found himself at the gates of Gareth's sprawling estate. The mansion stood like a fortress, its towering walls lined with intricate carvings of long-forgotten heroes and battles. Torches flickered along the path, casting long shadows on the cobblestone.
As Valen and his escort approached, the gates opened silently, and a servant in fine livery greeted them.
"Welcome, Lord Valen. Lord Gareth awaits you in the grand dining hall," the servant said, bowing low.
Valen gave a curt nod, his face expressionless as always, though his mind was racing with questions. Why now? Why him?
He was led through the mansion, past opulent rooms filled with priceless artwork and ancient relics, until they reached the grand dining hall. Inside, a long table was set with silver platters, crystal glasses, and ornate candelabras. At the far end of the table, Lord Gareth sat, smiling warmly as Valen entered.
"Duke Valen," Gareth greeted, rising from his seat. "It is an honor to finally meet you in person."
Valen studied him for a moment. Gareth was a tall man with sharp features, his dark hair streaked with gray. His eyes, however, were keen, and there was an intelligence behind them that Valen recognized immediately. This was not a man to be underestimated.
"The honor is mine, Lord Gareth," Valen replied, his voice calm and devoid of any emotion. He took his seat opposite the nobleman, his posture as rigid as ever.
Gareth poured wine into two glasses, handing one to Valen. "I must admit, I have been eager to speak with you. Your reputation precedes you, Duke. They say you are a man of great power, but one who chooses his words carefully."
Valen accepted the glass, though he made no move to drink from it. "Reputation often exaggerates the truth," he replied. "I am simply doing what is necessary to maintain my position."
Gareth chuckled, taking a sip from his glass. "Modest, as well. I can appreciate that. But I did not invite you here to discuss rumors. I believe we may have... mutual interests."
Valen remained silent, waiting for Gareth to continue. The man was a master at playing these games, and Valen knew that every word was chosen deliberately.
"You see," Gareth continued, leaning back in his chair, "the balance of power in this empire is shifting. The Serathin Empire is making moves, as I'm sure you're aware. And in times like these, alliances become... necessary."
Valen's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. An alliance? Gareth, the man who had never taken sides, was suddenly interested in forming an alliance? There had to be more to this.
"And what exactly are you proposing, Lord Gareth?" Valen asked, his voice still emotionless.
"I propose a partnership," Gareth said smoothly. "Your position as Duke is crucial. Your influence, your resources—they could be the key to maintaining stability in this region. In return, I offer you my support. My wealth, my connections... together, we could ensure that neither the Serathin nor any other empire gains a foothold in our lands."
Valen considered his words carefully. On the surface, it seemed like a mutually beneficial deal. Gareth would provide resources and political backing, while Valen would lend his name and influence. But there was no doubt that Gareth had his own agenda.
"And what do you gain from this partnership?" Valen asked, his tone neutral.
Gareth smiled, clearly pleased by the question. "I gain what any man in my position desires—security. With you as an ally, no one would dare move against me. And, of course, I have my own ambitions. The world is changing, Duke Valen. I simply wish to ensure that when the dust settles, I am still standing."
Valen stared at him, the weight of his Nobility skill preventing him from showing the skepticism he felt. Gareth was playing a dangerous game, and Valen was no fool. He knew that the nobleman would turn on him the moment it suited his needs.
Still, this was an opportunity. If he could leverage Gareth's wealth and connections, he might be able to solidify his position in this world—at least for the time being.
"I will consider your offer," Valen said after a long pause. "But I need time. This is not a decision to be made lightly."
Gareth nodded, his expression one of understanding. "Of course. Take all the time you need. But remember, Duke, the tides of war are coming. Those who do not act quickly may find themselves swept away."
---
As Valen left the estate later that night, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had just entered into something far more dangerous than he realized. Gareth was no ordinary noble. He was a strategist, a man who could read people and situations with unnerving accuracy.
And now, Valen was caught in his web.
But this time, Ren was prepared. He would not be the weak mid-boss who was destined to fall. He would play the game his way, using every resource, every ally, and every enemy to his advantage.
The world thought it knew him. But in truth, they had no idea what they were dealing with.
Valen, the Duke of vampires, was about to rewrite his story.
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