Capítulo 32: Plans.

Stiles digested the information his caretaker, Alexia, presented, simultaneously pondering on how to handle it effectively. He planned on keeping the casualty on his side to the minimum, so he had to utilize his brain which was whirling at high speed.

'The north seemed assured. After all, I don't see any reasons why they will pass through the sea that is considered dangerous to wage a war—the east, west, and south route would serve their purpose…' Stiles thought, simultaneously receiving the other information Alexia presented.

'Still yet, using a map to set up things would be preferable…'

Stiles suddenly had a more convenient thought. He had read history books that contained tactics of war, so he felt that utilizing a map—especially one prepared for war, would serve his purpose the best.

"Does the fortress have a war room?—a place built for the high leveled military officials to discuss preparations for war."

'Why am I explaining so much? How can a fortress not have such an important facility?'

Stiles found his question unnecessary, though he still inquired at the end.

"Kynburgh has one," Alexia replied flatly.

"Would the military officials obey my command?"

"I thought the King handed Kynburgh over to you?" Alexia inquired with squinted eyes.

'I wish it were that simple, my dear caretaker—but it isn't…' Stiles sighed dejectedly, keeping a straight face on the outside.

"He plans on seeing how I'll rule over Kynburgh, so he requested I make them listen to my orders."

Stiles didn't lie but also didn't reveal the whole truth. He felt keeping things vague would be for the better.

'After all, the king truly wishes to see my competence in leadership—such turbulent times would surely offer a great testing ground.'

"Really, but I don't think this is the time for trials and errors—we should focus more on handling the matter at hand," Alexia lampooned, crossing her arms over her chest.

'I share the same thought as you, my dear caretaker. But that old man and the so-called conscious of Kynburgh doesn't support that idea—fuck! I'm just a kid…'

Feeling the weight of the situation, Stiles decided to admit his immaturity deep within his conscience.

"Anyway, lead me to this war room, I'm sure the key figures of Kynburgh would be gathered there," Stiles stated in an overbearing manner, taking the aura of a commander.

'This is an important asset in such a situation—act like a ruler, or rather, become a true 'Ruler'...'

Stiles had always perceived himself as different from the people he had come across, except Liam and Maria. So he didn't find it hard to adopt the mindset of someone above.

"Come along."

Alexia led the way, navigating between pathways. Unlike when she led Stiles to The Room Of Testing, the pathway seemed more complicated and hard to recall.

'Did they build it in a hidden location, so spies won't be able to locate it easily…' Stiles thought, coming to a consensus on the matter.

Shortly after the journey begone, they arrived before a well-guarded door, made of silver. Its brilliance could not be hidden by the black paint that smeared its surface.

At both sides of the door stood four guards, heavily equipped with attack and defense weapons.

'The defense at The Hall Of Testing can't be compared to this in any sense. As a true fortress, Kynburgh truly places more pride and emphasis on their military…'

Stiles was filled with admiration for Kynburgh's military.

'Despite their military strength, they can barely cope with their three neighboring communities' attacks. How unfortunate… Maybe if they were to fight one at a time, winning won't be an issue.'

Tossing those thoughts aside, Stiles subconsciously adjusted his coat, concerned about his appearance appeal.

'A ruler should appear as a ruler, not some little punk…' Stiles sighed in dejection. 'Why do I care all of a sudden about these humans' thoughts…? Did that old man do something…?' Stiles squinted his eyes as he thought of the possibility, but decided to kick it off his mind.

He had the idea that he could handle whatever it was after taking the throne.

Slowly, he approached the door, drawing the guard's attention.

'The way they look at me is as if I'm some fresh meat waiting to be devoured…' Stiles chuckled at that thought. After all, from their auras, none of them posed a lethal threat to his life.

"The door," Stiles gestured for the guards to open the door, releasing his intent to forcefully go through if they resisted.

For a moment, the guards felt like fighting to their death but noticing Alexia's gentle smile, they gave in to the kid's demand.

'Twitch… So Alexia has more authority than me now. Unlike Rebecca, they don't hold any reverence toward the "Crown"…' Stiles calmly evaluated the situation, not taking their rude attitude to heart.

As the doors to the room opened, it revealed an interior with individuals dressed in checkers of dark-green and black—only a few exceptions to this dress code existed, like Rebecca who sat at the far right corner of the noisy room.

They seemed to be in a heated discussion on their next move in this game of war, causing Stiles' lips to form a curve.

'They are disorganized, which means my arrival would cause more division between them. I'm sure there are plenty of individuals who believe in the Crown lore in this room, also Rebecca had surely organized them. After all, she is a shrewd human woman.'

"Can I have your attention?" Stiles called out, placing his hand on his back.

From the plethora of expressions on their faces, it proved they had not noticed Stiles's entry at first.

'That's nice, their attention is all mine…'

"I know many of you recognize me, but for those who don't, I'll introduce myself." Stiles kept the temperament of a wise man, showcasing an impeccable smile.

"My name is Stiles, the bearer of the 'Ruler Crown', ruler of Kynburgh," Stiles announced, confidently.

'I have to announce myself as the ruler of Kynburgh to intimidate them. Now they would consider that George, the former king of Kynburgh, handed over this right to me… after all, he never spoke against me using such tactics. Heh heh…'

Stiles felt smug at this moment. He was quite sure the overly cautious King didn't consider this—him proclaiming to be the ruler of Kynburgh without fulfilling the conditions. After all, these people only see the physical throne, no more, no less.

It was finally time to drive the game in his favor—and get rid of any external influence.

'Let the game begin…'