As Prince Theodore of Triesenberg stepped into the grand meeting room of Volkshalle, his boots echoing across the polished marble floor, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
Lord Reginald's cryptic words replayed in his mind: "The Supreme Leader of Valoria is not what you'd expect." Theodore had met countless leaders—kings, emperors, generals—men with power carved into their faces by time, age, and experience. Today, he expected no different.
Yet, the moment he stepped into the vast, dimly lit chamber, he immediately sensed something was off. Continue reading at m|v-l'e -novelhall.net
The long table that dominated the center of the room was sparsely occupied. On one end stood a small group of Valorian officials, their faces tight with professionalism, their eyes tracking Theodore's every move. But it wasn't them that held his attention.
No, it was the figure seated at the head of the table, cloaked in a long, dark coat, his face obscured by a black mask that covered everything but his sharp eyes.
Theodore froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing. The Supreme Leader of Valoria was...young. Far younger than he'd imagined. The man couldn't have been more than in his twenties, his presence more mysterious than imposing. His youth, however, wasn't the only thing that threw Theodore off guard. The mask was unnerving.
It wasn't some ceremonial piece or an ornate symbol of leadership. It was simple, almost unsettling in its starkness, as though the man behind it had no desire to be known.
The masked figure stood, his movements fluid, controlled, but there was an undeniable power to them. Theodore could feel it—the authority that this man commanded, even without revealing his face or speaking a word.
"Prince Theodore," the Supreme Leader's voice was deep, smooth, and yet devoid of warmth. "It is an honor to welcome you to Valoria."
Prince Theodore's heart skipped a beat as the Supreme Leader's voice echoed through the chamber. That voice—it was unmistakable, familiar, and yet impossible. He had not heard it in months, but its resonance stirred memories he had long buried. His bastard brother.
Theodore clenched his fists, maintaining his composed exterior. He wasn't one to allow himself to be rattled, not in front of these Valorian officials, not in front of this masked enigma.
"It is an honor to be here," Theodore finally replied, forcing the words out with a calmness that betrayed nothing of the turmoil swirling inside him. His eyes, however, remained fixed on the masked figure, studying every movement, every detail, as if seeking a sign, a clue to the identity hidden beneath the mask.
The Supreme Leader of Valoria tilted his head slightly, as if amused by Theodore's lingering gaze. "I sense that something troubles you, Prince Theodore. You seem...distracted." The faintest hint of a smirk curled beneath the mask, though it was hard to be sure.
He wanted to appeal to Valoria's ambition, the same ambition that seemed to lurk behind the Supreme Leader's mask.
"Getting recognition is easy when we display our might, so if you have anything else better to offer then you should speak now, Prince Theodore," the Supreme Leader interrupted, his voice carrying a tone that was equal parts curious and dismissive.
Theodore inhaled sharply, recognizing that his usual strategies—appealing to power, to ambition—were not working as they typically would. The Supreme Leader of Valoria was playing a different game altogether, one that Theodore was unfamiliar with, and it unnerved him.
"Of course," Theodore said carefully, leaning back in his chair to project confidence. "But the strength of an empire is measured not just by its military might, but by its alliances. A nation that stands alone in times of conflict is vulnerable, no matter how formidable its armies. Triesenberg can offer more than just recognition—we can offer solidarity in the face of shared threats."
"Threats? Like how is that even possible when the whole world doesn't even know about our existence?"
Theodore leaned forward, carefully choosing his next words. "I believe that is exactly the point, isn't it? You don't want to remain in the shadows forever, Supreme Leader. Valoria may be powerful, but true influence comes when the world knows your name, when your enemies know what they face. Triesenberg can help make that happen.
We can offer you the stage you need to reveal your strength to the world on your own terms."
The masked leader remained silent for a moment, the only sound in the room the faint tapping of his gloved fingers on the polished surface of the table. Theodore could feel the tension building, unsure of how his words had landed. He knew he was walking a fine line—appealing to the Supreme Leader's ambition while avoiding any hint of condescension.
Finally, the Supreme Leader spoke, his voice as calm and measured as ever. "You assume, Prince Theodore, that Valoria wishes to be known. But perhaps you are mistaken. Perhaps we find strength in being the unseen force, the hand that moves the world without being detected."
Theodore's brow furrowed. "And yet here I am, sitting in this room, speaking with you. If Valoria truly wished to remain hidden, why meet with me at all?"
A flicker of something passed behind the Supreme Leader's eyes, though his mask concealed whatever emotion might have accompanied it. "Curiosity," he replied simply. "And opportunity. You offer something intriguing, but that does not mean I am compelled to accept it."
"Curiosity?" Theodore pressed, feeling as though he was finally gaining some ground. "Or is it the opportunity to shape the world in your image? A nation like Valoria cannot exist in isolation forever. Whether by choice or by force, the world will eventually turn its gaze upon you. And when it does, wouldn't it be better to have allies standing with you rather than against you?"
The Supreme Leader regarded Theodore for a long, silent moment, as though weighing the sincerity of his words. "You make a compelling argument, Prince Theodore. You are getting good at this. Very well, let's start this mutually beneficial partnership."