A week after our escape, I stood before a mirror in a different safe house, barely recognizing myself. Gone was the silver hair of the Gavurnale bloodline, replaced by common brown. Green eyes had become blue through magical contacts. Even my magical signature had been altered through a combination of Shuna's spells and techniques I'd developed using my previous life's understanding of wave theory.
"The young master Klaus von Richter," I practiced my new identity, pitching my voice slightly different. "Third son of a minor noble house from the Western Territories."
"Your accent still needs work," Sora criticized. She'd taken to her own disguise well – now a scarred mercenary captain named Helena Blackwood. "You sound too... imperial."
"That's because he keeps checking himself out in the mirror instead of practicing," Shuna sighed. She'd transformed herself into a middle-aged scholar, complete with spectacles and graying hair. "Your Highness, please focus."
"I am focused," I protested, though I had indeed been admiring how the new hair color brought out my jawline. "I'm just... maintaining character. Klaus is obviously very concerned with his appearance."
Rick, now sporting a merchant's beard and considerably less military bearing, snorted from his corner. "At least that part's not an act."
We'd spent the past week crafting our new identities, building layers of backstory and preparing documentation. My previous life's experience in corporate subterfuge proved surprisingly useful in creating paper trails and false histories.
"News from the capital," Shion materialized, making everyone jump. She'd kept her shadow-walking abilities but now appeared as a plain-faced messenger boy. Her talent for going unnoticed had become even more valuable. "Your uncle's coronation was... interesting."
"Define interesting," I said, finally turning away from the mirror.
"Three noble houses refused to attend. They've since been arrested for 'conspiracy against the crown.'" Her expression darkened. "Their estates were seized and their families..."
"Imprisoned?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"Executed. Publicly." Shion's disguise rippled slightly with her anger. "Your uncle claims it's to 'prevent further terrorism' after the 'tragic attack' that killed your parents."
I felt the familiar surge of rage but channeled it into cold calculation. "Names of the houses?"
"Blackwood, Stern, and Meridian."
"Blackwood was our biggest wine supplier," I mused. "Stern controlled significant mining interests in the north. And Meridian..." I smiled grimly. "They were the kingdom's primary banking family."
Beni, who'd transformed herself into a traveling merchant's wife, caught my tone. "You knew they'd refuse to attend."
"I suspected. Those houses were particularly close to Father. More importantly, they controlled resources Uncle Nasaki desperately needs." I traced a pattern on the map we'd mounted on the wall. "By refusing to attend, they forced his hand. He had to make an example of them."
"You mean..." Sora's eyes widened. "They sacrificed themselves?"
"They sacrificed their public positions," I corrected. "But noble houses that old... they always have contingencies. Hidden assets. Loyal retainers. Secret heirs." My smile grew sharper. "Would anyone like to guess where those heirs were sent for safekeeping months ago?"
Understanding dawned on my guards' faces.
"The Western Territories," Rick whispered. "Where Klaus von Richter is supposedly from."
"Exactly. Father wasn't the only one preparing for the worst." I pulled out the crystal containing access to the secret accounts. "And now, thanks to their 'tragic deaths,' Uncle Nasaki won't be watching those territories nearly as closely."
"But the Southern Empire..." Shuna started.
"Is focused on our major cities and trade routes." I gestured to the map's western region. "They think the real power is in the capital, the ports, the main trading hubs. They're not wrong – normally."
"But we're not playing normally," Beni caught on. "We're building something new."
"From the ground up." I nodded. "A shadow empire, built on overlooked resources and forgotten connections." I paused, then added, "Also, did anyone notice if any of those noble heirs are attractive young ladies? Asking for diplomatic reasons, of course."
"Of course," Sora rolled her eyes. "Because that worked so well with the Southern Empire commander."
"Hey, that plan would have worked perfectly if she hadn't tried to kill me first!"
The banter felt good – normal – even as we planned revolution in disguise. We'd need these moments of lightness. The path ahead would be dark enough.
"Tomorrow we split up," I said, becoming serious again. "Each of you has your role, your route, your contact protocols. In three months, we meet at the Western Summit."
"The merchant's conference?" Rick asked.
"Where else would a bunch of ordinary traders and mercenaries naturally gather?" I straightened my new merchant's coat. "Besides, I hear they have excellent wine. Blackwood vintage, specifically."
As my guards prepared for their separate journeys, I took one last look in the mirror. Klaus von Richter looked back – a harmless young noble with more charm than sense.
Perfect.
Uncle Nasaki was watching for armies. He was watching for assassins. He was watching for rebellion.
He wasn't watching for a business expansion.
His first lesson in corporate takeovers was about to begin.
And if I happened to meet any attractive noble heirs in hiding along the way... well, that's just good networking, isn't it?