Isen straightened his back, his voice steady despite the anguish behind his eyes. "Your Highness... we need to work together. To stop that tyrant. To save our lives."
Rin smiled and extended his hand. "Then let's fight together."
Isen bowed, his fist to his chest. "Isen Varros will help the young prince reclaim his rightful place."
Rin nodded with a calm satisfaction. Good. He knew Isen couldn't betray him ,not until he reached the Soul Stage. Isen needed the Solas bloodline to move freely in the east, and Rin needed power right now. Their alliance was bound by necessity and vengeance. Just like that, Rin had gained his first true ally in this world.
Rin leaned forward. "What do you think our next step should be?"
"Gathering forces," Isen said. "I'll travel in secret to contact my old friends and begin rebuilding the Varros force. Of course, under your command. If it were just me, the noble houses might hesitate. But Varros and Solas together? They'll rally without question."
Rin nodded. "Smart. But to be safe, no one must know about our alliance ,not yet. I'll follow after you in a year or two."
He knew Kaelion had probably guessed, but there were things Rin still needed to do in the capital.
Isen clasped his hands. "I'm waiting for the day you rule, Your Highness."
Rin's eyes sharpened. "Find strong criminals,dangerous ones. Gather as many as possible. Keep them alive. Wait for my orders."
Isen tilted his head, confused. "Criminals...?"
Rin gave a thin smile. "You'll understand soon."
A ding echoed in his mind.
> [System Alert] Tyrant Points gained: +100,000. Progress to 50% blood purity: 100,000 / 500,000.
Rin clenched his fists. I need 400,000 more. Two year... I'll reach it and advanceevrn further. With Isen gathering his forces, Rin's path to power would soon accelerate.
Just then, his butler entered and bowed. "Your Highness. Lord Aurex Solas has invited you."
Rin's expression turned thoughtful. Aurex... According to the memories of the original Rin, his uncle was the kindest among the family,an eccentric soul who believed even Kaelion had good in him. But rin can't take these memories seriously because the original rin solas thought that kaelion was good too , Rin had to be cautious. His presence here, far from his governed territory, wasn't just a courtesy. There was a reason.
Before Rin could respond, a soft chime rang through the room. After rin agreed to the call, A blue projection flickered to life, and Kaelion's face appeared, calm and unreadable.
"Rin... why are you doing this?" Kaelion said.
Rin raised an eyebrow. "Doing what?"
"Why are you making things difficult between us?" Kaelion's voice was gentle, but every word was edged with veiled threat.
Rin didn't answer.
Kaelion smiled faintly. "You've changed. The Rin I know would never choose the frontlines."
So that's what this is about, Rin thought. He's fishing. Trying to get me to slip.
He answered flatly. "So if I stayed at home, you wouldn't have done anything? Should I have read your mind, brother?"
Kaelion's smile faded. "I spoiled you from the day you were born. Treated you like my own blood,more than a brother. More than a son. And how do you repay me? By stabbing me in the back. By allying with my enemies."
Rin's eyes narrowed. "Spoiled me? You mean when you sent me to die in a trap you designed yourself? If this is how you treat family, I'd hate to see what you do to your enemies."
Kaelion's gaze darkened. "You'll regret this. Next week, we meet,and I'll see you kneeling before me, begging for forgiveness, this is the last chance i will give you."
The projection cut off.
Rin didn't flinch. He turned to the window, watching the wind rustle the banners of the Solas estate. His voice was calm, almost amused.
"Let's see who kneels first."