Rin arrived at Veltrinas, one of the seven crown countries directly ruled by the solas imperial family. Its capital, Zeraphine, shimmered like a jewel of marble and obsidian,a city of power, prestige, and thinly veiled bloodshed. Here, where every word was a weapon and every smile a threat, Rin knew his next move had to be precise.
He made his way to one of his family's lesser estates within the city. Though smaller compared to the royal manors in the central provinces, the estate still spoke of old wealth and dignity. As he passed through its gate, a dozen servants dropped to one knee, welcoming him with ritual precision.
Rin didn't speak. He barely acknowledged them. His thoughts were already racing ahead.
He needed influence. Desperately.
Though he had carved his name compared to before , it wasn't enough ,not nearly. In Zeraphine, where the nobility whispered in the Emperor's shadow, strength alone meant little without the right alliances.
Kaelion Solas, his brother, had already sunk his claws deep into the country formed many alliances. The major houses favored him. The princes and princesses know him better and favor him. Rin, though of royal blood, was still a bastard. And in a world where lineage shaped destiny, that status clipped his wings.
His father's legacy was his only shield.
It had to be known that though Rin was illegitimate, he was still the son of Valtherion Solas,the First Prince, the Flame of the East, and the rightful heir who had vanished before his coronation. Together with the late Emperor, Valtherion had united the fractured Eastern continent under one banner. He was beloved by both nobles and commoners, feared by enemies and adored by allies.
But then he disappeared.
With Valtherion gone, the throne passed to his younger brother,Kaelith Solas, the current Emperor. A cold strategist. Respected, but never loved.
Rin was his father's shadow, a remnant of a glorious past the court tried to forget. That shadow now moved through the halls of Zeraphine, looking for light.
That evening, while Rin sat alone in his chamber, the butler entered quietly and bowed.
"Your Highness," he said. "You've received an invitation."
Rin glanced at him. "An invitation? From whom?"
"The Third Prince… Ryvaris Solas. He's hosting a fighting tournament tomorrow night."
Rin raised an eyebrow.
Ryvaris Solas,the name stirred something. From the memories Rin inherited, Ryvaris was a prince long estranged from political games. A man of indulgence and chaos. He cared more for duels, killing, and torture than council rooms. Most in court dismissed him as a harmless fool.
But Rin knew better. In a world like this, only the truly dangerous could afford to act like fools.
"Who else is attending?" Rin asked, narrowing his eyes.
The butler listed names with calm efficiency:
> "The Fifth Prince, Sevrian Solas.
Princess Ilyra Solas.
Lord Maelthorn of House plerentis.
Lady Elireth of House oamariez.
Lord Kasar of House Telyros.
And finally… Lord isen of House varros."
Rin's eyes gleamed.
House varros.
The former ruling family of the country now governed by Kaelion. They had once been royals before the unification. Stripped of their crown, reduced to nobility, but still revered by their people. If there was one family with the roots, loyalty, and prestige to challenge Kaelion,quietly,it was House varros.
And they were here.
Rin leaned back in his chair, a slow smile tugging at his lips.
He couldn't march up to House varros. Not yet. He needed to understand them,their goals, their fears, their character. Were they broken and tamed by the court? Or did their blood still burn with ambition?
This invitation was no coincidence. The pieces were finally moving.
And Rin Solas was ready to play.