Change of pace
"Gothel," I said, my voice cutting through the air like tempered steel.
She froze mid-step. Her eyes widened, flicking around the tavern as if someone might come to her rescue. "W-What do you want?"
"The tiara," I replied, voice steady, devoid of emotion.
Her hands shook as she fumbled through her satchel, clumsy fingers brushing over trinkets and scraps until, at last, she pulled out the object of interest—a silver circlet, finely wrought and unmistakable. Its polished surface caught the dim lantern light, gleaming like a promise of power. She held it out to me with trembling hands, like a peasant offering tribute to a deity she dared not anger.
I took it without ceremony, without thanks. "It's good that you understand," I said coldly, releasing my grip on her wrist.
She staggered back, cradling her hand, too afraid to respond.
I turned away, her presence no longer worth my attention.
At the bar, a man waited—nervous, eyes darting. I tossed him a small leather pouch. He opened it slightly, the warm flicker of gold catching in his eyes.
"T-Thank you," he stammered.
I gave no reply. My cloak whispered behind me as I stepped out into the cold night air. The streets of Corona were still and empty, the moonlight casting long shadows along the cobbled roads. I moved silently through them, the tiara secure in my grasp, my thoughts already turning forward.
This problem was dealt with. A loose end tied. One month left in this kingdom, then on to the next.
"System," I said aloud as I walked. "What is the next kingdom?"
Host, the closest kingdom is Arendelle.
My eyes narrowed slightly.
Arendelle… The name was familiar. I couldn't place it, but something tugged at my memory. A Disney movie, maybe? I never watched shows—too inefficient—but the name had weight.
I pushed the thought aside.
There would be time to reflect later.
For now, I needed to begin preparations. The mainland would need to be scouted. Any threats assessed. I would dispatch the dragons first—fast, efficient. Then the men.
When I reached the castle gates, the guards stepped aside without question. The halls were quiet, though torchlight flickered against the stone walls. I spotted the King and Queen approaching, their steps light, their conversation hushed. They paused when they saw me, then bowed with deference.
"Hello, my lord," they said in unison.
I gave a nod and held out the tiara. "The witch will no longer be a concern," I said flatly. "She should be dead by now."
Their eyes widened. They exchanged a glance—relief and unease mingled in their expressions—before returning their gaze to me.
"Thank you," the Queen said softly.
The King added, "We are in your debt."
I said nothing more. I turned and walked on, my footsteps echoing through the stone corridors like distant thunder.
It's better to keep moving. I've seen the way the people look at me—and at Rapunzel. Whispers behind closed doors, wide eyes in open courtyards. I hold no interest in her. She reminds me too much of Moon.
That same fragile light. That same innocence I want to protect.
She was more like a younger sister. Or a child.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
I exhaled slowly, grounding myself in the present. No time for ghosts.
It had been days since I last visited the fleet. I wondered how they were faring. Hopefully, still sharp. I have no use for soldiers who grow dull in peacetime.
The scent of salt and steel greeted me as I approached the docks. The rhythmic clash of blades and the bark of commands echoed across the training ground. I paused at the overlook. Below, the men moved with precision—no sloppiness, no hesitation. Good.
Viggo stood at the edge of the formation, arms crossed, eyes sharp. He spotted me and approached without delay. When he reached me, he dipped his head in a short, respectful bow.
"What brings you here, my lord?" Viggo asked, voice steady.
I watched the soldiers for a moment longer, then spoke.
"I wanted to see if my soldiers had gone… soft," I said, my voice calm, almost dispassionate.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I'm not foolish enough to let their training lapse, my lord."
I nodded. "Good. Make sure it stays that way."
He inclined his head again. "Of course."
I turned slightly, casting a glance toward the riders' stables. "And where is Nala?" I asked.
Viggo's mouth twitched in amusement. "Last I checked, she was on a date… with Dagur."
I paused, raising an eyebrow.
"Hm. I suppose love truly is blind."
He gave a quiet chuckle but said nothing. I pushed the thought aside, locking it away for another time.
"I want you to assemble a scout wing of dragon riders," I ordered, my tone shifting to steel. "They're to sweep the mainland—thoroughly. But they are not to cross any borders. I want detailed reports. Threats. Terrain. Movements. Everything."
"Understood. When do you want the report?"
"You have until the end of the month. No later."
"Yes, my lord."
I nodded to Viggo and turned away, my cloak whispering behind me as I walked. The sea breeze was growing colder, laced with salt and the distant cry of gulls.
What now?
I had already seen everything the kingdom of Corona had to offer. The stalls. The food. Even the mainland held no more curiosity for me—not that they were worth much. I had tied the loose ends.
And yet… there was a lingering sense of incompletion. A silence that felt too still.
"What's next?" I muttered aloud.
Host, might I suggest completing remaining achievements?
My brow rose.
"What kind of achievements?"
There are several minor achievements still available in this kingdom. While they are lower in difficulty and yield fewer points, they still contribute to your progression.
"Fine," I said, slowing my steps. "What are they? And how do I complete them?"
Host, you have completed 2 of 5 achievements in Corona. The remaining three are as follows:
— Famous Chef (Rare): Prepare a meal that satisfies a large number of the people.
— The Kind Man (Rare): Assist a young girl in finding her lost cat.
— The Savior (Epic): Investigate and dismantle a human trafficking ring operating from the slums beneath the old market.
I stopped walking.
The first two… trivial. Time-consuming, perhaps, but nothing difficult. Reputation boosters, more than anything.
But the third…
"A trafficking ring?" I repeated quietly, eyes narrowing.
Affirmative. Intelligence suggests activity in the lower districts—discreet movements, vanished orphans, unmarked caravans leaving at night. The local guard suspects corruption within their ranks. No progress has been made.
Of course not. Corruption ran deep in kingdoms like these. Too much comfort. Too much trust.
"Send the details to my head," I commanded.
Data incoming.
A small glow flickered at the edge of my vision as a map expanded across my interface, highlighting alleyways, hidden routes, and reported disappearances. The lower districts were a maze of crumbling stone and forgotten souls—perfect for filth to fester unnoticed.
"I'll handle it myself."
Would you like to track the other achievements as well, host?
"No," I said. "Mark them for later. This one takes priority."
Understood. Achievement 'The Savior' now active.
I turned toward the city, boots echoing on the stone path as I headed for the shadows where even the guards refused to patrol.
The people saw me as a ruler. A warlord. A dragonlord.
But before anything else—
I was the blade that cut out rot.
And tonight, someone would bleed.