Summary:
After the attack on his bookstore, Leo decides it's time to make a public declaration — not just for the people of Elarion, but for the world.
He hosts an open forum at his shop, inviting scholars, nobles, and commoners alike.
There, he makes his oath: **he will never again seek power or war.**
But he also issues a challenge: anyone who believes he is still a threat may try to stop him — **on his terms.**
Meanwhile, whispers of "The Dark Lord Baby" spread across the continent…
And someone far away begins to take notice.
---
The day was bright, unusually so for early autumn.
Birds chirped. The scent of fresh bread floated through the air. And outside my little bookstore, a crowd had gathered.
Scholars. Nobles. Merchants. Commoners.
Even a few curious mages stood near the back.
Today was not just another day.
It was the day I made my final declaration.
I sat behind the counter as usual, wrapped in a soft blanket, with Elyna standing beside me like a bodyguard who'd rather be blowing something up.
Tessia leaned against the doorway, silent as always.
Selene stood near the window, arms crossed, watching everything with sharp eyes.
Grimwald sat in the corner, sipping tea like this was all just another boring chapter in his long life.
Then I raised my hand.
Silence fell.
I looked around the room.
Then slowly, I began to speak.
"I am Kaiser von Zerath."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Some shifted uncomfortably. Others whispered to each other.
I continued.
"But I am no longer that man."
I held up a small notepad and wrote carefully:
> "I have chosen peace. Not because I fear war… but because I understand its cost."
I looked at them all.
Then I added, voice calm but firm:
> "If you believe I am still a threat… prove it."
---
The Gentleman's Declaration
A nobleman in the front row stepped forward.
"You expect us to believe that a former Dark Lord can simply become a bookseller?"
I nodded.
Then I wrote:
> "Belief is not required. Only observation."
Elyna grinned. "He's legit. I've seen his baby rage tantrums. Trust me, he's not ruling any kingdoms anytime soon."
The crowd chuckled nervously.
I gave her a flat stare.
She winked.
I sighed.
Then I pointed at myself again.
> "I will not run. I will not hide. But I will not fight unless provoked."
I looked around the room.
> "If any of you believe I am still a danger… come forward. Challenge me. Debate me. Test me."
One scholar raised his hand.
"What would you do if war came knocking on your door?"
I thought for a moment.
Then I wrote:
> "I would close the door. And if they break it down… I would remind them that even books have weight."
Another noblewoman spoke.
> "And if the Church comes for you?"
I met her gaze.
Then I wrote:
> "I will face them. With words first. With strength only if needed."
A murmur passed through the crowd.
Not fear.
Not hatred.
Curiosity.
---
Eyes from Afar
Far away, beyond the mountains and seas, in a tower built of bone and shadow…
Someone watched.
A woman with silver hair and crimson eyes stared into a pool of dark water.
Her lips curled into a smile.
"So… you've returned, Kaiser."
Beside her, a masked figure bowed.
"Orders, Your Majesty?"
She tilted her head.
"Let him play his little game," she said softly. "For now."
Then she turned away.
"But keep watching."
---