Tommy said in low voice. "That’s a powerful lineup."
"Exactly." Aiden’s tone hardened. "I knew I’d never get a vote from the Rienfeld representative so that was a dead end and I had my grandfather’s support and our old captain’s—it was practically guaranteed, so all I needed to secure the third vote for the majority which left with two options: the previous Chancellor or my aunt."
"You went to see your aunt?" Tommy gave a strange look. "That’s... bold since you don’t know her very well."
Aiden nodded slowly. "We’ve only t a handful of tis, but I had sothing that could sway her. The previous Chancellor is a strategic mind, but if word got out that I went to him for support, it would’ve been disastrous so, I made a gamble... and went to her."
"What did you say to her?" Tommy’s eyes turned suspicion.
Aiden’s smile turned awkward. "I used Amara’s na."
Tommy let out an incredulous laugh, shaking his head. "Of course you did. She is one of her students, right? And she was furious when the Phoenix Unit was disbanded."
"Exactly," Aiden said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I told her everything—about eting Amira earlier, losing our teammates because of the cover-up at the research facility, and the council turning a blind eye to the chaos."
"Then I shared my plan: to make our unit independent, move to the Icelorn Basin where Amira is, and ask for her help to rge our forces so we could build sothing that truly makes a difference."
Tommy asked. "And she agreed... just like that?"
Aiden nodded. "She didn’t even hesitate when she heard the my proposal and after securing her vote I made the request known before the Rienfeld and forr Chancellor even knew what happened."
Tommy leaned back as he was impressed. "So, that’s why we’re headed to Icelorn Basin... not just for the military compound but because Amira is already there?"
Aiden’s smile turned into a knowing smirk. "Exactly. She told during our eting previously that she and her team will be in the town their."
"But now if I think she must be planning to occupy the military compound after she released the broadcast about the surge."
Tommy’s grin faded as realization set in. "You think she knew the Federation council verdict that it wouldn’t send help?"
"I’m sure of it and after the broadcast, I had a hunch that she already understood the Federation’s true intentions." Aiden’s expression darkened. "As you see Iceland Basin is strategically perfect—remote, fortified, and equipped to house thousands and she knew it would be left vulnerable guarded by only a handful of soldiers too low-ranking to hold their ground."
"So you an she had planned to take the military compound before the surge even started?" Tommy rubbed his temples.
Aiden nodded. "Yes and she knew that once she took it the Federation wouldn’t risk sending reinforcents to reclaim it as they’d be too busy fortifying their own strongholds."
"It’s looks like she doesn’t do things halfway." Tommy shook his head with a half-smile.
"Neither do we." Aiden’s eyes glinted with determination. "Once we settle our families there, we’ll have the resources to stabilize Vandrim Province—and from there, we can expand to Borealis but first... we need to get to Icelorn Basin."
anwhile in Rienfeld Mansion
Despite the luxury of the luxurious leather furnishings, the mood was tight in a large study with dark wood and shimring chandeliers. Vice-Chancellor Henry sat stiffly with his fingers crossed, as if to steady his increasing frustration.
Robert, the head of the Rienfeld family, sat across from them, his huge presence filling the room. While Alaric was lying next to him with an unreadable frown. Even at his advanced age, Robert’s body remained robust, and his eyes had the sharpness of soone who helped create entire nations.
When Robert was done talking, he curled his fingers and kept his eyes on Henry. "Now you know everything."
Henry’s brow furrowed in frustration. "But how did we lose? If Aiden was able to push that request to the elder council, why couldn’t we delay it, we’ve shifted votes before—why not this ti?"
Robert leaned back with his expression calm but edged with disappointnt. "You’re still too impatient, Henry." His voice was like tempered steel—controlled, yet heavy with judgnt. "Don’t you see? He used the sa tactic we used when we disbanded the Phoenix Unit."
Henry held his breath as the realization hit him like a harsh blow. "You an...?"
"We caught them off guard by getting two elder votes behind their backs and presenting the motion right away without giving anyone a chance to respond." Robert nodded slowly with his lips curling slightly in acknowledgnt. "And Aiden did the exact sa thing—secured his votes before we even caught wind of it and pushed it through before we could mount any resistance."
Alaric put his arms on his knees and leaned forward. "Smart," he said in a nearly grumpy voice as his silver-blue eyes sparkled with admiration that was really disdain. "He outmaneuvered us."
Robert’s gaze flicked to Alaric, a rare glint of pride softening his steely deanor. "Indeed. But... just because the motion passed doesn’t an we’re powerless." He paused for emphasis as he leaned.
Henry’s head shot up. "What do you an?"
Robert’s eyes darkened with calculation as he spoke slowly, each word deliberate. "General Varek may be reinstated as the head of the military, but it will take ti for him to assu full control so in the anti, we can set the stage to ensure Aiden and his unit never leave the central province safely."
Alaric smiled with his lips curled together. "A hunting ground then."
Robert inclined his head. "Precisely. You’ll use the prisoners—the sa ones being released—and add a few of our loyal soldiers disguised under a different unit. Position them at key checkpoints along Aiden’s route, and they won’t attack until his unit has left the province entirely so when out there beyond the borders, there will be no eyes to witness and no communication lines to betray us."
"But what if others start asking why the prisoners are being sent there?" Henry’s face lit up with understanding but soon he asked with his eyes still showed a hint of worry.
Having already devised a solution Alaric dismissed it with a sweep of his hand. "Grandfather We’ll present it as a punishnt—reassigning them to border guard duty as a penance for their mistakes while making it seem like a disciplinary action rather than a planned ambush."
As Henry realized how smart the plan was, his laughter echoed around the room. "Alaric, you’re smarter than ever. Okay I’ll take care of things.
Robert’s face beca a little less serious for a mont. "But rember—we must stay untouchable because this isn’t just about killing Aiden; it’s also about keeping our reputation clean."
Alaric got to his feet easily and brushed the fabric of his fitted jacket. "Don’t worry, Grandpa. Aiden may believe he has won today, but as soon as he leaves the province..." His eyes were filled with cruel purpose. "We’ll remind him why the Rienfeld na is feared."
Henry followed, his posture already brimming with authority as he prepared to put the plan in motion. The two n walked out of the study, their steps echoing down the marbled hallways of the mansion.
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