The Grand Council Hall remained unusually quiet after Vanshika ordered the attendant to explain everything from the beginning.
The attendant stood before the raised ruler’s platform, his posture respectful and his hands clasped behind his back.
He was an ordinary member of the territory’s administration, not a Grand Elder or a renowned Shurveer, yet the ruler had personally invited him to speak.
That alone made him visibly nervous.
Vanshika rested the sealed letter on the table before her.
“Begin with how this letter reached our territory.
Tell me everything you know, including anything that seems insignificant.”
The attendant bowed.
“Your Majesty, I received this letter earlier today from our reception office.
It bears the seal of the Tyrant Grand Domain and comes directly from its Great Ruler, Lord Tyranesh Rudraveer.”
At the name, the Grand Elders exchanged brief glances.
The Tyrant Grand Domain was one of the major powers of the outside world.
One of five grand domains.
Its ruler was no ordinary noble, and an official letter bearing his personal seal was not something that could be dismissed as routine correspondence.
The attendant continued, careful not to omit any detail.
“The letter was personally delivered by a trusted commander serving the Great Ruler himself.
According to the message conveyed by the commander, Lord Tyranesh wishes to establish business relations with Shaktiveer Territory.
He has offered ten million Royal Credits as part of the proposed arrangement.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Adhira Vardhanya leaned forward, her eyes widening.
“Ten million Royal credits?”
Kartik Mahakil looked at the attendant as though he suspected a mistake in the report.
“Royal Credits?
Not Shakti credits?”
The attendant bowed his head.
“Yes, Fourth Grand Elder.
Ten million Royal Credits.”
Elder Aarush Agnivansh slowly folded his arms.
Even Elder Reyansh Chandraketu, who had heard countless financial proposals over his long life, looked thoughtful.
Ten million Royal Credits was an enormous sum.
It could finance substantial development, support large-scale projects, and purchase rare resources in considerable quantities.
For a territory that managed its own economy, the offer was significant enough to deserve careful examination.
Yet Vanshika did not appear impressed by the number.
She glanced at the letter and then returned her attention to the attendant.
“Is there anything else?”
The attendant hesitated before answering.
“That is everything I know so far, Your Majesty.
The commander delivered the message and letter, but I was not present during any private negotiations between the commander and the reception officials.”
Vanshika nodded, acknowledging his honesty.
“Very well.
What is your opinion of this offer?”
The attendant froze.
He had expected to deliver the message, answer questions about its arrival, and leave the council hall.
He had certainly not expected the ruler of Shaktiveer Territory to ask for his personal assessment in front of four Grand Elders and the acting ruler.
He looked up, visibly startled.
“Your Majesty…
are you asking for my opinion?”
Vanshika rested her chin lightly against one hand.
“That is precisely what I asked.”
The attendant immediately bowed.
“Then, with your permission, Your Majesty, I will speak honestly.”
“You have my permission.” Her majesty permitted.
The attendant drew a steadying breath.
Although nervous, he spoke with growing conviction.
“I believe this offer may be a means of bringing our territory closer to the Tyrant Grand Domain.
If we accept the money and begin establishing business relations, their representatives may gradually gain access to our affairs, learn about our resources, and gather information about our defenses.
Once they understand our strengths and weaknesses, they could attempt to attack us.”
Adhira’s expression became serious.
The attendant continued.
“I cannot prove that this is their intention.
However, I believe we should consider the possibility that the offer is a strategy rather than a genuine attempt at peaceful trade.”
Vanshika watched him attentively.
“What makes you suspect that they would want to conquer our territory?”
The attendant lowered his eyes briefly before answering.
“Our territory has repelled hostile forces in the past.
A large troop of soldiers from the Tyrant Grand Domain were among those killed when forces attempting to invade and attack our territory were defeated.
I cannot say whether Lord Tyranesh personally seeks revenge, but I believe that possibility deserves consideration.”
A heavy silence followed.
The attendant had not accused the Great Ruler of the Tyrant Grand Domain of anything as an established fact.
He had offered a possible explanation, clearly distinguishing his suspicions from what he actually knew.
Vanshika appreciated that distinction.
She picked up the letter and examined its seal once more.
“Thank you for sharing your assessment.
We will consider your suggestion carefully.
You have done well to report the matter and explain your concerns.”
The attendant’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
Vanshika continued, her voice warm but authoritative.
“Your work helps protect this territory.
I appreciate it.”
The attendant looked up, visibly moved by the acknowledgment.
“Your Majesty, I do not consider it exceptional work.
My family lives here.
My home is here.
The people of this territory have given us a peaceful life, and I will do whatever I can to protect them.”
His expression became firm.
“If a danger threatens my family or this territory, I would rather report it and be mistaken than remain silent and regret it later.”
For the first time since entering the hall, the attendant appeared to have forgotten his nervousness completely.
Vanshika studied him for a moment, then nodded with genuine approval.
“That is a commendable attitude.
A territory is not protected only by its strongest Shurveer.
It is also protected by people who care enough to notice a problem and speak when something seems wrong.”
The attendant bowed deeply.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Vanshika’s expression softened slightly as she recalled something.
“Your daughter is preparing for the Reluctant Contest, isn’t she?”
The attendant looked surprised by the sudden change of subject.
“Yes, Your Majesty.
She has expressed a strong desire to participate.”
“And will she?” Her majesty asked.
His expression became uncertain.
“That is where I am hesitating.
She wants to take part, but she is not particularly powerful yet.
I worry that the contest may prove too difficult for her.”
Vanshika considered his answer.
“Does she want to participate because she believes she can win, or because she wants the opportunity to test herself?”
The attendant thought for a moment.
“I believe she wants to prove that she can improve.
She has been training diligently, but she knows there are many stronger participants.”
Vanshika gave a small nod.
“Then let her participate.”
The attendant looked up.
“Your Majesty?”
“If she wants to enter the contest, give her the opportunity.
You do not need to decide her limits for her simply because she is not as powerful as some of the other participants.
The attendant’s face brightened.
He bowed respectfully.
“I understand, Your Majesty.
I will think seriously about what you have said.”
“Good.
You may leave.” Her majesty said.
The attendant bowed once more and withdrew from the Grand Council Hall, leaving the council members with the letter and the question of what the Tyrant Grand Domain truly wanted.
Once the doors closed, Vanshika turned toward the four Grand Elders and Mahaveer.
“Now, I would like to hear your thoughts.”
Adhira was the first to speak.
She raised her hand first immediately.
Everyone looked at her suspiciously.
She looked around and realise how excited is she.
Vanshika told her to speak.
Adhira lowered her hand and began telling.
“Your Majesty, I find the offer suspicious.
If Lord Tyranesh wants revenge for his soldiers, then he is choosing an extraordinarily expensive way to approach us.
But if he truly intends to attack, establishing a relationship with our territory could help him gather information before making his move.”
She placed one hand on the table.
“Even so, if the Tyrant Grand Domain wishes to avenge those soldiers, it must be prepared to place its own standing and resources at risk.
We are not an unprotected settlement that can be intimidated by a large domain.”
Kartik shook his head.
“I agree that we should be cautious, but I don’t think revenge is necessarily the most likely explanation.
Ten million Royal Credits could be an investment intended to establish a strong trading relationship.
If Lord Tyranesh wants to strengthen his domain, a mutually beneficial partnership might serve him better than another conflict.”
Adhira turned toward him.
“And you believe we should simply trust him?”
Kartik raised his eyebrows.
“I didn’t say that.
I said the offer might be genuine.
There is a difference between considering a possibility and blindly trusting it.”
Adhira leaned back.
“For once, you’ve made a sensible distinction.”
Kartik looked pleased.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t look so happy.
It may be the last one you make today.” Adhira taunted him.
Kartik’s expression fell.
Elder Aarush Agnivansh cleared his throat before the two could begin another argument.
“Both possibilities deserve consideration.
The offer may be genuine, or it may be intended to conceal a hostile plan.
We should not make a decision based entirely on suspicion, but neither should we allow the amount of money to influence our judgment.”
Elder Reyansh nodded slowly.
“The Second Grand Elder is correct.”
As the First Grand Elder, Elder Reyansh had spent more than two centuries observing how powerful rulers negotiated with one another.
He had seen genuine trade agreements, political manoeuvres disguised as friendship, and generous offers that concealed unreasonable demands.
He looked toward Vanshika.
“Your Majesty, whether Lord Tyranesh intends to trade with us or hopes to approach us before seeking revenge, I do not believe we stand to lose much by declining this particular offer.”
Mahaveer turned toward him.
“Could you explain your reasoning, First Grand Elder?”
Elder Reyansh placed his hands together on the table.
“Our territory is not dependent on the outside world for its basic survival.
We possess productive agricultural lands, our own resources, skilled craftsmen, healers, academies, and an administrative system that serves our people.
Our standard of living is already excellent.”
He glanced at the letter.
“If the Tyrant Grand Domain wishes to trade with us, it must have considered what it hopes to gain.
But we should ask the same question about ourselves.
What do we need from them that we cannot obtain through our own resources or existing arrangements?”
Elder Aarush nodded.
“That is an important distinction.
A large payment is not automatically a good reason to accept a relationship we do not need.”
Elder Reyansh continued.
“Shaktiveer Territory is our homeland.
It may not bear the formal title of a Grand Domain, but that does not make it insignificant.
We have built a peaceful life here, and our people have no reason to exchange that peace for an arrangement whose benefits remain unclear.”
Kartik frowned slightly.
“Still, a trading relationship could provide access to rare materials, information, or opportunities beyond our borders.
We should not assume that we have nothing to gain simply because we are self-sufficient.”
Elder Reyansh considered his objection before responding.
“That is true.
But the offer before us does not specify the goods, services, or terms of trade.
We have been offered a large sum without a clear explanation of what Lord Tyranesh expects in return.”
He tapped the letter lightly.
“Until we understand the arrangement, accepting it would be premature.”
Mahaveer nodded, then leaned forward.
“Perhaps we can learn more by declining the offer.”
Vanshika turned toward him.
“Explain.”
Mahaveer carefully organized his thoughts before speaking.
“We can send a respectful letter thanking Lord Tyranesh for his proposal while declining the offer for now.
If his intention is genuinely to establish trade, he should be able to accept our decision without treating it as an insult.
He may request further discussion or provide clearer terms.”
He paused.
“However, if he reacts with disproportionate anger, threatens us, or takes hostile action simply because we declined a business proposal, that response would provide us with additional information about his intentions.”
Adhira nodded.
“That would at least give us a clearer indication of how he views our territory.”
Kartik folded his arms.
“It would provide a clue, not proof.
A ruler could become offended for reasons that have nothing to do with an invasion.”
Mahaveer acknowledged the objection.
“Agreed.
We should not judge his entire intention from a single reaction.
But his response, combined with any further evidence, could help us decide how to proceed.”
Vanshika listened to the discussion without interrupting.
When the elders finished, she looked toward Elder Reyansh.
“First Grand Elder, is there anything our territory genuinely needs from the outside world at present?”
Elder Reyansh answered without hesitation.
“Nothing essential, Your Majesty.
Our agriculture is highly productive, our internal trade supports our communities, and our resources are sufficient for our current needs.
We have our own methods of administration, education, healthcare, and defense.
Our people can obtain nearly everything necessary for a comfortable life within the territory.”
He glanced toward the other elders before continuing.
“That does not mean we should never trade with outsiders.
It simply means we should not accept an unclear arrangement because someone has offered us a large sum of money.”
Vanshika nodded.
“Then we have our answer.”
She rose from her seat, and the remaining conversation stopped immediately.
“We will decline the offer.
Send Lord Tyranesh a peaceful, respectful letter, written with the golden pen.
Thank him for his consideration, but make it clear that we have no need to enter this arrangement at present.”
She looked directly at Kartik.
“And be careful with your wording.
Do not insult a Great Ruler simply because we have decided not to accept his offer.
We can protect our territory without behaving discourteously.” The source of this chapter is g.com.
Kartik stood at once and placed his right hand against his chest in a formal salute.
“Do not worry, Your Majesty.
I am always at your service, most beautiful lady.”
Adhira slowly turned toward him.
Kartik’s smile widened.
Then Adhira struck his shin with the heel of her sandal.
Kartik’s shoulders jerked, and his face tightened.
He desperately wanted to cry out, but his dignity would not allow him to make a sound in front of the ruler.
Adhira leaned toward him, smiling sweetly.
“Perhaps you should spend less time admiring Her Majesty and more time writing the letter.”
Kartik gripped the edge of the table.
“Perhaps you should spend less time attacking your colleagues.”
“Perhaps you should stop giving me reasons.” Adhira said firmly.
Elder Reyansh rubbed his forehead.
“Please.
Just write the letter.”
Vanshika watched the exchange with a faintly bemused expression before turning toward the exit.
“I expect the matter to be handled properly.
Mahaveer, keep me informed of any response from the Tyrant Grand Domain.”
Mahaveer bowed.
“Certainly, Your Majesty.”
Vanshika began walking toward the grand doors.
She had barely reached the first step when Mahaveer spoke again.
“Your Majesty, there is one smaller matter for which we would appreciate your guidance.”
Vanshika stopped.
For a moment, she remained perfectly still.
Then she turned her head.
“Another matter?”
Mahaveer bowed apologetically.
“It should not take long, Your Majesty.”
Vanshika looked at the four Grand Elders.
Adhira suddenly found something interesting on the table.
Kartik studied the ceiling.
Elder Aarush carefully arranged his papers, and Elder Reyansh appeared to be contemplating the meaning of patience.
Vanshika sighed softly.
“Very well.
What is it?”
Mahaveer gestured toward the table.
“It concerns the prize rewards for the Reluctant Contest.”
Vanshika returned to her seat.
“What about them?”
Mahaveer opened a separate file and turned it toward her.
“We have completed most of the preparations for the contest, but we have not finalized the prizes.
We need to determine which rewards will be offered to the participants who place highest.”
Vanshika looked at him for a moment.
“Is our magical treasury empty?”
Mahaveer blinked.
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Then are the divine items in the Divine Hall depleted?” Her majesty asked.
“Certainly not, Your Majesty.
Both remain as well-stocked as ever.” Mahaveer said.
Vanshika rested her chin against her hand.
“Then what exactly is the problem?”
Mahaveer looked toward the Grand Elders before answering.
“We have too many possible rewards, Your Majesty.
The treasury contains rare materials, valuable artifacts, techniques, medicinal resources, and many other items.
The Divine Hall also holds treasures that could serve as prizes.
We simply cannot decide which rewards would be most appropriate for this year’s contest.”
Vanshika stared at the five people before her.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then she slowly raised her right hand.
“Everyone, hold up three fingers.”
Adhira immediately raised three fingers.
Kartik followed, although he looked uncertain about where the instruction was leading.
Elder Aarush raised his hand with the grave expression of a man participating in an important administrative procedure.
Elder Reyansh did the same.
Mahaveer looked around once before raising three fingers as well.
Vanshika surveyed the council with satisfaction.
“Good.
Imagine that each finger represents one possible reward for the contest.
Think of three rewards you believe would be appropriate.
Then choose one finger.”
Adhira stared at her.
“Your Majesty, do you mean we should each select one reward from our own three suggestions?”
“Exactly.” Her majesty said with satisfaction.
Kartik’s expression brightened.
“That is an unexpectedly efficient method.”
Adhira glanced at him.
“Don’t praise the method before we have used it.”
Vanshika rose from her seat.
“Discuss your options and choose carefully.
I expect you to have the results ready when I return.”
She walked toward the doors.
Mahaveer watched her go.
“Your Majesty, will you be returning shortly?”
Vanshika paused at the entrance and looked back over her shoulder.
“That depends on how efficiently you work.”
Then she left.
The doors closed behind her.
For a few seconds, the five officials remained silent.
Finally, Adhira lowered her hand.
“She has done it again.”
Kartik looked at her.
“Done what?”
“Given us a decision to make and disappeared before we can ask her anything else.” Adhira explained.
Elder Aarush sighed.
“She has provided clear instructions.
We should follow them.”
Elder Reyansh looked toward Mahaveer.
“Acting Ruler, what do you suggest?”
Mahaveer glanced at the five raised hands, then at the empty ruler’s seat.
He slowly lowered his own hand.
“What can we do?
We should follow Her Majesty’s instructions.”
Adhira examined her three fingers.
“Fine.
But if we are choosing rewards, I want something genuinely useful for the participants.”
Kartik immediately leaned forward.
“Then let us begin.
I have several excellent ideas.”
Adhira closed her eyes.
“May the heavens grant me patience.”
The discussion had barely begun, and already the Grand Council Hall was preparing for another argument.
To Be Continued…