Chapter 336: Caught?! [2] "Enough to ensure cooperation, but maintain his capacity for coherent speech and memory recall, I need accurate information more than I need to punish him, now. Save any permanent consequences for after he has provided everything useful." "Understood completely. When would Your Highness prefer to conduct the interrogation?" "This evening, after I have concluded my other appointments. That should provide sufficient time for your preparations while ensuring the information remains current and actionable." The archmage bowed deeply before rising to depart, already mentally organising the procedures that would transform the proud captain into someone desperate to answer any question posed to him. The royal interrogation chambers contained tools and techniques developed over centuries specifically for extracting truth from those with strong wills and magical resistance. As the archmage withdrew, Seraphina remained motionless on her throne, her mind racing through contingency plans and damage assessments. Adrian’s betrayal represented a wound to her kingdom’s security that would require careful management to prevent catastrophic consequences. The other courtiers maintained their careful silence, recognising that their queen’s blank expression concealed dangerous thoughts. Nobody dared speak without explicit permission when Seraphina wore that particular mask of emotionless calculation. One of her senior advisors finally gathered courage to approach and speak quietly. "Your Highness, should we increase security around sensitive locations given the possibility of compromised intelligence?" "Double all guard rotations at critical facilities," Seraphina ordered without hesitation. "Implement communication protocol seven, which assumes all previous security measures have been compromised. And summon my intelligence council for an emergency meeting before sunset." The advisor bowed and departed swiftly to implement the commands. Similar orders would cascade throughout the kingdom’s administrative structure within hours, transforming their defensive posture in response to the traitor that had been living among them for years. Seraphina’s thoughts turned toward the mysterious shopkeeper whose existence had triggered this entire sequence of events. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂 The auction she had been planning suddenly felt like a dangerous gamble that could explode into armed conflict if not managed with extreme precision. Yet cancelling it would signal weakness and potentially waste the opportunity to acquire items that could shift the strategic balance permanently in her favour. Her nephew’s betrayal had transformed an already complex situation into something approaching a crisis that would require all her acumen and magical power to navigate successfully.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The shopkeeper has yet to signal us about the beginning of the auction...I wonder why he is taking so long; perhaps he is delaying it? But for what reason? The more she thought about the shopkeeper’s actions, the more confused she grew; his actions were all over the place. What made him more unpredictable was his hidden agenda; the man didn’t seem to have any agenda at all, whilst hers was clear. Inside the dark elf territory, the atmosphere carried a clear sense of anticipation over the upcoming events. The throne room was a monument to shadow and power, its architecture designed to intimidate and impress everyone who entered it. Walls of polished obsidian, creating an environment where darkness felt alive. Upon the massive obsidian throne sat Lord Regent Darian Nightshade, his imposing figure perfectly suited to the seat of power he occupied. Unlike the light elves’ elegant aesthetic, everything in this chamber spoke of martial strength and ruthless pragmatism. Weapons adorned the walls alongside trophies taken from defeated enemies, each displaying a testament to long years of successful warfare. A dark elf entered through the towering doors with measured, confident steps. His aura marked him unmistakably as a grandmaster-rank warrior, someone whose personal power demanded respect even in a room filled with the kingdom’s elite. He approached the throne with proper deference but without the excessive formality that characterised the light elves’ court. "Your Majesty, I bring news regarding the arrangements you commissioned for our kingdom’s security." "Speak," Darian commanded, his voice carrying the weight of absolute power without needing to raise its volume. "The high-ranking orc representatives have arrived at the castle and are currently waiting in the diplomatic chambers as you requested," the grandmaster reported with a huge smile on his face. "All six grandmasters made the journey as agreed in the alliance negotiations. They are prepared to provide military support according to the terms you established." A satisfied smile crossed Darian’s face, though it carried no warmth or genuine pleasure. The expression was purely predatory, the look of someone whose carefully laid plans were proceeding exactly as designed. "Excellent. The light elves have no idea we’ve secured such allies," Darian mused aloud, his mind already working through the implications of this advantage. "Seraphina’s deluded beliefs of being the superior race will guarantee victory in any potential conflict. She’s about to discover how badly she’s miscalculated." The grandmaster remained calm and allowed himself a slight smile at his king’s obvious satisfaction. "The orcs were impressed by the quality of resources you provided as initial payment. Their chieftain specifically mentioned that the items far exceeded his expectations." "Of course it did," Darian replied with casual arrogance. "That human shopkeeper’s items even impressed us, the race that is known for its advancement in all fields." He leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming more focused as he considered the details. "Have the orcs been briefed on the strategic situation surrounding the shopkeeper and the potential expedition to secure additional resources?" "They have received preliminary information, Your Majesty. However, they requested a personal meeting with you to discuss operational details and coordination protocols. The orc grandmasters prefer direct communication with leadership rather than receiving orders through intermediaries." Darian nodded approvingly. "That actually demonstrates wisdom on their part. Warriors of their caliber deserve respect rather than being treated as simple mercenaries. Schedule the formal meeting for one hour from now in the war council chamber. That provides sufficient time for proper protocol while showing we value their partnership." "It shall be done immediately, Your Majesty." The grandmaster rose but remained at attention, recognizing that his king likely had additional instructions beyond the initial report, and indeed Darian did.