[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/TWooo1k.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/p8ZaP9K.png[/img]
[h2][color=#B22222]Part 5[/color][/h2][/center]
[color=#B22222]Time:[/color] Later on... 10pm 
[color=#B22222]Location:[/color] Meeting room in a mansion in unknown location in woods
[color=#B22222]Mention:[/color] [@PapaOso] Cassius [@FunnyGuy] Alexander [@Potter] Olivia [@Helo] Callum [@Silverpaw] Wulfric [@samreaper] Kazumin
[hr]  
[color=#B22222] “Everyone below the rank of Knight, you are dismissed. Thank you for your presence.”[/color] Marek stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for hesitation. As Marek’s words hung in the air, the room filled with the shuffling of chairs. The servants moved swiftly to clear the table as this occurred.

The lesser members exited the grand meeting room one by one, leaving an air of anticipation behind. When the last of them had left and the doors were securely shut, only the most trusted remained: the Knights, Mr. Solomon, Marciano, and Alexander.

Marek’s gaze slowly swept across the remaining figures before landing on Mr. Solomon. [color=#B22222]“Please begin with your concerns.”[/color]

Mr. Solomon set his steely gaze on him and then began, [color=#778899]“My first concern, my King… While the last party indeed brought a satisfying level of chaos, I must raise a concern about the lack of precautions for who was allowed entry. The Alidasht royals, for example, became a significant variable. Their presence and any potential harm coming to them drew far more attention than we would have desired.”[/color] 

[color=#778899]“I strongly advise that for any future events, we implement tighter controls on only allowing the guest list. We should avoid allowing royals—or anyone of similarly very high profile—inside. Sending any royals back in a poor state, physically or mentally, only increases the risk of unwanted scrutiny. The aftermath has shown us that too much attention was drawn.”[/color]

Marek listened, his expression unreadable at first. [color=#B22222]“You make a valid point, Solomon,”[/color] he began, his tone thoughtful. [color=#B22222]“The presence of the Alidasht royals did indeed complicate matters...”[/color] He paused, then leaned back in his chair, a slow, malevolent grin spreading across his face. [color=#B22222]“However, I am not concerned. The so-called investigations they launch…They’ve always failed, and they will continue to fail. Their efforts are laughable at best.”[/color] His eyes had a sinister gleam as he added, [color=#B22222]“In the end, they’ll find nothing.”[/color]

Then, Marek looked at the rest of them. [color=#B22222]“Any comments on the dilemma?”[/color]

[color=gray]“I agree with Solomon… I would avoid allowing royalty to enter for now.”[/color] Marciano stated.

[color=#dda0dd]“I think I’d like to attend the next one and see what all the fuss is about.”[/color] Felix mused, leaning back in his chair.

[Color=gold]“Excluding royalty sounds safe but what would even be the objective of these events if we did such a thing? The parties were designed to sew disorder within those that hold significant influence. Information. Blackmail. Entertainment. You’re not getting nearly as much of those from doctors or the daughters of dukes.”[/color] Alexander shrugged. [Color=gold]“Setting a limit may be the solution.”[/color]

[color=#B22222]“I’ll consider having someone monitor the situation on a case-by-case basis. However, I’ve greatly enjoyed the chaos and confusion that’s ensued, and I see no reason to curb it. As Alexander suggests, I’m open to setting some boundaries, but I insist that the Caesonian royalty remain welcome. Their presence adds a certain… flavor to our gatherings.”[/color]

[color=#dda0dd]“And I’ll be there this time so everything will go perfectly naturally.”[/color] Felix jested with a snicker, pulling a chuckle out of Thomas.

Dr. Solomon's gaze shifted to Marek as he spoke once more, [color=#778899]“I imagine this ties back to Prince Callum… What exactly are your intentions for the boy?”[/color]

Marek's smile widened and there was a glint of malice in his eyes. [color=#B22222]“Naturally, it does. My goal is quite simple—I intend for him to take Prince Wulfric's place as the next King.”[/color]

Everyone's attention snapped to Marek, curiosity and unease flickering in their eyes.

[color=#B22222] “I do not foresee Wulfric ever treading a path of my design… Callum, on the other hand, will be far more malleable, a suitable puppet to lead the kingdom. I suspect that one day, Callum and I will see very eye to eye.”[/color] Marek’s dark chuckle reverberated through the room.

[color=#778899]“...The boy may indeed despise his family, however, that doesn’t mean his heart is as dark as those in our midst. I’m certain he would recoil at our less-than-savory activities… ”[/color]

[color=#B22222]“Oh, I quite agree,”[/color] Marek replied, his tone laced with anticipation. [color=#B22222]“But the more Callum taps into the power of dark magicae, the more he’ll transform into someone far more agreeable to our cause.”[/color]

Mr. Solomon’s lips curled into a faint smile, then he glanced down at his notes. [color=#778899]“And how can we be certain that Cassius Vael is worth the effort? All we have are stories and hearsay.”[/color]

[color=#B22222]“A valid question,”[/color] Marek replied with a nod. [color=#B22222]“Felix, you’ll oversee Kira’s efforts when it comes to Cassius... As for Cassius, I intend to put those rumors to the test, both mentally and physically. We’ll see if his reputation holds any weight.”[/color]


[color=#778899]“My next concern revolves around the lists of names you’ve compiled. Are all these individuals truly enemies of the Black Rose? Many of them are rather high-profile figures.”[/color]

Marek’s smile remained, but his eyes narrowed slightly. [color=#B22222]“You’re right to question that. They’re more so Count Damien’s enemies than ours. Though I must admit, I might have crafted a similar one myself. It aligns perfectly with a little plan I’ve been brewing—a personal one if you will. I’ll share more details with you later.”[/color]

He paused briefly, letting his words sink in before continuing. [color=#B22222]“The Count approached us just last night, seeking our aid with his dilemmas. He ultimately decided to strike fear into the hearts of those on that list. It seems the girl Olivia and her companion Kazumin have given Damien the impression they’re targeting him and his family. After an incident involving arrows through the Damien estate windows and an escape utilizing the aid of magic, the two took refuge in the Vikena household. Olivia, once known as Persephone, attempted to alter her appearance, but it was a futile effort. I’ve made it clear to Calbert exactly who she is. Rather than pursue legal action, he’s chosen to have them tormented instead. It seems Calbert and I share a certain… appreciation for inflicting suffering.”[/color]

[Color=gold]“Why not outright kill them or frame them as a scapegoat for one of our activities? Could even make them into slaves. Besides a few matters of circumstance, those two bear no significance.”[/color] Alexander argued before taking a sip from his glass.

[color=#B22222]“Count Damien is known for his games, Alexander, as I’m sure you’ve heard. For him, it’s always about power—a constant struggle for dominance…  As for me, what happens to any of them matters little. However, this will all matter to Lady Vikena… Killing them too soon would be too abrupt. The isolation phase must endure for some time longer.”[/color] 

[Color=gold]“Charlotte…”[/color] Looking off, Alexander let her name hang in the air while a pleasant grin spread across his lips. [Color=gold][I]I hope I get a chance to taste her before she becomes-[/I][/color] Alexander's eyes met Marek’s. [Color=gold]“I guess she does give value to the two. I stand humbly corrected, King.”[/color]

Marek’s smirk deepened as he drummed his fingers thoughtfully before glancing at Mr. Solomon. [color=#B22222]“Oh, and, Solomon, continue your research on [i]that[/i] family. I’d like to find the last of them before they reveal themselves… That’ll be all for now.”[/color] He rose from his chair, signaling for the others to follow. [color=#B22222]“Marciano, Alexander, Solomon—reconvene with me late tomorrow evening.”[/color]

As Marek made his way out, he paused beside Alexander, leaning in to speak lowly in his ear. [color=#B22222]“If you think you’d enjoy her, I encourage you to take what you desire from this world...  The more she suffers, the better it will serve our purpose.”[/color] His words left Alexander with eyes brimming with excitement.

[/color]