Guards clad in armour lined the hallway to the meeting room. Their eyes locked forward, but I knew they all had me in their sight. The solid grip on their weapons wasn’t a precaution. It was a warning.

  I was sure the stories had already reached Horinn after all. A slum rat that killed off all the nobles who, until a month ago, were ruling the nation in union. The thought excited me a little, but was quickly put aside as I remembered my purpose for being there.

  Keep focused, Midas. You are no longer some noble fighting for your place at the table. You’re a king… a ruler, making sure he’s heard across the world.

  We were faced with a large wooden door, encrusted with silver trims and intricate designs. Guarding it were two burly men standing side by side, weapons crossed to prevent entry. They retracted their spears away from the path of the door reluctantly. Finally, I took my first steps inside the revered Rulers Summit.

  It was a pearly stone room with very minimal design. A large window overlooked the breathtaking scenery of the city below, while the majority of the room was taken up by a massive wooden table and four chairs placed around it.

  There were a handful of people within the room, each huddled in their individual groups on opposite sides. I gathered a few stares and hushed whispers as I entered, but it was pretty clear where my attention lay.

  My eyes fell on the large throne-like seat at the end of the circular table. The king of Horinn was suited in luxurious armour, staring me down as I drew closer to my seat. There’s not a soul in Jeddan that has never heard the infamous name of Alcardt, the warrior.

  Belliar stepped ahead and took his place at Acardt’s side as she gestured to me with his hand, “Introducing, Lord Midas of Jeddan.”

  The corner of my mouth curved.

  Here I thought he’d be something special, but apparently the rumours were only that. He looks no more intimidating than a regular man. He’s actually quite old.

  I approached the table and offered a courtesy bow, “An honour to officially meet you, I am–” The words were lost in my throat the moment my eyes met his. A regal glow brought the whole room to a sway, and I nearly fell over on the spot.

  I had always valued the ability of my mind, never once picking fights I wasn’t sure I could win. So I couldn’t understand why, in that moment, it felt as though I were prey being stalked by a predator.

  His unnerving gaze pierced through my mask, and my smile cracked into something nervous. Something I didn’t mean for anyone to see. I quickly averted my eyes to the ground, the only place I could think to look.

  Damn it! I lost my nerve for a second…I’ve lost the advantage in the first move! I can still win it back. I have a trump, after all.

  I passed it off as a bow and slowly brought my head up, making sure to keep my eyes on his forehead and not directly into his eyes. “An honour to meet you, King Acardt of Horinn,” I faked a smile.

  He remained silent. His observant gaze felt fixed on me, as if he were studying my every move. I suppose the king of the largest territory of humans and demi-humans was bound to have more than just a mere presence, but still, something was quite strange about that moment. It was as if my body was taken over by an overwhelming instinct.

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  Perhaps a skill? It’s not uncommon for royalty to make use of such tactics in negotiations with other leaders. No, I made sure Viper One would have warned me ahead of time if something like that was present. It must have just been my nerves. I’ve gotten a little cocky thanks to my newfound fangs, but I should remember to stay careful.

  I let out a small breath to clear my head as I rebuilt my expression to something a bit more formal. With a bit more confidence, I took my seat opposite Acardt.

  I’m only on the cusp of my plan. I can’t trip up now. Not when I’ve come all this way.

  The king gestured to the chair I stood beside, “I hope you enjoy your time in Horinn. Make sure to listen well today.” The authority carried by his voice matched him well. Since the moment I entered the room, he’d given off the air of a seasoned swordsman addressing his men.

  Two knights stood at his side. One a woman, and the other a man. Behind the three of them was Belliar, his attendant. He seemed more interested in the notes he carried than our discussion.

  “Yeah, there’s plenty of space here next to me!” The sudden shout came from the third and final member at the table, an elf woman.

  The curls of her blonde hair bounced gently over her shoulders as she waved her hand for my attention. Despite the curved figure and mature face, she carried an immature air about her.

  “I’m quite fine here, thank you. Although I must admit the view is quite nice from here.” I offered a friendly smile, lying through my teeth.

  “Oh-ho!” She covered her mouth, clearly delighted. “I’m so glad your nation finally sent over a proper representative for once! Those other men they usually sent were quite boring. Usually, they always give me dirty looks.” She sank back into her chair, twirling her hair around her finger while speaking.

  Another elf woman spoke up from her side, “Lady Lucilia, Lord Midas is the ruler of Jeddan, not a representative.”

  She carried a much more refined grace behind her appearance, even as she scolded Lucilia. She was most probably her attendant for today.

  I recall the Elves were the representatives of their nation. This must be their so-called ‘ruler’ then? I wonder if she’s wearing masks too? There’s no way a leader of the nation of beasts could be this childish, could she?

  “Oh? Sorry, Midas. I forgot for a second there…”

  “Lady Lucilia, you weren’t paying attention again, were you? That’s too improper!” The elf whisper-shouted into Lucilia’s ear.

  “Ow-ow-ow-ow! Sorry Calli… That hurts!” Lucilia cried out as she covered her ear. “So that means I’m now the only ambassador left at these meetings?” Dread followed in her words as she groaned to her attendant.

  Suddenly, Acardt looked over his shoulder and caught the attention of Belliar behind him. The older man nearly dropped his pages in a nervous fright, but quickly made his way to the end of the room at his king's side.

  It seemed things were just about ready to begin. My eyes glanced past the room, to the three seats filled, and a single chair left untouched on my right.

  In total, there were four great nations of this world, but only three ever entered the Rulers Summit, according to rumours. Lucilia, the leader of the elven forests from Marjna. Whoever was king of Horinn at the time, which happened to be Acardt. Then the representatives, selected from the Jeddan nobility. Obviously, as the new ruler, that became my role. The fourth was saved for the ruler of Demonica, the land where the demon species reside.

  With only two of them to worry about, things should work out quite nicely.

  “Ahem! Thank you, rulers, for your attendance. Let us begin this Rulers Summit–”

  Clack!

  The room fell silent. We all followed the single sound that seemed to drive out the rustlings of the guards' armour as they stormed the hallway outside. Even my heartbeat seemed so loud as the rhythmic clacking of heels approached the door.

  The heavy wooden door swung open with ease in one swift motion and allowed the sharp tone of a woman's voice to enter clearly.

  “Should you not wait for all of your members to arrive before starting?”