The Man's Decree (Favo novel) novel Chapter 5383

Aurelius snapped the crimson seal and unfolded the sheet. "Aurelius, deliver the Ritual Manual to Soulless Valley within three days. Delay us, or set a trap, and you can expect to collect your daughter's corpse. From Malevolent Path Hall."

Each stroke was ragged, arrogant, and despotic, as though the writer had carved threat itself into the paper.

Thunder darkened Aurelius' face. "Malevolent Path Hall... The audacity of that den of vermin!"

Ieuan stepped closer, his voice a velvet whisper. "King Aurelius, we cannot waste another heartbeat. Let's agree to their terms for now. Within three days, we'll deploy troops in secret, spring the trap at Soulless Valley, save Princess Lorraine, and seize the Ritual Manual back."

Aurelius exhaled, slow and heavy. "I will think on it. Tend to your wounds first."

Ieuan read the doubt still clouding the throne. He bowed, said nothing more, and slipped from Harmony Hall.

Moonlight caught his smirk as he crossed the palace steps. "Hold out as long as you like, Aurelius. The moment your patience snaps, the Ritual Manual will fall into my hands."

Back at the Prime Minister's Office, Ieuan wasted no time. Torches flared, and his most trusted subordinates gathered at a nod.

One wiry strategist ventured, "Sir, what is our next move?"

Ieuan raised a palm for patience. "Hold your horses. Aurelius is stubborn, but his love for the princess is deeper than stone. As long as we continue to stoke the fire, he will eventually bend. For now, I want you to send men to Soulless Valley and make it appear as if it's Malevolent Path Hall's stronghold. Keep an eye on the palace at the same time. The instant Aurelius decides to trade the Ritual Manual, I want to know."

The strategist bowed deeply. "Yes, sir!"

Alone again, Ieuan sat in his study, lifted a cup of wine, and let its cool fragrance coil across his tongue.

He could already taste the future—Ritual Manual in hand, breaking the demonic soul seal, and all of level six kneeling beneath his command.

Elsewhere, Jared and Yuliana raced toward Celestia City, cloaking their auras so completely that even beasts missed their passage.

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