Chains of Pride and Power

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Any opinion and comments are welcome

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I had become a very wealthy man in the service of Count Lucien, but my success wasn't just in the gold coins he paid for my services. The true reward was the plantations I had acquired—a resource that guaranteed me steady, sustainable income. These lands, primarily dedicated to wheat production for noble consumption, generated thousands of gold coins annually. That wealth was a cornerstone for maintaining my growing legion, especially given the constant expenses of feeding and equipping it.

I could finally call my army a full legion, though not all were equipped as they should have been. Even so, I had managed to sustain my men through a model of efficiency and pragmatism. A significant portion of my forces were slaves, recruited and trained to fight. This drastically reduced my costs; they didn't require pay, only adequate food and motivation—something I knew how to manage with precision. Properly feeding the combatant slaves ensured their loyalty, and discipline maintained order.

However, the heart of my operation wasn't just the legion itself but the growing contingent of non-combatant slaves that sustained all our activities. These non-combatants, those who hadn't been selected for combat, handled the myriad trades necessary to keep a military machine of this magnitude operational. Their numbers kept increasing with each campaign, and I now had over five hundred blacksmiths, one hundred cobblers, two hundred clothiers, one hundred cooks, and a variety of other specialized workers.

They were the foundation of my operation. Every sword wielded by my soldiers, every boot that covered their feet, and every bite they ate came from the tireless work of these slaves. Their efforts allowed my legionaries to stay focused on their duty: to fight and conquer.

I had built something that wasn't just an army but a self-sustaining economy. And as long as the plantations kept generating gold and the slaves maintained their pace, my power would continue to grow. It was a model as functional as it was ruthless, but in a world where only the strong thrive, it was what ensured my survival and success. Every decision I made reinforced this system, and every future campaign would make it larger and more feared.

The capital was a place of shadows and betrayals, where every word had a double edge, and every smile could hide a dagger. Despite the barriers around me, I set out to gain influence in the city from the ground up, no matter how much time or effort it took. Over the following weeks, I worked with precision, planting seeds of power that would eventually grow into a network no one could ignore.

I knew that the palace and the academy were out of reach for now. These bastions of aristocratic power represented everything I despised and what had once sought to subjugate me. However, I didn't need direct entry. I could build my path from the streets, from the markets, and from the restless hearts of guilds and merchants.

My frumentarii were essential. I deployed them to every important corner of the city, observing, listening, and gathering information on the movements of key players. Every rumor, every weakness, and every opportunity was meticulously recorded. While they worked in the shadows, my men operated in the light, taking contracts as guards and mercenaries for merchants seeking protection in the dangerous streets of the capital.

Each contract they accepted bolstered my position. The merchants began to trust my presence, and my reputation slowly grew as someone who provided effective security without complications. Additionally, I signed several neutrality agreements with small Free Cities, extending my influence beyond the capital's walls. These cities, eager to avoid trouble, were willing to pay to ensure I never raised a finger against them. It was a strategic move: consolidating my economic position while projecting the image of someone capable of shifting the balance of power.

But my primary goal was clear: to find a master who could train the magical slaves under my command. These men and women, gifted with arcane abilities, were an invaluable resource, but without proper knowledge, they were like unsharpened blades. To find someone willing to train them, I needed access to the capital's magical circles—a challenge that required time and cunning.

My movements did not go unnoticed. The pieces moved slowly, but with each step, I came closer to my goal. I knew the capital was a minefield, but I also knew that with enough patience and strategy, there was no door I couldn't open or barrier I couldn't overcome. My name began to resonate in dark corridors and halls filled with intrigue. It was only a matter of time before I achieved what I had set out to do.

Finally, after nine months of tireless work, my name carried weight in the capital. I had built my reputation from nothing, securing key contracts, eliminating enemies on the battlefield, and ensuring the neutrality of those who preferred to pay rather than face me. My men cleared dungeons, solidifying our fame as the best at solving problems others couldn't touch. By then, I was already the top provider of security in the imperial city, and my spy network, the frumentarii, had grown to nearly a thousand agents, infiltrating every important corner of the city.

Then came a golden opportunity. A minor noble, unable to properly equip his own guards and too proud to appear weak before the aristocratic circles, turned to me. His request was simple but significant: to hire my services to ensure his safety during a ceremony at the academy. The very same academy that had once been offered to me in chains two years ago, the place where mages were trained and where the most powerful aristocrats shaped their influence.

I accepted the contract without hesitation, but not for the payment. What I sought was access. This job, though seemingly minor, was the key to entering a world that had so far been closed to me. I knew that my presence there, even as a security guard, was an important step in my plans. I would be able to observe key players, the academy's masters, influential nobles, and even the apprentices who would eventually become significant figures.

When the day came, my men were prepared. The noble we worked for was visibly relieved to see them, equipped with immaculate armor and gleaming weapons. They were a reflection of my standard, designed not only to protect but to intimidate. The aristocrats might mock the need to hire mercenaries, but none of them could ignore the effectiveness of mine.

The ceremony was a spectacle of pomp and arrogance, with nobles parading around, flaunting their wealth and power. My men remained in formation, performing their duties with precision, while I watched everything intently from the shadows. Although my official role was that of a security provider, every second I spent there was an opportunity to observe, learn, and calculate.

I identified several important masters, their movements and conversations carefully noted by my network. I also noticed other minor nobles who seemed interested in my services, their gazes assessing my men as a potential option to bolster their own security. Everything was proceeding as planned.

While supervising my men, I noticed a group approaching. Their expressions were anything but friendly, and their deliberate movements left no doubt about their intentions. At first, they seemed like part of the crowd mingling at the ceremony, but as they drew closer, I recognized them immediately. Edric, my eldest cousin, led the group with his usual air of superiority. Beside him, Selene, my cousin and contemporary, wore a cold, calculating smile, as though she already had everything under control. Behind them were several family guards and a handful of lesser relatives, forming a small procession radiating pride and hostility.

"So, here you are," Edric said, stopping a few steps away. His voice was cold, dripping with irony. "The great Konrad, the deserter. I thought you'd never show your face again after abandoning the family."

"Abandoning," Selene added, her tone soft but sharp. "No, more like fleeing. What do they call it here? Oh yes, cowardice."

The guards behind them exchanged glances, as if already anticipating what was to come. I watched them in silence, letting their words fill the air, evaluating their movements while remaining calm. I knew they sought more than a conversation.

"We wondered how long you'd hide behind your mercenaries," Edric continued, stepping forward. "But it seems you've found your place—among the scum of this city."

"And it seems you still believe you have authority over me," I finally replied, my voice low but deliberate. "If you've come to talk, I suggest you choose your words carefully."

"Talk?" Selene echoed, letting out a brief laugh. "No, Konrad. We're not just here to talk. We've come to take you back. Willingly or by force."

Edric raised a hand, and the guards began to advance. They had barely taken a step when my legionaries, strategically positioned nearby, placed their hands on their sword hilts. Their movements were precise and synchronized, making it clear they wouldn't hesitate to act if things escalated.

"Do you think you can intimidate us with these mercenaries?" Edric asked, though his tone betrayed a slight tremor. It was clear my men's reaction had caught him off guard.

"They're not just mercenaries," I said, stepping forward, my gaze locking onto his. "They're legionaries, trained to follow my orders without question. If you try anything, I assure you, you won't leave here on your own two feet."

The tension thickened in the air. The family guards hesitated, looking to their leaders for guidance. Selene, while maintaining her haughty expression, shot a warning glance at Edric.

"This isn't over, Konrad," Edric said finally, raising his hand to halt the guards. "You can pretend to be free, but you can't escape what you are. The family always collects its debts."

"If you try again, make sure you're prepared," I responded, my tone as cold as steel. "Because I will be."

Selene arched an eyebrow, her cold smile returning. "Sooner or later, Konrad, you'll learn that no one escapes their blood."

I watched as they retreated, their guards casting nervous glances at my men. They knew any wrong move would spark a conflict they couldn't win.

When they were finally gone, my legionaries resumed their positions, though they kept their hands close to their weapons. They understood this encounter was not the end. Edric and Selene would return, likely with more resources or at a time they deemed advantageous.

After the tense encounter with my cousins, I approached the minor noble who had hired us for this job. Bowing slightly, I offered my apologies for the incident, explaining it was unplanned and unrelated to our contract. To my surprise, the noble didn't appear upset but relieved. His face reflected a mix of admiration and respect as he watched how my men had quickly closed ranks around me, ready to act if necessary. He didn't need words to express his satisfaction with my efficiency, but I knew I had to ensure this relationship remained intact.

Despite handling that situation successfully, a more pressing issue persisted. For weeks, I had been trying to find a magic master in the capital willing to train my magically gifted slaves. Yet, every attempt had ended in failure. It didn't matter how much gold I offered or what benefits I promised.

I even proposed delivering rare magical artifacts obtained from particularly dangerous dungeons. To others, I promised to gather exotic materials for their research. I even went as far as offering mountains of gold I didn't yet possess, trusting I could fulfill the promise with future campaigns.

But it was all in vain. For these masters, the very idea of teaching magic to slaves was an insult—a humiliation they would not tolerate. Their pride as academy masters, coupled with the rigid social hierarchy of the capital, made the idea unthinkable. They didn't see my men as an army in training but as disposable tools, unworthy of such valuable knowledge.

No matter how serious I proved my intentions, none of them were willing to relent. I realized it wasn't a question of gold or resources—it was their pride that blocked every negotiation. To them, training slaves was beneath them. For me, it was an obstacle that couldn't be overcome with money or promises.

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honest reviews would be greatly appreciated

Any opinion and comments are welcome