The first disturbance did not arrive with fire.
It came quietly, disguised as civic unrest.
In the southern provinces of Valenreach, crowds gathered in the streets—not in rebellion, but in fear. Merchants closed their stalls early. Farmers left their fields unattended. Whispers spread faster than orders could contain them.
Trade routes were disrupted.
A neighboring kingdom—small, usually compliant—had raised tariffs without warning, claiming internal pressure from its people. Another delayed a long-standing treaty renewal, citing “the will of the masses.”
Demonstrations followed.
Not violent.
Not yet.
But numerous enough to matter.
Alex stood before the council, posture straight, hands resting lightly on the table as reports were read aloud. His expression remained composed, atten
