House of De-Uva

chapter One

The De-uva clan is a secretive and enigmatic family that holds dominion over the world. They have gained notoriety for engaging in illicit activities such as slave trading, assassinations, war crimes, and monopolizing various markets and trades. Argor, a vast and prosperous continent, is divided into four kingdoms: Southfort, known for its fortified structures; Thevend, a kingdom surrounded by the sea; Caveman, a hilly region. Each kingdom is ruled by a King who instills fear and dread among their subjects, subjecting them to arduous labor and clandestine slave trading. King lastre rules Caveman, King Rasha presides over Sourthfort and King Levikan is the sole ruler of Thevend and the De-uva rules over the kings , installing and removing them at will. Despite the immense wealth of the De-uva clan, they have faced their own share of hardships, most notably the devastating flood that nearly wiped out their entire family. Theo De-uva, who lost his wife at a young age, has struggled to maintain dominance over Argor while concealing this tragic event. Alongside his younger brother, he has managed to revive the family's status through their monopoly company, aptly named De-uva, which controls and influences the entire economy of Argor. The true identity of the De-uva clan remains shrouded in mystery, with many speculating whether they are even human. Nevertheless, all their actions are carried out in their name, and they hold no political opposition. Occupying the feared island of Westcliff, the De-uva clan is regarded as godlike figures, inspiring fanatics to establish worship centers in their honor. In the village of Uga, located in Caveman, a prominent businessman named Veally Balan attends to his affluent customers. Dressed in opulent white and gold garments, Veally deals primarily in gold and operates a grand and illustrious shop adorned with the Tiger head seal, symbolizing the authority of the De-uva enterprise. No business can be conducted without the express approval of the De-uva, which is issued by the King. Among the people, It is widely believed among the people that the kings of Argor control De-uva and use it to suppress the people. Veally pays taxes and commissions to the De-uva enterprise. Veally tends to his customers, offering them the finest selection from De-uva's new releases. The men nod in trust, knowing that De-uva is authentic amidst the numerous frauds circulating under its name. Veally laughs, acknowledging that De-uva has no competition, so one must believe in them. The only difference is that De-uva releases its products in different grades, allowing customers to choose according to their budgets.Suddenly, Lastre soldiers burst into the establishment, wreaking havoc and destroying everything in sight. Veally screams, demanding to know what they are doing. One of the soldiers walks up to him, holding a scroll in his hands. The soldier addresses Veally as Veally Balan and accuses him of defaulting on his task payment. Veally glares at him and retorts that he has paid every penny he owns. He questions the soldier, asking if they want to weaken his business. He reminds them that they need him alive to continue paying them. Veally expresses his frustration, stating that they keep taking and taking without any end in sight.The soldier clears his throat and explains that there has been an increase in taxes. He drops a note on the table for Veally to review and comply accordingly. He signals to the soldiers, and they all leave. Before Veally can touch the note, one of the merchants grabs it. They exclaim in disbelief, realizing that the taxes have been increased threefold. They worry about how they will feed their families. Veally collects the slips, reviews, and signs them while sitting on his stool, lost in thought. He ponders, "How long will we continue to work tirelessly but reap meager rewards?" A merchant complains, "Lastre has lost his mind." The complaints start to pour in, but Veally remains unfazed, calmly arranging his shop.King Lastre, a man in his fifties with a long beard and bald head, dressed in regal purple garments, sits in his palace consumed by guilt over the hardships he imposes on his people. However, his hands are tied. He gazes out of the window, contemplating, when a group of advisors enters. Lord Askia steps forward, "Your Highness, your orders have been carried out." King Lastre signs and nods in response. The Lords exchange nervous glances, hesitant to voice their concerns about the new task law. Lord Askia clears his throat, "Your Highness, we humbly request your forgiveness for exceeding our limits. Our hearts will find no peace if we do not bring our concerns to your attention. The people are growing increasingly angry, and we fear that our oppressive laws will push them to their breaking point." Lord Edom adds, "Lord Askia speaks for all of us, Your Highness. Your long-standing alliance with other Kings has taken a toll on your subjects. We implore you to communicate with the other Kings of Argo and seek mercy. Let us not risk the wrath of the people."Lord Askia is genuinely saddened by the concerns of the people he leads, but he knows there is little he can do. He is unwilling to risk his life or the lives of his family, nor is he willing to relinquish the kingship from his family's lineage. He puts on a stern expression and slowly turns to face his advisor. Upon seeing his face, fear washes over the advisors and they all avoid his gaze. Lord Askia, trembling, says, "This is not meant to challenge your authority, Your Highness.", King Lastre interrupts him, "it seems like you believe you have a superior understanding of the arts. You spineless old men suddenly care about the people? Are you retiring from the extravagant lifestyle funded by the masses?" Lord Askia nervously stammers, "No, Your Highness. That is not what we meant. It is in our own interest, and in your interest as well." King Lastre walks to a table and pours himself a glass of wine. "When the people revolt, Lord Askia, we suppress them. We hold the power and we should know how to wield it in our favor," he declares. Lord Edom counters, "But, Your Highness, you should not underestimate the discontent of the subjects, especially the younger generation. They are more educated and discerning." King Lastre angrily slams his wine glass on the table, realizing that Lord Askia has a valid point. "That won't matter if they are lifeless, Lord Askia. What use is discernment and enlightenment to a dead man? They come with questions, and we answer with the sword. I wish to be alone," he says. The lords glance at each other, disappointed with the outcome of their meeting. They bow and leave the troubled king to ponder his thoughts. In a fit of rage, King Lastre destroys everything in his path as he makes his way to his chambers.