Chapter 446: We need to kill Jolthar
Lorryll’s jaw tightened at the mention of Jolthar, his hands clenching briefly before he forced them to relax.
"I’ve seen it. The entire empire has seen it: Jolthar Kaezhlar, the Dragon Baron, departing on an impossible mission that will probably kill him."
"Probably," Segarus agreed, gesturing for them to sit.
"Though you sound almost disappointed by that probability. I would think you’d be pleased if your rival died in the Depths without requiring your direct involvement."
"I would prefer to kill him myself," Lorryll said bluntly, his voice carrying venom that years hadn’t diminished.
"Watching him die from a distance, consumed by nynthralls in some corrupted wasteland, wouldn’t give me the satisfaction I’ve earned through everything he’s cost me."
Segarus leaned back in his chair, studying his son-in-law with interest.
"Tell me, Lorryll—and be honest, because I have no patience for self-deception—what exactly has Jolthar Kaezhlar cost you that justifies this level of hatred? You abandoned the Kaezhlar clan of your own choice. You married into Naemarys and have prospered here. Your life now is objectively better than anything you would have had remaining with your birth family. So what drives this obsession?"
The question was delivered calmly, but there was an edge to it—a demand for genuine introspection rather than convenient rationalizations.
Lorryll was silent for a long moment, clearly wrestling with how to articulate something he perhaps hadn’t fully examined himself. When he spoke, his voice was tight with suppressed emotion.
"He has everything that should have been mine. Everything. The recognition, the power, the respect, the legendary status. I’m older than him, more experienced, better trained in proper Kaezhlar techniques. But somehow, he’s the one who becomes famous. He’s the one who transforms into a dragon, who defeats princesses, who earns the attention of the Emperor himself."
He stood and began pacing, unable to remain still while speaking about this.
"I left Kaezhlar because I saw no future there—a declining clan clinging to past glory, refusing to adapt or grow. I came to Naemarys to build something better, and I have—I’ve risen in influence, married well, and gained position and authority. But it’s never enough, because every accomplishment I achieve is overshadowed by reports of what Jolthar has done."
"So it’s jealousy," Segarus observed without judgment, simply stating a fact.
"It’s recognition that he possesses what I deserve," Lorryll corrected sharply.
"His power, his abilities—they should be mine. I’m Kaezhlar’s blood, the same as he. I should be capable of transforming, of reaching those heights of strength, but somehow, he unlocked abilities that I haven’t been able to access."
Liliana spoke for the first time, her voice carrying the cool logic that made her valuable as an advisor as well as a wife.
"What my husband is saying, Father, is that Jolthar Kaezhlar represents both a personal rival and a strategic concern. His growing power and influence make him a threat to Naemerys’ interests, particularly if he continues to accumulate allies and territory."
"And you believe the solution is to kill him," Segarus said, looking at Lorryll directly.
"I know the solution is to kill him," Lorryll replied with absolute conviction.
"Eliminate him permanently, take control of Tekkora and whatever other resources he’s accumulated, and prove that Naemarys’ strength exceeds whatever exceptional abilities he’s demonstrated. It serves both personal vendetta and clan interests."
Segarus was quiet for a long moment, his fingers steepled before him as he considered his son-in-law’s words.
Finally, he spoke with the measured tone of someone who had thought through implications far beyond immediate satisfaction.
"Your desire for revenge is understandable, even if somewhat... excessive. And you’re correct that Jolthar Kaezhlar’s continued growth could present challenges to Naemarys’ strategic interests, particularly if he forms alliances that position him as a rival power center."
He stood and moved to a window overlooking the clan grounds, his back to them as he continued speaking.
"However, timing and method matter. If Jolthar dies in the Dreadland Depths, the problem resolves itself without Naemarys’ involvement or risk."
Segarus turned back to face them, his expression thoughtful and calculating in a way that suggested he had already been considering various scenarios and contingencies long before this conversation began.
Though he had his own ideas, he never really revealed them to Lorryll. He hadn’t fully trusted the man who had betrayed his family.
"Your desire for revenge is understandable, Lorryll, even if somewhat... excessive. And you’re correct that Jolthar Kaezhlar’s continued growth could present challenges to Naemarys’ strategic interests, particularly if he forms alliances that position him as a rival power center."
He moved back to his desk, his fingers tracing patterns on the ancient wood as he organized his thoughts.
"However, I want you both to understand something clearly—I have my own ways of dealing with threats to this clan. Ways that are considerably more subtle and effective than direct confrontation or assassination attempts that could be traced back to us. Jolthar Kaezhlar is indeed a problem that needs to be addressed, but it will be addressed through channels that protect Naemarys’ interests while ensuring we cannot be connected to whatever... unfortunate circumstances... might befall him."
Lorryll leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued despite his frustration at being told to wait. "What kind of channels?"
"The kind that take time to properly position," Segarus replied cryptically.
"Which brings me to your next assignment. I want you both to return to the capital immediately."
"The capital?" Liliana’s eyebrows rose slightly.
"Father, we just returned from there. What purpose would—"
"Your aunt Celestine is currently residing in the imperial harem as one of the Emperor’s consorts," Segarus interrupted smoothly.
"She has been there for several years now, cultivating influence and gathering information within the very heart of imperial power. It’s time you strengthened your relationship with her and began learning how to navigate those particular political waters."
He looked at both of them directly.
"Celestine has access to conversations, decisions, and power dynamics that even ministers don’t fully see. She hears what the Emperor discusses in private, knows which factions are rising or falling in his favor, and understands the subtle currents of imperial family politics better than almost anyone. You will go to the capital, present yourselves at court, and establish regular contact with her."
