The Grand Duke's Son Is A Heretic-Chapter 196

The next day Kael after rest, was immediately dragged over before the Queen wondering what did this woman want

The long hall was lit by bluish mana crystals embedded deep into the icy pillars. A circle of chairs surrounded a rune-engraved table carved from eternal glacier stone. Seated atop her elevated chair was Queen Alvera, her regal bearing unmistakable in the soft mist of the chamber.

Opposite her stood Kael Veydrin, eyes half-lidded with boredom, but his presence radiated danger — a coiled beast barely leashed. He wore a sleek black coat streaked with torn bloodstains from recent battle, though his aura was calm, almost coldly amused.

The air between them was sharp, colder than even the snowstorms outside.

Alvera broke the silence first. "Let us not waste words, Kael. You wiped out a patrol squad of Nightstar's western detachment. Whether or not they trace it back to you or not, this act of aggression will not go unnoticed."

Kael clicked his tongue, then leaned back against his chair, arms crossed. "You Ice Elves stood idle while I was dragged into that mess. And now you wish to offer protection — after the blood is spilled."

The elder diplomat beside Alvera stiffened. But Alvera raised a hand, her expression calm. "Which is precisely why we offer this pact. The Ice Court will take the official responsibility for the attack. All rumors shall end with us. In case a mishap happens, we will take the blame.Your name, your nation, Veydrin, will remain untouched."

Kael's gaze sharpened. "And in return?"

"You will cooperate with us. As the sole representative of your land, you will sign an accord of cooperation. The deal includes the transfer of modern mechanical knowledge, guidance in weapon manufacturing, and scientific assistance — technology your people have refined beyond even Nightstar's."

Kael laughed dryly. "So, this was your plan? Drag me into a warzone, cover it up as a gift, and then use it to leverage a treaty? Clever."

Alvera met his gaze. "We didn't drag you, Kael. The battlefield dragged you. We simply saw opportunity in chaos. You're a realist. You understand this."

Kael's face darkened, a faint twitch of annoyance at the corner of his lips. "You offer to protect me from a war you pushed me into… and now you want me to be your teacher?"

Alvera's voice was steady. "No. An ally. One who gains just as much as we do. Think, Kael — we are one of the few factions untouched by the tech tide. You could shape our research, control the narrative, and in return, get access to an untouched continent of resources, minds, and test subjects."

Kael's eyes gleamed faintly at that last word.

"We lack resources," Alvera added. But you do not. And unlike Nightstar, we don't force. We propose."

"Also, we aren't taking it for free..I will supply you with Ice Crystal Stones."

Kael's eyes shone, hearing this. He didn't know if the Ice Crystal mine could still be mined. If it can't, then there would be a significant loss.

Kael leaned forward, his voice low and sharp. "You froze my name in the dark and now want to place it in light, while keeping your hands clean. This isn't a proposal. It's a gilded leash."

The Chancellor began to speak, but Kael cut him off with a glare. "Don't mistake me. I'll agree. But not because of your diplomacy. I'll agree… because the war will come anyway. And I'd rather be on a throne of blades than a pit of corpses."

Alvera gave a soft, frosted smile. "Then it is settled."

Kael stood. "I'll write the terms. You'll stamp them, and I need more."

"What?"Queen Alvera asked.

Hearing this, Kael smiled.

"Support…I want to be allied. Allies who helped in times of need. Also, once I reach Veydrin, you need to send someone to show me some appreciation."

"As long we carry this mutual exchange there won't be problem," Alvera said softly.

Kael's eerie smile returned. "Then let's begin. You wanted technology..Veydrin would hand over most of it."

"DEAL!"

"DEAL!"

...…..

The chilling winds howled outside the fortified walls, carrying snow like ash across the barren white expanse. Inside the dimly lit command hall, tension hung thick in the air. Maps were scattered across the central table, glowing stones marking border lines and patrol paths — but all eyes were fixed on the empty high seat at the front.

"Commander Mira hadn't returned."

Vice Commander Therin stood with arms crossed, his brows furrowed beneath a tangle of white-blond hair. Around him, several officers and senior strategists had gathered — their armor still dusted with frost, voices hushed but urgent.

"She was last seen near the Frostbreach trail," said Captain Sael, his breath fogging in the cold air.

"Beyond that… nothing. No signal, no report. It's been two full nights."

"That path skirts the Ice Elf territory," murmured another, shifting uncomfortably.

A tense silence followed.

"She wouldn't have gone in alone," said Lieutenant Nyra, her voice sharp with concern.

"Mira's reckless, but not suicidal. She knows the tension we hold with them. If she confronted the Ice Elves, they would have sent word. We have treaties in place."

"Unless the Ice Elves imprisoned her without warning," muttered one of the scouts.

Therin slammed his hand on the table. "No. If the Ice Elves had taken her, they would have sent a messenger — or a threat. We've received neither. That suggests something else has happened."

The murmuring continued, theories twisting into dread.

"Maybe she discovered something… or someone."

"What if she ventured into the inner frostlands alone?"

"Or chased a lead without waiting for backup?"

Therin raised his hand to silence them.

"We cannot let this spiral into panic. But we also cannot sit idle."

His gaze swept across the room. "Mira held vital clearance codes, oversaw our northern operations, and maintained the balance with our outer factions. Her absence for this long

risks more than just morale. It risks collapse."

A heavy pause settled over them.

"Then what do we do?" asked Captain Sael quietly. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

"We send a battalion," Therin said, resolutely.

"Not for war — for search and clarity. They will cross the outer frostlands, enter Ice Elf borderlands if necessary, and uncover the truth. Stealth and diplomacy first. Engagement only if absolutely necessary."

The officers exchanged looks but nodded in agreement.

"I'll select our best rangers," Nyra offered. "Ones trained for this terrain. They'll move like shadows."

"Do it," Therin ordered. "And send word to High Command. We must prepare for all outcomes."

As the officers began to disperse, the chill in the room deepened — not from the weather, but from the growing weight of uncertainty.

Somewhere beyond the frost, their commander was lost

and whatever had happened to her could change the fate of the entire Nightstar Order.