>>6049507>>6049530>>6049560>>6049572>>6049808>>6049946>>6049955>>6049956You decide to start with House Chion, leveraging Queen Jocasta's influence as a bridge to their loyalty. You request her to send a letter to her house, and soon, Patrician Creon, the current lord of House Chion and the Queen's brother, arrives at your court.
Creon is a middle-aged man, the ruler of the wealthiest and most powerful province in the kingdom, yet he seems wary of you—the foreign barbarian who killed his king and brother-in-law, the old tyrant Suial the Third. His eyes, sharp and calculating, take in the splendor of the capital as he approaches you.
You rise from your throne to greet him, arms open in a gesture of welcome. "Patrician Creon, welcome to the capital. It is an honor to have you here."
Creon nods, his expression guarded. "Rex," he acknowledges, his tone neutral. "I am here to discuss the future of our kingdom. The kingdom Sumdaq the Great built with the help of my ancestor, the hero Chion."
"Indeed," you say, motioning for him to sit. "I have taken your sister, Jocasta, as my wife. Our child, my heir, will have the ancient blood of Chion. This union shall place your blood on the throne and forever elevate your house to the pinnacle of the kingdom's hierarchy."
Creon's eyes narrow slightly. "But if my sister is unable to bear a healthy son?" he counters, the doubt clear in his voice. He knows well that a woman approaching forty is less likely to birth a healthy child.
You meet his gaze steadily. "Even then, my firstborn will be adopted by her and carry the name of House Chion," you reply. "Blood or not, your house will benefit from me as king."
Creon leans back, mulling over your proposition. The silence stretches, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. "It is a generous offer," he admits finally, his voice contemplative. "But I need more than words before I commit to you."
You smile, a calculated gesture. "Of course not. Actions speak louder."
Creon studies you, his expression unreadable. "The lands of House Chion are currently threatened by a horde of painted savages. I have heard it said that you are a warrior without equal, that you cut through my brother-in-law's guards and slew dozens of men by yourself in the gladiatorial arena. Lend me your strength in defending my lands, and I will swear my house to you."
> Very well, I will ride with you and see these savages crushed.> I will assign a legion of my personal guards to bolster your forces, but I must remain here to ensure the kingdom's stability.> Instead of force, we could negotiate with the leader of the savages. If we can turn him into an ally, it will strengthen both our positions. 