Chapter 813 – The King’s Backing

"There’s more," Zehar added, leaning forward slightly. "Rumors have begun to circulate. Some said the king eliminated the Lord of Debt... for you. To protect you."

Silence settled.

Lux went completely still.

"They believe," Zehar continued, "that you have the king’s backing. That you are under his protection."

A faint, humorless smile curved Lux’s lips as his eyes darkened with understanding.

"How convenient," he murmured. "And how incredibly dangerous."

Zehar shrugged, his gelatinous shoulders lifting in an oddly human gesture. "That’s how the Shadow Corridors work. Information spreads like smoke, slow, silent, and impossible to contain." He tilted his head. "So, do you want to dismiss the rumors?"

Lux didn’t answer immediately.

Silence settled between them, thick with calculation. He leaned back against the counter, arms crossing over his chest as his gaze drifted toward the window. The fading daylight painted the room in gold and shadow, mirroring the conflict in his thoughts.

"Not yet," he finally said.

Zehar blinked. "Why?"

Lux’s eyes returned to him, sharp and composed. "Because if those rumors keep them in place, they won’t come to me. They’ll think twice before making a move. Fear is a far more effective deterrent than denial."

Zehar considered this, then nodded slowly. "So you want them to believe you have the king’s backing."

"Exactly." Lux’s lips curved faintly. "Either the king or I have a good reputation in that place, after all. And they know... both of us are dangerous."

Zehar raised a brow. "Uh... let me correct that. We all know the king is dangerous. You?" He gestured toward Lux with a wobbling limb. "You are not. You are dangerous economically. Not in raw power."

Lux deadpanned, staring at him without blinking. "And yet, I managed to turn you into my servant." He said that in a smug tone.

A pause came.

Zehar grimaced. Eye locked on Lux. "Yes. That’s precisely the problem." He sighed dramatically. "You are actually as dangerous as the king. Just... in a different way. Subtle. Insidious. Financially apocalyptic."

Lux waved a hand nonchalantly. "Well, well. Details. It doesn’t matter."

A smirk bloomed across his face, slow and calculating. "That’s the main reason why they come to me, though. Power attracts attention. Stability attracts loyalty. And opportunity attracts ambition." His eyes gleamed. "But I don’t mind if more of you come."

Zehar wobbled warily. "That sounds ominous."

Lux’s smirk deepened. "That way... I can make an army of you."

"PU!" Zehar snapped, his body puffing up in indignation.

Lux chuckled softly. "Okay, okay. Don’t be mad. As long as they want to work for me, I will pay. I’m a fair demon."

Zehar crossed his gelatinous arms. "Speaking of which... What’s my pay?"

Lux arched a brow. "I keep you alive."

"That is not payment. That is basic survival."

"You lost the battle," Lux replied calmly. "You wanted to kill me. You should be grateful I kept your core intact instead of turning you into decorative mana gel."

"PU!" Zehar protested again, vibrating with offense.

Lux sighed, relenting slightly. "Alright, don’t be dramatic. I’ll let you try the new coffee blend we imported from the Obsidian Rift. Just request it from Lyra."

Zehar froze. "...The one infused with abyssal cacao and soul-sugar?"

"The very same."

A thoughtful pause. Then, with forced dignity, Zehar nodded. "Acceptable. For now."

Lux snorted softly and pushed himself off the counter. "Good. Now, back to business. Tell me everything you observed, names, movements, alliances. I want to know which lords are merely restless and which ones are actually preparing to act."

Zehar’s demeanor shifted instantly to professional. "Several factions are watching you closely. Not hostile, yet, but curious. Your rapid consolidation of Greed’s influence has disrupted long-standing balances. Some see you as a stabilizing force. Others view you as a potential threat to their independence."

"Specifics," Lux prompted.

"The Ashen Overlord remains neutral but interested. The Matron of Hollow Echoes is displeased with the king’s unilateral action and may seek leverage through you. The Twin Wardens of the Abyssal Gate are divided, one favors alliance, the other distrusts your growing influence."

Lux absorbed the information with practiced ease, mentally cataloging each name and potential outcome. "And retaliation for the Lord of Debt?"

"Fragmented," Zehar replied. "There is no unified front. The Shadow Corridors thrive on individual agendas. However, a small coalition is considering a symbolic strike, not necessarily against you, but against the king’s interests."

Lux tapped his chin thoughtfully. "A message rather than a war. Predictable."

"There is one more thing," Zehar added. "Despite the rumors, many believe you are still... approachable. Negotiable. Unlike the king."

Lux’s smile returned, this time warmer but no less dangerous. "Good. That means they still think they can do business with me."

"And can they?"

Lux’s eyes gleamed. "Of course. I encourage it."

Zehar stared at him. "You’re enjoying this."

"I am," Lux admitted without shame. "Influence is far more satisfying when it’s earned rather than feared. Though a little fear certainly helps."

He moved toward the door, straightening his sleeves with effortless elegance. "Dinner awaits, and I’d rather not keep my women waiting. Appearances must be maintained."

Zehar hopped off the counter and followed, still mulling over the conversation. "You know, for someone trying to avoid becoming like his parents, you’re doing a remarkably good job at inheriting their influence."

Lux paused at the doorway, glancing back with a faint, amused smile. "Influence is not the problem. Lack of control is."

"And you believe you have control?"

Lux opened the door, the corridor lights casting a halo behind him. "I don’t believe it," he said calmly. "I ensure it."

Zehar shivered, whether from admiration or apprehension, even he couldn’t tell.

As they stepped out toward the dining hall, one truth became increasingly clear...

The rumors in the Shadow Corridors were not just protecting Lux Vaelthorn.

They were laying the foundation for something far more dangerous.

An empire not built on fear alone...

But on loyalty, opportunity, and the irresistible promise of power.