Hands in the Dust, Hearts as One

Chapter 19 : Hands in the Dust, Hearts as One

Rudravaan leaned back against the throne, one arm resting against the carved stone, his gaze distant—yet alert.

“Morvyn,” he said calmly, “reclaiming the kingdom is only the first step. If we wish to survive what comes next, we must become far stronger than before.”

Morvyn straightened immediately.“…Stronger? What exactly are you planning?”

Rudravaan’s eyes sharpened, the faintest glint of calculation passing through them.

“When the war broke out, many kingdoms wished for our fall. That much is undeniable.”

He paused, letting the silence settle.

“But not all of them.”

Morvyn frowned. “You mean… some hoped for our victory?”

“Yes.” Rudravaan nodded once. “As you know, the major powers of this world are the Four Great Kingdoms—North Shield, South Spear, West Sword, and East Bow—along with several lesser states.”

“I know that,” Morvyn said. “But why bring them up now?”

Rudravaan folded his arms.

“During the war, three forces appeared on the battlefield. All of them concealed their identities—no banners, no insignias. To the outside world, it appeared to be nothing more than a conflict between two kingdoms.”

Morvyn’s brows drew together.“I still don’t see the connection.”

“We only need to identify one of them,” Rudravaan said quietly.“Once we do, everything else will align.”

Morvyn’s expression hardened. “You sound very certain.”

Rudravaan exhaled slowly.

“When I traveled to the Southeast Kingdom… when I met Henry and Fenlor—do you remember the rebellion I mentioned?”

Morvyn nodded. “Of course.”

“I encountered a strange man during that time,” Rudravaan continued.“He vanished quickly—but not before I noticed something.”

Morvyn leaned forward. “What was it?”

“Inside his cloak,” Rudravaan said, lowering his voice,“was a fragment—an insignia of the West Sword.”

Morvyn froze.

“…What?”

Shock turned instantly into anger.“You should’ve told me sooner… you know that.”

Rudravaan met his gaze without flinching.

“Because the timing matters.”

Then, more firmly,“And because now is the right time.”

Morvyn clenched his jaw but said nothing.

“And you will not speak of this to anyone,” Rudravaan added.

After a long breath, Morvyn nodded. “Understood.”

“North Shield,” Rudravaan continued, “is a kingdom I have known for years. They would never resort to such hidden methods.”

His eyes narrowed.

“That leaves only two possibilities—South Spear or East Bow.”

Morvyn considered it.“…So your next move is North Shield.”

“Yes,” Rudravaan said.“The moment the world learns we have reclaimed our kingdom, they will reach out to us.”

He leaned back, his gaze drifting toward the towering windows of the throne room, sunlight spilling across the marble floor like quiet judgment.

“Some will come out of genuine goodwill,” he said.“Others will come because they fear what we might become.”

A faint smile touched his lips—not joy, but certainty.

“We cannot rebuild this empire alone,” Rudravaan continued.“We need allies who can stand beside us, not behind us.”

Morvyn let out a quiet sigh. “ahh… do whatever you want. Just tell me when you need me.”

Rudravaan nodded. “First, we rebuild the damaged districts. Gather the people at the center of the kingdom and announce it. I will address them myself.”

Morvyn bowed slightly. “As you command, my Emperor.”

As he turned to leave, Rudravaan remained seated on the throne, eyes half-lidded—already several moves ahead.

Morvyn gathered everyone at the center of the kingdom.

The people waited as Rudravaan arrived. One by one, they greeted him, their eyes filled with expectation.

Rudravaan looked around at the damaged buildings and broken streets.

“Today,” he said, “we are going to rebuild our kingdom. If anyone has suggestions about construction, this is the time. We are all here together.”

He then picked up a shovel and raised it slightly.

“If everyone agrees,” Rudravaan said calmly, “then say yes.”

For a moment, there was silence.

“Yes!”

The shout echoed through the area.

“Good,” Rudravaan replied.

Just like that, everyone began to rebuild the kingdom. The people worked together, lifting stones and clearing debris. Rudravaan worked alongside them, his hands covered in dirt like everyone else’s. Fenlor helped wherever he could, and even Henry did small tasks, refusing to stay idle.

They continued like this for many days.

At the same time, the news Rudravaan had ordered to be spread traveled across many lands—that Rudravaan was alive, and that he had reclaimed his kingdom.

Emperors of many kingdoms heard the news.

Some were happy.Some were disappointed.Some felt fear.Others smiled quietly, wondering what would happen next.

Meanwhile, Rudravaan and his people held a celebration for rebuilding the kingdom. Everyone sat close together, laughing and talking. They were still covered in dirt and sand, shovels resting nearby.

Rudravaan stood apart, holding his shovel.

He looked up at the sky as it slowly turned orange.

Morvyn walked up to Rudravaan and tapped him on the shoulder, smiling.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Rudravaan replied.

Morvyn sighed. “Then come and sit with your people. Everyone keeps asking where you are, so don’t just stand there.”

Before Rudravaan could move, the people had already gathered in front of him. Fenlor and Henry were there as well.

Rudravaan looked at them in confusion.“What happened? Why are you all standing here?”

The people looked at one another.

Then they said together, “We are really thankful to you.”

They bowed.

“Ah—what happened now?” Rudravaan said. “Why are you all bowing?”