The Commoner King: Rebirth of the Administrative Prince

The workshop was eerily silent, the air thick with tension as Cedric and Professor Alden faced each other. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows on the walls, making Alden's sharp features appear even more severe.

"You've been busy, Prince Cedric," Alden said, his tone calm but laced with a hint of menace. "I must admit, I didn't expect you to be so… resourceful."

Cedric tightened his grip on the dagger, his heart pounding but his voice steady. "And I didn't expect to find a professor rummaging through my workshop. Care to explain?"

Alden's lips curved into a thin smile. "Curiosity, Your Highness. A scholar's greatest virtue—and sometimes, their greatest flaw."

From the shadows, Tristan emerged, his dagger drawn and his eyes locked on Alden. "Drop the act. We know about the Shadow Council."

Alden's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "Ah. So the boy talked. I warned them he was too weak for this."

Cedric took a step forward, his voice low and dangerous. "What do you want with us?"

Alden sighed, as if disappointed by the question. "What does anyone want, Prince Cedric? Power. Control. The ability to shape the world as we see fit. Your mother understood that—too well, perhaps. That's why she had to be stopped."

Cedric's chest tightened, his anger flaring. "You killed her."

"Not personally," Alden said, his tone almost casual. "But I gave the order. Her inventions were too disruptive. They threatened the balance of power—our power."

Tristan moved closer, his dagger glinting in the torchlight. "You're not walking out of here."

Alden chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. You think you're the only ones with allies?"

Before Cedric could react, the workshop door burst open, and a group of armed guards stormed in, their swords drawn. Cedric and Tristan backed away, their weapons raised, but they were outnumbered.

"You're out of your depth, Prince Cedric," Alden said, his voice dripping with condescension. "The Shadow Council has ruled this kingdom for generations. You're just a boy playing at rebellion."

Cedric's mind raced. They couldn't fight their way out—not like this. But he couldn't let Alden win.

"You're wrong," Cedric said, his voice firm. "I'm not just a boy. I'm the son of Eleanora Duskthorn. And I'm going to finish what she started."

Alden's expression darkened. "Then you'll share her fate."

The guards advanced, their swords gleaming. Cedric and Tristan braced themselves, ready to fight.

But before the first blow could be struck, a voice rang out from the doorway.

"Enough!"

Everyone turned to see **Headmistress Elara** standing there, her expression stern and her eyes blazing with authority. Behind her stood a group of academy guards, their weapons drawn.

"Professor Alden," Elara said, her voice cold and commanding. "You are under arrest for treason against the crown."

Alden's face paled, but he quickly regained his composure. "You have no proof."

Elara stepped forward, holding up a folded piece of parchment. "We have your correspondence with the Shadow Council. Your little game is over."

For a moment, Alden looked as if he might argue. Then, with a bitter laugh, he raised his hands in surrender. "You think this changes anything? The Council is bigger than me. Bigger than you. You can't stop them."

Elara's expression didn't waver. "We'll see about that."

As the academy guards moved in to arrest Alden, Cedric felt a surge of relief—but it was short-lived. This was just the beginning.

---

Later, in the headmistress's office, Cedric and his allies gathered to discuss what had happened. Elara sat behind her desk, her expression grave.

"You've stumbled into something far bigger than you realize," she said, her gaze sweeping over the group. "The Shadow Council has infiltrated every level of the kingdom's power structure. Exposing Alden is a start, but it's only the tip of the iceberg."

Cedric nodded, his mind racing. "We need to know more. Who are the other members? What are their goals?"

Elara leaned forward, her hands clasped on the desk. "Their goal is control. They manipulate the king, the nobles, even the academy to maintain their grip on power. And they'll do whatever it takes to eliminate anyone who threatens that."

Lysandra frowned. "So what do we do? If they're that powerful, how can we possibly fight them?"

Elara's lips curved into a faint smile. "By being smarter. By working together. And by using their own secrets against them."

Cedric met her gaze, his resolve hardening. "Then let's get to work."

---

As they left the headmistress's office, Cedric felt a mix of emotions—relief, determination, and a growing sense of purpose. They had taken their first step against the Shadow Council, but the road ahead would be long and dangerous.

Seraphina fell into step beside him, her voice low. "You realize this changes everything, don't you?"

Cedric nodded. "I know. But we don't have a choice. If we don't stop them, they'll destroy everything we're trying to build."

Seraphina's gaze was steady, her expression unreadable. "Then let's make sure they regret ever crossing us."

---

**End of Chapter 12**