AnyTale: Crimson Age. Volume 1. Velltrain Arc

King Edward is dead, and Velltrain is left with an emptying treasury, restless regions, and an heir too young to understand the difference between a crown and a toy. Lord Elaric accepts the regency because of a promise made to a dying friend: hold the kingdom together, protect the lawful heir, and teach Prince Alvar to become a king worthy of more than blood. But the court is already moving. Chancellor Orwin rules through debt, fear, and polite signatures. House Greyward is readying its army. The Heroes have the power to end wars, but no desire to become judges of another throne. Ayumi, an elf in the chancellor's service, treats human politics as work: listen, learn, seduce when necessary, kill when ordered. Yet Velltrain soon teaches her that in a dirty game, even a useful knife may begin to remember who it has cut. A political dark fantasy about regency, intrigue, loyalty, and the price of law in a kingdom where every savior already has a hand on the hilt.