Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 83: [82] Pawn in politics

- Third-Person POV -

In the original novel, the Black Hand was a covert intelligence organization that operated directly under the Imperial Family of the Northern Empire. The empire, ruling nearly half the continent with its superior military and abundant resources, was one of the most powerful political entities in the world.

But power alone did not guarantee stability.

Despite its military dominance, the Northern Empire suffered from internal political instability. Its feudal system remained strong, with noble families holding significant influence. Many of these nobles harbored ambitions of expanding their power, making rebellions a constant threat.

To counter this, the Imperial Family secretly established the Black Hand—a hidden force dedicated to monitoring and suppressing nobles who posed a danger. They weren’t just spies; they were political manipulators, saboteurs, and assassins acting in the shadows to protect the throne at any cost.

However, their reach extended beyond the empire’s borders. The Black Hand’s network infiltrated neighboring kingdoms, gathering intelligence to strengthen the empire’s grip on international affairs. They operated without morality, without hesitation—a tool of the imperial family to ensure their rule remained unchallenged.

Their structure was cell-based, meaning members rarely knew one another’s identities. Even within the empire, very few people were aware of their existence. They could blend into governments, military ranks, rebel groups, or even disguise themselves as merchants and servants.

Interrogation in the Dungeon

Beneath Lawrence Castle, deep within its cold stone dungeons, Arkan Lawrence stood before the last remaining prisoner. Behind him, Florence observed silently, her eyes cold and calculating. Two guards flanked the entrance, awaiting further orders.

The captive, now slumped against the damp floor, breathed heavily. His face bore signs of interrogation, a mix of exhaustion and the lingering pain from Florence’s non-lethal but effective methods.

Arkan crouched, his piercing gaze meeting the man’s weary, fearful eyes.

"This is the last time I’ll ask," Arkan said, his tone even yet heavy with unspoken pressure. "What is Marquis Arleon’s true objective?"

The prisoner swallowed hard, visibly torn between fear and loyalty. But he knew that withholding information would only make things worse.

"Marquis... wants to secure his position within the Northern Empire..." His voice was weak but clear enough for both Arkan and Florence to hear.

Arkan narrowed his eyes. "Explain."

The man inhaled deeply before continuing, "He knows his influence within this kingdom is limited. Vryndoria is a neutral kingdom, and its political standing isn’t as strong as the larger monarchies."

Arkan slowly nodded, piecing together the puzzle. "So, I’m just a bargaining chip for him? A means to gain favor with the Northern Empire?"

The prisoner did not answer outright, but his silence was confirmation enough.

Arkan exhaled. This wasn’t just a minor threat.

"It seems that saying was true—human greed truly knows no bounds."

Marquis Arleon wanted out of neutrality because tensions within the empire were rising. Before long, the Northern Empire would likely seek to expand under the pretense of diplomacy or outright conquest.

If Arkan allowed himself to be used, then Lawrence would be nothing more than a pawn sacrificed in a much larger game.

Leaving the dungeon, Arkan strode through the dim corridors of Lawrence Castle, the faint clinking of chains echoing behind him. The chill of the night air seeped through the castle windows, but his thoughts remained sharp and unclouded by fatigue.

This was no longer just a localized issue—it was a high-stakes political game.

From the very beginning, Arkan knew the world was not fair. As the ruler of a small frontier territory, he was nothing more than a footnote in the grand scheme of continental politics. But now, Marquis Arleon’s ambitions had drawn him into something far larger.

Two possible outcomes awaited him:

Marquis Arleon would tighten his grip over Lawrence, turning Arkan into a powerless puppet. The Northern Empire would take Lawrence by force, through either diplomatic absorption or military conquest.

Either way, he refused to let it happen.

Returning to his study, Arkan stood before the massive map spread across his desk. Red markers dotted the key locations of interest, including major trade cities, border routes, and—most importantly—Marquis Arleon’s territory.

Taking a deep breath, Arkan recalled the words of a strategist he once admired:

"Politics is not about right or wrong. It is about who controls the narrative."

In this world, power wasn’t just military strength or wealth—it was about information, perception, and alliances.

Arkan sat down, his mind operating like an engineer analyzing a complex machine. Politics was no different from engineering—each piece had to move in perfect sync, each cog had a role, and one broken piece could bring the entire system crashing down.

"If Arleon wants to use me, then I’ll make sure Lawrence is impossible to control."

He needed to accelerate economic and military development before Arleon could act.

1️⃣ ECONOMIC GROWTH

He needed to attract more influential merchants—especially from neutral or independent regions, beyond Arleon’s influence. If Lawrence’s market and resources grew strong enough, Arleon wouldn’t be able to control it easily.

2️⃣ MILITARY DEVELOPMENT

He couldn’t afford a large army, so he would focus on quality over quantity. Firearms production was progressing—if he trained a specialized unit using modern warfare tactics, he could create a force that would offset numerical disadvantages.

3️⃣ ESPIONAGE & POLITICAL INTRIGUE

Sarasota’s abilities in covert intelligence had proven useful. Florence would gather intel on Arleon’s allies and enemies within the kingdom. He needed to identify potential noble factions who might oppose Arleon and form alliances.

This was not just about defense—it was about controlling the playing field.

"Who are Arleon’s true enemies?"

"Which noble factions stand to lose from his ambitions?"

"What weaknesses can I exploit?"

The greatest political strategist in Earth’s history, Otto von Bismarck, unified Germany not through open war but by masterfully balancing alliances and conflicts.

Arkan would take the same approach:

✔️ Strengthen ties with nobles dissatisfied with Arleon’s influence.

✔️ Maintain strategic relationships to prevent any single power from dominating.

✔️ Prepare for both diplomacy and war—ensuring flexibility in any scenario.

Arkan’s gaze hardened as he finalized his plans.

This was no longer just about Lawrence’s survival—this was about who would hold power when the dust settled.

And if Arleon thought he could control Lawrence, then he was gravely mistaken.

###

In just one week, Arkan executed his plan with precision—not with diplomacy, not with promises, but with carefully crafted threats disguised as information.

He knew that nobles and merchants were not easily swayed by mere words. These were veterans of politics, individuals who had survived betrayal, deception, and manipulation. If he wanted to grab their attention, he needed to give them something they couldn’t ignore—something that would force them to respond.

No letters of friendship or alliances were sent.

Instead, he delivered information—incomplete, yet dangerously valuable. Information that made it clear:

Ignoring him was not an option.

Letter to the Northern Duke – Duke Galleas

Your Grace, Duke Galleas,

I know you’ve been watching Marquis Arleon. I also know that you’re aware of his hidden ambitions—his desire to break away from neutrality and sell his allegiance to the Northern Empire.

But what you may not yet realize is how he plans to do it—and who will be his first target.

I have evidence that if you do not act now, you will soon find yourself surrounded by enemies from within. Not only that, but the trade networks you have long protected may collapse within the year.

I do not ask for cooperation or loyalty. I offer something far more valuable than either—the information that can secure your power.

If you care about your territory’s stability, we must speak. I will await you in Law two weeks from now.

"Only fools act after it’s too late."

— Arkan Lawrence

Letter to a Merchant from a Neutral Empire – Roderick

Esteemed Roderick,

A man as intelligent as yourself must already see the signs. A major shift is occurring within the kingdom’s trade routes, and those who fail to prepare will lose everything.

I won’t waste your time with pleasantries.

For the past six months, you’ve noticed the increasing instability in trade routes. And I know that certain individuals—once your business allies—have begun securing protection from new sources.

I have the solution to your problem, but like all valuable things, it will come at a price.

If you wish to preserve your position, we must talk.

If you ignore this, I can only hope you’ve already prepared for what’s coming.

"There is no profit for those who react too late."

— Arkan Lawrence

Letter to a Lesser Noble with a Grudge Against Arleon – Lord Edwin

Lord Edwin,

I know that you and Marquis Arleon have never been on good terms.

For years, you’ve waited for a chance to strike back at the humiliation he forced upon you.

But before you act recklessly, I suggest you listen. I have information that may change how you see this conflict.

Arleon is not simply strengthening his power—he has already set his sights on your territory.

I have proof that the groups disrupting your trade routes in recent months are not mere bandits. They are his agents.

We have a common enemy. I do not ask for loyalty or alliance—I offer an opportunity.

An opportunity to ruin Arleon from within—where it hurts the most.

"Even a lion can fall, if one knows where to strike."

— Arkan Lawrence

Every letter was delivered through different trade routes, ensuring no direct link to him.

He was not offering friendships.

He was not begging for support.

He was presenting an undeniable truth—one that forced them to act.

Not because they wanted to.

But because they had no other choice.

- Duke Galleas’ Perspective -

In a vast study lined with bookshelves, Duke Galleas sat at his desk, reading the letter before him. His fingers tapped lightly against the polished wood, his expression unreadable, but his narrowed eyes showed his mind was already at work.

"That boy..." he muttered.

Beside him, his trusted advisor, an elderly man who had served the ducal family for decades, spoke.

"Do you believe he’s telling the truth?"

Galleas did not answer immediately.

Instead, he read the letter again, then chuckled softly.

"This isn’t about truth," he finally said. "It’s about possibility."

Standing up, he walked toward the large window, gazing out at the city beneath his castle.

"I’ve long suspected Arleon’s ambitions, but if this boy truly has proof, I cannot ignore it."

The advisor nodded. "Will you go to Lawrence?"

Galleas smirked. "Not personally. I’ll send someone first. I need to see how serious this boy is before making my move."

- Roderick’s Perspective -

Inside a luxurious trading hall, Roderick, one of the wealthiest independent merchants, twirled a glass of wine in his hand as he read the letter.

"Interesting..." he murmured.

His assistant stood nearby, waiting.

"Should we respond?"

Roderick reread the letter, smirking slightly.

"I’ve heard this name before. Arkan Lawrence. His name has come up more than once in recent reports. If he truly has a plan, then that means the market is about to shift."

Setting his glass down, he grinned.

"We cannot afford to sit still and watch. Send an envoy to Lawrence. Let’s see what this boy is really offering."

###

Within days, those who received Arkan’s letters began moving.

Some sent representatives, unwilling to expose themselves immediately. Others began gathering information, trying to verify Arkan’s claims.

But regardless of their approach—they all responded.

Arkan hadn’t just invited them to negotiations.

He had thrown down a challenge.

And they had no choice but to answer.