The Council's Accountability

The next day, at the Piltover Council.

The large round table, usually bustling with members, was eerily quiet, with only a handful of councilors present.

"When did we start needing to meet so frequently?"

Mel leaned back in her councilor's chair, her voice devoid of emotion, like a casual daily greeting.

"Good morning, Head of the Stevan family. I thought you wouldn't be coming today."

"I almost got blown up yesterday. Shouldn't you all have something to say about that?"

Stevan frowned deeply, seemingly observing the other councilors, but his gaze remained fixed on Camille.

"Marcus, tell us what happened last night," Mel asked, fiddling with her fingers, making it sound like a routine inquiry.

Although Jayce was also involved last night, Camille was in charge, and Mel enjoyed seeing her in a difficult position.

Besides, the councilor who died was one of Heimerdinger's people, not connected to her in any way. Their death was even a good thing.

It was just a pity that the Ferros Clan's property was only scorched. It would have been perfect if it had been completely destroyed.

"Councilors!"

Marcus flinched, saluted, and quickly reported:

"Last night, our coastal defenses were breached. All the Enforcers guarding them were killed. Judging by the traces, it seems to have been Hextech power. Additionally, the Academy's spire and the Ferros Clan's estate were bombed. One councilor and five innocent civilians were confirmed dead, and dozens were injured."

"Hextech power? Does Viktor have that kind of ability? Fighting Councilor Camille at night and also splitting forces to attack us?"

Mel subtly glanced at Stevan. The Medarda Family's influence in Piltover was not insignificant; she was well aware of the commotion last night.

"About… the specific situations of the three councilors yesterday, I'm not entirely clear."

Marcus lowered his head, then, recalling the promise made at the Ferros Clan's estate last night, he added:

"However, I heard that Councilor Kiramman brought a prisoner from Zaun. And it seems they didn't gain anything."

"What do you mean? Vi helped us a great deal yesterday. Are you trying to shift the blame onto us?"

"Councilor Kiramman, I didn't mean that. It's just… if you and Councilor Talis had been there, perhaps our losses would have been much smaller."

Marcus's eyes darted around, but his words were unusually bold.

"We fought all night in Zaun and almost didn't make it back. We put in no less effort than you did," Caitlyn retorted angrily.

"Almost didn't make it back… So, you failed. We nearly lost four councilors in one night. And you acted without authorization; we had no idea what was happening last night."

The councilor who had given up his seat for Camille spoke calmly, his tone accusatory.

"Can you even protect Piltover? If not, we should just ask Noxus for help!"

The short, stout councilor slammed his hand on the table, agitated.

If not for a certain dignitary appearing at his mansion this morning, he would already be on an airship heading to the Immortal Bastion.

A councilor died yesterday!

Who knew if he would be next.

Fortunately, someone was willing to guarantee his safety, and he had reached a consensus with the people across the river, which relieved him.

"Don't worry, Councilor. We've focused too much on civilian development in the past. Converting to military preparedness will take a little… bit of time."

Mel smiled, holding her thumb and forefinger a small distance apart, then her tone shifted:

"Of course, I believe Councilor Camille can give us a clear answer. Neither your clan nor we councilors want to live in fear."

"This has nothing to do with Councilor Camille. We were too weak. You don't know what Viktor and Silco have done. They're making people take Shimmer as a disposable weapon and have built a batch of robots that can use Hex Gemstone energy," Caitlyn countered.

"I don't care what they have or what they've done. What I care about now is whether our safety can be guaranteed."

The blonde councilor admired her manicure, casually pinpointing the crucial issue.

They held this urgent meeting early the next morning precisely because they feared being the next to be bombed in their own homes.

Not everyone was a Medarda or a Ferros. The deceased councilor's home defenses were not bad, but he, his four bodyguards, and his butler were all dead.

Even now, Camille hadn't uttered a word. Her gaze remained fixed on Stevan, her expression unreadable.

Jayce's face showed a flicker of struggle, but recalling the events of last night, he pursed his lips:

"If Professor Heimerdinger agrees, our Piltover defense system can also integrate Hex Gemstones, both for Enforcer weapons and vehicles."

"An excellent response, Professor Heimerdinger. What is your opinion? You are currently the designer of all Piltover's weaponry," Mel said, turning her attention to Heimerdinger.

"I don't actually agree with developing Hextech; it has already brought too much tragedy. But if we don't do so, we will ultimately be the ones hurt. Due to the councilor's death, there's no turning back for us and Zaun."

Heimerdinger's face was filled with sorrow. His hand rose and fell, and finally, he sighed:

"I hope this power doesn't bring destruction. Jayce, I will open all weapon design blueprints to you and provide assistance."

"Thank you for your support, Professor Heimerdinger." Jayce's expression was serious. He stood up and respectfully bowed to Heimerdinger.

When it came to weapon research and development, Heimerdinger was the expert. Jayce could at most make some Hextech modifications.

"Safety issues are half resolved, but regarding last night's events, shouldn't we discuss them properly?"

Feeling secure about his life, the short, stout councilor was the first to attack:

"Didn't we agree to maintain a superficial peace while we converted our economy into military strength? I wasn't aware we had an operation in Zaun last night, and now the Enforcement Office is under Councilor Camille's command—weren't there any emergency protocols?"

"Our coastal defenses failed for the first time; Councilor Camille shouldn't be held responsible for that. Besides, shouldn't we be probing their intentions?" Caitlyn protested.

She detested these idle councilors. Last night, she and others were fighting in Zaun, while these councilors did nothing but hinder progress.

"Probe their intentions, and then we lose a councilor. If war truly broke out, how many of us here would survive? We need time to arm ourselves," the female councilor said. "I think we need to talk to Zaun's leadership."

"Are you joking? The threat from Zaun is imminent, and you still want to negotiate?" Caitlyn's eyes widened, full of disbelief.

"Can you take responsibility for what happened last night? Kiramman, how do you plan to appease the citizens affected last night?" the female councilor said calmly. "Money? You're currently living with Councilor Talis yourself. Promises? Piltover doesn't trust empty promises." The female councilor tapped her fingers, her calm words stinging Caitlyn's heart one by one.

But her gaze never rested on Caitlyn; her eyes remained focused on Camille, awaiting her response.

"I—" Caitlyn's mouth opened and closed, her teeth clenched, her face filled with grief and indignation.