The Imperial Court council of the Overseas Empire had a simple composition: only eight members, all old hands who had risen alongside Lothar.
Lavinia served as Court Steward and concurrently as Kingdom Chief Judge, overseeing judicial affairs throughout the realm.
Kools served as Intelligence Chief. Beneath him was the Shadow of Darkness spy network, responsible for gathering intelligence at home and abroad, including developments within the territories of the Overseas Empire's lords, enemy military deployments, public sentiment, and even monitoring officials. He was the head of an organization similar to the Imperial Guard.
Ulm was Head of the Holy Treasury, formerly the position of Kingdom Treasurer once held by Kools, and oversaw the Overseas Empire's economic affairs.
Andreas, Kools's successor, was Chancellor of the Imperial Seal. He safeguarded the Emperor's seal, signed documents, drafted charters, and also handled the Empire's foreign affairs.
Jeanne served as Grand Marshal of the Empire and Guardian of the Holy Lance. She commanded the Empire's Royal Standing Army and, in wartime, also oversaw all military matters, including Imperial mercenaries, town guild militias, and the armed forces under the lords.
Prajna was the Wardrobe Steward and keeper of Lothar's private treasury. Many Royal Manors and estates were personally managed by Prajna.
Hans was Captain of the Guard and commander of the Winged Hussars, responsible for palace security and ceremonial escorts.
Uldin was the Archbishop of the Overseas Empire and head of the monastic orders nationwide, responsible for all church affairs across the realm.
As Chancellor of the Imperial Seal, Andreas was the first to speak. "The Tatars are not weak. During the Dream Trial, we experienced their strength firsthand. Personally, I believe we should befriend them for now and avoid conflict, because nomadic empires all share one trait: they rise swiftly, and they fall just as