Return to the Imperial Court

What news had caused a slight stir in the Imperial Court?

News concerning the Lucis Family.

The Lucis Family had sent a special envoy to the imperial capital to present a memorial before the throne, declaring their wish to submit to the Imperial Court once more and humbly requesting its approval.

Naturally, this "submission" did not carry the same meaning as the "surrender" they had repeatedly declared after their defeat.

The emphasis of this so-called "submission" lay in the word "return."

They wished to return to the Imperial Court, participate in the Empire's affairs, and secure a place within the court.

So long as Your Majesty approved, the new Lucis Duke would return to the imperial capital, contribute to the Empire's various undertakings, offer advice and counsel, and resume the role the Lucis Family had always played.

This request sparked widespread debate throughout the Imperial Court.

The prevailing opinion among the ministers and nobles was opposition.

"The Lucis Family refuses to mend its ways. First they raised an army in rebellion, then they assassinated Your Majesty, and finally they annexed noble territories. They have committed three unforgivable crimes in succession. Rather than shut themselves away and reflect on their sins, they now want to return and disrupt state affairs again. What wishful thinking!" Prime Minister Oruskoni said.

"The Imperial Court has only just stabilized. What are the Lucis Family trying to interfere for? What are they still fantasizing about? The Imperial Court no longer needs the Lucis Family."

"I, for one, do not wish to work with anyone from the Lucis Family again. All they do is cause trouble, oppose everything, and quarrel. With the Lucis Family around, the Imperial Court will never accomplish anything important."

"Your Majesty, please reject the Lucis Family's request. Let them remain in their own