The Elder Council governed in the great hall.
Clay Dragon Ross crouched in the center of the great hall. The narrow vertical pupils in his dragon eyes were unfocused, his head held high, unwilling to bow to any human.
Baron Roman stood beside Lord Ross and loudly defended himself. "It was me. I told Lord Ross to remain with the Knight Order because I was besieged by a Riding Blue Skin and several Blue Skins. The Knight Order was on the verge of collapse!"
"When the dragon horn sounds, all Wyverns must obey orders without condition." Count Merlin sat at the head of the hall, expressionless, his white hair coiled behind his head in a braid. "Roman, as a noble of the Grand Duchy, have you forgotten your oath?"
Baron Roman stiffened his neck. "I haven't forgotten, but there are priorities..."
"How presumptuous!" Count Oscro shouted. "Roman, throughout the entire Grand Duchy, only His Highness Shadowflame's affairs matter most. Stop making excuses!"
"The fault is mine. I am willing to beg His Highness Shadowflame for punishment!" Baron Roman went all out, throwing his sword onto the floor. "The blame lies with me. I was unwilling to sacrifice the knights... I hereby resign as Minister of Finance. Whether you sentence me to hard labor or strip me of my title, do as you please!"
"Lord Roman, there is no need for this, no need for this." Chief Steward Lord Kunbei stepped in to smooth things over. "We merely summoned Lord Ross to clarify the matter. There is absolutely no need for you to be so agitated."
"I have already explained the matter clearly. There is no need for further questioning. Let the Elder Council exercise the Grand Duke's authority and punish me!"
Of the Elder Council's nine governors, Marquis Arno Lieyang