"What?!"
"Have you lost your mind?!"
The moment those words were spoken, everyone's expressions changed drastically. Earl Moore was so startled that he dropped his wineglass on the spot, drew his sword, and pointed it at Baloska, who sat in the seat of honor.
"Baloska! You betrayed us?!"
Earl Limerra's expression likewise turned cold. He had not expected this man to defect so quickly.
"Utterly foolish. After everything you did before, even if you betray us now, do you really think the Olyvendi Family will spare you afterward?!"
"Heh heh, there's no need for Your Excellency Limerra to concern yourself with that—"
Breathing heavily, Earl Baloska glared at the crowd. Tangible magic enveloped his fists, and the terrifying pressure caused the space around them to distort slightly.
"Last night, His Eminence Anvis came to see me. He promised that if I gathered you all together and killed you, he would spare my life.
"To that end, I prepared Magic Restraint and a Space Lockdown Array for each of you in advance. I also added Moba Black Crystal Mushroom Poison, which I have treasured for centuries and which specifically targets the circulation of magic, to the food, wine, and incense.
"After all this time, I imagine you are finding it difficult to circulate your magic now, aren't you?"
Hearing this, everyone hurriedly tried to circulate their magic. Yet the magic that had once moved as readily as their own limbs now felt strangely sluggish, and was exceedingly difficult to control.
"This is the sole finished product made by Eighth Rank Alchemy Master Calivi centuries ago. The Moba Black Crystal Mushrooms used as its raw material have long since gone extinct. Using it on all of you today should be worthy enough of your status!"
Seeing that the outcome had been decided,