Tales's embarrassment seemed contagious.
At the very least, the air in the Ballad Room froze for a moment.
Precisely as long as the King's gaze remained fixed on him.
"So that's everything."
Fortunately, King Kessel looked away and spoke again:
"Sodow?"
The air began to flow once more.
Tales exhaled in relief and avoided the gazes of the others.
Thank God, they hadn't continued questioning him.
Perhaps he shouldn't have said so much about Little Rascal?
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Military Advisor, Sodow Red, bowed as he replied:
"All the Northern Land military intelligence we need to know is here."
In the dim room, the Imperial Council returned to its normal working atmosphere:
Prime Minister Cullen shook his head thoughtfully, the Military Advisor Sodow wore a solemn expression, and Viscount Connie, who oversaw trade, whispered with Joko Man, the treasurer.
Lord Clappen, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, continued staring blankly into space, while Vice Bishop Stilianiades said nothing but still listened intently.
Tales maintained the Star Lake Duke's gentle smile and elegant posture, keeping a low profile while remaining dignified.
Only the King's figure remained unmoved. His composure surpassed even that of the Eternal Lamp behind him.
"Gilbert?"
The Iron Fist King's eyes glimmered faintly as they swept over the map and chess pieces on the table.
The Former Foreign Minister had expected this. He calmly raised his spectacles:
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Gilbert opened his notebook again:
"Thanks to the Secret Section's colleagues for their generous cooperation, and thanks to Lord Sodow and the Military Department for sharing their battle reports, the Diplomatic Department has reached a new assessment of the postwar situation after learning all the details."
He cleared his throat:
"The overall conclusion is this: although they won on the battlefield, the situation is..."
A sharp glint