"Everyone."
King Kessel's voice rang steadily through the Ballad Room—deep, solemn, and decisive.
Just as it had every time he had made a decision during the Imperial Council's discussions.
The outcome seemed settled.
With that thought in mind, the ministers reined in their emotions and straightened their postures. Some relaxed slightly, preparing to welcome the end of yet another meeting.
But not this time.
Under everyone's gaze, the Iron-Fisted King raised his head and swept his eyes over the assembled ministers.
"You make valid points."
As he spoke, the king's right hand suddenly emerged from the throne's shadow. He slowly turned it toward everyone, palm up, and held it suspended over the council table.
Like a cold, unsheathed blade.
Even the warm autumn sunlight could not lessen its chill.
Gilbert, Kurun, Qiu Ke, Suoduo... Every minister froze in bewilderment, unsure what was happening.
But the Iron Fist King merely kept his expression blank and his right palm raised.
"Your considerations are thorough as well."
As they exchanged glances, only the scar-faced agent of the Secret Section's eyes shifted. He stepped forward knowingly and picked up the Emerald City Substitute Petition from the table.
The scar-faced man passed each stunned minister and respectfully, properly presented the letter to the king.
"This letter is a malicious barb."
King Kessel's voice drifted out.
"On the surface, it appears to compromise and retreat, bending over backward to survive. In truth, it has seized Revival Palace's weak point, kept a fallback for itself, and concealed a deeper scheme."
The king slowly raised the letter, displaying the Iris Flower seal on it.
"We cannot even make it public. Otherwise, we would place ourselves at a disadvantage and make ourselves unjust."
Whenever his gaze passed over a servant, they instinctively tensed and sat up straight.
"'Would rather