"You've given us quite a spectacle, Your Highness."
Federico drew a deep breath, returning to reality with disappointment and disgust:
"But I believe Emerald City remains loyal. Though it may be muddleheaded for a time, it will ultimately make the right choice."
Especially when its own safety and survival were at stake.
Crimson Iris swept the people in the hall with a cold gaze:
The dignitaries and nobles in the front rows either glared at him furiously or looked on with icy eyes; the proprietors in the middle rows lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze; while the attendees in the back rows and corners whispered among themselves, alarmed and bewildered.
Yet no one stepped forward to refute him.
"Since no one can sign this contract, shall we adjourn?"
Federico stood nailed in the Council Hall like a blade, his gaze razor-sharp:
"His Highness is very busy. We still need to catch those traitorous black hands stirring up trouble behind the scenes."
At this, the crowd shuddered again and began murmuring to one another.
But this time, the whispers filling the hall were steeped in caution, apprehension, and disappointment.
While no one was paying attention, Tales quietly let out a breath.
Just then.
Thud!
A heavy, muffled impact rang out. Everyone turned toward it, and their expressions changed in shock!
It was Vice High Priest Feibul.
He had dropped to both knees beneath the duke's throne, trembling as he reached for the old Sunset Canon lying on the floor.
What...
Tales's brow twitched, and he rose instinctively.
"Vice High Priest..."
"Your Highness, please believe me!"
The vice high priest shakily lifted the Canon, brushing the dust from its cover.
"I have neither accomplices nor any need for them, much less conspirators."
The old priest paused and slowly raised