"You're actually willing to raise the funds?" Gallo was taken aback.
But Pollas offered no further explanation. He merely smiled and moved on to the people at the next table.
Gallo and Oksaya exchanged a look, immediately realizing that the Corlens Family had placed its bets on Roland. As long as his proposals were not clearly misguided, they would support him.
That was certainly no good news for the Orthodox School.
Yet they could do nothing to stop it, leaving them frustrated.
"Just wait and see. Things like this are easy to talk about, but when it comes to doing them, the squabbling and buck-passing alone will give them plenty of trouble!"
Oksaya quietly consoled Gallo in private.
"Who can't make a pretty speech?
"Actually pulling it off is what takes skill!"
Gallo nodded. His proposal might have been somewhat limited in scope, but at least it would be easy to implement!
Roland, by contrast, had such grand plans. He was reaching far beyond his grasp.
His proposal was much less feasible.
After the banquet, the ordinary mages dispersed to rest, but Roland and the others could not return immediately. Instead, they were taken to a nearby building for a meeting.
"I will now announce the Arcane Committee's official appointments.
"Grand Mage Watson will serve as master of the East Lainer Mage Tower, and Grand Mage Holmes as master of the West Lainer Mage Tower.
"Lord Pollas will continue to command the garrison.
"These three will serve as chairs of the Lainer Mage Corps' Supreme Council, exercising oversight and each holding veto power.
"Full council members: Mr. Leon will serve as ambassador at the embassy in Lainer World, and Mr. Roland will serve as dean of Seris Academy..."
This was a republican arrangement common among mage-governed states. Even the Arcane