"It is said that House Froiland destroyed the Avalon Magic Tower three days ago! Lord Caius Lordstin of the Central Plains High Tower is demanding an explanation!" Emperor Yu Wen's voice echoed through the Imperial Council Hall, his gaze sharp and unyielding.
"Prince Davey was sent to the northern border to investigate the Forbidden Forest for any leads about the Dark Elves," Empress Luna interjected, her tone calm yet firm.
"The northern border is no territory of the Elves," the Emperor responded, his brows furrowing in frustration.
"The Tower will receive their explanation when Davey returns," Empress Dahlia assured, her voice steady but resolute.
"Ensure he does not delay any longer," Yu Wen commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
"The Lunar Council has arrived, Your Majesty," announced Grand Minister Luke as he entered the hall, followed by the members of the Imperial Council.
The Imperial Council Hall, grand and imposing, filled with the murmurs of discussion as the Lunar Council took their places. The air was thick with tension, the gravity of the situation apparent to all present.
__**THE GRAND TABLE COUNCIL MEETING**__
EMPRESS DAHLIA
EMPEROR YU WEN
EMPRESS RU (CATHEDRAL SAINT OF LUNA)
GRAND MINISTER LUKE
CROWN PRINCE DELUC (2ND PRINCE)
PRIME MINISTER SIMA
DAVEY (3RD PRINCE)
MINISTER OF FINANCE
MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIR
MINISTER OF WAR
MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFIAR
MINISTER OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
"Where is the Third Prince?" Emperor Yu Wen's voice echoed through the grand hall, his tone edged with impatience.
"I'm afraid he might be late, Your Majesty," replied the Minister of External Affairs, bowing respectfully.
"Late? Did he send a notice?" the Emperor inquired further, a hint of irritation in his voice.
"He did send a notice to the Emperor's chamber, Your Majesty," confirmed Grand Minister Luke.
"How is your health, Grand Minister?" Empress Ru asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"Thank you for asking, My Lady of the Moon. I am still recovering but better than before," Grand Minister Luke responded gratefully.
"The reconstruction of the damages in the capital from the last destruction—how is it progressing?" the Emperor asked, shifting his attention.
"The Master of Construction has requested a budget for compensation to the bereaved families and reported that the construction was completed three days ago, Your Majesty," the Minister of Finance informed.
"And the harvest for this year?" the Emperor inquired again.
"House Haverford has already sent us the details of their harvest, and it can last until early winter. House Greendale reported successful negotiations with other empires for importation and exportation, securing supplies that could last until the next three years," the Minister of Internal Affairs responded.
"That is good to hear. The houses of the High Nobles seem to be working hard. They will be rewarded at the next High Table Council Meeting," Emperor Yu Wen declared.
"I will make the necessary preparations, Your Majesty," assured the Minister of Internal Affairs.
"Report from the borders?" the Emperor continued, his gaze steady.
"The war between Volantis and the Conqueror of Heavens of the Seven Seas has reached the coastal area of the Avaleon Empire. We have sent a message to Volantis, requesting them to avoid the northern areas where the indigenous tribes of Avaleon reside, but they have not yet replied. We suggest offering our assistance to defend the Northern Sea border of both Volantis and Avaleon," proposed the Minister of External Affairs.
"Send the word to Volantis that Avaleon will aid in defending the Northern Sea border," Yu Wen commanded decisively.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Regarding the other empires, trading and merchant exchanges are proceeding smoothly, and there are no issues among the Seven Empires of the North," the Minister of External Affairs continued.
"Good. Minister of War?" Yu Wen prompted.
"The Imperial Knights were mobilized to Marndi Port in the South to fend off sea monsters attacking merchants and to the Northern Borders to assist in the battle against the Forbidden Forest monsters. Northern casualties have remained minimal, at one-tenth of previous levels over the last five years. Eldoria has requested our support in subjugating the Rottelian Cave of the Deep Sea," the Minister of War reported.
"Dispatch a contingent to aid Eldoria. Ensure our borders are fortified, and our forces are ready to respond to any threats," Emperor Yu Wen instructed.
"As you command, Your Majesty," the Minister of War acknowledged, bowing deeply.
"Minister of Diplomatic Relations?" Yu Wen asked.
"Our esteemed office is making significant efforts to negotiate with the native tribes of the empire. We are working to gain the full trust of the Stonewall and Seamarian tribes. The Stonewall tribes, with their weapon forging skills, are comparable to the Iron Clads, and the Seamarian tribes can control and tame sea monsters for use in trade and war. While the negotiations are still in progress, we are hopeful for positive outcomes," the Minister of Diplomatic Relations reported.
"That's fine. Continue your efforts and strive for better results," Yu Wen encouraged.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the Minister of Diplomatic Relations responded with a bow.
"The Third Prince has arrived!" A guard announced
The prince walked towards the hall and sit on his place beside Deluc
"I heard house froiland captured all official of the tower including the tower master in the northern border" Yu wen asked
"yes father" Davey answered
"that was the result of your instigation?" Yu wen asked again
"that's simply an act accordingly to the Empires constitution your majesty"
"without due process" Yu wen said
"that's a special case that need instant care, all action done are according to the imperial rules" Davey answered
"the High Tower are demanding for an explanation" Yu Wen said
"will pay a visit to the high tower soon and deliver the explanation myself" Davey said and drank a wine
"I have a premonition that Castle Black will soon be revived," Emperor Yu Wen announced, his voice filled with urgency.
"Lady Ru, as the Saintess of Luna, you can track the void energy wherever the Lunar Church is placed. I ask you to build fortresses around the empire's reach. We must prevent the Void from reviving Castle Black!"
"I will," Lady Ru replied, her tone resolute.
"Grand Minister, Prime Minister," the Emperor continued, turning to them with a commanding presence, "go to the Ruins of Aeloria. The Bloodborn Order is rumored to have taken it as their fortress. We must strike them as soon as possible, before they can build up their forces."
"At once, Your Majesty," Grand Minister Luke and Prime Minister Caius responded in unison, their faces set with determination.
"The Crown Prince will take care of matters regarding the apprentices of the evil gods!" Emperor Yu Wen declared, his voice firm and resolute. "Lady Ru, you will command the mobilization of the Heavenly Principle to hunt the Voids. Empress, accompany the Prime and Grand Minister to subjugate all seven forbidden places in the Empire. Leave the administrative matters to the remaining officials."
"Understood, Your Majesty," Lady Ru responded, her eyes reflecting a sense of duty.
"I will see to it personally," the Empress affirmed, her voice steady and determined.
The Prime and Grand Minister nodded in agreement, ready to embark on their crucial mission.
As Emperor Yu Wen was about to leave, he paused, turning back to address his council one last time. "Remember, our actions now will determine the future of Avaleon. Stay vigilant and united. The safety of our realm rests in our hands."
"what task should I take father?" Davey the third prince asked
"You are free to do what you want like you always do!" Yu wen replied
"and how about you?" Davey asked again
"the Apprentice of the God of Darkness has appeared, I hunt him down my self!" the emperor said, everyone was shookt
"the Emperor known as the Omniscient being who sees all corners in the Avaleon was not a lie Afterall" Davey said
"Prince!!" Lady Ru exclaimed, but Yu Wen just glanced at Davey and leave the room, and the rest of the official has left except for Lady Ru and Davey
"Why did you order the Froiland estate to capture the Avalon Tower?" Lady Ru asked, her tone sharp and demanding.
"They tried to assassinate me," Davey replied, his voice steady but tinged with frustration.
"That was not enough reason to go against an empire's figure. You have caused an uproar among the tower masters and put the Grand Table on the edge of a sword against the High Tower Masters," Lady Ru retorted, her eyes narrowing.
"Are we afraid?" Davey asked, a hint of defiance in his voice.
"We aren't afraid, but you disrupted a plan that has long been in place. Your assassination attempt could have been a lead to uproot the High Tower's scheme, but your approach was reckless. Proceed to the High Tower tomorrow and explain yourself to them. The four masters who tried to assassinate you might be tagged as part of the Tower Master's greed, and the High Tower might disown its own branch to protect itself from being dragged into the mess. Each tower branch is independent in terms of decision-making and magic development. The High Tower only makes demands or commands for each branch when necessary!" Lady Ru explained, her voice firm but laced with a hint of exasperation.
With that, Lady Ru turned and left Davey alone, her steps echoing down the corridor.
"A plan that has long been planted? I guess I have been reckless," Davey murmured to himself. His expression hardened as he considered his next move.