Indeed, as Ansel's gentle gaze swept over the dukes, most of them instinctively looked away.
The Empire certainly needed a steward, but the state of the Empire was irrelevant to these dukes.
Apart from rare exceptions like the Duke of Azuregold, their interest lay not in restoring the Empire but in… seizing power.
Yet, when the opportunity arose, none of these ambitious figures took even a single step forward.
After a brief silence, Ansel shook his head and sighed:
"What is this, esteemed Dukes? Why do you... not answer my question?"
He gazed at the ten dukes, the warmth on his face gradually fading.
This was not a question born of perplexity but a cold command.
—You should answer my question now.
"Yes."
Once again, it was the Duke of Azuregold who responded first: "I endorse the proclamation of the Duke of Flame Attendant. I believe the Empire indeed needs to be brought under control."
