The nobles whispered softly amongst themselves as Duke George Claymore rose from his seat. He moved effortlessly, the fabric of his finely tailored dark green robe shifting, accents matching the Claymore sigil, catching the sunlight streaming from above. His every movement, deliberate and measured, spoke of the confidence he had gained through countless battles.
Standing tall, he addressed the chamber, his voice a deep, polished tone that carried effortlessly through the vast hearing hall. "Your Majesty, esteemed members of the assembly, I thank you for this opportunity to present a matter of great significance to our Empire."
He gestured subtly, and an attendant stepped forward, carrying an enchanted crystal that lit up with a pale blue glow. The air above it shimmered as a three-dimensional map of the Empire's western regions appeared, with the Taloma Pass highlighted in vivid blue.
"The Taloma Pass," George continued, "is a lifeline for our Empire; it provides an ideal location for us to defend in the event of an external invasion. It connects us to our eastern neighbors and the Donin Republica. As you know, not all the nobles wanted a change for the better of the Empire, but for themselves." The man paused, looking at the Emperor, before continuing, "Aslan Primrose rules the Donin Peninsula; he established a democratic regime."
The nobles leaned in, their expressions guarded but intrigued. Damian, seated in the center of the hall, returned George's gaze with an incomprehensible expression, his golden eyes sharp and calculated. He had already read the report at Max's house and he had little to no trust in it. It was too good to be true.
"To this end," George said, gesturing again, "I present the Blue Ether Project. By harnessing the etheric energy found in abundance within the Taloma region, we can secure the pass and transform it into an economic and military asset."
The projection shifted to reveal intricate designs of fortified outposts, ether-powered machinery, and trade caravans loaded with goods. The display was undeniably impressive, the type of spectacle that could persuade even the most skeptical of minds.
George's voice carried on, steady and assured. "The Blue Ether Project will construct five portals in Glasgow City; two of them could be used as transportation for all citizens, as travel time in normal conditions can take up to several days. The remaining three will be used for military and commercial transportation. These portals will allow us to move quickly and react to any enemies that may attack the Taloma Pass."
The room remained silent for a moment, the nobles processing the scope of the proposal. Then Damian leaned forward, the golden embroidery of his crimson robe catching the light as he moved. His voice, calm yet commanding, cut through the quiet.
"Duke Claymore," Damian began, his tone neutral, "while your proposal is ambitious, it is not without risk. The etheric deposits in the Taloma region are volatile and largely untested on this scale. What assurances can you provide that this project will not destabilize the region further?"
George inclined his head slightly, his expression unflinching. "Your Majesty, we have conducted rigorous studies in collaboration with the Empire's leading etheric engineers. Their findings, which I have here, confirm the project's feasibility and safety."
He gestured to another attendant, who stepped forward to deliver a green-bound report to Edward, standing at Damian's side. Damian took the report, glancing at its cover before setting it aside. It was the same report Elliot had thrown at him the other day, and he had a fleeting thought that having the son in the hall would be entertaining.
"And what of the cost?" Hadeon Lyon's voice rang out, his sharp blue eyes fixed on George. Though the Lord Dowager rarely spoke during assemblies, when he did, it usually was something important. "A project of this magnitude will not come cheap."
"The Claymore family," George replied smoothly, "is prepared to fund a significant portion of the initial investment. Additionally, I propose partnerships with the merchant houses, who stand to benefit greatly from the enhanced trade routes."
The mention of the merchant houses drew the attention of Alicia Abalone, who tilted her head thoughtfully. Her delicate features gave no hint of her thoughts, but her voice, when she spoke, was calm and firm. "A compelling proposition, Duke Claymore. However, the merchant houses will require detailed terms before committing their resources."
"Of course," George said, his lips curving into a slight smile. "I would expect no less from House Abalone."
Damian let the exchange play out, his gaze sweeping the room. Every word, expression, and subtle change in posture was a piece of the puzzle that revealed alliances, rivalries, and hidden agendas.
Lucius von Jaunez, ever cautious voice, finally spoke. "Your Majesty, while the Blue Ether Project is indeed ambitious, I would advise a more measured approach. Perhaps a smaller-scale implementation as a proof of concept before committing to a full-scale rollout."
Damian inclined his head slightly. "A prudent suggestion. Duke Claymore, I trust you have your experts on hand. I would appreciate it if the person in charge could make a quick phone call."
George's smile tightened, but he nodded. "Naturally, Your Majesty. I shall ensure the necessary adjustments are made, and I can reach for my company to have the experts on call."
The hall remained tense as they waited for Claymore's men to enter the call. Small conversations began to reverberate throughout the room about how successful the project would be in revolutionizing the Emperor's control over the country.
—
Ashmont office
Annabelle was typing quickly and steadily, her brown eyes following the rows of words that appeared on the screen. The phone rang through the silence of her office. She reached the phone with a hand while rereading a section of the document she was writing.
"Callahan office, manager assistant Anabelle speaking." Her voice was neutral; she had worked for the company for nearly fifteen years, and the greeting was always done instinctively.
"Hello Anabelle, It is Matthias; we are in the imperial hearing room, and the Emperor has requested a quick call with the Blue Ether Project's director. How quickly can you contact Gabriel and Elliot?"
"They are in the office and have no meetings scheduled; I can reach them and make a call in five minutes."
"Perfect. Thank you."
She chose Elliot's name from the agenda and called, placing the phone between her shoulder and head while preparing the appropriate channel for the Emperor's call. Maximilian already messed her with the channel number and authentication.
"Elliot, there is a request for you and Gabriel to enter a call from the hearing hall."
"Right, do you know why?" Elliot could not contain his excitement at being a part of work that involved the palace for the first time.
"Something for the Blue Ether Project." Nothing bad. I will send you the link. Bye!" She hung up, confident that there was nothing wrong with the project, but hoping that Elliot would keep his mouth shut for once.
Gabriel's phone rang a little to long for her liking; there were three more minutes until the call would begin. She almost jumped for joy when the man picked up his phone.
"I received the message, Ana; I'm already connected."
"Perfect. Good luck!"
—
The Imperial Hall
In less than four minutes, the team was connected and prepared to answer any questions that arose. Gabriel ensured that there were experts in each department that worked under him. He ensured that every contract for which he was responsible included an emergency link between the people who worked on it.
It would be activated only when clarifications were required in real time. Because the project was on the hearing list today, everyone on the team had their day free for any emergency.
Members of the parliament were envious of George's resources. Most of them hoped that the team would be busy or that George had something to hide. It was unimaginable to have a team of over fifteen members on board so quickly when the Emperor had requested only the two of them.
Damian shifted in his seat and took a pen to jot down something on the agenda in front of him. He was following the flickering screens of the members of the team, with two of them at the top. Elliot took it upon himself to stand right next to Gabriel's screen; he wanted as much attention as possible without having to work. Gabriel could work for it.
Everyone of the new members of the hearing took their turns to bow in respect to their Emperor. Elliot was the last one to raise his head; he thought that if he was bowing for more, he would be observed by the Emperor.
Elliot's eyes widened, his pretentious greeting remaining in his throat, his gaze fixed in shock on the man dressed in a crimson robe bearing the Empire's golden seal. His golden eyes were unforgettable.
Damian returned Elliot's gaze with a slight smile.