Maximilian was watching the emperor's and Eliot's exchange. He could not believe how petty his brother was. It took him less than a day to get back to Elliot.
His cousin would soon discover that the emperor was a very petty man, and Elliot's misery would only begin.
George introduced the men briefly and addressed the emperor directly. "Your Majesty, as you can see, all of the people involved in the project are prepared to answer their expertise questions."
"I see that you are well prepared; I must commend you for your efforts." Damian was honestly impressed and wouldn't have any reason to undermine his efforts. The nobles in attendance were also impressed by the quick assembly of the team.
"We need to know if the project has a real chance of success; as some members of the assembly have suggested, we should start with a pilot."
"This would be an excellent question for our project manager, Gabriel von Jaunez." When Jaunez's youngest son was mentioned, there was a soft murmur throughout the room. Damian raised his hand, causing the sound to fade as quickly as it had begun, and allowed Gabriel to speak with the same gesture.
Gabriel was now shown in full on the screen; he checked that his connection to the image of Taloma Pass was stable before speaking. "Your Majesty, honored members of parliament, as per your request, I should answer the questions raised prior to the call." He paused and changed the image's target to Ashmont, the city where the Claymore company was based.
"Several years ago, we began a pilot project; of course, there is only one central portal and multiple points of transfer. We used the Ashmont project as a transportation method, initially for engineers who had to change locations frequently. Then we made it available to civilians for commuting." Gabriel showed data for both cases and images of the projects started to appear on the tapestries. He could control his exhaustion pretty well, but his mind was scattered in all directions.
Gabriel continued, his voice smooth and deliberate, with just enough wit to keep the audience interested without becoming irreverent. "As part of the Ashmont project, we implemented an aether exploitation plant designed to work with white-grade aether, the least potent and safest form. While modest in its output, it provided us with crucial insights into the sustainability and long-term viability of aether as a resource. This data was submitted to the Department of Exploitive Magic last year, where I am certain it was thoroughly reviewed." It was not; the data was never reviewed because some ministry members disliked George and his employees.
The diagram on the screen shifted to highlight Ashmont's exploitation plant. "As many of you know, Ashmont serves as a model for controlled aether exploitation. For several years, the facility there has utilized white-grade aether, one of the weakest yet safest forms available. While its energy potential is limited, it has yielded valuable information about sustainability and long-term exploitation practices. This information, I might add, was submitted to the Department of Exploitive Magic last year, as per protocol."
He paused, his gaze steady as he let his words settle in the room. Gabriel decided to be as petty as possible; they made his like a fucking nightmare. For the last seven months, he had been working almost nonstop, his mind was exhausted, and he had nightmares about dead bodies, blood baths, and an enemy he knew he could not defeat no matter what he tried.
A faint murmur echoed among the nobles, but Gabriel persisted, his voice becoming softer yet sharper. "However, it appears that this information was not included in today's presentation. While I understand the complexities of bureaucracy, I believe Ashmont's data would have added significant clarity to this discussion, particularly regarding the safety measures we have developed over the years." The jab was served to all who were in charge of preparing the materials for the hearing. Gabriel noticed the next topic on the list and had a hunch that they believed the project should not be closely examined.
Gabriel changed the display to a chart comparing Aether grades and properties. "Now, regarding the Taloma Pass project, we are working with blue-grade ether. While more potent than white aether, it is much more stable than red-grade aether, which is found in coastal regions. Red-grade aether is volatile and poses numerous safety risks, as many of you are aware. In contrast, blue-grade aether provides a higher energy yield while remaining manageable under strict containment protocols."
The display shifted again, this time highlighting containment measures developed during the Ashmont project. "These protocols were tested extensively and refined in Ashmont under less-than-ideal conditions. Taloma Pass, with its stable environment and higher aether potential, provides a more controlled setting for these measures to be implemented on a larger scale."
Gabriel paused, allowing the information to settle. His gaze swept the room, confident and unwavering. "Your Majesty, members of the parliament, the Taloma Pass project is not an experiment. It is the culmination of years of research, testing, and practical application. The foundation has already been laid—we are simply building upon it."
Damian leaned forward slightly, his fingers steepled. "A compelling argument, von Jaunez. And while I appreciate your thoroughness, I expect a detailed report outlining these containment protocols and safety measures. Submit it directly to my office by the end of the week."
Gabriel inclined his head. "It will be done, Your Majesty. The report will be thorough and delivered well before the deadline." He promised the delivery knowing that they already had all the information presented. It would take a capable teammate of his no more than two days to be ready.
Damian's gaze lingered on Gabriel for a moment longer before he leaned back, his tone taking on a sharper, almost teasing edge as he addressed the room. "One final note about the official documents for everyone in attendance: pheromones have no place in official documents. Keep your reports accurate, your arguments logical, and your presentations free of unnecessary... embellishments."
Gabriel was relieved that he had completed the presentation before the Emperor called on the pheromones on the documents. He was confident that it was not a coincidence that he chose to bring it up. Gabriel looked at Elliot. The arrogant man, who had made him uncomfortable with his advances, trembled like a leaf. His terrified gaze was focused on the Emperor.
The Emperor's comment, vague yet cutting, elicited a ripple of discomfort from several nobles. It was aimed at no one and everyone, but as Gabriel's gaze, George's and Max's were directed to the blonde man.
As the meeting drew to a close, Damian turned his attention to George. His voice was casual, but there was an unmistakable edge to his words. "You've done well assembling this team, George. Though I must admit, it seems you've stolen a talent I would have liked to cultivate myself."
George maintained his composure, despite a flicker of tension in his jaw. He disliked that he had to bring Gabriel in front of the assembly. He possessed a talent that would draw a lot of attention to him. "Gabriel von Jaunez is dedicated to the project Your Majesty. His loyalty lies with the task at hand."
Damian chuckled, leaning back on his seat. "We'll see, George. We'll see."