Meanwhile, Aurelius Rodrik finally understood why Count Oppa had been so confident in recommending these two mans to see him. Because they both were part of the reasons the Duke of Gondemar was banished.
Sancho accused the Duke of Gundemar of having suffered repeated defeats that led to the fall of Toledo. Luitprand saw Duke Gundemar's insistence that the war not allow peace as an obstacle to rebuilding the kingdom.
However, Rodrik quickly realized that this esteemed scholar was nothing like the rigid, dogmatic figures he had imagined. Luitprand was polite, measured, and answered every question with precision, yet he neither attacked Duke Gundemar nor criticized Chancellor Julian. Instead, he simply urged Rodrik to consider the limits of his resources and not overextend himself—exactly as he had written in his petition.
This conversation revealed even more hidden truths to Rodrik.
"Many of the petitions claim that there are no soldiers in the South. Is it true that Hispania's southern lands are completely defenseless?"
Luitprand was silent. Another one,the young inquisitor Sancho of Corduba did not hesitate. "There are fighters, but they are mostly scattered militias and disorganized warbands. Even if recruited, they would crumble in an open battle against the Saracen cavalry. The Gothic townspeople of the South are desperate for revenge but lack armor and proper weapons, so they can only fight in the mountains and ambush their enemies. Meanwhile, in the northeast, there are countless bands of lawless mercenaries—former Visigothic royal soldiers who fled the battlefield. They are well-armed but terrified of facing the Saracens again. Instead, they pillage the countryside. If not for this, Duke Gundemar, as much as he favors war, would never have sought to retreat to Astorga. His strategy was to secure reinforcements from the western provinces and rally the remaining Gothic forces."
Rodrik sighed. "I see. So, if we are to fight back, first we need the wealth of the northwestern provinces and east coastal area provinces, then we need reinforcements from the northeastern frontier, and finally, we must slowly rebuild our lord's will to resist. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And those urging me to march to Palencia instead of returning to Toledo… They do so because Palencia is the center of trade and the key to controlling Hispania's northern wealth? They see it as the economic foundation from which to rebuild?"
"Yes."
Rodrik furrowed his brow. "But if I move north, how do I secure the South?"
"You must entrust Toledo to General Rissal and dispatch another strong commander to the Ebro Valley to act as a buffer."
Rodrik narrowed his eyes. "If the Saracen forces suddenly abandon those two targets and instead march straight toward Palencia, pursuing our court northward, what then?"
"You must hold the Ebro River and await reinforcements from your allies while having General Rissal in Toledo and the eastern seaside frontier lords attack from behind."
"And if the Ebro River cannot be defended, and Toledo and the eastern provinces prove unreliable?"
"Then retreat from Palencia and regroup in the Barcelona."
"And if even the Barcelona cannot be held?"
Sancho of Corduba fell silent.
Rodrik closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. "I understand."
Finally, he leaned forward. "Sancho, I have to tell you something. When I fell into that river, I forgot a lot of things. This disturbs my court and throws my kingdom into uncertainty... That's why I can't let you go north like you planned. I appoint you to the post of Chancellor. Your wisdom will help stabilize the court."
Count Oppa stiffened in alarm. He had been following the conversation closely, but this decision caught him off guard. He instinctively opened his mouth to protest, only to remember that while Sancho of Corduba might be inconvenient, he was still an advocate for retreating north. At least for now, he was not the worst possible candidate.
So, Count Oppa forced himself to remain silent.
Sancho of Corduba, on the other hand, hesitated, clearly intending to decline. According to the traditional rules of politics, he is too young and not family-noble enough to hold such an important post.
Rodrik raised a hand before Sancho could speak. "We do not have the luxury for political rulse. Our kingdom is in ruin, our court is in exile. Here is royal council, the last true governing body of the Visigoths. Every delay in decision-making costs lives. From now on, if an appointment is offered, answer directly—either accept or refuse."
Sancho of Corduba had no choice but to accept,then knelt to his king.
Seeing this, Count Oppa wasted no time. He signaled discreetly to an attending scribe, instructing them to send a reliable scholar to the side chamber to draft the royal decree.
At that moment, Count Oppa felt an even deeper sense of unease. This was the second time Rodrik had displayed an alarming level of decisiveness. The entire framework of the temporary Visigothic rule was designed by the four chief ministers to limit the power of kings. The fact that Rodrik was so easily asserting himself—first with the military, now with the royal council—made Count Oppa feel like he was losing his grip on control.
Rodrik, however, ignored him. His attention shifted to the second guest.
"Chancellor Sancho, please take a seat. Now, Luitprand of Tarraco…"
Before he could finish, the young man suddenly stand and stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I request a private audience."
Rodrik blinked. "A private audience? Are we not already speaking in private?"
Luitprand said: "Your Majesty, there is precedent for this. When a high judge or a minister has accusations to bring against another noble, or when they wish to recommend a critical appointment, they may request to speak to the king alone. If Your Majesty grants his request, the rest of us will leave will leave the room."
"Let me take a look at your petition." Rodrik frowned but nodded. "Very well, speak freely. I have already seen. You were quite… aggressive in your calls for some people to be formally charged with treason."
Sancho of Corduba lifted his chin. "If I had not written those words, why I have to come here today?"
Rodrik chuckled. "Fair point. Very well, say what you came to say."
The young judge's voice was sharp and unwavering. "Your Majesty, I formally accuse Chancellor Julian, Count Oppa, and Count Theodemir of conspiring to isolate the royal court from the outside world, thereby endangering the kingdom."
Rodrik's amusement vanished.
"Furthermore, I petition for the immediate recall of Duke Gundemar and General Rissal to the royal court, as well as the recall of all Gothic field commanders to strengthen your rule."
The entire hall fell into a stunned silence.
Count Oppa's hands clenched involuntarily. Even Rodrik, who had been expecting political maneuvering, had not anticipated something this direct.
It seemed there were far more ambitious men in his court than he had assumed.