"But do not fret, for there is good in all the bad," Lucien continued, "The Iron Line will dwindle after every battle, meaning that their threat isn't as great now, which allows us to plan on cleaning our gardens of any weeds dressed in purple flowers, or in other words, the Noble Bloods who betrayed our Empire and all the High Monarch stood for."
That was something Blanc liked hearing as he nodded along to Lucien's words, since this might be the opportunity for them to bring Sera back.
"Which is why I wish to present to all present one of our most esteemed guests who travelled far for this Concord." Lucien got up from his chair, "Please, let me present to you all, the most esteemed scholar of the last three centuries, the Lord of Words, High Bezel Domini of the Archivum Civitas."
Blanc and Celine's eyes jumped wide at the mention of Bezel Domini's presence, for the description Lucien used to introduce him was but a large understatement of Bezel Domini's achievements in the advancements of the last century.
A commoner of no renown, now a Noble Blood of the highest order, below only to the Crownbounds due to his genius.
A man over a century old, who is widely regarded as the Thoughts of the High Monarchs, the inspiration that brought a long-standing peace in the Senvia Empire, with only his words of wisdom.
He was no advisor as Blood Maroux was, yet the raw truths he so often preached, alongside his groundbreaking advancements in medicine, literature, warfare, philosophy, agriculture, mining, Raw and True Vita, and magic, had turned the Empire and its rulers into one of the most feared powers on the continent, if not the most.
Not to mention that he commanded the deepest and most expansive web of spies and informants, with the Archivum Civitas alone having provided vital intel to all Noble Bloods throughout the ongoing war.
So, as he stepped forward, his small figure, aged body, and bald head did not even matter to the eyes of Blanc, as his achievements made him look taller and mightier than a mountain.
He was so mesmerized by Bezel Domini's presence that he did not even wait until the formal greeting before he started clapping.
It did not take long before the other joined suit, with formality being all but a hoax in front of such a man.
They clapped for five entire minutes, in which Bezel Domini had a small talk with Lucien, before they finally subsided.
"May the Vita be my witness when I say this to you," the rugged voice of the mighty old man said as he turned around, looking into the eyes of all present, "I am honored to be in your presence."
And the feeling was mutual without anyone saying it.
"To answer one of Lord Maroux's concerns, the reason as to why no intel came from our side was because for the last half a month, the Iron Line has remained encamped in the same place, which we used as an attempt to infiltrate their ranks, to try and gather as much information as possible," Bezel Domini explained, "And as Lord Maroux explained previously, we gathered only the same intel, that the Ulveth Kingdom has retreated outside of our borders. We now try to climb the ranks to see if the higher ranks of the Iron Line have more knowledge as to when and where the Ulveth Kingdom might make a move once more, or the reason for their departure."
Blanc rose to his feet, unable to hold back the curiosity pulling at his tongue, "I apologize, but High Bezel Domini, may I ask a question?"
"Lord Blanc," Bezel Domini nodded lightly, "Your achievement has reached my ears as well. I would be honored to answer any concerns of yours."
"No concerns, My Lord," Blanc shook his head, "Just wondering on your opinion on the matter, and if it matches Lord Maroux's."
"The way I see it, and apologies if I sound frank, but King Yalan is more than likely taking all the captured Noble Bloods inside his Kingdom to satisfy his complaining nobles. Because a prolonged campaign has issues of its own that do not seem immediately obvious," Bezel Domini began, "And if my theory is right, which I hope it isn't, he will make a show of power out of those captured, perhaps even execution of some of the hostages, to calm down their spirits and remove any ideas of rebelion while he is absent."
"That…" Blanc muttered as the answer he received was worse than he hoped for.
"Do not worry, Lord Blanc," the old man smiled warmly, "King Yalan is not enough of a madman to touch the Patriarch and Heir of Blood Denegis."
"We can only hope you are right, High Bezel Domini," Mera sighed.
Blanc could only reply with a nod of gratitude before returning to his seat.
"Another question, good Lord," Lea said, getting to her feet, "What is your Lordship suggesting we do now?"
"On this side of the Empire?" Bezel Domini chuckled wisely, a low rumble in his voice, "The same thing Lord Maroux recommended, that we use the absence of King Yalan as our own chance to consolidate our powers into a single group, and use that to remove all traitors. The Sedes Sanguins cannot be filled in a rush just so that we unite under a single banner. Such a mistake might really spell our doom."
Lucien was the next to speak, wanting to add on top of Bezel Domini's words, "The Imperial Bloodline is dead, and a Noble Blood has to take its place, but for that to happen, many things must be considered, and that headache ought to take more than a few years to ensure a fair and correct decision is made for the Empire as a whole."
"Correct," Bezel Domini nodded, "But for such considerations to even begin, we must remove all those who have no place at such a discussion. Those who would see the Empire burn for their own greed."