The emperor snapped his fingers as the arguments didn't seem to stop.
The emperor's snap hit the room like a hammer striking metal.
Every voice fell silent at once.
He turned to his brother, the commander of the royal army.
"What do you think, Vikram? What should we do?"
Vikram finally lifted his head.
He had been quiet the whole time, listening to every argument without interrupting.
His face showed deep thought, as if he had been weighing every word spoken so far.
After a moment, he stood up.
"With everything we've heard… we cannot allow a traitor to move around freely."
His tone was calm, but the killing intent behind it was sharp enough to make a few officials stiffen in their seats.
The emperor didn't look surprised.
He simply nodded and turned his gaze to another corner of the hall.
"What about you, Sir Vined?"
Vined rose slowly.
"I agree with Sir Vikram," he said.
