The atmosphere in the Imperial throne room was tense. Nobles and ministers looked from one person to another, waiting to see how the confrontation would unfold.
"What the Grand Duke is saying is a severe cause for concern," a Count said, looking toward Rosalia, who was seated on the throne beside the main throne.
"Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress cannot simply shut down the brothel! It is a long standing tradition of the Caelthra Empire," a Baron said, raising his voice as he looked toward Rosalia as well.
Rosalia narrowed her eyes at their words.
"Do you not trust your Empress? Has she ever failed you?" Rosalia asked.
"The Empress Dowager misunderstands the concerns of these fine noblemen," Alexander said from where he leaned against a pillar.
"I have merely raised concerns for the welfare of our Empire, and these men simply understand those concerns."
"My dear brother-in-law seems to have forgotten that questions are not raised in such a manner without reason," Rosalia replied with a cold, mocking smile.
"Her Majesty the Empress is closing the brothel because of the evil deeds taking place there."
"Oh, but the fire happened on the very same day Her Majesty sent Duke Zepher to the Cerulean brothel," Alexander countered.
"Perhaps Grand Duke Caelthorne has not heard of the word coincidence."
Marceline spoke from where she stood beside Rosalia.
"It's rather like when Grand Duke Caelthorne was caught with the late Duke Sebastian Zepher's sword in his chamber after the slaughter of the Zepher Duchy."
Alexander stiffened.
Rosalia released a mocking huff of laughter as several nobles covered their mouths to hide their snickers.
'This wench.'
Alexander cursed silently.
After Alexander had ordered his men to attack the Zepher Duchy, he had them bring Sebastian Zepher's sword back with them.
The sword had black obsidian embedded in its hilt, which enhanced its magical properties.
During the investigation into the massacre, Alexander became a suspect, and the sword was eventually discovered in his chamber.
To deny his involvement, he claimed that Sebastian had willingly lent him the sword and that, now that Sebastian was dead, he had intended to keep it as a way of honoring his fallen friend.
Emperor Augustus knew it was a lie at first.
However, Alexander had produced a forged note supposedly written by Sebastian. Eventually, Augustus believed his younger brother's explanation.
And now Marceline had dragged that matter back into the light.
To dig up something that old...
This was exactly why Marceline needed to go.
Alexander could never get what he wanted while Marceline was there, wielding the noble perspective against him.
Alexander clenched his jaw before replying with a tight smile.
"Lady Peirce shouldn't bring such a matter up. Duke Zepher must be melancholic at the reminder of such an event."
"I am not in any sort of melancholy, Grand Duke Caelthorne."
Nolan's expression remained stiff.
"You didn't say anything about the matter," Alexander replied, his jaw clenching further.
"I'd rather not discuss the strange circumstances of my elder brother leaving his sword to you rather than me."
Nolan's eyes narrowed.
"It is rather unnatural that Grand Duke Caelthorne was the one late Duke Zepher trusted."
Marceline smirked.
"Duke Zepher was only a child back then. You wouldn't have needed such a powerful sword at the time."
Alexander's voice remained calm.
"Then return Lord Nolan the sword now. He is older, after all."
Marceline tilted her head.
"He's the Captain of the Imperial Guards. He can handle his brother's sword. So shouldn't Grand Duke Caelthorne return it?"
"Lady Peirce should really mind her own affairs."
Alexander's smile remained polite, though his eyes had hardened.
"I have no objection to Lady Marceline's insights."
Nolan's voice cut in.
"As we share the same thoughts on this matter, just as the concerned noblemen have shared their opinions with you regarding the brothel."
Before Alexander could respond, an announcement echoed through the throne room.
"ALL HAIL HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EMPRESS INES DEL CAELTHORNE!"
Everyone immediately lowered their heads as Ines strode into the throne room and toward the throne.
She sat down.
The ladies curtsied and the lords bowed.
"Blessings and glory upon the brilliant light of the Caelthra Empire, Your Majesty the Empress."
Alexander remained standing among the crowd, his eyes meeting Ines's.
The corners of Ines's lips hardened into a cold smirk.
She raised her hand.
"Rise."
Everyone obeyed.
"Now..."
Ines's voice echoed through the throne room as she spoke with a calm smile.
"What are your concerns?"
The nobles who had been so eager to raise their voices suddenly found their words caught in their throats.
The hairs on the backs of their necks stood on end.
The nobles who stood on Ines's side smirked as they looked toward their opposition.
"Your Majesty, must you truly shut the brothel down? The Cerulean brothel has produced Flower Maidens for centuries. It is a long-standing tradition."
A man with bluish hair spoke.
"When there is rot in a plant, simply cutting off the stem will not be enough."
Ines's gaze settled on him.
"The rot will simply spread to the other branches. To truly rid a plant of rot, it must be uprooted from the very base."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Wouldn't you agree, Viscount Monte?"
Viscount Monte flinched.
He understood exactly what Ines was implying.
His business involved transporting crops and plants.
But alongside his legitimate business, he also had an illegal operation involving marijuana.
Had Ines found out about it?
'No...'
He couldn't afford to let his family name be dragged through the mud.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
Viscount Monte immediately lowered his head.
"Forgive me for ever questioning your judgment."
'Coward.'
Alexander scoffed inwardly.
'All of them are cowards.'
Unfortunately for Alexander, most of his supporters had yet to arrive at the Imperial Palace for the upcoming Imperial banquet.
"Your Majesty," Alexander finally spoke. "Why is it that the brothel caught fire on the very day you sent Duke Zepher to arrest the Madam and the workers?"
"If I had intended to set the Cerulean brothel on fire, I would have simply done it. I wouldn't need to scheme through Rosetta."
Ines's gaze swept across the room.
"For all of you who are so concerned about tradition, shall I convict you all for supporting human trafficking and necrophilia?"
Her voice turned cold.
"Have any of you even looked at the list of crimes for which the brothel is being shut down?"
Her eyes settled on Alexander.
"Grand Duke, if it pains you so much, will you take responsibility for every crime committed within that brothel?"
Alexander's fists clenched tighter.
"But if only a new head were placed-"
Ines raised a hand.
"Will you take responsibility for the brothel?"
Her voice remained calm.
"If something happens, will you be the new head?"
She paused.
"No?"
Ines turned toward the exit.
"Then this session is over."
She began walking away.
"Dismissed."
With that, Ines left the throne room.
As the nobles began dispersing, Alexander slammed his fist against the pillar.
'Just a little more time...'
His eyes burned with hatred.
'I will show you exactly where you belong, you little wretch.'
His jaw tightened.
'Under my foot.'
He turned and stormed away.