The procession enters Oriflamme beneath the towering Drake’s Head, whose crystal radiance crowns white walls, crowded streets, and the tightly governed capital. Veyra rides ahead with the sealed testimony; Neris remains unconscious under guard, while Maelor walks restrained.
Within the Imperial Palace, an elderly man with a severe, narrow face and silver-white beard waits beneath gold vestments. The Holy Emperor’s council forms a crescent behind him, robed in white and crimson.
Veyra
Your Radiance, these orders, rosters, statements, and false colors show Maelor’s rogue plot. Ser Jorren commissioned the design, then fled before judgment could reach him.
Veyra opens each bundle across the council table. Maelor stands between guards, wrists bound; beyond the chamber doors, Neris lies senseless beneath watch, unable to explain Leviathan’s presence.
Caspian
The evidence is not merely against Maelor. Jorren sought to make Sanbreque and Veldemarke destroy one another, and Neris’s arrival leaves a question neither court can ignore.
The Holy Emperor studies Caspian standing openly beside Betram, then looks toward the sealed northern petition Veyra carries for Rosaria. The council’s murmurs sharpen beneath the crystal’s distant hum.
the Holy Emperor
Before Sanbreque grants passage toward the Northern Territories, answer plainly: why should this council trust a Veldemarke prince, a rogue lord, and the testimony of a conspirator’s accomplice?
“Betram steps forward. "Uncle.... my apologies, I meant 'your grace', I vouch for him as Bahamut of Sanbreque. And Sir Elrik should have arrived ahead of us with the proof of Ser Jorren's involvement we recovered back in the village. He road ahead to deliver it to you and prevent war."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Betram Steelstream
Uncle... my apologies, Your Grace. I vouch for Caspian as Bahamut of Sanbreque. Sir Elric should have arrived with proof of Ser Jorren’s involvement from the village. He rode ahead to deliver it and prevent war.
Betram’s words cross the chamber with quiet authority. The council’s murmurs falter, while the Holy Emperor studies him as kin, Dominant, and sworn protector at once.
the Holy Emperor
You have spoken plainly, Betram. If Captain Elric carries the village proof, your testimony is not a plea made in ignorance. It is a guarantee from Sanbreque’s Bahamut.
Several councilors exchange guarded looks. Behind them, the palace guards keep Maelor restrained, their hands firm on his chains as the chamber’s suspicion turns toward the evidence yet to arrive.
Caspian
Your Grace, Betram’s word is joined to Veldemarke’s crown. I will answer for my part, and I will not permit either kingdom to use this crisis as a road to war.
the Holy Emperor
Then the petition for Rosaria will be heard. Sanbreque will await Elric’s proof, and until it arrives, no order will be given against Veldemarke. Your vouching has earned that much trust.