As Asher was having a pleasant time with the villagers within the Separate Dimension, at the Wargrave Ducal territory, a meeting between all noble households was being held. Within a dimly lit room, a gigantic round table could be seen, and around it were over fifty noble households that made up the Zarethorne Empire, each seated according to status and influence, their presence filling the chamber with quiet tension.
Emperor Zolthemir Lux Vanthelmor sat with calm ease; despite what had happened the previous day and the losses he had suffered, he maintained the grace and authority of one who ruled above all, his posture upright, his expression controlled, betraying nothing of the turmoil beneath.
"As everyone knows, I called this meeting to discuss what the Vandross Empire has done; we are all here to offer our own thoughts and solutions," the Emperor spoke as he remained seated, his voice steady, carrying across the room with undeniable authority.
