In the temporary Council Hall of the Frost Halberd, the fire was burning brightly, casting flickers of light and shadow on the thick stone walls.
The thirteen seats were arranged according to protocol, but the atmosphere was as still as the snowstorm outside, with undercurrents surging beneath the silence.
The Sixth Prince Astha sat placidly on the left side of the main guest seat, his eyes quietly scanning the speakers in the hall.
Placed in the center of the room, he appeared somewhat uneasy. Compared to the seasoned foxes seated there, he was noticeably young, cautiously witnessing this silent blade confrontation.
The first to speak was Heluda, seated prominently on the right row. He represented the Imperial Capital's logistics bureau, exuding the "self-evident" arrogance of the nobility in his manner of speech.
He looked around and spoke in a gentle tone, "Everyone, the current state of the Northern Territory is surely clearer to all present here than to me.
