"Have you forgotten how to read? The Hero was invited to the meeting."
"I know that, I am asking why he is coming with you."
"Oh? Did you not hear?
The Hero's marrying my daughter."
Veylara dropped the bomb and in an instant, everyone in the room widened their eyes in disbelief. Heck, even the man involved was surprised and was staring at the woman with an absurd look on his face.
Kael blinked, considering the possibility.
He tried to predict what their future together would look like, and no matter how many different angles he looked at it from, he could only see one result—him being burned to ashes.
So unless he had Fire Immunity like Igni…
"What are you talking about?"
Varyon narrowed his eyes, he obviously noticed Kael's reaction, the Hero clearly didn't know anything about this.
The others were the same, after the initial surprise, they all frowned.
'What is this woman trying to do?'
If they weren't scared of her lashing back at them, all of them would have already lost their calm.
In an instant, the air in the meeting hall turned heavier. Veylara's absurd statement went unchallenged since no one dared to challenge her. They all just stared at her, wanting more explanation.
And the woman grinned,
"Come on, I was only making a joke.
What happened to you people? Has the life of this council disappeared ever since I retired? I guess that would make sense, considering the boring old men are running the show now."
Varyon's mouth twitched at those words, it was clear to him who the boring old men was.
Kael himself had no clue what was happening. Then suddenly, Veylara turned towards him and,
"Hero Kael cannot marry my daughter."
That man Kael frowned.
He wasn't that bad of a match, was he?
"He has tried to break off my marriage and seduce me, I wouldn't like it if my daughter's husband is secretly in love with me, it would crush my daughter's heart."
Once again, the Meeting Hall turned silent, this time, all eyes were on Kael, who was staring at Veylara with his mouth agape, unable to believe what this woman just said.
"Alright, that is enough."
Suddenly, a deep voice was heard, attracting everyone's attention.
Kael turned towards the one who spoke, and his eyes fell on a tall, gaunt man with pale skin and piercing silver eyes that gleamed like moonlight. He had long, jet-black hair that was tied back, revealing sharp, aristocratic features. He wore a high-collared, obsidian-black coat adorned with silver embroidery. A deep violet cape, fastened by a crescent-shaped brooch, draped over his shoulders, exuding an aura of quiet menace.
On his chest was his family sigil—a silver crescent moon with dragon eyes peering through the dark—and the instant Kael saw the sigil, he understood which family he belonged to.
The last of the three Founding Families of Drakthar, the Nightvale Family.
The family in charge of Intelligence, Assassination, and Internal Stability, and if Kael wasn't wrong, then this man was—
Zephyr Nightvale, the Head of the Nightvale Family, and the King's closest aide.
"Lady Veylara is here in place of the High Marshal Sylthar Stormhold and is representing him. Hero Kael went to Commander Arlan's house for dinner yesterday, Lady Veylara was there as well, so they came together."
Zephyr explained everything calmly, then, he turned towards Veylara and,
"Lady Veylara, please settle down. The King will be here any time now."
The moment he spoke, even Veylara calmed down and settled down. Kael sat down next to her as he stared at the meeting hall.
By now, he had already gotten used to the unnecessary grandness of this place, so he wasn't surprised. It was a circular chamber with high ceilings and walls made of dark stone. A massive round table sat at the center, surrounded by ornate chairs. Golden chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm glow.
Instead of the Meeting Hall, Kael was more interested in the people in the room. The most influential families, the families he learned about the moment he opened the history books, most of them were here.
The Hero wanted to observe all seven people present here, but then, King Alden walked in, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
The seven people in the council stood up, Kael did the same.
Zephyr bowed his head and greeted, Kael and others followed. The King waved his hand, making them stop. There was no time for formalities, he nodded at the Hero for a moment, Kael nodded back and Alden finally sat down.
Once the King settled down, the others followed, then, the King began,
"We all know about the Xenthalor Empire and their recent actions. How should Drakthar react to it?"
It was a direct question, clearly, the King didn't wish to waste any more time than they already had, and the council had the same thoughts.
"There is nothing to consider. No matter what new name they give it, they are using the Power of Corruption, a power that would bring Nerathis to ruins.
As Commander Cedric of Eryndor Kingdom mentioned, they wouldn't have tried to hide it unless they had something to hide. The only reason they came out clean was because the Hero called them out and the Crown Prince pressed on.
The Xenthalor cannot be allowed to continue dealing with the Power of Corruption. We already have Twilight to worry about, we cannot add Xenthalor to the fray.
We must command Xenthalor to stop. If they don't, then…
We gather allies and declare war."
The Grand Marshal spoke up, his expression stern. In an instant, the air grew heavier, the councilmen's faces turned grim.
It was a scenario they wanted to avoid.
After all, the Xenthalor Empire wasn't weak. Drakthar may be the strongest kingdom, but the peace that has lasted for more than 300 years had given Xenthalor more than enough time to strengthen themselves.
Defeating them wouldn't be easy, especially if they considered the possibility of Xenthalor working together with Twilight.
This war… it might destroy… everything.
The councilmen all lowered their heads, but then,
The High Marshal spoke up.