Reluctantly, the nobles took their seats, along with some of the barbarian leaders, including Ragnar. As soon as he sat down, Ragnar spoke.
"The purpose of convening this Platinum Council is simple: to elect a king of the North."
"What?!"
"This is madness!"
At the word "king," some nobles gasped in shock.
"A king! Are you out of your mind?"
"This is outright treason against the empire!"
"Treason, you say?" Ragnar scoffed, watching the nobles' intense opposition.
"So loyal, aren't you? While the Emperor controls the North's food supply, holding you all by the neck, you bow and grovel in submission."
"You scoundrel!" a noble growled.
"Silence!" Ragnar's roar made many nobles clutch their ears. It was as though a dragon had roared right in front of them.
"The children of the icy plains are starving! And yet, you continue to offer empty loyalty, thinking only of your own safety. If that's the case, then perhaps..." Ragnar rose to his feet, scanning those around him.
