Milan had gathered all of the noble dukes that have arrived to the capital.
Unfortunately for him, every single one had talked to Raguel already, which made his task much harder.
'How is that even possible...?' He bit his thumbnail as he walked towards the hall where he would try to convince other noble houses to support him and not the 'Princess of Fools'
'Why do I even have to convince them... They should see reason!' He grumbled as he approached ornate wooden doors.
No matter how he put it, Raguel was an anomaly.
Someone who would have to be dealt with, just the sheer speed she had to possess to deliver the messages before he could have a chance to talk to them was incomprehensible.
Clap
Milan clapped his hands, Aurelia had wasted instant letters.
A rather rare item created by users with the [Inscription] skill.
They could create scrolls, among other things, but the most valuable commodity they could create was Instant Letter.
Capable of reaching the receiver in an instant.
However, Inscripters could only create 1 a day, while some experienced skill holders could do 2.
The royal family had access to at least 3 of those Inscripters.
And possibly a stash of the letters, which would most of the time be used in case of emergency, or in case of war.
To use such a valuable communication commodity for such a thing as a summons letter was stupidity he would expect of Aurelia.
He scratched his chin for a moment, "And yet Volt said she spoke to him, she had personally brought him the summons."
Someone couldn't travel that fast, and yet everyone he spoke to said she brought them personally.
He understood himself as he lived in the capital, but someone like Volt was days away.
He shook his head, it did not matter. Once Aurelia and Raguel were taken care of by the first legion, he would investigate what she had wasted.
With a push, the doors creaked open, presenting a hall occupied by 4 more dukes.
Admittedly, such a large hall was unsuitable for the number of people it would host, as it was made for dozens, but it did not matter.
More space never hurts to have.
He approached the podium before scanning the attending nobles.
Duke Ramiz of House Jade.
Duke Lav of House Opal.
Duke Jarn of House Emerald.
His eyes fell on one man, unlike others who sat close to each other, he distanced himself, staring out of the window.
His face that of annoyance.
It was Duke Laz of House Diamond, a rather reclusive man who did not bother with anything other than senate voting and ruling his domain.
He turned his head towards Milan.
"Duke Milan, I understand you had a need to reassert yourself, but did you really have to call us here instead of just making your case once the senate gathers?" His voice was tired and laced with frustration.
"No, I have gathered you here because you are the only ones wise enough not to fall for the lies of Raguel and Aurelia!" Milan truly wished to emphasize his dislike for the fool of a princess and her so-called messenger who dared barge into his home.
"I have called you here to ask for your support in wresting control of the First Legion from the royal family!" He spoke casually, manners did not matter anymore.
He was on a short timer, considering how easily Raguel was able to sow fear into anyone she spoke with.
But not him, he would not easily be swayed.
Everyone had their limits, and despite her possibly being a rather powerful warrior, it wouldn't matter.
If he took control of the first legion, it would be over for Aurelia.
Laz lifted his brow, "No."
"What you are proposing is treachery. House Diamond does not support it, no matter how illegitimate Aurelia is." Laz spoke in a strict tone, not allowing Milan to trample over his own authority.
Voices of support echoed after him. Ramiz, Lav, and Jarn agreed with Laz.
"If you wish to punish her, we will do that once the senate gathers. If she refuses to step down, that is when taking control of the first legion would be allowed." Laz pushed himself up, his blue eyes piercing through Milan.
Milan blinked; he hadn't expected them to so quickly dismiss him.
He was supposed to be a king after Avaros was gone, and his destiny was slipping through his fingers each moment he did not act.
However, he did understand Laz, not everyone wished to go against a party that had control over the First Legion.
No, there was one more party capable of influencing the legion without nobility.
The Church of Chrunus. They would ask for a sizeable donation but they could influence Legion to act in their interests.
He took a deep breath, "I understand. We will discuss this once the Senate gathers, forget about my request."
Lav spoke, his voice steady and full of authority. "For your own good, do not do anything rash."
He nodded, "I will meet with Aurelia. I will be looking forward to the gathering."
With those words, he turned heel and walked out, leaving confused nobles behind.
Why had Milan wasted their time like this?
It wasn't like him to behave so inappropriately.
He behaved in such a way that they reconsidered the decision to install his house as the replacement for the Royal Family.
"Well!" Jarn slapped his knees before standing up, "This was rather unproductive. I will go enjoy my visit before the senate gathers."
Other dukes merely nodded.
Ramiz finally spoke, his annoyed expression evident at having his time wasted, "Milan is not behaving like himself. Be on your guard. We will denounce the pretender through legal means, not with force. And if Milan does something, we will have a vote to remove him."
With those words, dukes bowed to each other and made their way out of the hall, There was still a week until everyone was ready for the senate gathering.