No one answered. Only the Grand Duke stepped forward, his face as hard and cold as the northern ice pillars.
"Your Majesty, this is not merely a rebellion," the Grand Duke said sharply.
"Their true target is Zelthar. Because Zelthar, since the beginning has refused to betray the Blood Pact made with the empire."
The Emperor looked at the Grand Duke, his eyes reddening.
"And because Zelthar refused," the Grand Duke continued, "they chose to attack Zelthar's allies and followers first. Only then will they strike Zelthar itself. That is the final requirement to bring down the imperial throne."
One imperial general swallowed hard.
"If even one main heir dies…" The Grand Duke swept his gaze across the hall, his voice quiet yet resounding.
"The Blood Pact will lose its meaning. There will be nothing left to bind the five clans to the emperor."
The words struck the marble floor like a blade of ice.
