Back in the Elders Hall, the discussions were drawing toward their conclusion when someone abruptly stood.
"I demand to suspend the cadet named Cale Midgar."
The statement hung in the air like a blade.
"Oh... the duke's kid?" someone murmured.
"What did he even do?" another asked.
"He interfered in a planned duel," the standing council member said flatly.
Marcus sighed deeply, he'd already anticipated this exact moment.
"Do you think I don't know that fight was planned by that boy named Lark, who coincidentally happens to be your relative?"
"That's not the point!" the man snapped. "The point is he interfered with it!"
Silvester, lounging in his seat with an infuriating smirk plastered across his face, spoke up lazily.
"And why not tell them the complete story?"
"Complete story?" someone asked, turning toward him.
