Perhaps sensing Luna's growing panic, Leo stepped forward and took the initiative to greet her.
"I hope you have been well, Aunt Luna."
"You've certainly taken 'good care' of the family in my absence."
Leo spoke with a smile, his tone that of a rightful "master" returning home. This left Luna feeling humiliated, but she was not the type to surrender easily. She took a deep breath to steady herself.
She was Luna Saint Gallus, the Tech-Lord of the family. She had researched STCs for twenty years, was backed by the Adeptus Mechanicus, and possessed taboo knowledge beyond the imagination of ordinary men. Her opponent was merely a junior; there was nothing to fear.
Driven by a sudden flash of inspiration, she looked up and pointed at Guss and Anthony.
"Perhaps they have been corrupted by Chaos along with Leo!"
"Otherwise, why would the Governor suppress the news of Leo's exoneration?"
"They must have tampered with the evidence where we couldn't see it!" She sneered. "I do not recognize this so-called proof!"
Raynor spread his hands, looking completely innocent.
"Lady Luna, you must be joking." His tone was relaxed, like a casual chat between friends. "I have no authority to command the Emperor's most loyal servants."
He looked toward Bishop Anthony.
"Everyone here knows Bishop Anthony's devotion. If I ever dared to try and corrupt him..." He smiled and glanced at the old man sitting in the primary seat. "Archbishop Goodwin would be the first to have my head."
Goodwin, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. He stood up. His aged silhouette suddenly seemed to tower over the room. He walked to Bishop Anthony's side, his Pure White Eyes—capable of seeing through all things—staring directly at Luna.
He didn't even activate his psychic abilities, but Luna still felt a wave of guilt under that piercing gaze.
"Bishop Anthony," Goodwin's voice was ancient yet carried the authority of a high superior. It was a presence earned through three hundred years in the Ecclesiarchy, weathering countless storms. "He is the head of the Ecclesiarchy in the Mid-Hive and the recognized successor to the next Archbishop."
He raised his scepter and pointed it at Luna.
"His loyalty to the Emperor is not for a mere Regent like you to question!"
Bishop Anthony took a timely step forward. A holy aura unique to the clergy radiated from him—pure and searing, like sunlight piercing through clouds. It was an aura belonging only to those who threw themselves entirely into their faith, earned through countless days and nights of prayer, penance, and devotion. Anyone could sense that this was the essence of a truly pious man; it had nothing to do with Chaos.
The hall fell into a profound silence. Those who had been questioning Leo just moments ago now kept their mouths shut.
In a corner of the meeting room, Solene Vimlot stood quietly. Dressed in a common servant's uniform, she blended in with the attendants serving tea, remaining entirely inconspicuous. The blackstone amulet hidden against her chest suppressed her psychic fluctuations. However, her eyes never left Luna. If Luna dared to make any out-of-line move or expose her true face, Solene would step forward and judge her publicly.
Luna said nothing more. She could feel the atmosphere in the room shifting against her. The nobles who had been standing by her side began to look away; those who had cheered for her now lowered their heads, afraid to meet her eyes. She knew she had lost this round.
But it didn't matter—the bet was still on. As long as she took Karl II first, she would still be the Crusade Marshal, and she would remain the Regent.
Just then, an elderly Paladin stood up. He wore the exclusive master-crafted power armor of House Saint Gallus, though the Great Bear crest on his chest was worn almost beyond recognition. His hair was white and his face was etched with the marks of time, but his eyes were bright and sharp.
Galileo Saint Gallus. He was one of the family's most senior Paladins. In his youth, he had fought side-by-side with Caladog, participating in over a hundred campaigns that the Great Bear had led on Brevis. His seniority surpassed everyone else in the family present.
He glanced at Luna. That single look carried a silent judgment. Then, he left his seat and walked toward Leo. He stopped in front of Leo and dropped to one knee.
"Young Master Leo." His voice was old but struck with the force of iron. "Galileo Saint Gallus wishes to follow you."
Looking at this scene, Leo somehow thought of the aged figure who always sat upon the throne. A wave of warmth surged through his heart, and he quickly stepped forward to help the old knight up.
With Galileo leading the way, half of the twenty-odd Paladins present stood up. They walked silently, one after another, to stand behind Galileo and knelt before Leo. Then came the retainers and generals—those who had served House Saint Gallus for generations.
Their numbers accounted for nearly half of the meeting's attendees. And this was despite the fact that those invited to this meeting were already the faction more inclined toward Luna. Many of those loyal to the legitimate line had refused to attend in the first place.
Luna's face was ashen. She wanted to say something but found no words. She had no advantage over Leo. In terms of bloodline, she was from a side branch while Leo was the eldest grandson of the direct line. In terms of honor, she couldn't yet match the glory Leo had earned at the Forbidden Wall. In terms of prestige, the way the Paladins looked at her was worlds apart from how they looked at Leo.
She could only stand there, watching people leave her camp one by one. Her internal resentment toward Caladog deepened.
Leo remained silent for a long time. He looked at the people kneeling before him. Galileo, the old knight who had watched him grow up. Other familiar faces, some whose names he knew, some he didn't. But they all knew his name.
He knew that many people actually disliked his hot-tempered nature. Within the family, he had always been viewed as an "unconventional young master," far less reliable than his father, Alistair. Yet, in this moment of crisis, they still chose to stand by his side.
Whatever their individual reasons, there was a consensus: it was better to have this boy as a leader than to let that foolish woman, Luna, destroy Saint Gallus.
Leo took a deep breath to settle his emotions and spoke.
"I haven't returned this time to succeed the throne."
Everyone watched him.
"My grandfather, High King Caladog, is still missing, his fate unknown." Leo's voice was slightly raspy. "As long as there is a sliver of hope for his life, I have no right to sit in that seat."
Knight Galileo's eyes brightened. This humility and filial piety were exactly the virtues a knight should possess.
"However," Leo looked at Luna, his gaze as cold as a gale sweeping across the ice fields. "The family is currently leaderless and desperately needs a qualified head to lead us through these hardships. I believe no one is more suitable than I."
He immediately announced:
"From this day forward, I shall temporarily serve as the family's Prince Regent, acting on behalf of the High King to manage all family affairs."