“I thank you in the name of the Andrade family. Sir Godfrey, if you would…” The princess turned toward her knight captain.

“Of course,” the man sat back down, practically deflating after he so obviously lost the argument. “The fifth decree is to ensure that the most necessary supplies such as food and basic tools and resources are to be exempt from taxation by all nobles. The prices of these will be set to a standard across the kingdom so that no one could extort unreasonable amounts of money from the people in need.”

The content of the fifth decree caused a fervent argument amongst the nobles whose territories specialised in agriculture since they already planned to profit from the lack of food in other territories.

“This will be all, princess,” Godfrey harrumphed before looking at the small scroll at the end of the pile. “Oh, there’s that one too. Should I...”

“There’s no need,” Helena shook her head while holding out her right hand expectantly. “I believe it should be my duty to declare that one.”

“As you wish, milady.” The man nodded while handing over the parchment which the young woman furled open in front of the curious gaze of the people present.

“During the aftermath of the Landwaker war, certain men and women from the outlanders that came to our world have distinguished themselves through their selfless service to the crown and its people. Hence, house Andrade hereby declares that these individuals are to be bestowed with the title of ‘Paragon’ as a symbol of Ecragurne’s gratitude.

The people present looked at each other surprised by the news they just heard. Paragons were the acknowledged heroes of the kingdom, earning the respect of its people while having certain privileges that even the nobility would yearn for.

“Sir Bailin of ‘The Crimson Archers’ from the Fawn Duchy is awarded the title of ‘Paragon’ for his heroic deed of leading his fellow mercenaries to retake Shale-gorge Keep from the demons and the undead, returning it under the command of the royal family.”

One of the men from the side opposite Regis’ became visibly elated, making the dark elf theorize that the outlander in question lived in his territory.

“Lady Priscilla of ‘The Wands of Fate’ from the city of Atraune is awarded the title of ‘Paragon’ for her heroic deed of vanquishing the undead ogres that attacked the city and its people, refusing any reward for her work.

The elderly spellcaster who previously pledged several tier two mages now showed a content smile as someone from their city received the prestigious title.

“Lady Elvira of ‘The Knights of the Lilac Order’ from the Emerst Duchy is awarded the title of ‘Paragon’ for her heroic deed of vanquishing an undead wyrm which invaded the duchy, saving its people.”

Yet another noble sighed wistfully after hearing the princess mention their territory.

“And finally,” she said while looking at the only dark elf wearing rune-dotted armour with a magic staff beside his seat. “Lord Regis Thorne is awarded the title of ‘Paragon’ for his deed of uncovering the treachery of the former lord of the Vidal territories, Arley Vidal. He executed the former lord according to the kingdom’s law and then kept supplying the royal army with enchanted arms and armour through requisition contracts, which, given the price of the ingredients and work involved, would have made him incur notable financial losses in the process. House Andrade is grateful to you for aiding our kingdom, even though your territory lies outside of our borders.”

Not being able to spit out a single word from being surprised by what was either a colossal misunderstanding or an extremely well-presented misdirection from the truth, Regis only managed to give a slight nod to the young woman while his eyes glowed faintly from the turbulent magic that flowed throughout his body.

“The fuck?” Quentin whispered with a baffled expression while many of the nobles around them looked at him with a newfound apprehension.

“With all of the royal decrees made known,” the princess spoke up again. “Let us continue with the assembly. Lord Merv, if you would be so kind.”

“Of course, your highness. Seventeen territorial matters need to be discussed today,” the man stated. “First, the matter of the port town of Hunor.”

The statement made by Lord Andrew caused Regis to raise an eyebrow as he had quite a history with Hunor.

“Several of my fellow noblemen present brought up the issue about the refugees from Hunor. Apparently, Lord Verhen and his soldiers claimed the port town during the undead tide after failing to escape the continent. When the threat was gone and the people wanted to head inland, they were trapped in Hunor.”

“Lies!” Verhen said with an indignant tone. “They were free to leave after my men made sure that they were of no threat to the kingdom.”

“You mean, after they were robbed blind by the crooks you enlisted as guards,” Natalie spoke up. “You even had the gall to turn your soldiers against the Exiled Court simply because we asked for appropriate compensation for aiding your soldiers in the town’s defence.”

“Compensation?” Verhen was fuming with rage as he shot up from his seat, ready to hurl the vine glass towards the dark elf woman. “You killed my son!”

“In self-defence. He tried to stab me after I told him to stop with his unwanted advances.”

“You lying bitch!” The words echoed as the man snapped and threw the glass forward, only for it to get caught by Etienne.

“That’s enough,” Sir Godfrey raised his voice, stopping everyone where they were. “We’re here to address the important matters of our kingdom, not your petty grievances. Sit down and stay silent!”

Verhen could only do as told, seeing the gleeful look Natalie gave him.

“As I was saying,” Lord Andrew cleared his throat awkwardly. “There are testimonies from the servants they sent to recruit people. The refugees were unable to leave Hunor on their own unless they paid an exorbitant sum to the guards. Said guards also hindered the recruitment process, saying that they were under orders from Lord Verhen.”

“I see,” Godfrey sighed as he looked at the archbishop, earning a nod while the priest stood up. “We shall immediately find out the truth of the matter.”

As he said that, archbishop Philip walked over to Verhen before a circle of golden light surrounded him and the man.

“Did you order your men to keep the refugees in your town with force if necessary?”

“I...” The nobleman tried to deny de accusations, but only black smoke wafted out of his mouth as he grunted in pain.

“Did you order your men to keep the refugees in your town with force if necessary?” The archbishop asked again with more force in his voice.

“I... I did.” Verhen admitted after much struggle.

“Did you order your men to extort the refugees in your town if they wanted to leave?”

“I did.” The second answer resounded.

“Did you order your soldiers to hinder the other lords’ people from recruiting the refugees?”

“I did.” The answer to the final question could be heard as the golden light faded and Philip turned around to go back to his seat.

“Lord Verhen,” Helena spoke up with a surprisingly cold tone. “You have admitted your crimes in front of the lords and ladies present, as well as the royal family. By my authority as the representative of house Andrade, I hereby strip you of your position as Lord of Hunor. You are to be detained and brought to the capital to await judgment there. Take him away!”

“W... wait! Your Highness!” Verhen tried to speak up as a pair of soldiers grabbed him, dragging the man away along with his attendants.

‘Shit went down way too fast.’ Regis thought to himself. ‘If they’re willing to imprison a noble just like that, then no one’s safe here. It’s best if I keep my mouth shut and don’t draw any attention to myself.’

His musings were cut short as Lord Andrew cleared his throat, snapping the stunned people in the dining hall out of their stupor.

“The second matter brought up by the people present here...” He began his speech, by explaining the matter of some valley being overrun by monsters between two lords’ territories.

It was soon followed by another matter that needed to be solved, which in turn was followed by another and then another one. It took almost two hours to go through all seventeen territorial matters before Sir Godfrey announced that they would hold a short break to have a meal and rest their minds. The servants of house Merv appeared, pushing tray carts into the hall to bring food for the guests. ‘This must have cost a bloody fortune.’ The loremaster thought as he watched the delicious-looking appetisers and main dishes placed in front of them while subtly checking them for poison.

“I must say,” Percy spoke from the side to entertain himself while his fellow nobles chatted on. “I didn’t expect you to receive the title of ‘Paragon’ for executing your friend’s father.”

“And I see that subtlety isn’t your strong suit,” Regis noted as he saw Zola almost choke on her food. “Let’s just say that Lord Vidal did something very bad and paid the price. Since Lady Zola was the only member of their family who would be suitable for the head position of the family, she took over.”

“Didn’t the man have any sons?”

“He did have one, but he was a wastrel,” Tristan immediately answered to cut any chance for gossip. “Their territory needed someone capable.”

“So… what was the crime?” Perry tried to pry out some more information from the dark elf in vain.

“Treason,” Regis answered. “If you want the details, then you’ll have to ask the princess. We’re not allowed to say anything else besides that Vidal’s actions were his own and the rest of his house knew nothing about the matter.”

“Alright,” the lordling sighed. “Then I won’t ask you about it any more. Seven knows I don’t want to anger the royal family.”

“A good decision,” Regis agreed. “Instead, why don’t you tell me about that whole ordeal with old mophead over there?”

“You mean Lord Humphrey? What about him?”

“He seems to have an issue with us outlanders.”

“I think the same is true for most of the nobility of Ecragurne,” the lordling remarked. “Your people just appeared out of thin air one day and became lords and ladies in barely a month. Understandably, they are quite nervous.”

“You mean they’re afraid that the outlanders will band together to mess with them.”

“That’s one way of saying it. You could also...” Perry tried to speak when the sound of a bell caught their attention.

The servants returned to clear the table as the nobles stood up to give them space. As they did, a soldier walked by, stopping beside the dark elf.

“Lord Regis,” the man called out to him respectfully. “Her Highness wishes to speak with you.”

“Oh, of course.” He said, following the soldier.

He was laid over to the far end of the dining hall under the gleeful gaze of the other nobles, finding the princess, her knight commander and the archbishop waiting there with another robe-wearing man.

“Your Highness.” He said while bowing slightly.

“Master Aron, if you would.” The young woman turned towards the robe-wearing man who just nodded and walked a few steps away from them before casting a bubble of arcane energy to surround the group, meant to isolate them from any outside influence.

As the barrier appeared, several soldiers surrounded it, their weapons pointed toward the dark elf.

“May I ask, what’s the meaning of this?”

“Lord Regis,” Archbishop Philip cleared his throat. “It has come to the princess' attention that you have a certain skill path which is on the brink of heresy.”

“Oh? Do tell.” He said with a poker face while screaming inwardly. ‘Seven fucking damn it!’

“While the kingdom is grateful to you for your aid in these troubling times, we were recently informed that you study transmutation alchemy.” The princess explained curtly, her words weighing heavy on the loremaster. “And I take it this information made itself to you through either Natalie Argent or one of her new acquaintances.”

“The source of the information does not matter.” Sir Godfrey stated in a cold tone.

“It does, though not to you. Go ahead then,” he looked at the archbishop. “Use your ‘truth seeker’ domain and ask your questions.”

The familiar golden light appeared from beneath the archbishop's feet, filling the entire barrier.

“Do you practice transmutation alchemy?” The first question resounded.“I do.” Regis answered without any issues.

“Have you ever used transmutation alchemy to create gold, silver or precious gems?”

“No, and I don’t plan to either.” He answered, surprising everyone.“Have you ever created any dangerous creatures, poison, or blasphemous items through transmutation alchemy?”

“No, and I don’t plan to either.” He repeated his answer, making Sir Godfrey harrumph.

“Is he able to resist your domain?” The knight commander asked Philip.

“No,” Regis answered. “I just don’t have anything to hide about the matter. I practice transmutation alchemy for the betterment of my people’s lives, but I know where to draw the line. Any other questions?”

“If you don’t use your skills for any of these, then what else do you use them for?” Archbishop Philip asked as the light slowly began to dim.

“Quite a lot, actually. I often use it to recycle damaged equipment and items for materials. I also use it to fuse lower quality materials into higher ones for crafting purposes, or to reshape materials into components for my own or my peoples’ crafts.”

“That’s enough, Father Philip,” the princess said as she waved dismissively at her soldiers. “Thank you for answering our questions and alleviating our worries. I hope you understand that we had little choice in the matter.”

“I do understand, although it was a bit unsettling. Now, would you tell me whom you’ve heard about it from?”

“I’m sorry,” the princess shook her head. “But I’ve made a promise not to divulge the source of the information.”“Fine,” the dark elf sighed. “But know that you’re protecting a snake. The only people to know about me practising transmutation alchemy besides my close companions were the Argent family.”

Mentioning the name caused Helena’s gaze to waver for a moment, making it obvious that she was indeed told about the loremaster’s secret by either the Argents or one of their new acquaintances.