The Imperial Council Chamber remained silent.
Prince Kael Asterion stood at the center of the circular chamber, one hand resting lightly on the polished edge of the great stone table.
His words still lingered in the air.
"How exactly do you intend to collect taxes... from dead people?"
No one laughed.
No one whispered.
For the first time in years, the Council had been forced to confront a question no ledger could answer.
The Emperor slowly surveyed the room.
His gaze moved from minister to minister, then from prince to prince.
Finally, it settled on Kael.
"You have challenged the judgment of this Council."
His voice was calm, but it carried effortlessly to every corner of the chamber.
"Then prove your judgment is better."
Kael bowed his head slightly.
"I intend to."
The emperor raised a hand.
A servant immediately approached with a sealed scroll.
The Emperor didn't touch it.
Instead, he nodded toward the chancellor.
"Read it."
The Chancellor broke the seal and unfurled the parchment.
"The Imperial Treasury has completed its latest report on Blackwood Territory."
Several ministers straightened in their seats.
The treasurer adjusted his spectacles.
The report was one he knew well.
The chancellor read aloud.
"Population: Two thousand, eight hundred and ninety-three."
"Milled grain production has declined twenty-eight percent over the past decade."
"Livestock has declined thirty-one percent."
"Road maintenance has not been completed in fifteen years."
"The eastern irrigation canals collapsed eight years ago."
"The village school closed twelve years ago."
"The resident physician died six years ago."
Each sentence drew quieter reactions than the last.
Kael glanced toward Edwin, who stood quietly among the attendants.
None of this surprised him.
He had seen enough yesterday to know the report was probably optimistic.
Then came the final line.
"Current tax collection rate..."
The Chancellor paused.
"...forty-two percent."
Murmurs spread through the chamber.
Prince Lucien leaned forward.
"So the territory isn't refusing to pay."
"They can't pay."
The treasurer nodded reluctantly.
"That appears to be the case."
A heavy silence followed.
Then the First Prince, Cassian, rose.
His armor clinked softly as he stepped away from his chair.
"My father."
The emperor looked toward him.
Cassian continued.
"If I may."
"You may."
Cassian walked toward the center of the chamber, stopping across from Kael.
"Brother."
His tone wasn't mocking.
It was respectful.
"You are correct that Blackwood is suffering."
Kael nodded.
"But compassion alone is dangerous."
Cassian turned toward the Council.
"If taxes are reduced..."
"What happens when every struggling territory demands the same?"
No one answered.
Cassian continued.
"The Empire feeds nearly one hundred million citizens."
"It protects borders stretching thousands of kilometers."
"It wages wars."
"It builds roads."
"It funds magical academies."
He looked back at Kael.
"If every territory asks for mercy..."
"Who pays for the Empire?"
Several generals struck their spear shafts against the floor in agreement.
Kael listened without interrupting.
When Cassian finished, Kael inclined his head.
"You're asking the wrong question."
Cassian's brow rose.
"I am?"
"The question isn't who pays."
"It's why Blackwood stopped producing in the first place."
He pointed toward the report still held by the chancellor.
"If a mine collapses..."
"You don't demand more ore."
"You repair the mine."
Several scholars quietly nodded.
The Master of Agriculture smiled faintly.
The Emperor watched in silence.
Inside, however, he was pleased.
Neither son had resorted to insults.
Neither had raised their voice.
They debated the issue.
That was how rulers should disagree.
Near the back of the chamber, Princess Elena observed her brothers.
Most of the princes wanted the throne.
Very few wanted to understand the people they hoped to rule.
"Interesting..."
"Perhaps the Tenth Prince isn't Father's only surprise."
The system stirred within Kael's mind.
"Imperial Observation"
The Council is evaluating your judgment—not your strength.
Recommendation:
Continue speaking honestly.
Do not seek victory.
Seek understanding.
Kael almost smiled.
"You really are more teacher than system."
No response came.
The Emperor finally spoke again.
"Enough."
Every voice ceased.
He looked first to the treasurer.
"Freeze any increase in Blackwood's taxes."
The treasurer bowed.
"It shall be done."
Then to Kael.
"Do not mistake this for a victory."
"I won't."
"You have one year."
The Emperor's golden eyes locked onto his son's.
"Restore Blackwood."
"If your methods fail..."
"The Council will never again entertain arguments built on ideals alone."
Kael met his father's gaze.
"And if I succeed?"
The room grew still.
Even the ministers leaned forward.
The Emperor answered without hesitation.
"Then every lord in this Empire will be forced to learn from you."
A ripple swept through the chamber.
That wasn't a small promise.
If Kael succeeded, he wouldn't just save one forgotten territory.
He could change imperial policy itself.
Before anyone could speak again, the Master of Intelligence quietly entered through a side door.
He knelt beside the Emperor and whispered into his ear.
For the first time since the council began...
Aurelius's expression shifted.
It was subtle.
Almost impossible to notice.
Almost.
Kael noticed.
The emperor stood.
"The Council is adjourned."
The chamber erupted into confusion.
The Chancellor blinked.
"Your Majesty?"
"The remaining matters will wait."
Without another word, the Emperor left through the private doors.
The ministers hurried after him.
The princes exchanged wary glances.
Something had happened.
Something serious enough to interrupt the Imperial Council.
Kael watched the doors close.
Inside his mind, the system quietly displayed a single notification.
"Notice"
A major event has begun.
Hidden Storyline Detected.
Conditions for participation: Unknown.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
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