The tense meeting finally loosened as chairs shifted and the heavy air began to disperse. Caelum leaned back slightly, rubbing his temple, while the representatives from the three academies remained thoughtful.
Elena Voss rose first, gathering the hem of her gold-sigiled robes.
"I will bring this proposal directly to His Majesty," she said. "But understand—this matter cannot pass through ministers or council members. Only the king himself can hear it."
Caelum nodded. "That is the safest approach. Any leak above that… and the consequences would be catastrophic."
Vira Thornleaf folded her hands politely, her emerald hair glowing faintly under the room's light.
"You are correct. From what you described, this Vassel organization infiltrated every kingdom for decades. There are certainly traitors—perhaps even high-ranking ones. We cannot risk alerting them."
