Garius's gaze swept slowly across the room.
"Now," he began, his voice calm yet carrying authority, "the next matter is important. It will decide whether we act, or remain neutral."
Every eye turned toward him.
He leaned back slightly, his hands folding neatly atop the table.
"Three envoys from the Arjam Region came to me earlier."
His tone deepened, his expression sharpening.
"They requested assistance for their region. As you all know, Arjam is currently lordless. Nobles are sending their troops to seize whatever land they can, and the so-called temporary government lacks both the authority and the means to restore order."
He paused, then glanced to his right.
Alf rose promptly. "As Lord Garius stated, our investigation confirms that the Arjam Region has fallen into complete disarray. Since the death of its last lord, structure and law have all but collapsed. Bandits and rogue knights roam freely, looting border villages and intercepting merchant caravans."
