The Judgment Phase began with a ceremony.
Servants wheeled the offerings to the center of the hall, arranging them on tiered display stands. Cindergrave's spirit stone pulsed rhythmically. Goldspire's ancestral sword gleamed. The various paintings, weapons, and treasures from other houses filled out the collection.
And there, modest but elegant in their crystal holders, sat Aegis's empty potion case—a reminder of what she'd given away.
The Master of Ceremonies stepped forward.
"Honored guests, you have witnessed this year's offerings. Now begins the Judgment Phase, where we evaluate not merely the material worth of these contributions, but the spirit in which they were given."
Voting tokens activated throughout the room.
Aegis watched the lights bloom. Green and blue dominated—positive assessments, approval. Her gambit had worked better than she'd dared hope. The swing voters she'd targeted were glowing enthusiastically. Even some nobles she hadn't approached seemed impressed.
