Keith raised a hand. "If the matter of funds is settled for now, we turn to the next question: the elections."
The laughter died at once. As Keith's voice carried across the hall.
"Lord Sylven Veynar of House Calvasset. Lord Erry O'Kael of House Drakovar and Lady Marien of House Veymont. Which of these three is fit to rule Asterra?"
The hall now stirred with rising in chatter, as members of olsmere delibrated amongst theirselves.
"Lord Veynar is the right choice, of course!" Abel declared loudly, striding back to the center of the hall. "We are westerners, House Calvasset is a western house! It's only right we vote for our own!"
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
"Yes, that's true…"
"It's been decades since House Calvasset held the sovereign seat."
"We need a new face, lord Sylven is strategic, clever, and calm." They whsipered amongs theirselves.
Keith stood silently, watching as the swell of support grew for sylven veynar of house calvasset.
Then Sir George stood again, his voice carrying over the noise.
"A woman cannot lead us," he said sharply. "Lady Marien is an industrialist, not a sovereign. Let her build her machines and stay in her factories."
The room erupted with arguments, women in the hall stood in protest, shouting back at George as the arguments grew like wild fire.
"And what of Lord O'Kael?" Keith called out, his voice firm, as it silenced the uproar.
"That monster cannot lead us!" Abel shouted back, his voice ringing with conviction. "He would turn us all into soldiers before his first year as sovereign was done."
"Aye!" the crowd roared together, unanimous in their rejection.
Keith stepped down from the platform, his eyes darting across members of olsmere."Then it is decided" he said. "Lord Sylven Veynar will have Olsmere's vote."
The hall erupted this time with cheers. Some men tapped Keith gently on the shoulder as he passed through them, women praised him, some whistling and chanting.
"Lord Keith!"
"A man of the people!"
"He won't disappoint us!"
Keith gave a small and tired smile as he walked toward the exit of the hall.
Abel, however, stood still, his eyes fixed on Keith with disgust. He turned without a word and left through a side entrance.
Outside the hall, Keith stepped into the sunlight, his wife at his side, Mira trailed quietly behind them.
Keith, Mrs. Trinket, and Mira were next seen seated inside mr keiths house, his room far more refined than the rough tents of Olsmere. The space was warmly lit, its polished furniture and well-kept curtains lending it a touch of quiet luxury that felt almost foreign.
Mrs. Trinket poured her husband a cup of steaming herbal tea, setting it gently before him, before handing Mira a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
"Thank you, Mrs. Trinket," Mira said softly, managing a small smile.
"You look better today, Mira," Keith said kindly, his tone calm and fatherly as Mrs. Trinket settled beside him.
Mira glanced at the bandages wrapped around her left arm and flexed her fingers gently.
"Yes, Mr. Keith. Every day feels like progress," she said.
"That's wonderful," Keith replied with quiet relief. Then he turned to his wife, a rare softness touching his usually firm features.
"I have something for you, my love."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small box. Inside lay a gold-branded necklace, its delicate chain gleaming in the light. Mrs. Trinket gasped, her eyes misting over with tears.
"On my way back from Calensport, I saw this and thought of you," Keith said, smiling faintly. "You've worked tirelessly these past days, caring for everyone in this town. You deserve to be honored."
Mrs. Trinket kissed his cheek before carefully setting the necklace down on the table. Then Mira smiled warmly at the gesture, sipping her juice in silence.
But Mrs. Trinket's expression soon shifted, thoughtful and concerned.
"Keith," she began gently, "you don't have to take loans in your name for this town. And certainly not loans from Solherene."
Keith exhaled slowly and leaned back, cradling the cup of tea in his hands.
"I know," he said. "But i have thought about it, over and over. The capital refuses to process the rebuilding funds, and I don't know why. But we cannot sit still and wait. We have to do something for ourselves."
"And what about Sir George and Abel?" Mrs. Trinket pressed softly. "And the other council members? Do they not feel as obligated to this town as you do?"
Mira set her glass down, her voice quiet but firm.
"Abel and Sir George spoke so rudely to you, Mr. Keith. After all you've done for Olsmere, they should be ashamed."
Keith was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable as he sipped his tea.
"I hold no ill will toward them," he said at last. "But they are not nobles. They do not understand how nobles think or how slow the gears of power turn. My heart is with the children and the people who lost everything. They are the ones I will fight for debts or no debts."
The room fell quiet, the warm air heavy with the weight of his words.
After a pause, Mira spoke again, her eyes fixed on the floor.
"I'd like to ask you something, Mr. Keith. I know this is sudden…"
"Go ahead," Keith urged gently, glancing up at her.
Mira hesitated for a moment, before speaking.
"Do you truly believe Lord Eryndor attacked us? I… I know I'm supposed to hate him, i know i am supposed to want him punished for what happened to my child. But something in me just… doesn't believe he would do this."
Miras words hung in the room, putting mrs trinket and her husband keith in a tense moment.
Immediately, Mrs. Trinket rose gently after sensing the weight of the moment.
"Mira, let Lord Keith rest," she said softly. "The tea he drinks will soon put him to sleep. He can answer your question another time, when he has strength."
Mira nodded and stood, following Mrs. Trinket toward the door.
"Mira." Keith called out. Both women turned. Keith sat back tired with a heavy but kind gaze.
"I went to calensport, to know for certain if lord eryndor was guilty," Keith said quietly. "But even now, I cannot say. Eryndor had so many evidence against him, yes, evidence that was damning, but, i was surprised that he never once confessed. He went to his death pleading his innocence. That feels haunting… however" He set the cup down, his expression softening with genuine sympathy.
"I am deeply sorry for your loss, Mira. But if you are able to find peace within yourself, please do that, you deserve it more than anyone. just move on and build new things.. theres still time for you"
Then Mira's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. Mrs. Trinket squeezed her hand before they both stepped out, leaving Keith alone in the warm, quiet room.