Chapter 273: Decision

(One Day Before The Hearing, Imperial Palace, Emperor Diomande’s POV)

Emperor Diomande looked down from his throne towards Prime Minister Vinicius, listening intently as the man presented his final report concerning Duke Drew Dawnriver’s preparations for a potential conflict.

"How prepared is the Duke for war if tomorrow’s verdict goes against him?"

Diomande asked, resting his chin upon his knuckles.

"Quite prepared, Your Majesty. From what our intelligence suggests, nearly eighty percent of his Eastern bannermen have already pledged their unconditional support, while the remaining twenty percent are stalling to see how the situation unfolds."

Vinicius reported.

"However, the Duke has already sent threatening letters to those who haven’t reaffirmed their allegiance, warning them that should war break out, their territories will be the first to face his armies."

Vinicius continued, shaking his head.

"It seems he has no intention of tolerating dissent within his own territory while preparing to confront the Empire."

Diomande nodded thoughtfully.

"Suppose I order his son placed under Imperial custody tomorrow. How do you expect him to react?"

Vinicius considered the question for a few moments.

"I believe he’ll openly defy the order, Your Majesty, which would give us sufficient grounds to declare war against him."

He answered.

"Of course, depending on the personal guards he brings to the Imperial Court, we could attempt to eliminate him here in the capital. However, considering the Duke’s personal strength, I fear such an undertaking would be rather difficult."

Vinicius paused before continuing.

"We would need to station several powerful Ascendants inside the throne room to guarantee his defeat, and doing so would make our intentions obvious before the hearing even began.

And that might spook off the other nobles attending this event, as they’ll think this whole ordeal reeks of conspiracy."

Vinicius explained, as Diomande remained silent for a while before letting out a deep sigh.

"Yeah, I can’t kill the Duke here.

The cancer in the East spreads far deeper than Drew Dawnriver alone.

Those bannermen who have pledged their loyalty to him are every bit as foolish as their master, and eliminating the Duke here would accomplish little beyond turning him into a martyr."

Diomande explained, his expression hardening.

"His death would merely encourage another ambitious fool to rally the Eastern houses against us. However, if we defeat him and his supporters in open battle, we can crush the rebellion at its roots."

Vinicius nodded approvingly.

"Then I presume we’ll allow him to return to his territory tomorrow, Your Majesty?"

"Indeed. If he refuses to surrender his son, I’ll give him twenty-four hours to reconsider."

Diomande answered.

"And if he still refuses?"

"Then he will have chosen war."

The Emperor replied without hesitation.

Vinicius bowed his head, understanding perfectly well what was expected of him.

After all, regardless of what evidence Chief Inquisitor Jack Sullivan presented during tomorrow’s hearing, or what arguments Duke Drew offered in his son’s defense, the Emperor had already decided how matters would unfold.

Riven Dawnriver would be ordered into Imperial custody, and should his father refuse to comply, the Empire would finally have the justification it needed to march against the East.

—----------

(Meanwhile, Gary’s POV)

Tremble.

Step.

Gary struggled to walk even with someone supporting him, as his entire body ached with pain whenever he attempted to take another step.

Over the past month, his recovery had progressed rather smoothly, and although the healers were optimistic about his condition, they estimated that he was still another two to three months away from making a full recovery.

In his current state, he could barely manage a few steps even with assistance, while the slightest strain upon his injured muscles threatened to send him collapsing back into bed.

"Son, you don’t need to attend tomorrow’s hearing if you don’t wish to."

Duke Alaric said, watching with concern as Gary struggled to maintain his balance.

"I’m sure everyone will understand the reason behind your absence.

You’ve already suffered enough, and nobody would think any less of you for remaining here to recover."

Alaric suggested as Gary shook his head firmly in denial.

"No, Father. I have to be there."

He replied, gritting his teeth as he forced himself to take another step.

"Riven Dawnriver saved my life, and regardless of what everyone else thinks about him, I know what happened that day.... And I know what he did for me."

Gary paused to catch his breath before continuing.

"My honor as a noble won’t allow me to remain here while the man who saved my life stands accused of murdering his own classmates."

He looked towards his father.

"I owe him that much, Father. Even if I have to be carried into that courtroom, I’ll be there tomorrow to testify about what I know."

Duke Alaric remained silent for a moment before nodding, a faint expression of pride appearing upon his face.

"Very well, son. If that’s what you’ve decided, then I won’t stop you."

He replied, placing a reassuring hand upon Gary’s shoulder.

"I’ll make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you can attend without putting unnecessary strain upon your injuries."

"Thank you, Father."

Gary answered, visibly relieved.

However, while Gary appeared satisfied with their conversation, Duke Alaric found himself troubled by thoughts that had been weighing heavily upon him for several weeks.

Ever since the situation surrounding Riven Dawnriver had begun escalating, Alaric had been struggling with a decision that could determine the future of his entire house.

Should he stand beside Duke Drew Dawnriver if the situation deteriorated into open rebellion, or should he pledge his allegiance to Emperor Diomande and support the Imperial campaign against the East?

Both choices carried terrible consequences, as siding with Drew meant openly defying the Emperor, while supporting the Imperial Court meant potentially enabling an oathbreaker who could one day plot against the West.

Until now, Alaric had convinced himself that remaining neutral was the wisest course of action, although he understood that such neutrality would become increasingly difficult to maintain once the armies began marching.

Yet as he watched his injured son struggling to stand upright, determined to defend someone who had saved him despite the personal suffering it might cause, something within Alaric finally settled.

Gary had every reason to remain in bed and be focused towards his recovery, but his conscience refused to let him abandon someone to whom he owed his life.

And perhaps that was precisely what Alaric himself had been forgetting.

Regardless of which side emerged victorious, there would be bloodshed, ruined houses, and consequences that could never be undone.

However, if he knowingly supported a cause he believed to be unjust simply because it offered him greater security, he doubted he would ever be able to look his son in the eyes with the same pride again.

And so, as Gary continued struggling forward, Duke Alaric finally understood what he needed to do.

Whatever happened during tomorrow’s hearing, he needed to make his decision based upon what he believed was right, rather than which side appeared more likely to win.