Tittanya, Rose Palace.
Queen Lily Esther was currently sitting in front of a dressing mirror, having her hair and clothes combed by several maids. This week's Imperial Council would convene in half an hour, and she would also be present.
Although she is regarded as a vase queen by many nobles, the royal family's majesty still exists because of the assistance of the regent.
"Is it done?" Lily glanced at herself in the mirror. Her gorgeous long dress, layered in three shades of red, accentuated her figure. She might not have been stunning originally, but this elegant attire gradually gave her a sense of elegance.
Clothes can indeed change a person's mental temperament.
Lily lifted her skirt and stood up, feeling a little emotional. She then picked up the child on the bed beside her and walked out of the palace with the maids.
The magnificent Imperial Hall is tall and grand. Sunlight shines in through the glass windows with patchwork patterns, and some dust can be seen floating in the air.
The irregular polygons on these glass windows easily remind people of butterfly wings, and the vine carvings on the edges of the windows are full of fairy style. As a country jointly founded by humans and elves, many of Titania's buildings still retain the fantastical and magnificent style of its early days.
The heavy door was slowly pushed open by the court knights, and then one by one, noble officials in formal attire entered the room.
After they all stood still, the palace servants shouted, and soon after, two rows of red-clad guards in bright armor entered the hall. They stood on both sides, separating the nobles from the middle road.
"Her Majesty the Queen has arrived~"
"His Majesty the Regent has arrived~"
Then the elegantly dressed Red Queen entered the hall, accompanied by Prince Edlen in military uniform.
After the two men sat on two thrones, the court ceremonial officer began to preside over the meeting.
As usual, officials first informed everyone in the hall of the latest news from various places, and then presented their proposals and ideas. During this period, some people agreed and some opposed, and both sides would explain their reasons. If neither side was willing to give in, the Queen or the Regent would make the final decision.
"Your Majesty, the beautiful Queen, Your Highness, the esteemed Prince, I come from the far north of the Empire, from the distant Hanye Territory."
After the ceremonial officer called, a knight in black armor entered the hall. Of course, his weapons were left outside and his helmet was removed.
"Please stand up." After receiving the response, the knight raised his head, revealing a square face under his short black hair. He was about 30 years old, with a little beard, and there were still traces of wind and frost on his face. It seemed that he had experienced a long journey.
After curtsying, the knight stood up, first introduced himself, and then stated his request.
"Because of the continuous heavy snow in the north, the food in the territory is becoming increasingly scarce, so Lord Tusen sent us south, hoping to receive assistance from the empire."
He spoke calmly according to the words he had memorized last night, while his two companions beside him remained nervous and lowered their heads.
Not every noble had the opportunity to enter this place, and this was their first time seeing so many nobles. Furthermore, the two people sitting at the top could easily decide their life or death, so it was hard not to feel nervous.
However, during these few seconds of waiting, before the two majesties could speak, a tall and thin nobleman stood up first.
"I know you're having difficulties, but this is the 22nd time this month I've received similar messages and requests."
"A solution to the problem in the northern border of the empire is being prepared, so you'd better go back. We will inform you if there is any progress later." The old man in a blue suit is Count Diser, who was a close minister to Aimank in the past and is now the minister of the court.
The people in the hall had witnessed this kind of scene numerous times over the past six months. Initially, a few nobles, concerned with prestige, would make symbolic donations of supplies, but now, with so many arriving, even duplicates, they had gradually cooled off.
Sympathy is not infinite, and they are tired of hearing such miserable content.
“How boring…”
"Everyone knows what's happening in the north. Several batches of aid have already been sent."
"There's nothing we can do. This is a natural disaster."
"We can only wish them patience in this matter. It's not easy for everyone right now."
For a moment, low-pitched discussions were heard in the hall. After a while, the clear copper bell in the hall was rung, and the scene became quiet again.
"I deeply sympathize with the disaster and suffering in the North. The Empire is now trying to find a solution and will provide certain help and support in the future." Edren said the same words as before, and then the ceremonial officer beside him stepped forward and began to let the next envoy into the hall.
"But..." The knight wanted to say more, but his companions saw the situation and pulled him, making him stop talking and retreat obediently.
The knight spoke only after they walked out of the hall and came outside the palace.
"Why don't you let me speak? Do you know the current situation in the territory?"
"We know, Heitlin." The companion beside him spoke, and the others also stopped.
"But you were still a little impulsive. If I hadn't held you back just now, I'm afraid you would have already complained bitterly."
The Black Knight was silent for a moment, then said, "Yes."
"But that would only make the situation awkward. We're already in a state of seeking help, so we shouldn't offend those bigwigs any further."
"I know, I understand, but—" He paused.
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