Raven nodded toward Melborne, who was returning to his original spot, then slowly looked around the hall.

“Now, does anyone have any questions?”

“…...”

The nobles kept their mouths shut while glancing around the room.

General Melborne was a cool-headed individual who was respected by everyone. He had expressed his opinion while laying down bare facts, so no one could immediately think of any questions.

But since the matter was regarding an important issue, several people bravely raised their hands. Raven pointed to one of them.

“Yes. Sir Hain.”

“I understand your plan, Your Grace. But I think right now is the time to strengthen the inner workings of the duchy rather than to start such an uncertain business.”

Some nobles nodded their heads in agreement.

“More than anything, the Pendragon Duchy has been well off from generation to generation. Although we faced an unfortunate event and had some small hardships in recent decades, now that we have stood back up, we can…”

“Small hardships?”

Hain closed his mouth at the quiet, but cold-blooded response from Raven. Then, Raven rose from his throne.

“Alan…”

“B, brother…”

Irene and Elena also responded with surprise to Raven’s sudden change of mood. Even Mia opened her large eyes wide while looking up at her brother.

Raven slowly walked down the steps...