"I refuse."

Ghislain's firm response left the envoys stunned.

"Why, may I ask? Do you still believe that Rayfold holds the same strength it did when it rivaled Desmond as the strongest territory in the north? That is a serious misjudgment."

"Why do you think that?"

"Firstly, the usurper Amelia is a woman. She has no experience managing a territory, let alone fighting a war. She was just a noble lady who could hold a teacup with grace. Her coup only succeeded because she was lucky enough to ambush during a banquet."

"Hmm..."

"Look at how she’s struggling against Baron …