Three days ago.

A grand council of nobles was convened in the Imperial Palace.

“All nobles of the Empire shall answer the Emperor’s summons.”

The sudden call from the Emperor left a range of emotions etched on the faces of those present. For the young patriarchs who had newly taken over from their fathers, there was anticipation. For the older nobles, who had attended countless councils, there was only weariness.

They wondered, "What bothersome matter has summoned us this time?"

…

It was a rare event for all the Empire’s nobles to gather in one place. Each noble had a …