บท 31: Council Meeting

"And the last part of our meeting will be Grand Duke Dio's weekly report."

The Imperial Chamberlain, Lord Helib Andino, adjusted his big round glasses on his high, thin, wrinkly nose, nodding at the Scribe, who, in turn, took a new sheet of paper and prepared his black fountain pen, anticipating the new writing session.

The weekly formal meeting with the Emperor was a must for every Council member from high-standing and influential noble families. It took place in one of the exclusive meeting halls within the Emperor's Palace, accessible only to direct members of the Imperial Family and the members of the Imperial Council.

Grand Duke Damien Dio, however, was an exception to that rule. Besides his high social status and blood relations with the Emperor, he held the esteemed position of the Empire's Chief Prosecutor. As such, he was in charge of every criminal case that came forth, making him a frequent guest at the Emperor's Palace.