บท 142: The "Duchess Emberly Effect"!

The grand council chamber of the Dragon Empire was an imposing sight. High ceilings adorned with ancient dragon murals stretched above the heads of the gathered nobles, casting long shadows on the floor below.

Massive stone columns supported the room, and the intricate detailing of dragon carvings traced the history of the empire.

Seated at the head of the table, in a high-backed throne made of shimmering obsidian, was Empress Astrid Valyrian.

To her right, the empty seat of the Emperor remained conspicuously vacant—a sign of his increasing detachment from the council meetings.

Below the throne, the ranking nobles sat according to their titles: Dukes and Duchesses occupied the foremost seats, followed by Marquesses, Earls, and Viscounts. The further back the nobles sat, the lower their rank, with Barons at the farthest edges of the council table.