Chapter 315 - Shiny persuades
Roughly half of the council members stared at Scarlett as though she were either delusional or utterly absurd. A quarter seemed faintly amused, their expressions betraying a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. The rest appeared—justifiably—offended, as if she had spat upon the revered name of Arch Wizard Aubrianne.
It was no surprise that Arch Wizard Newbury belonged to the latter group. Meanwhile, Arch Wizard Elaine fell somewhere in the middle, watching Scarlett intently, her sharp gaze suggesting she was trying to anticipate Scarlett’s next move.
Scarlett could respect that.
“I can’t speak for the others,” Arch Wizard Newbury said, his voice low, “but you are testing my patience if you think you can possibly threaten this council in such a manner, Baroness Hartford.”
“Or you’re simply foolish, if that’s truly your intent,” Grand Wizard Felwin added, a light smirk tugging at his lips.
Scarlett turned her eyes to them both. “The former? Perhaps. The latter? Most certainly not.” She shook her head. “I did not come here today to strain our relations more than necessary, but you should all understand that I have neither the obligation nor the inclination to justify myself, my actions, or the circumstances of my companions on the Isle. My sole goal was to exchange information that might strengthen our collaborative efforts. That does not require me to subject myself to scrutiny over matters irrelevant to the Rising Isle, its immediate concerns, or its long-term stability.”
A scoff came from one of the council members, their eyes narrowing. “You mean to say you don’t think your potential affiliation with demonic entities is relevant to us?”
Scarlett faced them. “There is such affiliation,” she replied flatly. “But even if there were, it would not concern the Council’s interests, no.” Her gaze swept over the wizards. “However, I recognise that a body so accustomed to having its expectations met without resistance might struggle with the idea of not receiving every morsel of information it demands. So allow me to simplify matters.”
Arch Wizard Elaine leaned forward, lightly resting her chin on her palm. “And ‘simplifying matters’ entails what, exactly? Compromising the Isle’s protective wards? Exposing supposed ‘clandestine activities’?” Her tone remained relatively mild and polite, but there was definitely a keen edge undercutting her words. “I am still willing to extend you the benefit of the doubt, Baroness, but saying such things does little to serve your cause.”
“That may be so. But I believe it will encourage this council to recognise the value of focusing on matters within its purview rather than discarding the opportunities laid before it.”
Arch Wizard Newbury gave a short, incredulous laugh. “That is a rather elaborate way of dressing up what amounts to a threat. We understand, Baroness. You wish for us to ‘tend to our own garden’, so to speak.” He looked at and gestured emphatically towards his peers. “I’m sorry, but this is becoming increasingly absurd. Since when did we allow imperial nobles to waltz into our chambers and hurl these grandiose insinuations around? I understand that we do owe her some degree of gratitude, but there are limits. For her own good and ours, I propose we simply detain the Baroness and her companions until we’ve had the time and clarity to properly assess the situation. Let’s determine the nature of any demonic influence involved and extract a thorough, reliable account of what occurred in the Hall of Echoes. None of them will be harmed, of course, and they will be duly compensated. Any fallout that may occur with the empire will be handled by me personally.”
Several heads nodded in agreement, and Arch Wizard Elaine’s gaze shifted briefly towards her fellow members before settling back on Scarlett. “That seems to me like an extreme solution. Baroness, we could avoid the need for anything drastic if you would simply agree to share more information voluntarily. If you are worried what doing so might bring, perhaps I can assure you of the council’s goodwill by giving my word that no harm will come to you or your people.”