Chapter 665: Oath and Blood
"It seems good," Elise said, looking up from the treaty. "It’s basically what I told you earlier. No demon is allowed within ten miles of an empire settlement unless invited by the governing body. In return, the empire promises to rescind all aid to other nations, allow the demon hordes to move through their lands, and allow one demon of your choice to enter each city and take the shard. There are a few provisions and other things, but they won’t impact the horde’s ability to take the rest of the continent."
"Allow me a moment to interject," Grand Duke Barthen said. "It is the imperial majesty’s will to make an additional guarantee as a sign of good faith. Upon confirmation of your ambassador’s claims against the church, the empire will evict all divine influence and personnel from our borders. The church will not be allowed to plot against you while in these lands."
"A generous concession," Luke said.
The Duke shook his head. "Hardly a concession. If they were the ones responsible for the massacre of our people, it is our right and obligation to do as much."
"And when will you determine that?"
Elaine, standing quietly in the corner, spoke up. "The culprits are not with the church’s delegation here, save the one inquisitor your apostle interrogated."
Jessia smirked.
Elaine continued, "The others, including Lord Evlon, are at large somewhere within the empire’s borders. Once they are apprehended, confirming the rest of the story will be a small matter."
Luke dipped his head, and Barthen moved to gather the scroll. Elise stepped back to my side, her shoulders sagging in relief. I took her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
The Grand Duke took the scroll before the Throne, bowing low and spreading it between his hands before the emperor.
The emperor stood from his Throne, looking around the room. Not one of the nobles returned his gaze.