"Sovereign Locke, since this matter concerns you, you may begin by explaining everything."
"Yes, Lord Wordred."
After bowing slightly, Locke brought Celes forward into the center of the gathered Sovereigns.
"Esteemed Sovereigns, I apologize for taking up your time because of a personal matter."
"The situation is as follows. I was born in a material plane called the Frostsnow Plane. There…"
He slowly recounted his past—his growth, his relationship with Celes—allowing everyone to understand the bond between them.
"…and later, Celes joined my Sovereign Legion."
The Sovereigns were not fools.
Locke had spent so long explaining his history with Celes before finally mentioning Celes's crimes—his intent was obvious.
Look at what Celes had done.
Under any other Sovereign, each of those offenses would have warranted death a hundred times over.
Yet now—
not only did Locke refuse to execute him to uphold Sovereign authority—
he wanted to protect him.
To trample a Sovereign's dignity for the sake of a mere god—
this was unprecedented.
But this was Locke's will.
And aside from the Four Chief Sovereigns…
who here would dare oppose it?
Silence filled the space.
From their perspective as Sovereigns, they stood with Snowfall.
Though none dared speak against Locke—
neither could they ask Snowfall to simply let it go.
At that moment, Wordred spoke.
"Esteemed Sovereigns, you all understand what will happen if this precedent is set."
"If a Sovereign can shelter a subordinate who has betrayed another Sovereign—without sufficient consequence—what follows?"
He swept his gaze across the assembly.
"Higher Sovereigns could entice subordinates of lower Sovereigns with promises of protection and reward—encouraging betrayal to serve their own purposes."
"When that happens, trust between Sovereigns and their legions collapses."
"And the foundation of order across the planes is shaken."
"For this reason, I have convened this assembly—to determine how this matter should be resolved."
Understanding dawned across the gathered Sovereigns.
So, this wasn't collusion.
Locke had sought Wordred's help—
but Wordred, recognizing the danger, had escalated it to a full assembly.
This could not be allowed to become precedent.
The simplest solution?
Kill Celes.
Problem solved.
But—
Locke wanted him alive.
And that changed everything.
"Everyone need not worry."
To everyone's surprise, Locke spoke first.
"As a Sovereign, I too do not wish for distrust between Sovereigns and their subordinates."
"So—"
"To preserve that balance while saving Celes…"
"I am willing to pay a price."
"If the cost is high enough, no Sovereign will ever wish to follow my example."
A ripple passed through the assembly.
That… made sense.
If saving a traitor required a painful price, no one would attempt it again.
And if even one Sovereign refused such a cost—
then no god would dare believe betrayal could be protected.
"Snowfall."
"Yes, Lord Wordred."
Snowfall stepped forward.
"You are the one most directly affected."
"Sovereign Locke is willing to compensate you in exchange for sparing Celes."
"What is your stance?"
Snowfall spoke calmly.
"This concerns my dignity."
"If Sovereign Locke wishes me to forgo punishment—"
"The price must satisfy me."
"Locke, what do you offer?"
Locke replied evenly:
"I am willing to pay a price."
"But what would satisfy you?"
Snowfall smiled faintly.
"Why don't you tell us—"
"What you are willing to pay?"
A collective shock spread through the Sovereigns.
Bold.
Instead of naming a demand—
he forced Locke to reveal his own value.
Even Locke paused for a moment.
He had intended to simply accept a reasonable request.
But now—
Snowfall had turned the negotiation on its head.
Was this Wordred's doing?
A glance confirmed otherwise.
No—
this was Snowfall pushing his advantage.
Wordred narrowed his eyes.
He had already advised Snowfall to make a reasonable request.
Instead—
Snowfall tried to extract maximum value.
Not strong… but certainly bold.
"Is that so?"
Locke suddenly smiled.
"No."
"I was simply considering—"
"What price would be high enough…"
"…to ensure no other Sovereign would ever attempt this."
Then he spoke clearly:
"Lord Wordred, I am willing to teach Snowfall…"
"a technique I personally created."
"One that allows a Lesser Sovereign—"
"…to rival an Intermediate Sovereign."
"Snowfall—"
"Do you accept this price?"
Silence.
Then—
Snowfall's eyes lit up.
Jackpot.
Letting Locke name the price had been the right move.
A single technique—
for a hundredfold increase in power?
He nodded rapidly.
"I accept."
"I am extremely satisfied."
The other Sovereigns watched with undisguised envy.
Losing some face in exchange for such power?
They would gladly make that trade.
And none doubted Locke.
If anyone could create such a technique—
it was him.
"However," Locke added,
"This is a core technique of mine."
"After I teach it to you, you must swear in the name of the Overgod not to pass it on."
"Additionally—"
"I cannot guarantee you will master it."
"I will teach it, but whether you can learn it depends on you."
"That said—"
"It is a Water Laws technique."
"With sufficient mastery, it should not be difficult."
"Do you accept?"
Snowfall hesitated—
but only briefly.
The temptation was overwhelming.
"I accept."
"Very well."
Wordred declared:
"The resolution is as follows—"
"Sovereign Locke compensates Sovereign Snowfall with a Water-type ultimate technique capable of amplifying power by a hundredfold."
"In return—"
"Sovereign Snowfall relinquishes all claims against Celes."
"This agreement is binding."
"Any violation will incur the pursuit of the Four Chief Sovereigns."
"Understood."
Under the witness of all Sovereigns—
Snowfall swore an oath in the name of the Overgod.
Then turned to Locke.
"To ensure full transparency," Locke said,
"My Water Sovereign clone is already on its way."
"It will demonstrate the technique—"
"So, all may witness its power."
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