Elwood spoke again, his voice controlled.
"I understand Norax's perspective. However, others claim that Blue Crescent spread rumors first."
"Rumors about assassins we supposedly sent," he continued.
"And that they provoked the Red Society before the incident."
Before he could finish, Norax spoke calmly.
"If we are talking about rumors," Norax said,
"then there are also rumors everywhere about the Red Society attacking my people."
He looked around the table.
"Even civilians talk about it openly.
We hear new rumors every day in the underworld."
"And for your information, I don't even know where that rumor started, because for the past few days my members and I have been training."
"So, by that logic, should the Red Society attack civilians too, just because of some rumor?"
Madam Kyra raised her hand.
"Norax is right," she said firmly.
"Even in the Red Light District, we hear those rumors. No one knows whether they are true or false."
She turned toward Elwood.
"So claiming that Blue Crescent provoked you with rumors makes no sense.
If we follow that logic, everyone here has provoked everyone else."
Elwood stiffened.
Selindra frowned, clearly confused.
She leaned closer to a nearby guard and whispered something.
"Check the reports about the rumors—and which rumors," she ordered quietly.
A few minutes passed.
Selindra's eyes narrowed.
"So there was an assassination attempt on our youngest," she said slowly.
"An attempt linked to the Red Society—these are the rumors you are referring to."
Her fingers tapped lightly on the table.
"If Garron had ordered that, we wouldn't even be sitting here today."
She paused.
Selindra looked up sharply.
"Sir Elwood," she said,
"do you have anything to say about the rumors spreading? Explain clearly."
Elwood clenched his jaw and looked around the room.
"Yes," he said at last.
"I will speak."
"The rumor that the Red Society hired an assassin… and the assassination attempt during the opening ceremony, where Norax was injured—"
He took a breath.
"That was not an official order.
We never issued such a command."
Garron suddenly slammed his hand on the table.
"Stop this damn explanation!" Garron roared.
"I wasn't even in the underworld when that happened!"
Norax glanced at him.
Selindra turned her gaze toward Norax.
"Youngest," she said calmly,
"do you have anything to add?"
Norax stood slowly.
"Yes, Lady Selindra," he said.
"I want to say one thing."
"We also did not fully believe those rumors at first."
He paused, letting the silence grow heavy.
"But rumors don't appear without reason."
Norax stood up straighter, his expression calm.
"Like Elwood said," Norax began,
"you claim the Red Society is not directly connected to the assassination attempt on me."
He paused.
"Maybe that is true."
The room grew quiet.
"But even if it wasn't a direct order," Norax continued,
"the fact remains that the attempt happened."
He looked straight at Garron.
"So my question is simple: was it an indirect method to kill me?"
Before he could finish—
BANG!
Garron slammed his hand on the table.
"Oi, kid," Garron roared.
"Are you saying we used the crowd like a cheap method before you even stepped into the underworld? I was fighting face to face with gangs, you fucking—chick?"
"Elwood, silence him! If not, he needs a big slap from me!"
Elwood stood up quickly.
"Brother, please—be silent!"
Garron's eyes locked onto Norax.
And he dares call me cheap, like someone who just handles a shop?>
The killing intent was clear.
SHING!
The sound of swords echoed.
House Noctis guards moved instantly.
One blade stopped at Garron's neck.
Other swords formed a shield around Selindra, Norax, and Madam Kyra.
Elwood's face turned pale.
"Lady Noctis, I apologize on behalf of my brother," Elwood said hurriedly.
Selindra's voice turned cold.
"Steeljaw brothers," she said,
"I will not tolerate hostility in my presence."
Her gaze sharpened.
"I hope you have not forgotten my husband."
Garron and Elwood both fell silent.
Norax watched them closely.
Garron was trembling.
"So the Duke was never a normal man," Norax spoke slowly.
"Lady Selindra," he said,
"please let us calm down and return to this meeting with clear minds."
Madam Kyra nodded.
"It was just a mistake," she said gently.
"Lady Selindra, we know Garron has a hot temper. But he did not act recklessly today."
Elwood let out a slow breath.
"Brother," Elwood said,
"please calm down."
Lady Selindra slowly nodded.
At her signal, the House Noctis guards withdrew their swords.
The sharp tension in the room finally eased.
Elwood lowered his head.
"Lady Selindra," he said respectfully,
"thank you for your mercy."
Garron clenched his jaw but said nothing.
Selindra's voice was calm, yet heavy with authority.
"Elwood Steeljaw. Garron Steeljaw."
"This is my first warning to both of you."
She looked at them one by one.
"Control yourselves. This council exists to settle matters, not to display violence."
Elwood bowed deeply.
"We understand, Lady Selindra," he said firmly.
"This will never happen again."
Garron finally spoke, his voice rough.
"…Understood."
Norax watched quietly.
I'm glad Therion Noctis and the Empress aren't here.>
In the middle of the chaos, the doors opened.
Celstia entered the hall.
She wore a formal dress and held an envelope of documents in her hands.
Her expression was calm—but anger flickered in her eyes.
She stopped and bowed politely.
"Greetings to all present."
A maid leaned toward Selindra and whispered,
"She is Norax Duskgale's partner. She comes with one escort knight."
Selindra observed her quietly.
Selindra raised her hand.
"I will allow this," she said.
"We have a new guest."
Her gaze turned sharp.
"I want her to stand in front of everyone and speak."
Norax stiffened.
"Lady Selindra," he said quickly,
"She is my partner. Did she do something wrong?"
Celstia glanced at him.
"Master."
Then—Lady Selindra, with a playful voice, said, "Youngest."
Norax felt a chill crawl up his spine.
Why does she need to say 'Youngest' in front of everyone, especially Celstia?
I need to explain a lot.>
Selindra smiled faintly.
"I already told you," she said calmly.
"I have no intention of doing anything to her.
It's just small talk to clear my mind—with a pretty girl."
She looked at Celstia.
"She arrived late, but I allowed it because it was your request.
I simply wish to see her for myself."
Celstia puffed her cheeks slightly.
"Master," she said quietly,
"What were you doing while I wasn't here?"
"Nothing much… just… somehow," he said, looking away from her eyes.
She sighed and stepped to the center, bowing with perfect noble etiquette.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady of House Noctis," Celstia said.
"I am Celstia of Blue Crescent. I serve as Norax Duskgale's personal maid and aide."
Selindra watched closely.
And pink eyes… like a crystal doll.
Why does that bother me?>
Where did the youngest find someone like her?
I wish she were with me… she's so cute and noble.>
Despite her thoughts, Selindra remained calm.
"Nice to meet you, Celstia," she said.
"I have no intention of harming anyone, so you can relax."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"But I wish to know—what work kept you away from your master?"
Elwood frowned.
"Lady Selindra," he said,
"is that really important right now? We should focus on the main topic, not a person arriving late."
Selindra glanced at him calmly.
"Sir Elwood," she replied,
"your brother already spoiled the meeting atmosphere once.
A little small talk won't hurt."
Elwood bowed slightly, hiding his irritation.
His eyes shifted to Celstia.
Selindra turned her attention back to Celstia.
"You're a pretty girl," she said lightly.
"Would you like to work in my house?"
Norax coughed.
Both women turned to him.
Celstia shook her head politely.
"I'm sorry, Lady Selindra," she said.
"I already have a master."
Selindra sighed with mock regret.
"That's a shame," she said.
"I really like you."
She leaned forward slightly.
"Now, Celstia," Selindra continued,
"may I ask why you were late?"
Celstia hesitated.
"Well… ah…"
She glanced at Norax.
"Do I need to say it, Master?"
Norax nodded.
"Say it," he replied calmly.
"It's not a secret."
Celstia took a breath, lifting her head.
"Lady Selindra," Celstia said clearly,
"I was gathering information. That information arrived late, which caused the delay."
She raised her hand slightly.
"If needed, you can ask the escort knight who came with me to meet the person who gave me this envelope."
She pointed toward a knight standing near the door.
Selindra looked at the knight, then nodded.
"I see."
Her gaze sharpened.
"So," Selindra asked,
"what information was important enough to make you miss this meeting?"
Celstia turned her eyes toward Norax briefly.
Then she spoke.
"The information concerns the assassination attempt on my master," she said.
"During the opening ceremony."
"And the truth behind it."
The room froze.
Garron slammed his fist on the table.
"Fuck," he growled.
"We're going back to that useless nonsense again?"
Elwood's heart skipped.
Selindra slowly leaned back.
Her fingers tapped the desk.
And this…>
Selindra's gaze swept across the room.
This meeting reminds me of one person I never want as an enemy.
It's a good choice to create a temporary alliance.>