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A unified front from the Time Duo gave Lucas a little more confidence. Everyone had their own opinion and it was interesting to see the divide. Lucas wouldn't necessarily call anyone wrong--if he had proper proof that it was Kaudus that murdered Theodore, for example, he would've likely lead the charge himself--but the differing perspectives reminded him that the group was a lot more varied than he considered. There was some bias in this; the mind of royals was a stark contrast from those of humbler beginnings and it wasn't strange to see their priorities in different places. Except he wasn't sure what Daniela was trying to say. She was probably trying to relate to her blacksmith job or something.

But wow. Here Lucas thought Belle was the dumbest Scion, but apparently Justice decided to wrench the crown from her head and parade it around. It genuinely astonished him; never mind the fact that despite him initially ignoring Belle's words it was good to see where people stood, but to call this political theater was comical. Who, exactly, were they performing for? As far as he remembered, everyone chose to enter the conversation and it wasn't why he called everyone here. Not that he minded as, again, it was good to see where everyone's thoughts were. A few opinions surprised him and some decent points were shared. He was also relieved that most seemed to seek reason, even if he did feel Belle had a point. 

Lucas rolled his eyes at Justice. [color=dodgerblue]"You're right, I should've [i]researched[/i] you sooner; at least that way I would've known you were a complete moron and not waste my time in any future conversations,"[/color] Lucas sighed. [color=dodgerblue]"Incepta forbid I decide to let a conversation play out to see the opinions of my fellow Scions. I should've [i]researched[/i] and made [i]educated guesses[/i] to what their opinions [i]should[/i] have been instead of hearing it directly from them. Never mind the fact that if I asked you what my five policies were or which duchies I ruled, you'd be clueless. Just stop talking, you're robbing the flowers of valuable oxygen wasted on you."[/color]

That said, he didn't miss Reynold's little slip of the tongue, his own eyes narrowing at the other man. [i]This[/i] is why Lucas never bothered being nice. He was well aware of the man's crime and knew that he'd get an icy welcome, at best, and foolishly thought if he gave him a proper introduction, it'd smooth things over a bit. He felt doing the polite thing would help and would give him a good idea on what to look for, and as always, he was proven that he should have stayed an asshole. Maybe Henry was onto something when he called him an idiot. 

Once Sara placed the plate down in front of him, Rosemary perked up, thanking Sara as she walked away. Lucas was about to ask if she was hungry for actual food but was interrupted by Belle slamming her hand down so hard everything there shook in place. Rosemary shrunk back onto Lucas in fright, the man glaring at the princess in turn, but now she was the one paying no mind to him. If looks could kill, Belle's  ire would have killed Edmund where he stood. [color=turquoise]"Need I remind you who it is you're speaking with?"[/color] She asked him darkly. [color=turquoise]"I've taken tongues for lesser insults and I'll have yours if you do not show the proper respect. You know not of what power truly is if [i]that [/i]is your narrow definition."[/color]

The prince held back a sigh and held Rosemary with one hand while the other adjusted a fork and knife for the kid. Sonia scratched the back of her head, clearly wanting to be anywhere but here. [color=rosybrown]"Let's not forget that royal titles go over Scion ones. Like Dame Sara said, we're all on the same side here,"[/color] She said at the room at large, though she definitely gave Renault a look before she continued. [color=rosybrown]"An immediate solution would work best, but we're currently wandering around in the dark, aimless. They have more information on us than we on them and it'll take some time to gain a leg."[/color]

Lucas took two and a half cookies from Rosemary and adjusted her so she was close enough to eat, the girl devouring the slice she was served. Did Sonia not feed her or something? [color=dodgerblue]"Chew slower or you'll choke,"[/color] He told her, pulling a cup of water closer in anticipation. She giggled at him, but carried on slower, keeping her manners about her despite still sitting on his lap instead of a chair.

[color=turquoise]"I've already sent out my own network to gather intel based on what Dame Irina's report detailed. I expect results sooner than later,"[/color] Belle stated, straightening up. [color=turquoise]"Do you truly believe it best to sit around twiddling our thumbs until they decide to attack again? Because to the eyes of all, it is [i]we[/i] who have been deemed cowards for returning to our estates and quivering in fear, reducing our public appearances and jumping at unfamiliarity. As the Goddess' chosen, is not [i]our[/i] duty to act on her behalf to those wicked enough to dare attack her children?"[/color]

Rosemary finished chewing and dabbed at her lips with a cloth before looking at Hollyhock with wide eyes. [color=lemonchiffon]"This is delicious!"[/color] She declared, ignorant to the conversation and snatched the glass of water Lucas got her.