[color=lightgray][center][h3][color=ab274f]Prince Wulfric[/color], [color=47d8ff]Duke Laurent Petit[/color], [color=c3f1de]Duchess Antoinette Petit[/color], [color=burlywood]Duke Gideon Edwards[/color], [color=salmon]Duke Lorenzo Vikena[/color] & [color=D0B4EC]Lady Charlotte Vikena[/color][/h3][/center]

[center][color=salmon][h3]9am on Sola 29, the Day after the Banquet[/h3][/color][/center]

The crown prince had sent out invitations embossed with the royal seal, each letter bearing his signature. The recipients of the official summons were the dukes, the duchesses, and in the case of the Vikena family also the lady of the house, Charlotte. He had arranged for this meeting in advance, so all guests were expected to arrive on the 29th of Sola at 9 AM sharp. One of the castle’s [url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8d/e8/d3/8de8d3d5bad85f63ebd33783422f29ba.jpg]drawing rooms[/url] had been rearranged for the occasion. Wulfric sat on the central settee, adorned in a [url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/df/6e/6c/df6e6cc53d0cd08b4d310c12c0fbc51a.jpg]suit of Caesonian colours.[/url] Three pairs of chairs were set around him in a semicircle, the end tables between them carrying a selection of refreshments suitable for the morning. Key servants had been informed who to expect, and would lead the visitors here.


The prince greeted each guest with a brief, [color=ab274f]“Good morning.”[/color] With a sweeping gesture, he welcomed them to their seats, and indicated that the beverages and finger food were freely available. When all were gathered, he gave a sharp nod, marking the start of their conference. [color=ab274f]“Welcome, all.”[/color] He did not raise his voice, but it carried through the room, silencing any lingering chatter. [color=ab274f]“We are gathered today to discuss key developments in our territories. By the king’s consent, I shall preside over these proceedings. As is customary, we will address your individual reports. However, before that, a matter of utmost urgency demands our attention.”[/color] His wintry gaze passed from one to the other, resting on each delegate in turn. [color=ab274f]“Magic,”[/color] he stated.


[color=ab274f]“It is an active force in our kingdom. This truth first became apparent to me the day after the banquet…”[/color] For those unaware, he summarized how nobles had been lured to an after-party only to return in horrendous states, and – as it became apparent in the following morning – with disturbing gaps in their memories. [color=ab274f]“Since then, I have learned the host was Marek Delronzo, leader of the Black Rose. I suspect he is involved in organized crime, as well. That said,”[/color] he lifted a cautionary hand, [color=ab274f]“the investigation remains on-going. As such, I encourage you to examine Black Rose activity in your duchies.”[/color] His father would disapprove, hence he had not worded it as an order. Even so, increased vigilance might dissuade them from doing business with Delronzo’s merchants, which would be a setback for his syndicate.


[color=ab274f]“Moving forward, we will endeavour to uncover and eradicate the corruption within Caesonia,”[/color] he inclined his head at Duke Petit. [color=ab274f]“We must not surrender to fear. For if we do, surely the people will suffer as they did during the Dark Period. We must be resolute, and proceed with prudence and [i]precision[/i].”[/color] Rising, he faced them squarely. [color=ab274f]“In the wake of yesterday’s revelation, doubt will flourish. People will begin to see threats, real or imagined.”[/color] His next words, though measured, rang with conviction. [color=ab274f]“[i]We[/i] must be the ones who guide them. [i]We[/i] must know who we pursue, and why.”[/color] His voice drew them in, and his gaze held them captive.


[color=ab274f]“The existence of magic lies in the gods’ hands. But the fate of our people rests in [i]ours[/i].”[/color] He placed a hand on his chest. [color=ab274f]“As one of the chosen, I bear a duty to each of you. I seek justice, not hysteria. Let truth and reason guide us, not panic or superstition.”[/color] He punctuated his statement with a sweeping glance across the room.


[color=ab274f]“There are those who abuse power to enslave others, to rob them of their memories, to inflict grievous harm on them. To strip them of their personhood, their dignity, their very sense of self. These malefactors believe themselves invincible. It is [i]they[/i] we must expose. [i]They[/i] we must subdue.”[/color] He let his words settle, like ripples fading after a stone’s cast.


[color=ab274f]“I implore you, should you have questions, voice them now.”[/color] Only then did he retake his seat.


Duke Laurent Petit rose from his seat and cleared his throat. His robe was modest: a blue coat trimmed with silver thread, the sigil of Zivitas embroidered at his collar. His hands folded calmly over his chest as he addressed the room.

[color=47d8ff]“Your Highness,”[/color] he began quietly, [color=47d8ff]“this is indeed a matter of weight. Magic, memory theft, the shattering of one’s will…I believe the gods allow evil to surface so the righteous may act. You received a signal. And we must respond with vigilance”[/color]

He glanced heavenward for a long pause, staring at the chandelier above as if it was providing him further information. Finally, Laurent returned his gaze to the prince, [color=47d8ff]“The criminals must be found. The Black Rose unraveled, root and stem. I will do my part. And if darkness hides in Montague, it will be brought into the light.”[/color] He bowed his head respectfully and returned to his seat. [color=47d8ff]“And may we all remember… sometimes the fish do not bite because the water knows we are not ready.”[/color]

Duke Petit’s eyes were back on the ceiling, voice softening into reverent awe.
[color=47d8ff]“For the river speaks in riddles, and the lake holds mirrors to our souls. When the hook returns empty, it is not always failure…It is the divine whisper, saying: ‘Not yet, my child. Not with those hands. Not with that heart. Even the trout waits for prophecy. The carp will not come to the line of a liar. And no catfish shall surface to feed a man consumed by pride. So let us pray not just for the catching… but for the cleansing. For hearts still and true. For a bait of truth. And may the divine waters deem us finally worthy to fish once more in peace.”[/color] He bowed his head, lips moving silently now in prayer.

[color=ab274f]“I appreciate your dedication, Duke Petit,”[/color] Wulfric offered. He might have said something else, but the man was already off in his own world. Perhaps he should have mentioned fishing to reel in his attention…Oh, and now he was affected by those puns, too.

Meanwhile, Laurent’s wife, Duchess Antoinette Petit had clasped her hands politely the entire time, her gloved hands twitching ever so slightly with each fish-related metaphor. When he returned to his seat in solemn silence, she stood after a beat. Her dress was a cream color with blue floral embroidery. She adjusted her white lace shawl, cleared her throat, and gave a small, cheerful smile to the room. [color=c3f1de]“Erm… Bonjour, everyone!”[/color] she chirped, her accent unmistakable.

[color=c3f1de]“I—ah—just wished to say how deeply I agree with my husband, of course.”[/color] She gestured gracefully to Laurent, who nodded solemnly without looking up from his prayerful reverie. [color=E6B0AA]“Also… I brought cookies.”[/color] She held up a wrapped tin from beside her seat.

[color=c3f1de]“Zey are lemon poppy seed.”[/color] Her tone was sweet, albeit too enthusiastic for the atmosphere. [color=c3f1de]“If anyone feels the weight of all zis and needs a small comfort… I have many.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Thank you, Duchess Petit.”[/color] The prince’s gaze lingered on her for a beat. He had heard she was a positive woman, seeking change – that was the side of her he hoped to witness.

[color=c3f1de]“Of course, Prince Wulfric. Anything I can do to help, please inform me.”[/color]

Duke Gideon Edwards had smiled politely at Antoinette in greeting. Then, he suddenly rose from his seat as well, his gaze immediately meeting Wulfric’s. [color=burlywood]“Your Highness,”[/color] he began, [color=burlywood]“I commend your resolve. To confront these truths with reason rather than fear is the mark of a true leader.”[/color] He carried himself with his usual dignity, though there was a passionate fire in his eyes that Wulfric would not miss as their gazes met.

[color=burlywood]“I have ordered investigations before within Soralia’s borders. As did my father before me. Duke Walter Vikena and I once tried to stem the spread of crime, but it moves like a weed through stone, slipping between every crack. Still, I will renew my efforts.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Auguste and I have had a similar experience. We must be thorough,”[/color] he commented.

He placed a hand over his chest and bowed. [color=burlywood]“You have my allegiance, Prince Wulfric. I stand beside you as an ally for the sake of Caesonia’s future.”[/color]

The crown prince offered a solid nod, a spark of interesting flashing in his eyes. The pledge of allegiance was curious, and he wondered if the duke meant it the way he thought he might.

Gideon lifted his gaze once more, voice earnest. [color=burlywood]“My only request: If possible, I would appreciate a debriefing document regarding what your investigation has uncovered thus far. For clarity’s sake, and so I may act with full understanding… Additionally, I will prepare documentation of my own. I will also extend that documentation to the Dukes of Vermillion and Montague, should they find it of use. We are strongest when we are informed together.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“Certainly,”[/color] Wulfric agreed. [color=ab274f]“I will forward to you and your fellow dukes the key findings. We should indeed keep each other informed. I only caution you all to ensure the uncompromised transferral of vital documents,”[/color] he warned. [color=ab274f]“In the spirit of sharing, there is one discovery you may find of use: My agents have informed me that the Black Rose uses their design in subtle ways to mark suspect shipments or locations. The symbol of their enterprise may be hidden in plain sight, or concealed amongst seemingly innocuous decor, for example.”[/color]

[color=burlywood]“Understood. I will keep that in mind.”[/color]

There was no time passed between Gideon’s last word uttered and the rough sound of Duke Lorenzo Vikena’s seat sliding sharply against the carpet as he stood up next. His eyes were bloodshot with deep bags beneath them and his expression read uncharacteristically intense. He cleared his throat before speaking.

[Color=salmon]“Prince Wulfric.”[/color] He gave a slight bow. [Color=salmon]“This meeting… I find it to be quite important to all of us. Sorian… Sorian is our center. Our base, and we must ensure it remains safe, especially with so many of our youth participating in Courting Season.”[/color] He gave a few nods as he scanned over the group. [Color=salmon]“I can't say I know much about [i]magic[/i] and the madness that's associated with it but…”[/color] Lorenzo glanced down at Charlotte. It was brief, yet it wiped away much of his reluctance. 

[Color=salmon]“With the utmost respect, I say this. There’s a lack of initiative and a lack of urgency concerning the issues we're placed with. I’ve heard rumor and gossip in my years of service of Veirmont being far better than the capital but this season has exposed just how wide of gap there is between my home and this [i]place[/i] burdened by crime and now [i]magic[/i]? It's… It's quite insulting for us dukes… and [i]duchess[/i]–”[/color] Lorenzo gave an apologetic bow to Duchess Antoinette. [Color=salmon]I just find it strange that you say this when problems seem to be sprouting like weeds beneath the feet of you and Duke Gideon. And that's not even the worst of it, I’m afraid.”[/color] Lorenzo gulped, refraining from making direct eye contact with the prince.

[color=ab274f]“Indeed, Duke Vikena, we must act, hence this meeting,”[/color] Wulfric pointed out mildly even as Lorenzo used the chance to try and compete, full of a false sense of importance. He was almost like Edin in that regard, except in the duke’s case, he was likely fueled by a lacking self-worth he felt driven to compensate for. [color=ab274f]“However, I would not trust rumours. After all, the rumours [i]I[/i] have heard is that the whole Vermillion region has such a laissez-faire management, it is far easier to ‘get away with more’, even acts which would be frowned upon or penalized elsewhere,”[/color] he drawled. [color=ab274f]“Thankfully, I know not to make deductions based on hearsay,”[/color] he smiled, all polite flair despite the undercurrent to his words. [color=ab274f]“It is exactly when we believe all is well when we are most likely to miss problems. Now, you claim to have uncovered something you term ‘the worst’, so what is it? Go on, do tell.”[/color]

[Color=Salmon]“Well…”[/color] Lorenzo let out a low defeated sigh. He did not very much enjoy speaking to Wulfric as it felt like offering to hand feed a hound you weren't familiar with. Reluctance to hear his sharp bark or to be wounded by his bite was nigh absolute. [Color=salmon]“You spoke of knowing about this whole ordeal about a week ago… After the royal banquet, I really wish to forget about um… Where was I? Yes, about the magic.”[/color] Another gulp followed by the deepest of breaths. [Color=salmon]“I am grateful you have come to us with this now, but this information would have been much more useful earlier. Duke Gideon might have caught on to his servant much sooner. Instead… No, it is not my place to say. That is all, your majesty.”[/color] Lorenzo sat back down ungracefully, nearly missing his seat, and having to catch himself by quickly grabbing the chair with one of his hands.

Charlotte instinctively placed a gentle hand upon Lorenzo’s arm to assist in steadying him. She offered him a tender, reassuring smile, her eyes meeting his in silent encouragement. Then she withdrew, folding her hands politely back in her lap. She had been seated beside him in a simple navy-blue dress, her hair swept into a modest bun.

Laurent slowly raised his head, finally breaking his silence from prayer. [color=47d8ff]“Duke Vikena…”[/color] he began, eyes narrowing just slightly as if peering through smoke to discern truth from illusion. [color=47d8ff]“You speak of Veirmont as if it's immune to corruption, untouched by the chaos of the capital. And yet…The moment your boots touched these floors… the Sultan of Alidasht fell.”[/color]

Then, with an almost pained breath, he added: [color=47d8ff]“Even in Cayan, we heard of it…It seems to me that wherever we walk, Duke Vikena, we bring ourselves with us.”[/color]

Then he looked up again toward the ceiling, as if seeking divine permission to continue. [color=47d8ff]“Let us be careful when naming the weeds in another’s garden.”[/color]

[color=burlywood]“Let us not turn this into a self-righteous scolding battle. The past matters not. We are all here now.”[/color] Gideon suggested firmly. [color=burlywood]“We face a threat that endangers every corner of this kingdom. And I, for one, care less about who was late to the fire. Only that we all have buckets in hand.”[/color]

[color=c3f1de]“Gentlemen, if I may. I understand that it is improper for me to chime in, but please allow me zis once to voice my agreement with Duke Edwards.”[/color] Antoinette  gave a small nod to Wulfric. [color=c3f1de]“Prince Wulfric reminded us of something vital today… that zere are people suffering..”[/color] Laurent exhaled softly, his eyes briefly closing as he gave the faintest shake of his head.

[color=ab274f]“It is encouraging that you are so forward-looking,”[/color] he acknowledged the three who had spoken up in his defense. And because it clearly needed to be said, he turned to Laurent’s wife. [color=ab274f]“Duchess Antoinette, I invited you so you may be heard. As such, it is quite proper for you to speak. How senseless would it be if the people with good ideas remained silent?”[/color] He was aware women were silenced by the pressures of society, but that was one of the many things he aimed to change. [color=ab274f]“The same holds true for you, Lady Charlotte. I invited you because we are lacking an acting Duchess Vikena, and you are the closest person to that position,”[/color] his gaze travelled to her as she regarded him with a grateful nod, then shifted to her father.

[color=ab274f]“Duke Vikena, you raised an honest inquiry, and I thank you for that. It is the very question many must be asking: ‘Why now?’”[/color] He let that linger before answering. 

What the others failed to realize was that doubt was the most dangerous when suppressed. It was better to face difficult questions head-on. Refusal to do so only strengthened whatever narrative one’s opponents were spinning.

[color=ab274f]“Until the queen’s revelation, I believed magic to be little more than a legend. It was my mother who showed me otherwise. She warned me of its dangers. She suspected its use in the after-party incident. She was the one who hired the Varian witch hunters now operating under our banner. Without her, we would have had no tools, no knowledge, no strategy to deal with magic-using criminals.”[/color] The concepts of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ were not so black and white as many believed.

[color=ab274f]“So, yes, I hesitated. I asked myself: What does it mean that a witch seeks to eradicate magic?”[/color] Perhaps some of them would begin to ask the same.

[color=ab274f]“But then, I watched her parade that servant in chains, all glee and no contrition. She had not yet taken action against the Black Rose. She showed no sign that she would ever admit to what she was. She may be my mother, and she may have acted with the kingdom’s best interest at heart…”[/color] He closed his eyes, and took a bracing inhale, allowing a rare moment of vulnerability to slip through. [color=ab274f]“But I knew then what had to be done.”[/color] There was only cold and clear resolve when he faced them again.

[color=ab274f]“I speak now because we finally have the means to act. We know the Black Rose is suspect. We have Varian witch hunters in our employ. The next step must be to seek Caesonian experts; witch hunters born and bred in our lands. If any of you know of such individuals, I urge you to bring them forward. We will need them.”[/color] It would be wise to learn from these mage hunters – wiser still to watch for zealots among them.

[color=c3f1de]“Oh, mon pauvre prince…”[/color] Antoinette’s voice quivered with sorrow. [color=c3f1de]“I cannot imagine the weight that decision placed upon your heart. You were so brave to act, and braver still to share this with us. Please, know you are not alone. We are here for you. I am here for you.”[/color] 

Lorenzo had been nodding along to Wulfric's words as the show of humility truly reached him, reminding him that the crowned prince was still just a young man. A young man who was preparing and positioning himself to be the highest power in the land. As much as he wanted to snap at Laurent for his comments, Lorenzo’s desire to aid Wulfric was far greater.

[Color=salmon]“I will send word to the counts of Vermillion, so we may leave no stone unturned in the search for these experts… And…”[/color] Lorenzo was reluctant to say but he nodded, giving himself a jolt of confidence. [Color=salmon]“And I am willing to undergo any training needed to hunt this scourge!”[/color] Lorenzo took a heavy breath before continuing, his brief fire now fizzled. [Color=salmon]“However, it– It does pain me to go against the Black Rose for what they've provided economically to Vermillion. It's not just investments in this company but they are so interwoven in the sectors of trade and employment, especially in the Vermillion ports. Are we sure it is the organization as a whole that's suspected to be behind this?”[/color]

Charlotte’s gaze followed Lorenzo to his last word; the moment his voice fell silent, hers rose in its place. [color=D0B4EC]“Your Highness… my lords.”[/color] Her voice was steady despite a faint undercurrent of exhaustion. [color=D0B4EC]“If the Black Rose has spread this far, it did not thrive in the shadows alone. Ledgers were signed, shipping manifests stamped, warehouse receipts filed… Each harmless on its own, yet together they draft a map.”[/color] 

[color=D0B4EC]“May I suggest a sealed, thirty-day audit? During that brief window, every harbour-master and estate steward could provide us duplicate records, protected by amnesty...”[/color] 

She met Prince Wulfric’s gaze. [color=D0B4EC]“If even Duke Vikena dealt with them in good faith, he is unlikely to be alone. Each of us should also audit our own affairs. What appears benign in one territory may complete a pattern in another.”[/color]

Laurent’s eyes regarded Charlotte with a faint, solemn nod, but his gaze swiveled quickly to Wulfric instead. [color=47d8ff]“Your Highness, if you seek Caesonian witch hunters, you must seek the Church… “[/color] He sighed and shook his head. [color=47d8ff]“ I must urge caution. These witch hunters from Varian… They are not of our land. They do not fish from our rivers. They do not pray in our churches.”[/color] He leaned forward slightly, hands clasped in emphasis.

[color=47d8ff]“The clergy have preserved our kingdom’s memory long before any western sword was raised in our defense. It was they who rooted out sorcery once before. They who built the sanctums of St. Primitus, where no cursed flame may burn.”[/color]

He then turned sharply to Lorenzo. [color=47d8ff]“To claim virtue while profiting from poison… that is not ignorance. That is indulgence.”[/color] His eyes then flicked, just briefly, to Gideon, who had leaned toward Lady Charlotte, whispering something that drew a faint smile from her.  Laurent’s voice faltered for half a breath as his cold, unblinking stare met the Soralian Duke’s calm gaze.

Finally, to Wulfric once more: [color=47d8ff]“Foreign blades cannot cleanse Caesonian sins. If you wish holy fire, ask the altar.”[/color]

Antoinette’s hands clasped gently as she decided to speak up after her husband, eyes wide with feeling. [color=c3f1de]“First I must say… Your Highness, I… I do thank you for letting us speak. Truly, it means more than you know, mon prince.”[/color]

Her gaze drifted to Charlotte with warmth and pride. [color=c3f1de]“Lady Charlotte makes a fine point! Oui, there may be a trail in the paperwork as we collect it over the next month. I’m no investigator, but… perhaps it can be followed.”[/color] She smiled softly at her, [color=c3f1de]“Ah, notre petite mademoiselle.”[/color]

She next looked toward her husband with a gentle disposition, [color=c3f1de]“My husband is right that the Church has done much in our past, but respectfully… they have not yet stopped this.”[/color] She did her best to avoid Laurent’s eyes as she heard his soft gasp. [color=c3f1de]“We cannot rely on prayer alone. Not this time. If the Varians bring light into our shadows, then let them.”[/color]

Her eyes found Lorenzo next, kind and without judgment. [color=c3f1de]“And Duke Vikena… mon cher, how could any of us know what these companies do in secret? You may hold receipts, names, anything that could help.”[/color] She gave him a sweet smile and assured him by reaching over and giving him a good hand squeeze, [color=c3f1de]“That does not make you guilty, it makes you an asset.”[/color]

Finally, she returned to Wulfric, voice hopeful. [color=c3f1de]“If we all bring what little we can find, perhaps the whole truth will come together.”[/color] Her hands pressed together, eyes shimmering with hope. [color=c3f1de]“Pour le bien du royaume... for the good of the kingdom. And perhaps, enfin, for a little peace.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“We will have to earn that peace,”[/color] Wulfric declared. [color=ab274f]“You have all offered worthwhile suggestions,”[/color] he commended. [color=ab274f]“Gathering evidence is sensible, as is conducting an audit. But do not expect every transaction to be recorded. Beware that even amongst those documented, innocuous words may mask illicit activities. That is the way of criminals,”[/color] he pointed out. 

[color=ab274f]“I urge each of you to task trusted agents with infiltrating key points of commerce: the docks, markets, cargo vessels, warehouses, inns…From the marginalized to the nobility, I suspect many have been lured in by the promise of a good deal. Our task is to discern who among them are the victims…and who are the perpetrators.”[/color] His voice lowered to a hiss on the last word. Meanwhile, Duke Petit and Duke Edwards were both quick to nod their agreement.

[color=ab274f]“For every person who dealt with Black Rose in good faith, there are others – corrupt, profiteering from suffering, and weakening our people for personal gain.”[/color] He let that truth settle before continuing. 

[color=ab274f]“Duchess Antoinette, I too question how it is that the church has failed to expose this issue. I will seek their guidance and insight, but I believe we need cooperation. Cohesion between Varian witch hunters, any Caesonian hunters we can find, and our local law enforcement.”[/color]

He paused long enough that his next words landed with weight. [color=ab274f]“No matter who they are or what skills they possess, they must operate within the bounds of law. We cannot allow the hunters to act like cultists chasing their next thrill. This is not a crusade. We can no more expect to excise magic than we can root out death. Our mission is to contain those who abuse power, and we must carry it with discipline, not blind zealotry.”[/color] He was making his stance clearer as well as testing the waters.

[color=ab274f]“Let us each do our part. Send me weekly reports on your findings, and alert me immediately in the case of an emergency. We will achieve the greatest effect with a pincer attack: an official investigation in tandem with a discreet, underground effort. Let us aim for a comprehensive review by the end of Ignis.”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Youn- Prince Wulfric! I have a particular question…”[/color] Lorenzo cleared his throat unnecessarily due to nervousness. [Color=salmon]“...for a friend, of course. One of my friends— he orders a particular brand of goods from the Black Rose Trading Company in bulk and he also has made very healthy investments in the company as well… Would [i]he[/i] be made to stop his dealings if he holds an official political position? Would he be investigated differently?”[/color] Lorenzo's forehead creased with concern.

Wulfric arched an eyebrow. The classical ‘this is about a friend’, was it? [color=ab274f]“If the transactions are legal, there is no issue. We are seeking to uncover illicit merchandise, dealings, and methods. As for investments…Consider that the Black Rose may use what it earns above board for criminal activity without the investor’s awareness.”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Oh good! I… I think this will be good for him. Thank you, your majesty.”[/color] Lorenzo beamed before remembering one other thing on his mind. [Color=salmon]“Also… um, how should I phrase this? Um… Last night opened our eyes that magic use is not favored by one particular class of people. From servants to the Queen. Anyone can be a culprit. Even here at this very meeting.”[/color] He looked across everyone in attendance for a beat before continuing. [Color=salmon]“I believe if there is a way, we should check for magic use amongst us, as well as Duchess Edwards who has not attended. We need to ensure we aren't feeding our plans to those who might want to get around them. Can these witch hunters detect such a thing?”[/color]
[color=ab274f]“I expect they can, and were not merely sitting idly at the banquet.”[/color] But did anyone consider by what means detecting magic was accomplished?

 [color=47d8ff]“My wife and I will gladly be checked..”[/color] Laurent informed Lorenzo, then looked to Wulfric rather rapidly after such, [color=47d8ff]“Your Highness… I understand the need for order.  But magic is not merely dangerous: it is profane.”[/color] He folded his hands, eyes steady. [color=47d8ff]“It is a corruption of the soul. It can summon fires with a thought, flay the mind from within, strip away a man’s free will as easily as breath from a dying body…”[/color]

He inclined his head respectfully toward Wulfric, eyes solemn. [color=47d8ff]“You aim to proceed with reason, and avoid mass hysteria. That is noble, truly. Though I do hope that you are not suggesting mercy… Mercy in this case… may be a cruelty in disguise. Once a soul binds itself to magic, it begins to unravel. Slowly, yes, but inevitably. They may still speak like us, smile like us… but what lies beneath becomes less and less human. If magic was to become common use once more, Eromora would fall to ruin.”[/color]
[color=ab274f]“Mercy is not in my interest. Transgressors will be hunted,”[/color] is all he said to that. He did not know exactly what Duke Petit’s fear was based on. How would magic become common in a climate like theirs?

He shook his head faintly, with a rare flicker of fear. [color=47d8ff]“I beg you: permit the hunters to do what must be done. Not out of hatred, nor vengeance. But because those who tread the path of sorcery cannot turn back. The longer they live, the more dangerous they become… to others and to themselves.”[/color]

[color=47d8ff]“There is a reason the old grimoires were burned. A reason the sanctums of St. Primitus were built where no cursed flame could flicker. This is not superstition. It is [i]memory[/i].”[/color]

[color=c3f1de]“Magic… it unsettles me, truly,”[/color] Antoinette murmured, hands folded neatly. [color=c3f1de]“Not only for what it does, but for what it makes people believe zey are entitled to become.”[/color]

She turned her gaze to Wulfric, eyes sincere. [color=c3f1de]“If left unchecked, what would stop zem from overthrowing us all? Non—witchcraft must never again take root in common life.”[/color] Her expression softened and she sighed. [color=c3f1de]“Though… sometimes I wonder,”[/color] she added gently, [color=c3f1de]“if we catch it early enough, before they’ve lost themselves entirely, might there still be hope for zome? ”[/color] She shook her head faintly, as if unsure. [color=c3f1de]“Let the hunters work under your preferred guidelines,and though it hurts my heart, without mercy for those already too far gone.”[/color]

From beneath his lashes, Gideon’s gaze quietly found Charlotte’s while Lady Petit had been mid-speech. Charlotte caught it only by chance, and she blinked, uncertain of the reason. Then, her fingers drifted near her amulet unconsciously. When she tapped it, testing, Gideon gave the faintest nod, so slight it might have been imagined, timed precisely when no other eyes were watching. Her stomach clenched.

Gideon finally spoke, his voice thoughtful but firm. [color=burlywood]“I agree with Prince Wulfric… There is wisdom in what’s been said… but let us not forget: fear spreads faster than fact, and burns far more indiscriminately.”[/color] His gaze passed briefly to Wulfric, then around the room. [color=burlywood]“Once word reaches the streets—and it will—they will cry for blood. And not just the Queen’s. Mercy for the corrupted may be unwise… but if we allow paranoia to dictate our path, we risk condemning the innocent. And that would be its own kind of evil.”[/color]

Laurent’s voice cut in, steeled with conviction. [color=47d8ff]“And that, Duke Edwards, is precisely why the hunters exist.”[/color] His eyes were unwavering as they met Gideon’s. [color=47d8ff]“To distinguish the corrupted from the wrongfully accused.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“If these few hunters are all we can rely on, then that is all the more reason to hold them to the highest standards. Where will we end up if they behave little better than would-be slavers?”[/color] He shook his head. [color=ab274f]“I do not tolerate disorderly conduct. Those who oversee the actions of others must never be exempt from oversight. The hunters must be [i]exemplary[/i],”[/color] he stressed. After a beat, he added, [color=ab274f]“Ideally, they should impart their knowledge, so we may begin training a proper force.”[/color] 

[Color=salmon]“Agreed.”[/color] Lorenzo nodded to Wulfric before turning to Laurent, finally prepared to clap back at him. He’d been waiting for this moment. [Color=salmon]“Duke Laurent, we can't have [i]foreigners[/i] policing our people. You must think of the confidence the people have in us. It's already embarrassing enough that we need the Varian Kingdom to clean up our messes. Using them to discern the criminals while he build up our own domestic authority against these spell-slingers is a perfect plan, Prince Wulfric. This matter needs a firm hand, yes, but that hand must be ours… for it is the Gods that guide them. The same gods that have chosen our Prince Wulfric, the Witch Catcher.”[/color] Lorenzo made a fist with his right hand to convey his conviction.

After wrapping up the strategic discussion, the meeting closed with a brief overview of the duchies’ current state: largely positive, with most regions reporting steady or improved economic trends.
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