[hider=Edin & Laurent Flashback - Sola 29 - After the Ducal Meeting]
[color=lightgray][center][h1][color=red]FLASHBACK[/color][/h1][/center]

[center][h1][color=DDB775]King Edin[/color] & [color=47d8ff]Duke Laurent[/color][/h1][/center]

[color=DDB775]Time:[/color] Right after the Ducal Meeting
[color=47d8ff]Location:[/color] Castle Study
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The hurried footsteps echoed softly against the cold marble floors as Duke Laurent quickly followed behind King Edin, his heart pounding. His voice trembled slightly when he finally caught up. [color=47d8ff]"Your Majesty, please! Allow me a moment of your time to explain—"[/color]

Edin halted abruptly, slowly turning to face Laurent, his gaze colder than ice, eyes narrowed slightly. [color=DDB775]"Explain what, exactly? How you found it appropriate to attend a private council arranged by my dear son… without my presence or my explicit consent?"[/color] His voice dripped with quiet menace, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk.

Laurent bowed deeply, visibly nervous yet resolute. [color=47d8ff]"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I came immediately to atone for my indiscretion. Please allow me the chance to rectify my mistake. I can offer full transparency."[/color]

Edin’s gaze lingered on Laurent, visibly enjoying the man's discomfort before finally nodding slightly, sharply gesturing toward a nearby study. [color=DDB775]"Come, Duke Petit. You have my attention for now."[/color]

As they entered the dimly lit study, Edin moved directly to a plush chair. [color=DDB775]"Now, Laurent,"[/color] he began curtly, [color=DDB775]"Do not waste my time. What precisely did my dear son discuss with the dukes behind closed doors?"[/color]

Laurent quickly gathered himself, standing respectfully before Edin, head bowed slightly. [color=47d8ff]"Your Majesty, Prince Wulfric called upon us to discuss the recent issues of magic and the Black Rose. He seeks to investigate and eradicate these threats using reason and prudence."[/color] 

He paused briefly, measuring Edin's expression before continuing carefully, aware of the king’s growing displeasure. [color=47d8ff]"The prince suggested a cautious audit of our trading records to uncover the Black Rose’s illicit dealings and recommended increased surveillance at docks, markets, and warehouses. He also proposed an investigation into nobles who might unknowingly fund their operations."[/color] Laurent hesitated again, choosing his next words delicately. [color=47d8ff]"He did express…reservations about fully relying on the Varian witch hunters and mentioned seeking our own Caesonian witch hunters from our Church, to ensure greater oversight."[/color]

Edin's eyes narrowed further, clearly dissatisfied. Laurent quickly added, attempting to placate him, [color=47d8ff]"Of course, Your Majesty, I emphasized the critical importance of the Church’s involvement. I reminded Prince Wulfric that only our sacred institutions hold true wisdom in these matters."[/color]

Laurent sighed softly, eyes dropping momentarily, [color=47d8ff]"However, Your Majesty, Prince Wulfric also invited my wife and even young Lady Vikena to speak openly. I fear that involving women in such sensitive and complex matters may lead to unnecessary confusion or panic amongst our ranks."[/color]

Edin's face twitched slightly, irritation clear at Laurent's mention of the duchesses. [color=DDB775]"Ah, yes. Inviting women to speak openly, as if their delicate sensibilities could withstand such matters. Has my son forgotten how easily they panic and cause disorder?"[/color]

Laurent nodded quickly in agreement, sensing Edin’s displeasure. [color=47d8ff]"Precisely, Your Majesty. Prince Wulfric also expressed doubts regarding the Varian witch hunters by suggesting they needed to be regulated strictly so that they do not act zealously."[/color]

[color=DDB775]"Zealously?"[/color] Edin echoed incredulously. His voice dropped, dripping with disdain. [color=DDB775]"It seems my son misunderstands the severity of our plight. Perhaps he thinks this is some diplomatic tea party rather than a divine purge of corruption."[/color] He exhaled sharply, stepping closer to Laurent with a voice that trembled with barely-contained fury. [color=DDB775]"Zealotry is precisely what we require: [i][b]righteous[/b], [b]unwavering[/b] commitment[/i] to cleanse our kingdom. Without that, we invite chaos, Duke Petit. This lax attitude toward witchcraft is exactly why we've fallen prey to such wickedness."[/color]

[color=47d8ff]"Indeed, Your Majesty,"[/color] Laurent confirmed earnestly, [color=47d8ff]"and I warned him of precisely that. I advised that magic corrupts irreversibly; mercy would be cruel rather than kind. I fear he did not wholly grasp the severity of this matter."[/color]

Edin leaned back thoughtfully, fingers steepled, his voice quiet yet seething beneath the surface. [color=DDB775]"How utterly disappointing… He seeks to undermine my decisions, openly questioning the necessity of these witch hunters—the same hunters Alibeth herself wisely procured. Wulfric forgets his place too easily."[/color]

Laurent took a careful breath before continuing, clearly uncomfortable but resolved. [color=47d8ff]"Prince Wulfric also stated openly that he hesitated to speak on the Queen's magic usage."[/color]

Edin’s jaw clenched visibly, eyes darkening with barely controlled fury. [color=DDB775]"He withheld such a terrible thing from me... Then he publicly humiliated my authority by making a spectacle without my permission. He has overstepped too far this time, Laurent."[/color]

[color=47d8ff]"Precisely my concern, Your Majesty,"[/color] Laurent said solemnly. [color=47d8ff]"Prince Wulfric even questioned our Church, claiming they had failed to discover and suppress magic earlier."[/color]

Edin's eyes narrowed further, calculating quickly. [color=DDB775]"The Church? Wulfric thinks to weaken the Church’s influence now, of all times? No, Laurent. The Church must not be cast aside—its authority must be strengthened. We shall remind the people who truly protect them, who truly hold divine favor."[/color]

Laurent nodded vigorously, a sense of relief entering his voice. [color=47d8ff]"My exact sentiments, Your Majesty. It is vital now more than ever that the Church guides us. Foreign hunters may aid temporarily, but our true strength must come from our sacred traditions, from the clergy who have shielded Caesonia for generations."[/color]

Edin leaned back, allowing silence to linger, eyes narrowed in careful thought before finally nodding, satisfaction evident in his expression. [color=DDB775]"Indeed, Duke Laurent. You were wise to bring this to me directly. Wulfric’s insubordination shall be addressed. He may think himself clever, but he is not yet the King... I will personally ensure the Church’s rightful involvement. Caesonia will be reminded of the order it thrives upon."[/color]

Laurent bowed deeply once more, visibly relieved and humbled. [color=47d8ff]"You have my unwavering loyalty, Your Majesty. May the gods bless your wisdom."[/color]

Edin smiled faintly, though his eyes held no warmth. [color=DDB775]"They always do, Laurent. They always do."[/color][/color]
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