The diplomatic fuss indeed stemmed from Bartolomeo's aristocratic lineage as the scion of House Asterion, a prominent noble family rivaled only by the Lavaliers and the ruling royal house. His rash attempt to seize Isao, a young noblewoman from a relatively minor line of nobility, had drawn Princess Sylveria into the fray when Bartolomeo refused to cease his bold aggression. Consequently, Bartolomeo was taken into custody for his crimes against Isao, while a heated debate raged among the nobility regarding his punishment and restitution. Isla, unfortunately, had also found herself detained for her part in defending Isao, much to Sylveria's distress.
Princess Sylveria's words carried a resolute cadence, her unwavering conviction a beacon amidst the tempest of conflicting opinions. "I understand the concerns, but we cannot allow the whims of petulant nobility to dictate our every move." she asserted, her gaze scanning the assembly of siblings and advisors. Maxwell, the First Prince, inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement of her stance, his expression a mask of calm consideration. Beside him, Arin, the mischievous Seventh Prince, watched Sylveria with a mixture of fascination and admiration, his eyes sparkling with unspoken approval.
Luisa, the soft-spoken third Princess, nodded in quiet agreement, her slender fingers twirling a lock of hair as she pondered the complexities of the situation. Meanwhile, Blight, the Fourth Princess, maintained her inscrutable façade, her eyes gleaming with an intensity that belied her thoughts. As the debate continued, Lisette, the vivacious Sixth Princess, leaned forward, her interest piqued. "But surely, sister, we must consider the repercussions of offending a high duke and his son." she interjected, her melodic voice carrying a hint of apprehension.
Celeste, the reserved Eighth Princess, spoke up next, her words measured and thoughtful. "Indeed, we cannot afford to alienate the nobility entirely. However, perhaps we might negotiate a resolution that satisfies all parties, rather than acquiescing to Bartolomeo's transgressions unconditionally." Sylveria considered her siblings' perspectives, weighing the potential consequences of each approach. After a moment of contemplation, she replied, "I agree that tactful diplomacy is crucial. We shall summon the high duke and propose a compromise that respects the law yet acknowledges the complexity of this situation." Her heart sank as the weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders.
The intricate dance of court politics demanded that the king mediate this delicate dispute, one that entangled a princess and the scion of a noble house. The prospect of convening a grand council, where voices would be heard and verdicts rendered, filled her with trepidation.
Summoning the high duke would inevitably lead to a formal hearing, where Isla's fate would hang in the balance. Would the assembled nobles prioritize justice or expediency? Would they view Isao's actions as those of a wronged woman or a brazen rebel deserving of severe punishment? The uncertainty gnawed at Sylveria's core, leaving her to grapple with the knowledge that she, powerless as a princess, could only watch as her friends' destinies were shaped by forces beyond her control.
In the Lavender house, Isao knelt before her father, Lord Lavender, her voice trembling with sincerity. "Forgive me, Father, if my actions have brought shame to our house. I beg of you, assist Isla, the kind commoner who risked everything to protect me. At the very least, ensure she faces no severe punishment or imprisonment."
Lord Lavender's brow furrowed as he exhaled heavily, the magnitude of their family's insignificance in the grand scheme of things sinking in. As a minor noble, their influence extended only to their estate and its inhabitants, rendering them powerless to sway the course of events in a kingdom ruled by monarchs and their machinations. Lord Lavender sighed, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "My dear Isao, your compassion knows no bounds, but alas, our influence is limited as a minor noble family. We cannot sway the king's council or guarantee Isla's freedom from prosecution."
He placed a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder, his voice softening. "However, I will speak with the jailers and request leniency in her treatment. It's the least we can do, considering her bravery in protecting you." Isao nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Father. I promise to work hard and restore our family's honor, so we can one day make a real difference in the world." Lord Lavender smiled proudly, squeezing his daughter's shoulder before releasing her. "I have no doubt you will, my dear. Now, go prepare for your lessons. There's much to learn before you take your rightful place among the nobility."
Days passed in oppressive silence, the weight of confinement bearing down on Isla. Despite the harsh treatment from her captors, she remained unscathed, untouched by violence or violation. This mercy was thanks to Sylveria's intervention and Lord Lavender's pleas. Alone in her cell, Isla found solace in the solitude, her mind wandering to the events that had led her here. The memories of her past life, of wielding divine power and defeating foes with ease, seemed distant and unreal now. In this bleak present, she was just a commoner, stripped of her former glory and reduced to a mere pawn in the game of nobles. Yet even as despair threatened to consume her, Isla's spirit refused to be extinguished. She drew strength from knowing that her friends, though separated by circumstance, remained steadfast in their support.
