"We must seize this opportunity to improve Aetherion's standing. The Theocracy and the Celestine Hegemony has been developing at a faster pace than us for years. All we have to show is our progress in magical research. But that alone won't sustain an empire."
"Agreed, Marquess Ludwig," another noble replied. "The more debt other empires owe us, the stronger our position becomes."
Inside the Council of High Nobles, several noblemen gathered around the table as they discussed the appropriate response to the magic phenomenon known as Leyline Hurricanes.
In the wake of the disaster, the Celestine Hegemony had turned to Aetherion for assistance.
With the Duchy of Esmeralda disqualified from the Council and stripped entirely of its aristocratic status, its Duke title revoked and the house reduced to nothing more than commoners, only six Dukedoms remained, three of which were of Imperial Family descent.
