The First Elder's expression crumbled beneath his mask, as he struggled to believe just how boldly the Fourth Elder had contradicted him in front of everyone.
It was audacious. Brazen even.
And yet, despite the silent outrage churning within him, he held his composure.
He didn't interrupt.
He didn't scoff.
He didn't rise to match fire with fire.
Instead, he let the Fourth Elder finish every last word of his speech, and waited in silence until the inevitable chatter died down.
As only after the murmurs faded did he speak again.
"I have already issued orders to my subordinates and war commanders to begin preparing for conflict," he said, his voice colder than before. "The reallocation of resources under my control has already begun, with priority being shifted to our military wings."
"The rest of you are free to follow my lead and begin preparing for the inevitable—"
