A tingle went up Zekes spine as he realized that the entire room was now looking at him. Otto Geistreichs declaration had ended the official part of the eting, opening up the floor for whatever he had planned.
Ezekiel von Hohenheim, Otto began in a somber voice. You are charged with treason against the empire. You are hereby ordered to return to Magusburg for your trial.
Zekes heart clenched. However, despite the shock, he couldnt say that he was all that surprised by the accusation. Aside from the fact that he was indeed guilty of the cri, the empire would have no problem making up the charge either way. It was what they had done to Maximilian, after all.
Which of my actions were deed treasonous? Zeke asked.
This was a good chance to investigate how much the empire knew. If Zeke had to guess, they probably knew quite a bit about his activities. He wouldnt be surprised to learn that there were hundreds of spies all over Tradespire. A few of them were undoubtedly observing his every move.
I am not at liberty to say, Otto responded. As usual, his face gave nothing away. But Zeke wasnt too disappointed. Learning anything from the chancellor had been a longshot anyway. However, that doesnt an there is nothing I can tell you.
Please enlighten , Zeke said.
In light of the tragic loss of your ntor, the emperor has decided to be lenient, this ti. I am authorized to offer you a deal that will get rid of the charges against you and allow you to return to the empire as a free man.
Zeke raised a single brow. What are the conditions of the offer?
Otto raised a single finger. First, the von Hohenheim household will not be allowed to employ or adopt anybody at the Grand Mage level or above.
A second finger straightened. Ezekiel von Hohenheim will have to serve in the empires military for at least half a century as recompense for past transgressions.
A third finger. As a further sign of penance, 90% of the assets owned by the von Hohenheim family will be seized by the empire. This also includes assets outside the empire. If you agree to those three demands, the emperor has agreed to be rciful.
With every new stipulation that was added, his expression sank. After the third and final demand, he could barely hold back the laughter that was threatening to escape his mouth from the sheer anger and disbelief he was feeling.
The complacent grin on Alexander's face was the last straw. The boy was grinning at him with the smug satisfaction of a cat toying with a mouse. It was clear that he gained an inane amount of sick pleasure from this interaction. Zeke wouldnt be surprised to learn that he had begged to co along for this mont alone.
When Zeke saw that expression, coupled with those ridiculous demands, sothing inside Zeke snapped. His tense posture relaxed, and the fire that had started to burn in his chest evaporated. No, that wasnt quite right, it didnt evaporate it transford. From a roaring inferno into a simring fla. Instead of an explosive force driving him to action, it had turned into a chill that pervaded his very being.
Instead of hot, it was cold.
Instead of impulsive, it made him calm.
Instead of anger, it was hatred.
I see, Zeke said in a serene, dispassionate voice as he t Ottos gaze. Lets see if I understood your offer correctly, Mr. Geistreich. You want to take my n, seize my property, and turn into a slave. Is that the extent of the emperors rcy?
Before Otto could even respond, Lara burst out laughing. It took several monts until she had cald down enough for Otto to even respond. However, before he could, Zeke raised a hand to stop him.
No need to explain, he said. It was a rhetorical question anyway. I refuse your conditions completely.
Are you sure? Otto asked. There are going to be consequences for making that choice. Not only for you but your entire household. Maybe you want to discuss this with your attendants first.
No need, Zeke said right away. There wasnt even the slightest hint of uncertainty in his tone. I will bear the responsibility for this decision.
Very well, Otto said with a sigh. Then you leave with no choice.
The chancellor straightened his posture and cleared his throat.
From this very mont, you are stripped of your na and title and are considered part of the empire no more. I hereby declare you and your kin to be enemies of Arkanheim. This sentence extends to anybody who doesnt leave your service by the end of the week. The von Hohenheim household will also be stricken from the records of the empire and all past achievents rendered null. Furthermore, you will be added to the list of wanted criminals. The bounty for your arrest will be set at 10,000 gold.
A few people couldnt help themself and sucked in a breath or gulped at those draconic asures. It was clear that the empire had decided to destroy Ezekiels future completely. There was a heavy silence pervading the room as the man spoke.
However, not a ripple crossed Zekes face as he listened to the litany of announcents. Instead, the cold hatred that burned in his chest intensified with each new word. But even he couldnt help but clench his fist when he heard that any past achievents would be stricken from the history books. That was Maximilians legacy! All his life, he had fought for the empire and its people. And now it would all be rendered null? Just like that?
anwhile, Alexander was staring at Zeke. His eyes bore into him as if searching for the slightest crack in his facade. However, he was left disappointed as not a single opening revealed itself. Even by the ti the chancellor finished, Zeke's face was as if carved from ice. He rely raised a single brow as the man finished. Is that all?
Otto nodded. That is all.
Very well, Zeke said, getting to his feet. Then I would like to make an announcent of my own
Ridiculous! Alexander sneered. You have no na, no country, and soon even the last of your subordinates will leave you. What right do you have to speak here?
Zeke noticed that Otto didnt stop Alexander this ti. It seed that whatever goodwill he had left with the chancellor had been extinguished by his refusal to comply. No matter, he had never banked on the rcy of his enemies in the first place. A cold smile spread across his face as he replied to the young Feuerkranz.
This is not the empire, Alexander. I think its about ti you learned that fact, Zeke explained calmly. All your pompous declarations are worth little more than hot air. Dont forget, it is not the rchant Union that is dependent on the empire, but the empire that is dependent on the Union.
During his declaration, Zeke kept a close eye on the ssenger sent by the king. Depending on their reaction, he could determine if he was going too far. However, so far, the figure just stood there, nodding along. This boosted Zeke's confidence even more.
You seem to be under the delusion that my position here in the city was dependent on the empires support, Zeke stated mockingly. But this couldnt be further from the truth. Not once have I received anything but scorn or mistrust from this cursed association. If anything, your declaration will boost my standing, rather than destroy it.
Damn right it will, Lara cheered.
Well said, Tristan also chid in.
And even though Aurelia didnt speak up, the slight curl to her lips showed her approval. She was clearly enjoying the fact that Zekes sharp tongue was pointed at the empire instead of her family this ti.
Alexander deflated upon seeing how much support Zeke garnered from the crowd, causing him to glance at Otto for help. The Chancellor sighed in response. Very well, Ezekiel. Make your declaration. But be quick about it, I am a busy man.
Ezekiel internally bristled at the casual disregard. It was jarring to see how much Ottos treatnt of him had changed all of a sudden. However, he would not give in to his emotions. In the ga of politics, showing emotion was a fatal flaw.
Ohh? I think you misunderstood. My declaration is not for you, Zeke proclaid. You empire dogs can fuck off for all I care. As he spoke, he made a shooing motion as if trying to get rid of a pesky critter.
Imdiately, all hell broke loose. Half the empires delegation was on their feet in an instant, gathering mana. However, their group was not the only one to react.
At the sa ti, two birds appeared behind Aurelia. Aether and Nexus looked different from their previous form. The two crows were the size of wyverns, their wings extending for a dozen feet. The mont they appeared, they Shielded her group in a feathery embrace from either side.
At the Equinox table, Laras eyes had started to glow. Her stare was fixed on one point, and one point only Otto Geistreichs forehead. As soon as sobody attacked, she would make sure that he died first. The struggle on her face bore testant to how much she wished for that to happen. Her companion, Arlon Finsternis, had vanished. Even Zeke had not seen the mont the man had moved. But he was certain the Shadow Mage was ready to strike at any ti.
Tristan remained seated. However, a long sword made from Blood had erged in his hands. And despite his seemingly relaxed posture, he was doubtlessly ready to pounce at the drop of a hat.
However, despite the explosive first reaction, nothing happened. It took a mont for Zeke to realize that sothing was off. People hadnt just paused in their movent, they literally stopped. This was not a natural stillness. It was almost as if ti had been frozen
What did I say about breaching the neutrality of Tradespire? ssengers garbled voice asked, cutting through the silence. Zekes head snapped to the shrouded figure. He noticed that he was the only one able to move.
How were they doing this? Zeke could not feel even the slightest stir in the mana. Sohow, the ssenger was able to cast spells without using their core. But that was imposs
Exarch! They were an Exarch. The realization hit Zeke like a ton of bricks. It was rumored that Mages of that level were able to attune the mana of the natural world without using their Core. Now that Zeke thought about it, this made sense. Why would the king send sobody to oversee this eting who didnt have the ability to act?
ssenger waved their hand, and without delay, the previous events played out in reverse. Tristans sword disappeared back into his hand, Laras eyes stopped glowing, and the entire delegation of the empire sat back down. However, there was one notable exception. The two crows didnt seem to be affected at all.
Nexus tilted his head. Can I eat him, Aether?
He seems pretty strong, Nexus. I dont know if you can.
We wont know if I dont try, right?
Please dont, ssenger said. I would be forced to kill your master. It would be best if you returned. I dont an her any harm. The two birds shared a look before disappearing at the sa ti. They had apparently decided not to bother with this hassle anymore.
ssenger then turned his attention to Zeke. I would advise you to choose your words more carefully this ti, boy.
Without any further explanation, the movent in the room resud. Zeke was confused at first, but when he saw everyone looking at him, the truth dawned on him. Nobody rembered his earlier words. The Exarch had turned back ti. He stealthily glanced at ssenger, and the figure nodded in return.
Are you going to make a declaration or not? Alexander asked, his expression still ugly from his earlier loss.
Despite this curious interruption, the hatred in Zekes heart had not diminished in the slightest. Ever since the enrollnt ceremony two years ago, the empire had treated him with nothing but disdain. They had taken so much from him his friends, his ntor, and now even his na and birthplace. Enough was enough, it was ti to go on the offensive.
From this very mont, I, forrly known as Ezekiel von Hohenheim, rescind my title and na. I hereby declare Arkanheim to be the enemy of and my kin, he proclaid, parroting Ottos earlier words. Furthermore I hereby pledge my support for the war against the empire.
There was a mont of silence before the entire Arkanheim delegation burst out laughing. Even Lara and Tristan were giving Zeke weird looks. The question was clear in their eyes. What good would his support do?
Y-your support? Alexander wheezed out between bouts of laughter. You have us quaking in our boots, mighty True Mage!
Out of the empires group, only Otto remained taciturn. His only reaction had been a slight narrowing of his eyes. Eventually, the rry laughter and jokes ca to a stop as the delegation noticed the somber expression of their leader.
Zeke looked around the gathered crowd. Hear well, as this offer is open to all of you. I will pay 1000 gold for every head brought to ...
Wha Alexander started. But Zeke interrupted him right away. He wasnt even close to being done.
10,000 Gold for every Grand Mage, 100,000 gold for every Arch Mage, and a million gold for every patriarch of the four great families. Furthermore, I will pay a further million gold to the one who brings Alexander Feuerkranz alive.
The room descended into complete silence. Not even Otto Geistreich knew what to say. This amount of money was more than the empire offered as a reward for their most wanted criminals. Tristan Bloodsword, ranked first on their list, was only worth 100,000 gold. This was now the average price on the heads of any of their Arch Mages. Such a reward was tempting, even to allies
I suggest you take that back, Otto began, slowly finding his voice. Such a declaration will be t with consequences.
And what would those consequences be, exactly? Zeke asked. Are you going to strip of my na? my title? declare an enemy? put a bounty on my head? kill my ntor?
His facial expression turned from mocking to ice-cold. What is there even left to threaten with? You have already taken everything from . No, not this ti. This ti, it will be you it will be you and your foul country to suffer the consequences of your actions. And if you think this bit of gold is all that I am willing to give, then you are sorely mistaken. Before the end, you will co to regret your actions today on that, you have my word.
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