Duke Elagabalus spoke with such firmness that for a moment, the weight of doubt seemed to lift from their collective consciousness.
There was immense silence as his words settled into their minds, but Diviticus and others nodded with gazes full of desperate hope.
Duke Elagabalus continued with growing confidence, his voice taking on the tone of someone who had found solid ground in a landscape of shifting possibilities.
"It is likely that he obtained an inheritance or treasure relating to an Early Creature. Perhaps a drop of blood from some ancient source, and that is what Diviticus obtained half of. Which means we must find Ozymandias at all costs. If he possesses such a treasure, it belongs with us. There is no harm being…friendly. Inviting him to our ranks truly."
…!
Oh!
Their eyes blazed with collective acknowledgment as they seized upon this explanation like salvation itself.
