The council chamber felt different when occupied solely by the nine-tailed elders. Without the presence of lesser court members the atmosphere felt more tense.
Elder Míngzhì sat rigidly in his customary position, his nine silver-streaked tails arranged with precise formality around his chair. The other eight elders had taken their designated seats.
"The formal session is convened," Húwáng announced, his voice carrying across the circular chamber. "We gather to deliberate Lord Ambrose's petition for marriage alliance with Princess Ruxi and integration into our realm."
"Before we proceed," Elder Míngzhì interjected, rising with ceremonial precision, "I move that this deliberation address the broader implications of human integration rather than focusing solely on individual compatibility."
