The council chamber buzzed with tension as the nine-tailed elders took their seats for what many suspected would be the final deliberation on Grim's petition.
Elder Míngzhì sat with obvious satisfaction, a collection of documents arranged before him like weapons prepared for battle.
"The session is convened," Húwáng announced, his voice carrying across the circular chamber. "We gather to reach final judgment on Lord Ambrose's petition for marriage alliance and integration into our realm."
"Before we proceed," Elder Míngzhì interjected, rising with ceremonial precision, "I have obtained new information that directly bears on this decision. Information that reveals the true nature of Lord Ambrose's methods in human lands."
Several elders exchanged glances at the formal challenge. Míngzhì's tone suggested he possessed evidence that would definitively resolve the debate in his favor.
