After reaching an agreement with the Duke of Gloucester, both sides didn't say much further and entered the venue of the meeting.
In a Privy Council meeting, the Empress was supposed to attend, and as the Royal Family's heir, Eldest Princess Annie was expected to be present.
But now, the Empress is absent due to illness, Eldest Princess Annie is on an expedition, and it is the Duke of Gloucester, the Speaker of the Noble Council, who is representing the Royal Family to preside over the meeting.
As for whether other members of the Royal Family could take their place, such notions are just nonsense to all factions.
The current Royal Family relies entirely on the Empress's personal prestige to maintain its standing; although Eldest Princess Annie has been recognized by all sides as the Empire's heir to the throne, this recognition does not extend further.
