Grand Duke Sentino rose from his seat.
He walked to the vast stained-glass window and gazed upon the city that stretched below him, his domain and pride.
"All I seek is this land of the southwest. If I cannot fully grasp it in my palm, then even should I proclaim a kingdom, it would lack the legitimacy of true sovereignty. Since everyone is waiting for the toll of the Firstfall Festival, then we… might as well wait too."
He turned back, sharp light flashing in his eyes.
"Besides, this is the perfect opportunity to see what sort of 'new toys' that Emperor Aurek has acquired, and how much power they truly hold. Perhaps, through that, we may catch glimpses of the hidden hand that supports him."
"As for the true strike," his voice hardened, carrying the steel of ruthless decision, "that will come after the Firstfall Festival, when I, Sentino, formally declare my kingdom. Only then will we launch our blow!"
