The room fell silent. Unlike before there was no chaos or discontent or anything of the sort; instead, there was only confusion, and some amongst the court glanced around to make sure that what they heard was well and truly correct.

Out of them all, however, none were more perplexed than the aforementioned gentleman himself.

"Me?" Lucius said, pointing to himself. "Well now, that is certainly a choice, but who am I to deny the good-hearted request of a fellow?"

Before anyone could utter a word in reply, Lucius strolled forth and stood cheerfully next to Sir Renaud. The man greeted him with a shrewd grin and bowed his head.

"I suppose you weren't expecting this, were you?" Renaud chuckled.

"You would be most correct, my friend. Whatever gave you the idea?"

"Someone would have to take up my mantle eventually. Rather than one of Sir Ganelon's faction, I would prefer to pass down this power onto you. None shall have cause to dismiss your otherworldly kindred from participating in the nation's politics now."

That was true. One of the greatest hurdles for the players at the moment was their relative seclusion from inner castle affairs. They were treated as honored guests—which was pleasant to an extent—but such status also prevented them from truly wielding influence. If Lucius were to be instated as Peer, then the empire would have no choice but to include them in official matters.

To put it simply, the players would have the ability to form an independent faction. They would have a voice to legally interfere.

"You've thought this through quite deeply," Lucius said to him. "Does Sir Roland know what this implies?"

One would believe this to be of Roland's benefit, having another Peer on his side, but that wasn't necessarily correct. Yes, the man had supported the players ever since their arrival, and Lucius didn't deny being on good terms with his ilk, but that changed not the fact that allegiances could sway at any moment. Should Roland ever revoke his aid or be put in a precarious situation such as imprisonment, then the players would return right back to how they were at the beginning of this mission. He had power over them whether knowing or not.

That was why having Lucius serve in a formal capacity was paramount to gaining actual, real autonomy. Not even the leader of the Peers could strip the authorities given to the twelve, as evident with Ganelon's bold meddling, and beyond even legal sanction was a much more influential variable: the common people themselves. For better or worse, the Franks were deeply traditional. To be a Peer was no different from being regarded as God's direct subordinate. Roland and Ganelon both would require a most grave accusation if they wished to bring Lucius down.

"Of course not," Renaud replied. "Only one with such intelligence as I—and perhaps Ganelon—know the true significance of my nomination. Roland's fault has always been his naivety in political matters. He likely supports you solely out of good nature."

"That is all and good, but why go to such lengths for my people?" Lucius asked. "Especially when you have just resolved yourself to rekindle your relationship with him."

"Such resolution is separate from my debt to you, Lucius. I wish to change, yes, but it is also I who knows full well how quickly people can turn against each other. I will support you, as I will also support the common people. You will make a good Peer. Pray do not refuse this chance."

Lucius bid him a wry smile. "I may not chase after power myself, but neither do I have reason to avoid it. So be it. I will become a Peer representing the otherworlders."

With that, the two nodded in agreement and then turned back to the court. Just in time! Ganelon had finally composed himself enough to spit out a response to Renaud's declaration.

"... Lucius Rose, you say?" Ganelon seethed. "My boy, do you hear yourself right now? Of all the choices, you would nominate someone not even of our world to inherit our empire's greatest honor? Frankly, I am baffled."

"Think what you wish, uncle. I have made my decision."

"Yes, and it is a most foolish one, indeed."

Ganelon sighed and banged his gavel. "Fine, fine! I, Ganelon the High Tribunal, hereby accept your nomination. You and Sir Lucius will have an hour to make your case before we officially transition to the voting phase."

"That will be plenty."

Renaud quickly cleared his throat before extending his arms out to the court. "Hear me, noble members of our beloved empire: Sir Lucius is an exemplary man, one with the skill, the character, and the divine favor of which the Peers' title has always meant to enshrine."

"Bold words, my boy," Ganelon said with a stiff expression. "But hollow compliments won't get you far here."

"Of course not. If my recognition is not enough, then look no further than his many great accomplishments in service to the nation. Was it not he who slayed the dreaded Demon of Ears? That was not his first encounter with a Great Evil, either. He was also of great aid in subjugation of the Eyes."

Sir Renaud was off to a strong start, and many among the court whispered words of budding approval. However, Ganelon was not one to relent so soon.

"You speak as if he did so alone," he replied dryly. "The other Peers were with him, no? Ruggiero and my good friend Ogier—" Roland furrowed his brow at Ganelon's shamelessness "—were more than enough to deal with the thing. If you ask me, then I would be very skeptical about just how much this Lucius fellow actually contributed."

Ruggiero stood up in indignation and pointed his finger at Ganelon. "Then allow me to enlighten you as the one by his side that day. Were it not for Sir Lucius drawing the demon's attention, I would have not had the time to charge the Balisarda and strike it down. He alone confronted it whilst I and Ogier held off the maddened paladins. He was an essential part in the battle, as well as a friend I would gladly entrust my back to."

Aw, would you look at that? Lucius couldn't help but smile a bit before Ruggiero's sincere praise. The Peer dutifully came to the gentleman's defense and sang of his deeds to the court for much time, which helped sway some of the members to their side.

Ganelon remained stubborn as ever, however, and continued with his verbal attack. "I believe you, Ruggiero. I really do. However… you do admit that it was not Sir Lucius who struck the final blow, correct? I understand wanting to elevate your fellow, but I'm afraid only you can claim honor for the demon's slaying. Your plea is quite prejudiced. It cannot properly attest to Lucius's strength."

The High Tribunal's words were reasonable as well, but Renaud had already anticipated this and quickly fired at his uncle with a firm 'Objection!'

"Have you already forgotten?" Renaud said, his tongue laced in venom. "Sir Lucius has personally slain a demon. The Evil of Ears fell to him in single combat. If my words be deceit, let the Lord strike me down now!"

Lucius stepped back and covered his mouth in a small gasp. Oh dear, to think Sir Renaud would commit blasphemy so openly! He lied through his teeth without even a shred of doubt; truly, his determination brought the gentleman to tears.

Renaud gestured around himself and waited. When divine retribution did not, in fact, strike, he turned back to Ganelon and met him with a raised brow. "Well now, it appears my testimony has been accepted by God. Do you have anything else to say, uncle?"

Ganelon trembled in his seat and attempted to control his temper. It did not work.

"Is that how you want to play this?" he said. "Even if Lucius did as you said, it was likely Maugris who did the most weakening. How could we entrust Peership to a knave who would leech upon the efforts of a true and noble priest?"

Ganelon had spat the words in frustration, but he quickly realized his error. It was too late though; Renaud seized the chance and exposed his hypocrisy.

"Was it not you who claimed the honor should go to the one who dealt the final blow? My word, uncle… surely you aren't unknowing of how this makes you look?"

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With that, Renaud had cemented himself as the winner of the first round. Many of the court members, both from the priestly order and even Ganelon's faction, began to stir. One of Ganelon's aides rushed beside him and whispered into his ear. It didn't take a lip reader to guess the message—his image had taken a blow. It would be best to relent for now and switch to a different topic.

"Ahem." He coughed into his fist and donned a shrewd air once more. "Renaud, my boy, you make a valid point. By no means did I mean to diminish Sir Lucius's accomplishments. You must understand. It is my job to be careful."

"I see."

"Yes, yes, see all you want. But regardless of his strength, I must call attention to his origins."

Renaud lightly cracked his neck and prepared himself for another fight.

"What of it?" Renaud probed.

"Well, it is quite evident, is it not? Peership is no mere title of decoration. Its duties require a staunch devotion to the empire and all its citizens. Many good men and women have slaved their entire lives just for the chance to be recognized for this opportunity; surely such an important position deserves to go toward one of our own rather than a foreigner?"

Ah yes, discrimination: a time honored practice indeed. And perhaps it would have worked a few years prior—nay, even just a month ago. The officials of the empire were all veterans and natural born Franks, those who held great honor in their heritage. It would not be easy to convince these people to allow someone different into their ranks… that was, unless a certain someone had set a precedent beforehand.

"It saddens my heart that you would say so, uncle," Renaud said, putting on a melancholic performance. "For it was you that petitioned for those not born of Francia to be allowed amongst the Peers' ranks to begin with. Did you not plead his late Holiness, Pepin the Despot Whose Name Should Be Spat Loathsomely by All, to allow Sir Ruggiero take such honor? Was it not you who brought the commander of our mortal enemy, Ferragut of the Saracens, into our castle and gave him Peership? You of all people should be on my side."

Ganelon cursed under his breath. His reputation was only growing worse with each sharp exchange; but as the others questioned why such a seemingly-welcoming man would now be so against another foreigner, Lucius's attention drifted to a different matter—the name.

Yes, the one they called Ferragut. If Lucius's math was correct, this Peer from the Saracens was the final member of the twelve. It intrigued the gentleman more that Ganelon was his apparent sponsor. Did that mean the Saracens and the High Tribunal were working together? The answer to that would have to wait until later.

"Come now, nephew, do you really think I would be so prejudiced?" Ganelon said. "No, it is not because he is of a different world that I am concerned about, but rather that he shall eventually leave us. The otherworlders said that they only had two years to stay in our land, correct? Do forgive me for being hesitant to assign such an honor as Peership to one so fleeting."

To that, Renaud had no clear rebuttal. He crossed his arms and tried to think, but Ganelon gave him no time and then cast his appeal out toward the more conservative members of the court.

"Am I wrong?" he questioned. "It really does seem so silly to me. Honestly, it would be an insult to Sir Lucius more than anyone else to be given such privileges, only for it to be unfairly taken away so soon. What can he even accomplish in so short a time?"

"I daresay quite a bit," Renaud replied, his eyes shining with a new flame. "Has it been only two months now since the otherworlders arrived? And yet, they have brought forth what we could not in five years. Two of the Evils are dead. Only two remain. At this pace we might finally end our decade long war with the Demon King, and Sir Lucius is the key."

"The key?" Ganelon stammered.

"Yes." Renaud glanced at Lucius and nudged his head toward the gentleman's pocket. Lucius didn't need any other hints, and so he pulled out the Demon King's fragment and showed it off before the court.

Everyone in the room reeled back in disgust, especially those amongst the priesthood. They could feel the pure evil emanating from the paper's worn edges; and yet within their gazes was not just fear, but realization.

The fragment's influence held no sway over Lucius. Here it was, a piece of the Demon King's corrupted power—a hint into that which might finally end their plight at last.

"As you can see, Sir Lucius is unharmed by its effects," Renaud continued. "The otherworlders hold similar constitutions. They will not be corrupted unlike our own ilk. We must join hands with them if we are to see this land returned to its peace, and what better to do so than to foster relations with their representative: a warrior, a dignitary, and more importantly…"

Renaud slowly walked up to Lucius, rubbed his face with a handkerchief as if to shine something, and then gestured to his forehead.

"The chosen hero of God. Look no further than the stigma inscribed onto his flesh to see how truly loved he is by the Lord."

Lucius appreciated the man's flattery and all, but that last bit peeked his interest just a bit. "Pardon?"

Renaud looked at him curiously. "You did not know?"

"I never saw such a thing, not even in my reflection."

"I suppose that is natural; the Lord's presence can be seen by naught else save for the naked eye."

"None of my fellows have ever commented on it."

"That is because they are unbelievers."

"Oh, really? I suppose that's that, then." Lucius wasn't going to pry deeper. How could one make sense of what was already nonsensical? "But just when did I receive this stigma?"

"You would know better than me, unfortunately. It does not change however that you bare the hallowed sigil of the Maternal Eagle—the holiest of holy blessings. It is no different from being the emperor's right hand."

Well now, wasn't that just convenient?

Before Lucius could tout his pious character, however, Archbishop Turpin suddenly rose up and addressed Sir Renaud with a shaky tone.

"So it was true?" he whispered. "I had heard tell from Sir Ruggiero of such a blessed arrival, yet I must admit that doubt caused my will to falter. We have not seen such symbols since the saintly warrior queen, Lady Joan. Ganelon, my old friend, why did you not confide in me such joyous occasion sooner?"

The High Tribunal practically deflated and leaned back in his seat, defeated once and for all. "Must've slipped my mind."

"Oho, then allow me to get a closer look!"

The archbishop leapt up from the stands with the energy of a man half his age and then walked over to Lucius. The gentleman bid him a respective gesture as he arrived, which prompted Turpin to smile and bow his head in reverence.

"Yes, ah yes… to think I would witness this mark in my lifetime. Truly, it is an honor."

The archbishop brought out a small vial of clear oil and dabbed his fingers in it, before smearing it over Lucius's forehead and consecrating him with a devout prayer.

"Forgive me for not attending to you sooner, O' holy one," Turpin said. "My eyes must have been blind to have avoided your grace until now."

Lucius bid the priest the most venerable smile he could muster and lowered onto one knee. "My dear fellow, the honor is mine. To have been chosen by your Lord is a blessing I take not casually. Be assured, I shall do all in my power to uphold the sanctity and respect of the faith, as well as follow the tenets of Chivalry to my dying day—in the name of the Mother, the Blade, and the Holy Star."

The Archbishop teared up in joy, and Lucius had to offer him a handkerchief to dry his eyes.

"Yes, you will make a fine Peer. Of that I am certain."

Turpin extended his greetings out to the court and bid them a respectful plea. "I, as Archbishop of the religious order, hereby declare that Sir Lucius the Holy Second shall receive my full support. I bid you as fellows united in faith to follow the heartfelt request of this old man, and kindly welcome a new Peer into our beloved Francia."

A great loud rush soon plagued the chamber as cries of approval of Lucius, or more specifically the Archbishop's will, spread amongst the members like wildfire. Those of Sir Roland's faction had no need for convincing; and so they joined along happily, pressuring Ganelon to begin the vote.

"Well, uncle?" Renaud said with a provoking gesture to him. "I believe there is no more need for discussion."

"... So it would seem," Ganelon uttered. He lazily lifted his gavel and banged it, calling for silence, before speaking again with a despondent tone. "Hah, very well. The vote shall now begin. All those amongst the current Peers, raise your hands now if you wish to embrace Sir Lucius as a fellow paladin."

Roland, Ruggiero, Bradamante, Angelica, and Archbishop Turpin raised their hands. Ganelon did not.

With the exception of the High Tribunal, all of the Peers currently in attendance had unanimously agreed. The others were busy with other duties and could not come.

"Moving on to those of the holy order. Raise your hands in support, or keep them lowered in dissent."

Amongst all the priests and officials in attendance, about seventy percent raised their hands. The others likely belonged to Ganelon's faction and, while they knew their loss was inevitable, chose to abstain anyways as to send a message.

"The votes have been… counted. At this point, it's a done deal, hm? But we must follow protocol. Those of the judiciary, you know the drill. Vote now."

Compared to the holy order, only ten percent of the judges and lawmakers of the court raised their hands. The High Tribunal's grasp over them was clear, yet it wasn't entirely a redundant show. With this Lucius could see who among the judiciary were likely to be an ally.

"The voting ceremony has concluded." Ganelon lifted his gavel and hesitated for a moment, before letting out a deep sigh and bringing it down in a conclusive bang. "Fellow members of the court, you have spoken. Let the Great Mother serve as our witness this day. Lucius Rose, please make your way to the stand."

Lucius slowly walked forward and stopped directly before Ganelon. The two of them locked eyes for a moment and, despite how thoroughly the man had been beaten today, Ganelon still had yet to concede. Lucius could see it—the gears in his brain working at full drive. Even now, he continued to scheme as he always had.

"Congratulations, Sir Lucius," Ganelon said, extending a hand. "This is how you otherworlders show respect, yes?"

Lucius chuckled before taking it with a firm hold. "Indeed it is."

"Then all is good. Yes, I see a rosy path in your future yet."

That last part was a bit ominous.

Ganelon retracted his hand and then beckoned every single person in the court here this day to clap in celebration. "Everyone, please give your fondest greetings to Sir Lucius, the new Peer of Francia!"

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