Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 469: Conference [2]

The grand assembly hall fell into a hush as Maerina Vaelis Caeles stood up from her high-backed chair.

"As you all are already aware... a few days ago, the Great House of Vernhail was destroyed."

Maerina’s remaining hand rested lightly on the table in front of her "The matriarch, Lady Maevrith Vernhail was killed by the Empyrean Charlotte Fleurdys... for some unknown reason."

Some people threw glances towards Brandon, who just sat silently.

Maerina continued, "This incident has left a huge hole in our Noble structure."

She gestured toward the empty fifth chair on the platform "One of the five Great Houses... gone. Their seats in this assembly, their votes in the Council of Balance, their holdings... all of it now hangs in legal and metaphysical limbo."

Maerina’s gaze swept the room "The destruction of a Great House is not merely a tragedy of blood and stone. It is a fracture in the very foundation that has held the noble order together for more than four centuries."

"Tonight, we are not here merely to mourn. We are here to decide what comes next."

Maerina turned slightly toward Kiera, "Lady Kiera Bleaufort has two documents in her hand. The first is the formal, irrevocable withdrawal of House Bleaufort from Great Noble status... effective immediately upon reading. The second is their official endorsement and sponsorship of House Vernuil for elevation to fill the vacant seat."

A fresh wave of whispers erupted, and many eyes turned toward Brandon and Esmery.

Kiera stood up without hesitation.

She broke the wax seal on the first envelope with a clean snap, unfolded the thick vellum, and began to read.

"By the authority vested in me as heir and matriarch of House Bleaufort, I, Florence Bleaufort, hereby declare that House Bleaufort voluntarily and permanently relinquishes its seat among the five Great Noble Houses. This decision is final, binding, and irrevocable. All associated rights, duties, and privileges are hereby ceded back to the Noble Assembly for redistribution."

She paused and then lifted the second document.

"And further, House Bleaufort formally endorses and sponsors the elevation of House Vernuil... led by Lady Esmery Vernuil to Great Noble status. We place the full weight of our name, our history, and our remaining influence behind this petition."

Kiera lowered the pages and sat back on her seat.

Esmery took a deep breath to calm her racing heart.

As the whispers settled, Maerina spoke again "And with that... two Great Noble Houses who have been in this noble order for decades are gone."

"That leaves... two vacant spots in the Great Noble House

"And since the Vernhail family didn’t formally step back like the Bleaufort family... we have decided not to fill the vacant space for the time period... so as not to tarnish their contributions to the noble order."

"That leaves only one vacant spot..."

Her eyes moved to the center table "The Bleaufort family has formally endorsed Lady Esmery Vernuil for elevation. But as always... we abide by the rules of this assembly. Elevation to Great Noble status requires a majority vote of the sitting Noble Houses present tonight."

"Which families wish to participate in the contest for the fourth Great Noble House seat?"

Esmery quickly raised her hand, and the matriarch of Sytheria family, Alandra Sytheria, raised hers.

Seeing this, Maerine gave a faint nod "Lady Esmery and Lady Alandra it is..."

A fresh wave of murmurs swept the chamber.

Maerina raised one hand.

The room quieted instantly.

"By precedent and rule, each petitioner will be given time to present their case for why their house should fill the vacant seat. No interruptions. No rebuttals during presentation. After both have spoken, the sitting noble houses will vote. The majority wins."

Maerina looked to Esmery first "Lady Vernuil... you have the floor."

Esmery stepped forward and took her place in the center of the open space before the dais.

"Esteemed matriarchs. Representatives of the Noble Houses."

She paused, letting her gaze move slowly across the room "House Vernuil has never sought the spotlight. For generations we have worked in shadow and have been fighting aberrants and sealing the dungeons."

"We did not ask for glory and we did not demand recognition. We simply did what was necessary to keep the noble order intact."

"I do not stand before you asking for charity. I stand asking for recognition of what we have already done... and what we will continue to do."

"House Vernuil is ready to take up the duties, the oaths, and the responsibilities of a Great House. We have the endorsement of House Bleaufort. We have the will and the strength."

With that, she stepped down and sat back in her seat.

Maerina nodded her head "Thank you, Lady Vernuil."

She turned to the Sytheria table "Lady Alandra... your turn."

Alandra stood up "House Sytheria has held its seat among the Noble Houses for longer than most families in this room have existed. We have defended the northern marches against every incursion for three centuries."

"We have bled on frozen ground so that the southern houses could sleep warm in their beds. We have never faltered."

Her gaze shifted to Brandon "And we have never needed to beg for elevation."

A ripple of reaction moved through the hall, and she continued.

"The destruction of Vernhail was tragic. But tragedy does not entitle a lesser house to our table. House Vernuil has served honorably in shadow. Let them remain there. Great Noble status is not a consolation prize. It is earned through centuries of proven strength, sacrifice, and dominance."

She turned her gaze to Esmery "And it is not won through endorsements or pretty speeches."

With that, she ended her speech and sat down.

Brandon just sighed in his heart ’It is that serious... huh.’

Meanwhile, Esmery had a slight frown on her face ’This is quite trouble... in votes, from the Great Houses, I get two votes from Bleaufort and Caeles.’

’But Rhiannon and Delacroix will surely vote for Sytheria. That makes it a tie, so the final showdown will come down to the remaining noble houses in the assembly.’

Maerina’s voice echoed through the chamber "The presentations are complete."

She looked at the remaining Great House matriarchs "We will now vote."

One by one, the matriarchs rose and spoke their votes.

Lady Rhiannon: "In favor of House Vernuil."

Lady Delacroix: "In favor of House Vernuil."

Maerina: "House Caeles votes in favor of House Vernuil."

Kiera: "House Bleaufort votes in favor of House Vernuil."

Even some people from other noble families raised their hands in favor of Vernuil.

H-HUH? Esmery’s eyes shrank in shock ’What? All four great houses are supporting me? How?’

Alandra stood up from her seat and looked around in shock ’What’s happening? The lesser noble houses support me... but the Great Noble Houses.’

She glanced at the matriarchs of the House Rhiannon and Delacroix ’Why are they supporting her instead of me... Are they scared of that guy?’

Looking at the votes, Maerina spoke "By majority vote... House Vernuil is hereby elevated to Great Noble status. The fourth seat is filled."