Jason’s nonchalant demeanor irritates Rak’hael. Lamina reveals her Dead Apostle Jason has relinquished leadership of Nox, and to prove she isn't biased, she votes for Diane, stunning the council. C'thlyanu intervenes, confirming Lamina's autonomy and right to remain on the council, despite Jason's true control over her. Jason realizes C'thlyanu is aiding them for unknown reasons, while Diane smirks, unaware of Jason's manipulation. The first votes are cast: Vagart and Jaen receive one vote each, Diane receives three, and Jason receives three. Diane is furious to be tied with Jason, viewing it as an insult.
A faint smirk ghosted across Jason’s lips upon hearing the fury in Diane’s voice, a smirk he quickly suppressed so as not to be perceived. He then listened as C’thlyanu interjected, "Queen Diane, I implore you to maintain the dignity of the hall. The council’s votes are their own, free from external manipulation. The ultimate result rests beyond the influence of any single individual."
Diane’s jaw tightened with indignation at these words. She shot a resentful glance towards Jason. As Jason’s gaze met hers, Diane felt her anger intensify, perceiving a condescending indifference in his eyes. It was as if he were looking down upon her, treating her as an insignificant child. A surge of impulse led her to consider drawing her sword and striking him down. The insult wasn't merely being looked down upon; it was being demeaned by a man—a feeble, pathetic male, fit only for procreation, daring to treat her with such disdain!?
Diane had already presumed that securing Laaina’s support would give her an edge over Jason in the voting. It was presumed Lamina would cast her vote for Jason, thus diminishing his total. Yet, the fact that Jason’s vote count equaled Diane’s, even without Lamina’s purported vote, fueled her rage further. This outcome implied that had Lamina truly voted for Jason, as widely expected, he would have outranked Diane.
"Diane, please resume your seat," C’thlyanu’s voice cut through the tension once more. With an irritated click of her tongue, Diane turned away from Jason and angrily returned to her seat. With Diane settled, the council commenced its deliberation on the vote outcomes. Hesabeth was the first to voice her thoughts.
"Well, this certainly presents an interesting situation. It's evident that two candidates hold a distinct advantage over the others. However, it is regrettable that one of these favored individuals is a savage, utterly incapable of upholding proper conduct even on such a solemn occasion," Hesabeth remarked, her fan partially obscuring her face as she cast a mocking look towards Diane. Diane clenched her teeth and returned a furious glare, but Hesabeth merely offered a smile from behind her fan before diverting her attention as another council member began to speak.
"If I may be permitted to interject, and I believe I shall, we should not allow the current vote tallies to blind us to the merits of other contestants. Indeed, it was I who cast my vote for Vagart Blunde of the lizardmen. I firmly believe he would be an exceptional addition to the council. My conviction is well-founded; his world occupies a critical juncture in the sixth domain, perfectly positioned to oversee numerous surrounding territories. Furthermore, he commands alliances with hundreds of other worlds and possesses exceptional negotiation skills. With him as Overlord, I am confident we could achieve lasting peace in the sixth domain," stated Val’kat, the leader of the goblin race. His fervent endorsement of Vagart surprised many, yet their attention was still divided.
Baron Skarr, the leader of the Draconian race, countered, "The notion of eliminating conflict entirely is a fallacy. Inevitably, discord arises even among allies. A shared benefactor does not eradicate this possibility. Moreover, if we consider planetary affiliations, is it not true that Diane possesses the most extensive network of connections among all candidates? Her heroic actions during the Period of Lawlessness are widely known. Single-handedly, she repelled an army of two thousand soldiers, etching her legend into history. I doubt there exists a world unfamiliar with this accomplishment."
"They may know of the deed, but that does not equate to alliance or respect. Diane and her people are, after all, quite akin to the Machina—highly isolationist. Do we truly desire a recurrence of the Rubik Saga?" Farlow interjected, his brow furrowed as he surveyed the assembled council members. He was correct; Diane’s world was shielded by a runic array, preventing portal access, and their secrecy shrouded their internal affairs from the council and neighboring worlds. The inhabitants of Bengari were notoriously reclusive, and Farlow suspected this very trait had allowed the Overlord imposter to operate unnoticed for an extended period. A collective unease settled upon many council members as they acknowledged the validity of Farlow's concerns regarding the Bengari.
Rak’hael immediately leaned forward, preparing to dispute Farlow's assertion.
"It seems only sensible to assume that someone as prominent as Diane would desire some form of security for her realm. After all, she amassed a considerable number of adversaries during the Period of Lawlessness."
Hesabeth let out a scornful laugh.
"We all earned enemies, Angel. However, it falls upon us, as council members, to extend hospitality to visitors from worlds within our jurisdiction and to lend an ear to their entreaties and grievances. If we were to bar any visitor from entering our world, what kind of leaders would that portray us to be? Furthermore, surely you aren't suggesting that a distinguished council member like yourself harbors fear of an attack from some insignificant, second-rate world?"
Rak’hael’s expression contorted into a snarl as she directed her gaze toward Hesabeth upon hearing her tone. While Hesabeth invariably addressed every council member with her characteristic arrogance, it was a mannerism none of them truly appreciated! Despite Hesabeth's evident inferiority in strength compared to Rak’hael, she spoke to Rak’hael as if she were a mere child! Nevertheless, it was clear that Rak’hael was powerless to retaliate against Hesabeth, compelling her to turn away in irritation.
This contentious exchange persisted for several more minutes. The council engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the perceived qualifications for council membership and who among the candidates best embodied those criteria. The two candidates who had garnered a solitary vote each were being championed by their respective supporters; however, the primary focus of the council's analysis was directed towards the candidates who had secured three votes apiece!
From the spectators' vantage point, Jason reclined in his chair, a picture of calm as he observed the council members passionately debating the destiny of his domain. Jason turned his head as Gina gently rested hers on his shoulder. Gina was currently engaged in a conversation with the tiny fairy, Ulyn, her face illuminated by a smile as she noticed Ulyn's cheeks flush while she gazed at Jason with evident interest. Gina was still endeavoring to foster a genuine connection with Ulyn, but for the present, Ulyn only emerged when Gina summoned her due to her fascination with Jason! After a short while, Gina gracefully dismissed Ulyn and then addressed Jason with a hint of curiosity.
