The prime minister led the conference, and the nobles and vice minister-level civil servants in attendance continued to discuss the issue, arguing over every agenda. Each agenda was closely related to a territory’s interests, so it was more like an individual's struggle for their own interests rather than a fight between factions.

Even during the heated debate, Duke Asteria listened silently and did not offer his opinion. But as far as I could see, he was the focus of the conference. Just like wolves observing a giant tiger, nobles and bureaucrats gave their opinions and watched the duke closely. It was as if they were worried and afraid that as soon as the duke made a move, they would be bitten at the neck.

However, there were times when discussions became too long or fierce. Whenever that happened, the duke made gestures such as asking me for water or coughing dryly, and those amidst the heated debate would turn abruptly silent.

Watching how the conference was progressing, I could see how it was being conducted. When comparing the conference to a car, an axle, on which the conference rolled,...