Chapter 82: A Sound Judgement

The Senate still couldn't believe what they were hearing. For one, Prince Veritus, the second to the throne had just made his rival, his older brother Arterius look good in front of them and the Imperatur. Some of them especially the younger prince's supporters couldn't believe what they just witnessed. Arterius was supposed to be the rival to the throne! A rival that he ought to smartly dispose out of his way just like what his grandfather did in the past. But that wasn't the case with it.

The old vultures couldn't question the young prince's declaration, nor refute the validity of what had happened during the defense. Veritus had sworn his honor to the gods and it was even backed up by one of the most trusted commanders of the entire Arterian force. They are left stunned and gazed at Arterius sharply, cursing him at their breath.

They wanted to chew the poor Arterius on the podium, but Senator Lucresia had dire matters to discussed with them and thus all they could do was stare sharply at him as he walked to his seat beside Senator Prestonheim.

Arterius really wanted to get out of the hall. He had a lot of business to attend to. There was the cannon redesigns and recalculation of the propellant. And there was also the aetherium report from his godfather which he wanted to address as discreetly as possible.

After that announcement, the Imperatur sat down and asked Senator Lucresia to state his matters.

"My Dearest Imperatur, Dear Princes, Fellow Senators and Friends, good day!" Senator Lucresia spoke. "I would first like to congratulate the Princes Veritus and Arterius for your successful defense against the Northern invaders! Prince Veritus is without a doubt peerless with his strength and courage!"

The Senator then set his sight on Arterius. He took a glance at him, his eyes scanning him from head to toe. "And Prince Arterius who had…successfully proven to us that his…umm…toy, I meant cannon proved to be something worthwhile to be considered by…this…prestigious body."

Arterius knew fully well how badly that tasted on the Senator's mouth. He did not take offense on those little pauses of ridicule. He took it as little nuggets of victory. It was still too early to cheer over the small progress they did, but it was also something worthy of a big smile.

He discreetly bowed to the Senator showing his appreciation for the small recognition he was given. He truly enjoyed looking at Senator Lucresia's sour face as the old man bowed his head to return the favor.

After that little interaction, the Senator went back to his speech. "It is with great sadness and disappointment to inform this prestigious body that Lord August Prestonheim of House Prestonheim is currently detained for the annihilation of the new recruits of the 5th Batallion destruction of the Principalian mines!"

The Senate erupted! Their voices overlapping each other asking for an answer from Senator Lucresia who just accused the Head of House Prestonheim.

"W-what is the meaning of this, Senator Lucresia?!" Senator Prestonheim wanted an explanation for the accusations the rival Senator had just thrown to his brother. "If you hurt my brother…I will make sure to burn your house to the ground!" He glared at Senator Lucresia who didn't even flinched as he met his eyes.

"Are you seriously threatening me, Senator Prestonheim?" Senator Lucresia looked at him as if underestimating him. "We could do it right back at you! And don't you defend your criminal of a brother, you—"

Senator Prestonheim stood up and walked towards the high table. His fist sparked and glowed. Senator Crovar and Ifnem held him back before his short temper might get him into a more serious situation.

Imperatur Severin stood up calmly from his seat. "Esteemed Senators let us not get too driven by our emotions. Senator Prestonheim, I suggest you stand down before you make this worse for your house."

Senator Casius Prestonheim as noble as he is, he was known for his short-tempered outbursts. There were a lot of stories surrounding the younger Prestonheim about how he fought off anyone who tried to mock their House's name. Unfortunately, for them they end up close to death or worse.

Senator Prestonheim yanked his arm away from the grips of the restraining Senators. He took a deep breathe and composed himself. "My apologies, your Majesty. But I find Senator Lucresia's accusation insulting not just to our House, but to my brother's name!" He angrily pointed at the smug Senator.

"Senator Lucresia, care to explain this insinuation?" The Imperatur asked. "Is Lord Prestonheim currently under your custody?"

"Thank you, your Majesty." Lord Lucresia bowed. "My sister, Lady Adrena Bieroff, wife to the recently deceased lord of Arenfall had him under custody.

The Senator took something out from his pocket stitched inside his fashionable doublet. "This your Majesty is a letter written by sister to me. It just arrived last night from one of his most trusted men." He extended the letter to the Imperatur for him to read.

After reading the letter, the Imperatur nodded and gave back the letter to the Senator. "Senator Prestonheim, it looks like your brother, our esteemed Commander Lord Prestonheim had committed terrible offenses of Order 357 and Order 009 What say you?"

The Senate made their eyes to Senator Prestonheim. "My brother had served Arteria for most of his life. He sacrificed most of his years and his son to the cause. I believe that whatever my brother did, he did it with a purpose. Your Majesty, fellow Senators and guests, I stand on my brother's behalf and I have faith that whatever he did, he did it for the empire's glory! Quia ad Principalia, non refert sumptus!" He saluted at the flag on the right side of the high table.

The rest of the Senate did the same and made their respects to the flag. After that, they went back to the current situation with the silver-haired Commander.

"I do not undermine Lord Prestonheim's feats! However, the law is the law! I request the Senate to order the retraction of the 5th Battalion from the Crescent Isles and let the 2nd Battalion handle their job!" Lord Lucresia's request to the Senate seemed to be gaining traction.

Arterius already knew what the plan was. Knowing the greed of House Lucresia, he knew they would take the Aetherium for themselves and make huge concessions for the Principalia to pay for it. The fact that the report didn't include any mention of the aetherium deposit was considerably suspicious.

As the two Senators chaotically threw words at each other. The rest of the Senate began to choose sides. On one side under Senator Lucresia that supported his request for the removal of the 5th Battalion and trial of Lord Commander Prestonheim. While the others sided with Senator Prestonheim and wanted to give leniency for his brother's actions.

The Imperatur along with Lord Commander Crovar and Senator Lucresia discussed among themselves what should be the possible verdict. Arterius knew how this goes, the Senate could vote for the decision however, it's up to the Imperatur to either approve it, or veto it.

With Senator Lucresia on his father's side, Arterius was sure that the old conniving Senator will do all he can to influence his father's decision. Unfortunately, as much as domineering and powerful his father claimed to be, he was always played by the sly Senator.

As the Senate Hall was about to explode over the constant back and forth, Arterius must find a way to not let Senator Lucresia have his way. But what are his chances of being heard? Even with his current success, it still won't count as a voice enough to turn the minds and hearts of these hardy and proud men.

He must act quickly or else he won't be able to get his hands on the aetherium and at the same time, the Principalia might go under the mercy of House Lucresia and his lackeys. Both of those would be a nightmare to all.

After observing the tides of the debate. After listening to the tirades of each side, Arterius had finally made a plan. A risky move that his willing to bet on. He stood up from his seat and took a deep breath.

"What are you doing, brother?" Veritus confused with his sudden involvement in the matter.

"LORD PRESTONHEIM HAD CLAIMED TO HAVE FOUND THE LEGENDARY AETHERIUM!" Arterius shouted at the top of his voice.

The entire Senate paused and looked at him with their faces in both confusion and disbelief. Now that he had their attention, Arterius went on and continue.

"Your Majesty, Honorable Senators and Highly-esteemed guests, you heard me right! Lord Prestonheim had reported to me the presence of Aetherium in the Crescent Isle!" He said as he pulled out the letter from his satchel. "This! This was his letter delivered to me before I left for Imvula."

"And your telling…us…this…now?" The Imperatur condescendingly asked.

"I have just read it earlier while at the carriage." Arterius lied. "I am to blame on this! My incompetence had caused this trouble."

Arterius walked towards the High Table where he was met by Senator Lucresia and Lord Commander Crovar at the bottom of the stairs. He gave it to Lord Commander Crovar and confirmed that the handwriting was indeed from the accused Lord.

Senator Lucresia took the letter from the Lord Commander and read it. His hand shook with anger as he read every word Lord Prestonheim wrote on there. After reading it, Lord Commander climbed up the stairs and delivered the letter to the Imperatur.

"Father, whatever reason it was, I know that Lord Prestonheim had to close it because he called specifically for our team to go there and investigate." He explained. "I apologized for not reading this letter soon. However, I believe, that it would be of the best interest for the Senate to let the A.R.T.E.R.I.U.S facility investigate on this before any actions could be made."

His father looked at him, fuming at his incompetence. But deep down, he knew why his father was truly angry. He cannot scold him for his delayed report because he was under his direct orders at that time. It was another victory for Arterius to see his father suffer at his own incompetence.