>>23388523

>Zabi loyalist: Your Excellency, why are barring Lady Kycilia's agency from protecting you?! The Ral family could be using this as an opportunity to-
>Degwin: Has she arrived yet? If so, bring her before me and leave us.

Tension remain high at Zum City as Dozle Zabi escorts Ramba Ral, Crowley Hamon and Artesia Deikun to Zum Palace to meet with the sovereign of the Principality, Degwin Zabi.

>Hamon:...Artesia, you don't have to go through with this-
>Ramba: This was at her request, Hamon. Lord Dozle, you are sure that Lord Degwin will respect this transfer of power?
>Dozle: Even should he change his mind, the Principality will serve Lady Artesia going forward.

Entering into Degwins throne chamber, everyone but Artesia is motioned to kneel. Standing from his throne, Degwin is only able to release a saddened breath as he looks over Artesia's features.

>Degwin:...You and Garma would have made beautiful children.
>Artesia: After what you did to our family, that is how you-
>Degwin: Every night from your fathers passing, I have carried the weight of his loss. Were he still alive, I wonder if the billions who lost their lives in this past year would have been spared such a fate...have you come here to claim this throne for yourself? Even with Dozle's protection, I fear you will not be safe.
>Artesia:...I came here to look upon the man who betrayed my father. I came here to see if I could bring myself to forgive that same man...I can not. You...murdered my father! You took our mother from us! You twisted Casval into...into...!
>Degwin: I am ready to face judgement. I am feeling rather tired...would you retrieve that glass of wine for me?

As Dozle begins to stand to grab for it, Degwin points for him to remain knelt.

>Artesia:...What is in it?
>Degwin: A poison. Fast acting...but I understand the moments before it takes effect, the taste is exotic.
>Artesia: You...want to commit suicide?
>Degwin: I wish to join Garma.