(A couple days later, Charles's POV)
Charles was informed about the public match just one day before the official announcement was scheduled to go out.
The news didn't come through a message or courier, but from the First Elder himself, who made the journey to planet Juxta in person to deliver Lord Soron's verdict.
Charles burst into laughter the moment he heard what had unfolded inside the council room.
"Hahahaha…"
It sounded loud and genuine at first, but the rage bubbling beneath his skin was impossible to miss. His expression twisted with disgust as he spat onto the floor, the glob landing right beside the First Elder's feet.
"You lot never fail to impress me with how low you can sink," Charles growled, his eyes narrowing. "You're lucky Soron still thinks you're essential to the Cult's peace and prosperity, because if it were up to me, I would've strangled the lot of you myself."
