An older man.
One Kai hadn't seen before.
"Your Majesty."
Akshay nodded.
The man folded his arms.
"With respect, the attacks continue to worsen."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Everyone knew where this was going.
The man continued.
"Citizens are frightened."
"Trade is slowing."
"Our outer settlements are suffering."
Nobody interrupted.
Because nobody disagreed.
"The city requires decisive action."
Akshay's jaw tightened.
"What exactly are you suggesting?"
The councilman glanced toward Jack.
Only briefly.
But Kai noticed.
"So did Akshay."
"I suggest placing greater authority in the hands of military leadership until this crisis passes."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Kai felt it immediately.
This wasn't about villages.
This wasn't about demons.
This was political.
The man was proposing that some of the king's authority be transferred elsewhere.
Temporarily.
At least officially.
Akshay slowly stood.
The room somehow became even quieter.
"I appreciate your concern."
The king's voice remained calm.
Controlled.
"But Yggdrasil still has a king."
The councilman sat down.
The discussion moved on.
Yet the damage had already been done.
The idea had been spoken aloud.
And once an idea enters a room, it never truly leaves.
After the meeting ended, people slowly departed.
Kai watched groups form.
Small conversations.
Whispers.
Speculation.
And more than once he noticed people approaching Jack.
Not Akshay.
Jack.