Seeing the situation turning ever more against Euphemia, Lady Jessica raised her voice and said, "Everyone, Lord Euphemia has been working without rest for days and is thoroughly exhausted. Why don't we adjourn for today and reconvene in a few days to discuss matters further?"
The words had barely left her mouth before someone pushed back: "That won't do at all. Lord Euphemia is the one who called this meeting — we need to reach a conclusion today. This meeting cannot end without one."
"We are all very busy people. Every one of us made a special effort to be here. Wasting one person's time is one thing, but wasting everyone's time is quite another."
"Euphemia, what exactly is your plan for resolving this? Can you give us a straight answer? His Majesty the Emperor is watching this matter closely — if it keeps dragging on like this, we will be stirring his anger."
"Perhaps she has no intention of taking responsibility at all. Calling this meeting was just for show — a way to put us and His Majesty off."
Those in the conference room began directing their reproaches squarely at Euphemia. She was helpless against their verbal onslaught, her expression growing increasingly flustered, on the verge of tears. Shunaizel found the sight difficult to bear. He set his face and said in a firm, low voice: "Everyone, calm down. How can you treat Euphemia this way? Is this how princes and princesses of the Sanctuary are supposed to conduct themselves?"
Shunaizel's words had their effect, and the room gradually quieted. One person, not entirely satisfied with this, turned to Shunaizel with a mocking edge to his voice: "Then what is your view of the matter, Your Highness Prince Shunaizel? Are you supporting Euphemia's continued tenure as lord?"
Shunaizel swept his gaze around the room and then spoke: "I said from the very beginning that I came here only as an observer and would not directly participate in the proceedings. However, since someone wishes to hear my thoughts, I will say a few words. First, I must acknowledge that Euphemia did indeed bear some fault in the Hydra incident, and I share your concerns and views on that point. But I would ask everyone to understand one thing — unless Euphemia voluntarily relinquishes her position, only His Majesty the Emperor has the authority to remove her from it. No one present has the right to dismiss her."
"Does that mean today's meeting has been entirely pointless? That we've simply been wasting our time?"
"No," Shunaizel said. "I would think that since Euphemia went to the trouble of convening this meeting, she must have had her reasons. Perhaps she has already thought of a way to resolve this matter. That is the case, isn't it, Euphemia?"
With that, Shunaizel turned his gaze toward Euphemia. Every other pair of eyes in the room followed suit, all fixing on her at once.
"I… regarding this matter, I…" Euphemia's expression was one of utter helplessness. She fumbled over her words, unable to form a reply to Shunaizel's question. Panic had overtaken her completely, and no solution came to mind.
Seeing Euphemia in this state, Shunaizel inwardly let out a quiet sigh. She was still too poor at composure and quick thinking, he thought. He had done his best to throw her a lifeline, and yet she could not grasp it.
At that moment, Rulu, standing behind Euphemia, spoke up: "Everyone, Lord Euphemia has been feeling quite unwell these past few days due to sheer exhaustion, and is not in a condition to express her thoughts clearly. However, before this meeting, Lord Euphemia shared all of her intentions with me in full. If no one objects, please allow me to speak on Lord Euphemia's behalf."
"Is that true, Euphemia?" Shunaizel glanced at Euphemia, then at Rulu standing behind her.
Euphemia turned her head and looked at Rulu. She noticed that he appeared entirely calm and self-assured, as though everything were well in hand. At this point Euphemia had completely lost her bearings, but seeing that Rulu seemed to have a way to pull her out of this, she decided to take the chance: "Y-yes… Mr. Qin Lulu will speak on my behalf. Everything he says from this point forward represents my own words."
Shunaizel immediately shifted his gaze to Rulu and said, "Then please, Mr. Qin Lulu — continue." The others in the conference room turned their skeptical eyes toward Rulu as well, curious to see what he would say.
Rulu looked around at those assembled in the room, then spoke with unhurried confidence: "In truth, after everything everyone has said and all the discussion that has taken place, it all comes down to a single goal — to remove Lord Euphemia from her position and have one of you take over as lord of this domain. I'm not wrong about that, am I?"
The room was momentarily taken aback. Then someone retorted: "That is not the case at all. We are simply following due process — acting in accordance with the rules set by His Majesty the Emperor. If Euphemia has committed a fault, she must bear the responsibility."
"Who serves as lord of this domain is of no personal consequence to any of us. What matters most is that stability be maintained and the safety of the people within the domain be guaranteed — only then can the Sanctuary remain peaceful and prosperous and continue to develop."
"Watch your words, boy. You may be speaking on Euphemia's behalf, but that doesn't give you the right to make accusations against us."
A sardonic smile played across Rulu's face. "Very well. I trust that everything each of you is doing is entirely without self-interest and is done solely for the good of the Sanctuary. And Lord Euphemia thinks and acts exactly the same way. That is precisely why Lord Euphemia is willing to relinquish her position as lord and transfer it to another among those present."
The room erupted. Someone shot to their feet and cried out, "Did you mean that?! This is not something to joke about!"
Rulu said, "Of course I meant it. However… for Lord Euphemia to give up her position, there are conditions."
"Conditions? What conditions?"
Rulu said, "In order to ensure that whoever succeeds Lord Euphemia is genuinely capable of governing this domain well, Lord Euphemia will put forward an assessment challenge. If those present are able to pass this challenge, Lord Euphemia will willingly step down and hand the domain over to someone else to manage."
At this, the room came alive with interest. Someone asked: "What exactly does this challenge involve?"
Rulu said, "It is quite simple. Lord Euphemia will compete in a team contest against whichever prince or princess you choose. The specific details of the contest — the time, location, format, and so on — will be decided by Lord Euphemia. You must select one person from among yourselves to serve as your representative and compete against Lord Euphemia's side. One thing to bear in mind: should your representative win, they will directly inherit Lord Euphemia's domain. So the choice of representative is a decision you will want to make with great care."