"...That's exactly why they didn't meet with the envoys we sent."
"..."
"Your Highness? Are you listening?"
At Marilla Elkaras's voice, Isabella snapped back from her daze and shook her head, regaining the composure expected of a king. She responded, "Apologies, please repeat that... Lady Marilla."
Naturally, Marilla had no intention of refusing Isabella's request. She began her report again: "As Duke Caligula's intelligence indicated, the Duchy of Duke Hazad may have found an opportunity to exploit."
"If the intelligence is correct, they perceive that Yila's departure has shaken the empire's foundation, making it susceptible to division and instigation. Hence, they've decided to push the war to its extreme."
"That's exactly why they didn't meet with the envoys we sent."
Isabella watched the tall female governor and asked, "So, what do you think we should do, Lady Marilla?"
