Aldany's expression shifted rapidly—first anxious, then ashamed, and finally, it turned into outright fury.
His face flushed bright red, and his fists clenched tightly, as though he was about to explode with rage at any moment.
Just then, Kent the High Priest, who was seated beside Aldany, slammed his staff heavily against the floor.
"Silence! What we are discussing here concerns the very survival of the Serpent People. How can any of you be whispering amongst yourselves at a time like this?!"
Kent's stern words had the desired effect.
The other high priests, who had already begun murmuring to one another, immediately quieted down.
Aldany also took this opportunity to regain his composure.
He quickly sorted through his thoughts.
"You're suspicious of me just because I wasn't present when Her Majesty's curse erupted? That's completely unreasonable!" Aldany said calmly.
