An awkward silence followed Amden's rhetorical question. Although every councillor had some opinions and thoughts racing through their minds, none had the courage to voice them aloud.
"Why are you all so quiet?" Amden asked with a faint smirk. "I fear you all do seem rather aligned with those rumours."
"Mr. Vantistart," Richard finally spoke, knowing that as the president of the council, and with no personal enmity with Amden, he had no choice but to take the lead.
"I think we should move on and proceed with the council's agenda," he said, attempting to steer the conversation away.
In truth, even he had no idea what was supposed to be discussed today. Normally, there would be a wide range of issues laid out for debate, but today's meeting clearly revolved around Amden—and whatever decisions he had brought with him. He had just blabbered whatever had come through his mind. He just needed to ease the pressure.
