The Emperor saw the two royal members as they stepped up, Meravus only stood there, and Thomas made a comment on the influx of foreigners to the country. Valerian knew what each of those people were thinking right now<em>'What a childish prick'</em>he thought to himself as he listened to the comment made by Thomas. He knew that the Duchess would call him on his bullshit almost immediately, they both had served Valerian's purposes to the best extent they could.<br/><br/>"Ladies and Gentleman, each of you should take a note from these two. I don't need yes men and women, I need advisers, and soldiers with backbone to call me on bullshit like this, you all knew from the start that I would probably act like this, so next time SPEAK UP! I have an Empire to rule, not play the blame game during an important time, so both of you, where are you with the investigation?" asked Valerian, his attitude doing a complete 180 as he sat down on the throne.