Alastair held back the folds of the tent back for (F/N) to walk inside, following closely behind him. The seven sins were already gathered around the table, uncharacteristically quiet as they watched The Head of the Demons slowly walk the length of the tent, taking his place at the head of the table. At his indication, his generals took their seats.

"So," (F/N) said, lowering himself into his seat. "What matter is so important to have demanded my presence?"

"I would have thought that obvious." Lucian Ebonwood replied. "Er, forgive me, my lord." He said with a bow of his head. "But surely, you must realize the need for discourse. We must discuss our plans moving forward, and for that we accede ourselves to your leadership."

All eyes were upon him, waiting expectantly for him to speak.

"Very well." He sighed. "I'm sure you all have reports to deliver. Do so now."

Celine was the first to stand. She bended at the waist before handing a stack of papers to Alastair, who in turn placed them in front of (F/N).

"My lord," the Minister of War began, "we suffered great losses at the hands of the Branwen Tribe. Though my men are still working to provide a more accurate count, the current death toll is estimated to be in the thousands with even more wounded. Naturally, this leaves us in a weakened state. Our territories' defenses are likely to see vulnerabilities in the upcoming weeks. I defer to Minister Ebonwood for the time being."

"Minister Rouge is, of course, correct." Lucian said as he too bowed before (F/N). "From the bodies we've managed to identify, as well as sorting through reports of missing family and friends, we estimate that the greatest number of losses come from our northeastern regions. As such, Minister Lila's territories will be left most vulnerable. I would recommend redirecting forces from Minister Oren's southernmost territories to bolster our outer borders. My own forces suffered fewer losses as well, and can be deployed as you see fit."

"Fortunately, though," Celine continued, "the Branwen Tribe seems to have lost considerably more than ourselves. They've been forced back, and our troops have managed to push into their territory. Several outposts have already been solidified for when we decide to press our attack."

"That won't be necessary." (F/N) said. "We won't be pursuing this war any further."

His words caused visible shock in the assembled generals. They looked at one another, silently decided who would be the one to argue the issue.

"My lord," Alastiar said slowly, "are you certain?"

"Quite certain." (F/N) said firmly. "Seeking out another confrontation would only prove to be gluttonous."

"But, my lord, we have the advantage." Celine said. "Our enemy has suffered great losses and won't be able to rally in time to meet our threat. We have the momentum we need to win this. If we pass on this opportunity, Raven may once again escape."

"Once again, Minister Rouge, your bloodlust clouds your judgement." (F/N) countered. "We too suffered many losses. We must recover and ensure the security of our lands before seeking to expand."

"Sir, if I may," Lucian said apologetically, "based on my evaluations of our current security, I believe the best course of action is to continue forward. Ministers Lila and Shar may have suffered grievously, but our main army is still strong, and we, the other sins, still command formidable divisions."

"Be that as it may, I do not believe it advisable to continue this war."

"Advisable?" Alastair asked. "My lord, are we not your advisors? It seems to me that we are all in agreement that we should..."

"We are not in agreement." (F/N) said in a raised voice. "It is my will that we allow the Branwen Tribe to retreat."

"And give them time to lick their wounds?" The Minister of Trade asked. "Surely, you must know this idea to be flawed. Forgive me, my lord, but Ministers Rouge and Ebonwood are correct. Disregarding such an obvious advantage would be foolish."

(F/N) slammed his hands on the table and rose to his feet, upsetting his chair so it toppled over. "Enough!" He roared. Taking a deep breath, he turned his back upon the council and folded his hands behind his back. "It seems you have all forgotten your place. Within the boundaries of your assigned territories your word is law. But never forget from whom your authority stems. It is only through my favor that you hold your current positions. It is only through my will that your words hold any power. None of you command the authority to approve territorial expansion. None of you command the authority to declare war upon another entity. That power resides with me, and me alone. Do I make myself clear?"

His advisors nodded silently. Hints of defiance still glimmered in some of their eyes, but none gave them voice.

"Minister Kulrang," (F/N) said, retaking his seat and directing his attention towards the Minister of Labor. "How many of Raven's soldiers have we managed to capture alive?"

"Somewhere in the range of two hundred."

"Release them."

"M-My lord?" Balthazar began to stutter his protests but fell silent beneath The Dark Slayer's gaze. "Yes, my lord. I will see it done."

"Minister Ebonwood see to it that our outer perimeters are secure, but do not reroute troops from those under our protection." Leaning forward, he placed his elbows on the table and interlocked his fingers in front of his face. "Our allies are reliant upon us, so we must continue to provide a strong sense of security. Minister Lila, I am trusting you will keep the truth of our losses hidden from those who look to us for strength. Do not allow the seeds of doubt and discord to sow themselves amongst our people."

Lucian and Lilith nodded their understanding.

"The rest of you are to resume your duties, properly accounting for any changes that may need to be made following the events of two days ago. If I receive word that any amongst The Family have made a move against the Branwen Tribe without my express instruction, I will hold each and every one of you personally accountable. Do I make myself clear?"

They nodded their understanding. With a wave of his hand the council was dismissed, the seven ministers bowing themselves out of the tent. Alastair waited for the last of the sins, Minister Evergreen, to leave before clearing his throat.

"Yes?" (F/N) asked shortly.

"Do you really think it wise to allow Raven to escape?" Urdin asked. It was clear he was waiting for the two of them to be alone before mentioning her name.

"I am confident this is the best course of action." (F/N) affirmed.

"The best course of action for The Family? Or the best course for you?"

(F/N) looked to his right where Alastair stood, staring him down through narrowed eyes. "Watch yourself, Urdin." He said dangerously. "You would be wise to remember your place."

"I am not the one who needs to be reminded." Alastair countered. "Perhaps you have forgotten that it was you who was so insistent that we engage Raven's forces in the first place. It was you who said we could not allow her to encroach upon our land."

"And we have done just that."

"Have we?" Alastair countered. "Or have we simply given her the time she needs to rally her men and launch a full-scale invasion of eastern Anima? The sins were right, we have the advantage, and I know you see it. I don't understand how you could simply let it go to waste."

"It is not your place to understand my orders. Only to follow them." (F/N) reminded. "To obey my commands and to carry out my will."

"I am your will." Alastair said loudly. "I, who have abandoned my own path to follow yours. I, who have acted as your horseman, your shield and your sword. Contrary to legend, you did not build The Family of Sins singlehandedly. I have been with you every step of the way."

"And for your sacrifice and loyalty you have rewarded above all others." (F/N) reminded him. "I may place my trust in the sins to enact my will, but it is you, and you alone whom I trust with my life."

"But not with the truth." Alastair argued. "For the past twenty years I have stood faithfully by your side, never questioning, never wavering, and still, you deny sharing with me your vision. A leader who does not trust his men will see his empire collapse."

"Alastair." (F/N) said. His voice was firm and carried with it a stern warning. "In the name of our friendship I will choose to ignore what would otherwise be considered a blatant challenge to my authority."

He pushed his chair out and stood, Alastair taking a few steps backwards to give him space. Walking towards the back of the tent, he gazed up at the map of Anima fastened to the thick canvas of his tent. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before turning to face his right hand.

"As I have told you in the past, there are things which you do not know. Things I have kept from you. Not because I do not trust, but because it is simply not the right time. And I know it must be frustrating to be kept half in the shadows, but I am asking you not as your commander, but as your friend, to please remain patient just a while longer."

"How much longer?" Alastair asked through a scowl.

"I cannot say for certain." (F/N) answered, causing Alastair to scoff and turn away from him. "But know that the time will soon come that you will know everything. The Family of Sins' true purpose. Your true purpose. Until then, trust that everything I have done, every decision I make is for The Family."

Alastair breathed heavily, still upset that (F/N) was keeping him in the dark. He gave him one last cold look before turning to leave. Raising the folds of the tent, he took pause, glancing over his shoulder and delivering a final question.

"Which family?"