As they stepped into the room, the cleric introduced them,

"Allow me to introduce lord Amethyst of house Crimson, accompanied by lord Jasper of house Carmine, here by his majesty's invitation."

The chamber was brimming with military figures, some of whom Ameth recognized as members of the royal army. The senior officers encircled a wooden table positioned before the King, their attention drawn to a map under discussion, until their conversation was interrupted.

The captain of the guards approached immediately, instructing both Ameth and Jasper,

"Yield your weapons. Now."

They complied, surrendering their personal weapons to guards positioned nearby, all while the captain observed the procedure attentively.

A commanding voice resonated from deep within the room, calling out,

"Lord Amethyst, step forward."

Ameth walked towards the table until he stood before it, then lowered his knee in deference.

"Your Grace, I have come as summoned," he conveyed, his tone respectful. "How may I serve his majesty?"

King Almandite, in his early forties, possessed a discerning ability to gauge people based on their reactions. He rose from his chair, addressing Ameth,

"Amethyst," he beckoned, "Ah, yes, the progeny of Lord Ember,"

The king's eyes fixated on Ameth's pendant.

"The last time I encountered you, you were but a mere child, alongside your father. It seems time has transpired since then. Well, rise! Let us witness the growth you have undergone."

Ameth complied and rose to his feet, a distinct feeling of observation from all those assembled settling upon him.

The king began to pace around the room, intensifying the tension within Ameth.

"Indeed, the passage of countless years has transformed him into a man," the King remarked, his voice tinged with outrage. "Yet his actions resemble those of a foolish child!"

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"Your Grace," Ameth began, but his words were promptly cut short by the King.

"Whispers of your recent quarreling with Lord Carmine have extended into this chamber," the King revealed.

"Now answer me this: how should I address the one who dares draw his blade at my very doorstep? Do I treat him as the child of yesteryears, or do I bestow upon him the punishment befitting the man who stands before me today?"

The King's words were a probing test of Ameth's character and judgment.

"Your majesty, I humbly accept the burden of accountability for my actions," Ameth declared as he once again knelt before the King.

"Throughout my life, I have remained a loyal and devoted servant of your realm," he continued, his voice brimming with sincerity.

"Nevertheless, I must implore his highness to understand that I bear no responsibility for the actions of my father," he clarified.

A hushed stillness descended upon the chamber, with all eyes fixed on the King, awaiting his response to Ameth's words. Even the King himself seemed momentarily taken aback by the nobility of Ameth's character. After a contemplative pause, he finally shattered the silence.

"Your father committed a grievous transgression," the King stated firmly. "Your house defied my authority when your father wed a member of the royal line from the western lands. For years, I've struggled to prevent their influence from penetrating our realm, yet your father's single act ushered in turmoil!"

The chamber fell silent again as the King's outburst captured everyone's attention. In the midst of this quiet, Jasper Carmine continued to stand at ease, his smile broad and unaffected.

The King pressed on, his tone resolute. "Since then, the blue has exhibited growing audacity, while the yellow keeps a watchful eye on our movements from the north. And now, to compound our troubles, dubious reports are pouring in from the green territory, spreading rumors within our camps, alleging the most implausible things. This must cease at once!" The King's fist struck the table with a resounding thud, the impact scattering the items resting upon the map.

The King came to a halt following a brief pause, his voice resuming with determination.

"For this very reason, I have assembled a considerable force with a mission intended to bring the Verdanian campaign to its conclusive end. I can tell you now that it is my wish for you to lead these forces."

The pronouncement elicited astonishment throughout the room, leading some of the senior officers to voice their objections before the King. The smile that once graced Jasper's countenance had now vanished completely.

"I have reached a firm decision! Lord Amethyst will assume command of this force, and Lord Carmine will serve as his second-in-command."

This statement provoked a wave of ire from Jasper, who exclaimed, "What?!"

Positioned next to Jasper, the captain of the guard turned towards him and intervened with resolute command, declaring, "Silence! How dare you address your King with such insolence!"

Ameth was no less surprised, grappling for words.

"Sire, you do me great honor, yet..." he began, struggling to accept the situation.

Before he could continue, the King interjected once more, this time extending a hand to lightly touch Ameth's shoulder.

"We are committed," he concluded, "General Amaranth will now provide you with the details of your mission."