Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XIV: Baffling, Part II

An Introductory Note:

Here's the second part of the chapter as promised! Hopefully I'll be able to finish the next chapter before the end of this month...

Song for this chapter:

24. Unsettling Aura by Yoko Shimomura

Pictured:

Gralea (The Imperial Capital), Empire of Niflheim

September 23rd, 2020 - Here's the edited second part. 

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Following the queen's suggestion, Domani invites all the university students in Altissia to the ballroom in the Leville. While the staff set up the room, he takes Nathan aside to talk to him in their suite.

"You're not going to watch them get the room ready?" Nathan asks, expecting his friend to do so.

He places his glasses on a counter nearby before turning to Nathan, "I believe there's something we need to talk about. Your slip-up when we were having breakfast with the queen."

"Oh, about... King Regis."

Domani motions for Nathan to take a seat on the sofa. He follows and sits down beside him, "Yes. I think it's better if you told me what's really going on."

"King Regis is attending the treaty conference... she probably thinks that Prince Noctis is attending."

Domani's eyes widen, "That... that is a surprise to me as well. The media has been saying that the prince is expected to be there. Are you absolutely sure, Nathaniel?"

"Yes, I am, Your Highness. Good Bahamut... why can't you call me 'Nathan' like everyone else?"

"Apologies, I do tend to use your full name when I am serious."

Nathan sighs, "Yeah, I've noticed. Anywho, we should probably get going."

"Very well. Let's."

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"Good evening, potential colleagues. As I'm sure you all know, you have all been called here to see if you are suitable for a seat on the Executive Council of Galahd. If, for whatever reason, you have decided that this is not for you, I ask that you leave this room immediately."

Some nervous-looking students shuffle out of the room silently, others staring at them as they pile out one-by-one.

Once the double doors are shut, Domani continues, "The rest of you will be split into..." He regards the entire group closely, performing mental calculations before arriving at an answer, "...two groups. Group One will sit on the tables to my left while Group Two will sit on the tables to my right. Please retrieve your group number from the electronic machines around the room. That is all, thank you."

As soon as he steps off the podium, the noise level rises as everyone rushes to every corner of the room, lining up at the machines. Through all the hubbub, Domani maintains his composure as he walks over to his friends. He notices a fourth figure as he approaches, "Good evening, Mister Ulric. I'll be the President pro tempore of the Executive Council for today if you don't mind."

The figure whispers into Nathan's ear before turning back to him, "Great. Glad to have you with me. This is definitely an interesting way to find out who's fit for a seat but I'm all for it. I'll chair Group One and you take Group Two, how does that sound?" Nyx asks, fixing the coeurl pin on his suit's lapel.