Chapter 395: The Art of Subtle Weakness

**Dorothy’s POV** The rising sun marked the end of any secrecy we could hope to maintain. Conducting clandestine operations under the light of day was an invitation for disaster, with countless nobles and officials lurking around the palace grounds. If word got out about our activities, the backlash would be more than we could contain. After weighing the options, the Council of Elders reluctantly decided to delay the plan. In a calculated move, they crafted a vague explanation about using external forces to establish communication with the Goddess of Nature. Their words were ambiguous and avoided any definitive statements, but the experienced politicians in the room quickly deciphered the true intent behind their carefully chosen phrasing. Predictably, opposition erupted. The Crown Prince, with his usual arrogance, declared, “Outsiders cannot be trusted. No one but myself will approach my father. If anyone wants to try, they’ll have to go through me first.” His tone was resolu