Thomas stands now to address the Conseil.

"I for one find no difficulty in voting for one other than the king in the contest for the Seneschal. Some will call me naive, but in such a matter we are not voting solely for approval or disapproval of the king's offer, but rather answering the question whether we approve of the idea of putting the two powerful offices in the hands of any warrior who finds himself in the thick of battle on so many occasions. Are we to risk all our eggs in one basket? What if, God forbid, a stray arrow or axe blade should meet our king in battle? Then we would be instantly deprived of two offices. Prince Louis would no doubt step in as king well enough, but there would also be a time of transition that could be dangerous to the Royaume. It is for this reason that my own vote would be a carefully considered one."