The formal meeting ended before the real disagreement began.
Max invited both delegations to eat in a private room attached to one of Sanctuary's ordinary inns. The meal was not a diplomatic feast. Everyone selected from the same menu offered to other customers, and Max paid the innkeeper's normal rate.
Merrit noticed.
"You could have the dungeon provide a dining hall." he said.
"The inn already provides one." Max replied.
"You pay for services inside your own territory."
"People stop building businesses if the Dungeon Master replaces them whenever he wants something." Hizon said.
Dagar sat where he could see both exits. His captain chose the seat beside him. The quartermaster sat near Anna and continued comparing notes about population movement.
Merrit's artificer wanted to inspect the kitchen equipment. His contract keeper wanted everyone to stop creating possible negotiations long enough to eat.
The individual choices revealed more than the delegations intended.
