Azgar felt the pressure, but he was not a man to be easily overwhelmed. He stood his ground and chuckled, "There is nothing fishy, General. You are all on edge because you feel threatened by the 'Big Bad Wolf'- the Empire. That is why every step we take feels like an existential threat to you. But you forget there is a reason the Great Empire of Indoris is called the Noble Empire. We strive to uphold the Noble ideals of our forefathers, which includes respecting sovereignty. The Empire granted independence to your seven cities long ago, and we have no intention of dishonoring that treaty."
Borin patted Marcus's back, gently shoving him aside to approach Azgar, "Marcus has no intention of insulting the Empire. We are simply, by nature, cautious. We have a tendency to look a gift horse in the mouth. Besides, ask yourself- was his question really that silly?"
"You know what?" Azgar laughed softly, "I always wondered how Jarl Borin Stoneheart- a man known for a hot temper and acting before he thinks- successfully guided Glimmerfall for so long. Now I see my theory was correct. It was all a facade. At your core, you are shrewd, intelligent, and level-headed. You keep up this grumpy demeanor as a defense."
Borin raised his hands in mock surrender, "Ooh, you caught me!"
"No, I didn't," Azgar grinned, "On the contrary, it was intentional. The fact is, you've already accepted my proposal. You're only revealing your true self now as a gesture of good faith... and as a warning that you are not to be trifled with."
"As have you," Zaira added with a seductive smile, "By sharing your deductions and showing your hand, you've sealed the deal on your behalf as well."
"Yes, yes, you're all so clever and cunning," Marcus interjected, stepping between them, "I, however, stay exactly as I am. Always real."
Azgar smirked, "Why waste time lock-picking when you can just kick the door open, right General?"
"Bullseye." Marcus winked, "However, I still haven't heard my answer."
"You see," Azgar nodded, "Valoria, in its current state, would never support Ahiran. Even if the Thrones wished to help, the people of Veridia would never allow it. So, Veridia is a no-go. And Valoria's relationship with Veridia is well-known- the grapevine says the 'Psycho Princess' and the 'Idiot Prince' are soon to be in a relationship. We should put Valoria out of the equation entirely. Also..."
"Also?" Marcus sounded amused.
"Prince Ahiran loves to go all-out. That kind of warfare doesn't suit Valoria's mercenaries. But Aethelgard? Your people are a perfect fit for Ahiran's style. This is why the First Prince seeks your mercenaries for his ranks. He wants to overwhelm the second and third princes on all fronts- money and manpower. He believes in absolute victory."
"Got it." Marcus nodded firmly.
"So, are you in?" Azgar asked enthusiastically.
"What?" Marcus scoffed, "Didn't you just say Borin had already accepted? It's a deal."
"But," Zaira broke in, looking concerned, "there is the matter of the Pirates."
"Ah, that's the Throne family's headache!" Marcus waved a hand in dismissal, "We've done our part by donating to the operation. It's Lorian's duty to curb the menace. Let Veridia and Valoria deal with the pirates while the three of us profit from this new venture."
"Even so," Zaira pressed, "the pirates are a threat to us all. I was planning to invest my gold into a navy upgrade to counter them..."
Marcus started to speak, but Borin cut him off, "Oh, that does create an issue."
"Don't worry," Azgar assured them, "They won't be a problem. I'll ensure Prince Ahiran sends the Noble Armada to scare the pirates away from the Jade Sea. We can do at least that much as a gesture of goodwill."
Zaira and Borin chuckled and quickly exchanged a glance.
"Then send your men. We will finalize the technicalities and seal the deal," Zaira said with a sharp smile.
"As you wish, First Trader," Azgar bowed, "I'll send my people to Aethelgard by next week."
Just as Zaira nodded, they were joined by a fifth guest- Lyssian Throne.
"Welcome, Prince Lyssian," Azgar bowed deeply, "We are grateful you graced us. I was deeply touched by your act of fealty today."
"Family above everything," Lyssian replied with a modest smile.
"For Family!" They all raised their glasses.
"However, I never thought you'd show your face here after..." Borin trailed off.
"The sins of the father do not pass to the children," Lyssian replied calmly.
"But their inheritance certainly does," Borin scoffed, "Good grief."
"Which I have renounced," Lyssian snapped back. He looked directly at Azgar, "Which is why, Duke, I must request that you do not address me as 'Prince.' I have renounced all claims to the Obsidian Throne, as will my children."
"Very noble, young lord," Azgar bowed, "However, what if something... unfortunate happened to the current line?"
"Watch your tongue, Duke," Lyssian hissed, his eyes glowed, "You are speaking of things that could usher in a new diplomatic disaster."
"Hey, what's up people? All cool?" A familiar voice broke in. It was Lorian Throne. He used an odd turn of phrase, but the meaning was clear enough.
"No, we were just having a small talk," Lyssian replied, smoothing his expression.
"The Prince- sorry, I mean the new Lord- likely felt threatened seeing his cousin 'conspiring' with the four of us," Azgar mocked.
"So, you four indeed were conspiring against me?" Lorian gave them a smile laced with venom.
"No, silly!" Zaira laughed, gently smacking Lorian's chest, "The Duke was just trying to be mischievous."
"Or over-smart," Lorian smirked, "Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the night. Give me leave to attend to my other guests."
"Don't bother, Lord," Borin raised his mug, "As long as the wine flows, I don't need anything else. Go do your duty; you're the man of the hour."
"Oh, it will keep flowing. Rest assured." Lorian smiled and walked away.
Lyssian excused himself and rushed after him, "Brother!"
Lorian turned, offering a genuine, gentle smile, "Yes, brother? Tell me."
"Trust me, brother, I didn't- " Lyssian sounded desperate.
"I know," Lorian said, grabbing his shoulder, "That's why I intervened. You were about to threaten the Duke for his veiled insult toward me. Otherwise, I would have walked right past your group."
"Brother," Lyssian sounded emotional, "are you still angry? Do you feel I shouldn't be here? Tell me, and I'll leave tonight. No one will ever see me again."
Lorian looked at Lyssian with an amused gaze, "Okay. Leave."
Lyssian smiled back, "As you wish, brother. I'll go now, while everyone is busy. You'll never see me again, I promise on my…."
Lorian smacked the back of his head playfully, "Are you loco? I was joking. Stay and enjoy yourself! This is your home, too."
Lorian started to walk away again, but Lyssian called out one more time, "Brother!"
"What now?" Lorian turned, curious.
"Do you have a moment to spare? I have something to tell you... things I need to get off my chest. I think you need to hear them." Lyssian's tone had turned grim.
"Yeah, when the feast is over, let's sit down and…."
Lyssian cut him off, "It's important, brother. My soul won't rest in peace until I tell you. I could die any time, and you need to know this before I do."