Zavlan fixed a sharp gaze on Villafia, his red eyes glowing faintly beneath the shadow of the pillar. He lowered his voice until it hung heavy in the silent room.
"Especially since there were two Dragons collaborating with our criminals."
After saying this, Zavlan offered another thin smile. He used his silver fork to spear a piece of fish, dipped it into the thick red sauce, and chewed calmly.
"I truly do enjoy this."
"That is precisely why we are here, is it not?" Villafia said, the gentle smile never leaving his face. He used his cutlery to eat his fish with impeccable grace.
After he finished chewing, Villafia wiped the corner of his lips with a white napkin. "Dragons who working with Martis."
"Monica"
"We have placed a bounty on her organization. our Holy Knights are already in pursuit. We have also exiled their entire clan to Ring 3," Villafia said. He closed his eyes for a moment, his expression showing a hint of regret.
Villafia then bowed his head slightly toward the cold black marble table. "We are truly sorry."
Zavlan crossed his legs and leaned back against the carved wooden chair. "And as for one of the Generals of the Holy Knights..."
He paused, shooting a cynical look at Villafia. "Do you have an explanation for that, Your Majesty?"
Villafia did not answer immediately. He lifted his ceramic cup again and drank his tea with slow, deliberate movements. After setting the cup back on the table, he replied in a flat voice.
"He acted alone."
Lies... I know exactly what your goal is, Villafia... Zavlan had predicted that answer. He nodded slowly, tapping his fingers against the armrest of the chair. "I see."
"Two million gold coins," Villafia said in a soft tone. "Four holy artifacts."
Villafia watched Zavlan to gauge his reaction.
"You know, Villafia," Zavlan said, the corner of his lip twitching upward. He leaned forward until his face was illuminated by the sunlight streaming from the large window behind Villafia. "Because of that incident, many nations now look down upon us."
"I have received reports of humans being persecuted in other nations because we are perceived as weak."
"Now, we must rebuild the trust of our citizens and rebuild that city from the ground up."
Zavlan plucked a red apple from the fruit bowl. "And the rumor that humanity failed to protect its own citizens has spread so quickly."
Zavlan twirled the apple in his hand, his gaze fixed sharply on Villafia. "Well, buildings destroyed, reputation in tatters, and here you are."
"Spotless."
"Refusing to admit your involvement."
"Oh, and did you know? The person your General attempted to kidnap claimed you were after something from the child, Cyhas." Zavlan chuckled low. "I wonder... what could possibly compel such a high-ranking General to conspire with two human criminals just to abduct a girl?"
"Oh boy, imagine if they knew Dragons were involved in two major incidents regarding humanity." Zavlan offered a thin smile to the blonde man before him.
"They would start to wonder."
"Why are the Dragons interfering? Is the honorable Dragon race colluding with human criminals? Was the one who attacked the city actually a Dragon General?"
Zavlan whistled softly. The sound echoed amidst the stone pillars and their golden dragon reliefs. "Oh boy, your ancestors must be doing backflips in their graves out of sheer annoyance."
Zavlan took a bite of his apple, a loud crunch breaking the silence. He chewed with an expression of utter relaxation. "But I am a good person."
"Everything is still under wraps."
Villafia maintained his gentle expression. His smile did not fade in the slightest. He calmly listened to every word that left Zavlan's mouth while remaining seated upright in his chair.
"What do you want?" Villafia asked.
Zavlan drained his tea, then set the empty cup onto the table with a sharp clink "Three million gold coins. Four holy weapons."
Zavlan leaned slightly closer over the marble table. "Zero percent trade tariff for humans. Streamlined imports and exports for human products here, and Dragon products there."
"Humans must be allowed access to high-level dungeons here without facing any obstruction."
"Place a high bounty on Organization 000 within this kingdom."
"We will send the physical descriptions of each member."
Villafia fell silent. His golden eyes stared sharply at Zavlan for several seconds. He then rose from his seat and walked slowly toward the large window. He gazed out at the floating islands and the palaces atop the clouds drifting slowly across the blue sky.
"History is something I deeply admire, Prince Zavlan," Villafia said without turning around.
"You know, I admire my ancestors because they succeeded in organizing, building, and establishing this kingdom to become what it is today."
"Humans, demons, us, and other kingdoms we all had great ancestors who built and shaped history."
"They died so that we, their descendants, could know the peace we enjoy now."
"I do not want their struggles to be in vain..."
Zavlan did not respond to Villafia's words. Instead, he simply speared the last piece of fish with his fork and ate it casually.
Villafia turned back to face the room. "By the way, you are completely different from when we met that time."
"How shall I put it..."
"You seemed amoral, rarely smiled, and were always serious." Villafia turned fully toward Zavlan, who remained seated at the table. "What happened to you?"
"Life," Zavlan answered briefly. "Some bullshit... and perhaps, I realized that life shouldn't be taken too seriously. ."
"Why do you think like that?" asked Villafia.
Zalvlan chuckled "Because yeah.. for what, in the end we will die too, you and me all, so you have to enjoy it a little.. you know..."
"I'm sure those who are gone also regret not enjoying their lives..
Villafia laughed lightly, his shoulders shaking slightly. He then nodded his head slowly
"I learned something from you.."
"Very well."
"We will accept your demands, Prince Zavlan."
"Send my regards to the King."