At the center of the throne, Paris’s lips curled. Velledo and the others turned on Medith with ice-cold eyes, and a shapeless killing intent seeped out like winter fog.
“Ku—” Medith kept her face composed, but her silver-white teeth clenched. Her fingers pinched the hem of her dress, trembling. The move on the board was vicious; either answer, and she’d lose. Say yes, and iron chains would wrap her days; her future routine would be thrown into chaos.
Say no, and a hidden thorn would be planted—an excuse for Paris later, not reasonable, but perfectly “proper” in the eyes of this hall.
Wolf eyes glinted all around, hungry and unmasked. Cold sweat slid down Medith’s spine. Shock struck, then the iron in her spirit flared. Across ages, many had wanted her dead. Even gods had never made her bow.
She steadied her gaze. “Your Majesty, allow me to refuse. My people and Eunomia are sworn friends. Such a small matter doesn’t warrant your generous favor.”
“I’m no longer alone. I have burdens to carry and engines to keep running. For the next ten years or so, I won’t be able to move freely. And giving me power that great will invite needless trouble.”
Paris looked as if he’d expected it; relief softened his expression. Hippo’s eyes shut for a breath. Medith was human, and Paris had long since read her page.
“General, what are you saying? I’m not joking.” Paris’s voice was warm iron. “I’m giving you time—once every three months. Ten days to half a month each time. That not only deepens our ties, it drills both our forces. Reasonable, isn’t it?”
“This is what our ministers agreed on. Not some whim of mine.”
“It concerns our joint future. You can take your time. The matter’s weighty—please, deliberate.”
When he finished, Medith’s silver tooth had already splintered under pressure. This feast was a velvet trap. To stay silent was to slight Paris, and his temper loved a pretext. With this move, Medith’s defeat was set in ink.
“You… counted it all from the start, didn’t you?” She dragged in a long breath, forced herself still. Words were wasted now. He’d come prepared. All these nobles—witnesses dressed in gold.
Since there’s no retreat, then advance. I will never bow to someone like you. Paris murmured the thought inside, amused. That’s exactly what you’re thinking. After all, you’re Medith.
Since there’s no retreat, then advance. I will never bow to someone like you. Medith held the thought like a drawn blade. Her features tightened; her eyes burned steady.
Seeing it, Velledo loosened, a smile blossoming like a poisonous flower.
“Honored by Your Majesty’s favor, I’m deeply grateful. If that’s the case, then it’s better to obey than refuse.” Medith bent her knees with quiet grace and bowed.
“Hm?!” Velledo’s face snapped tight. She glanced at Paris. His expression didn’t ripple. “All the better,” he said. “No need to pick a day. You take office tomorrow. Ask for whatever you need.”
“Delaying tactic,” Ginsley scoffed. Medith didn’t blink. “I’m afraid that’s improper. I came unprepared, with a heap of affairs unfinished.”
“If Your Majesty insists, Queen Laxis won’t agree. The tens of thousands of my Dusk Legion won’t agree. The allies who swore blood oaths of the Kuso Guild won’t agree.”
Paris’s smile froze, annoyance flashing like a blade in sunlight. Then it smoothed away. “In that case, please go back and mediate. I won’t force you. It’s only a proposal. Whatever the outcome, I respect your decision.”
“Now, let the banquet continue.”
Paris…! Rage seethed under Medith’s ribs, but she couldn’t flare. He left no path open. That polished mask was for the nobles; if she didn’t show later, he’d have his excuse.
Then come. Let’s see if you can really blot out the sky—cast aside the people’s trust, loyalty, and reputation, and strike at your allies. I, Medith, will see this through to the end. The music around her faded to silence. Only her eyes stayed, locked on Paris like twin cold stars.
