As the morning light bathed the manor in a soft glow, Sylas stood ready, calm and composed, for the Empire’s representative.

When Gran announced the arrival of Alevis Silver, Sylas gave a single nod to Gran.

"Show them way to the balcony and prepare some coffee or tea for them," he said.

When Alevis entered, he was flanked by two guards: one a stoic mage with a staff adorned in silvery blue, the other a hardened warrior in full armor.

Their demons were different from the mages of Dark Father or from Third Circle; they were nobles of some sort with first-handed power backing them.

Compared to nobles who are proud because of their bloodline or merchants who are arogant because of wealth, these two guards were proud because of their self-confidence.

It showed on their face.

Alevis inclined his head to Sylas before introducing himself.

“Alevis Silver, representing the Silver Empire.”

Sylas gave him a small nod, gesturing for him to take a seat across the polished wooden table, positioned to face the morning light.

Gran stood by the door, his expression carefully neutral as he observed the Empire's envoy and two guards.

Sylas’s demeanor exuded calm authority, a stark contrast to the tension rippling from Alevis, who shifted slightly before beginning.

“Lord Sylas,” Alevis started, choosing his words carefully,

“I am here to address the issues raised in your documents. The Empire acknowledges the evidence you provided concerning the... grievous actions committed by the Pamela Family, as well as the misconduct of Empire officials Ralni and Nadis, who, I regret to confirm, accepted bribes to support the destruction of your family.”

Sylas said nothing and waited for Alevis to talk more. In these kinds of talks, talking without the need for talk is what only a man who is naive and inexperienced would do.

It is better to let others talk to learn more about them so every word of the other party can be used against them if needed.

Alevis’s gaze held a glint of discomfort, but he pressed on.

Of course, as an experienced diplomat of the Empire, he knew talking more was a disadventegous position for himself.

But he knew he had no other choice but to use his wits to the limit.

“This has been a gross violation of both Empire law and moral code, and on behalf of the Empire, I extend my apologies. The actions of these individuals have undermined our core principles, and this betrayal has not gone unnoticed.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Sylas listened, his face impassive as Alevis’s words hung in the air.

He waited a moment and then responded.

“Your Empire’s promises and principles, as noble as they sound, have allowed rotten people to gain power and use it to harm others. This betrayal of the Empire to its nobles has cost lives, resources, and peace for the Sylind family, bringing it to destruction. Apologies alone will not repair the damage inflicted.”

Alevis swallowed, visibly uncomfortable.

“Of course. The Empire recognizes the need for reparation. We are prepared to prosecute the individuals involved and offer the Sylind family full compensation for losses incurred. Furthermore, the Pamela family’s assets will be seized and their influence dissolved.” He leaned forward slightly, emphasizing his point.

“This is a direct order from the highest authority.”

Sylas leaned back, assessing Alevis, taking in every nuance of his manner.

“Compensation is a start,” he conceded. He then let out a cold breath, and his eyes turned blank and emotionless as he asked.

"How are you guys going to give my people back to me?"

"Due to actions of the Pamela family and other nobles in this city, which they were capable acting because of the backing of the Empire, more than five hundred people of the Sylind family are murdered."

"At this stage, only one left from the royal line, from the first line myself."

"What kind of compensation do you think your Empire will give to me to solve this problem?"

Sylas said a lot of words this time in one breath.

Alevis met his gaze, the faintest hint of strain visible.

“As part of our reparations, I have been instructed to offer the Sylind Family official recognition as an autonomous noble family within the Empire.

"This grants you the right to self-govern, with only the highest laws of the Empire to adhere to.”

Sylas’s eyes narrowed; he put his finger on his chin and thought.

"I did not expect them to give me enough power to declare my independence."

"It seems like after they have learned that I have signed an agreement with Third Circle, they presume my goals are higher."

"As an empire, they know very well that the highest goal of a noble family is an autonomous region, a place that they can call theirs."

Sylas then answered, starting to speak in a more calm tone.

"Alevis understands that trust will take time to rebuild. My alliances and my family’s safety remain my priorities, and the Sylind family will not be so easily swayed by pretty promises.”

Alevis nodded, seeming to sense that any attempt at cajoling would be ill-advised.

“We fully understand, Lord Sylas. The Empire values strong families, and we are committed to ensuring the Sylind Family’s prosperity and independence within our borders. We also would like to give you a huge amount of land so that you can start your own organization or whatever you want.”

“Then we are aligned—for now.” Sylas’s tone softened, but his gaze held an edge.

“But should the Empire fail in its commitments, it won’t just be the Sylind Family you contend with. I have allies who value loyalty over titles.”

Alevis rose, bowing slightly.

“The Empire appreciates your candidness, Lord Sylas. We intend to honor our commitments in full. I will begin the arrangements and formalities immediately.”

With a nod, Sylas watched Alevis and his retinue leave the room, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face. As Gran closed the door, Sylas turned to him, his expression softening slightly.

“The Empire may have yielded today, but keep watch. This alliance is still fragile.”

Gran nodded, a small smile crossing his face.

"Of course, Master Sylas. The Sylind Family stands ready."