Duke Reinhardt did not become one of the most powerful nobles in the empire by ignoring threats, and Lucian Veilwood was fast becoming one.

Determined to test him, Reinhardt dispatched his most cunning envoy, Lord Cedric Vale, to offer Duskwatch a "mutual prosperity agreement." In reality, it was a thinly veiled trap designed to exploit Lucian’s supposed incompetence.

When Cedric arrived, Lucian was in the middle of what he called "Strategic Afternoon Napping." Dorian rushed into his quarters in a panic.

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Lucian groaned. "Tell them I’m busy."

Dorian paled. "We can’t just ignore him!"

Elaine smirked. "Actually, we can."

Misinterpreting this as a brilliant negotiation tactic, Cedric panicked, believing Duskwatch had an upper hand. He doubled the offer in a desperate attempt to please Lucian.

Dorian, watching from the sidelines, was horrified. "My lord, you just secured twice the resources without lifting a finger!"

Lucian blinked. "Huh? Yeah. Totally planned that. Good work, team."

Meanwhile, back in the capital, Reinhardt scowled at the reports. "This man… is dangerous."