"Sit down, Vilavia," Tominus commanded. "Enjoy the food."
Vilavia nodded slowly. "With pleasure, Your Majesty."
The horned man stepped forward. He pulled out a chair and sat down at the end of the table, directly facing Tominus.
Tominus stared at the people around him. "You too."
The sound of scraping metal was heard as the guests picked up their silver knives and forks. Vilavia lowered his gaze to the dish on the white ceramic plate. Two thick slices of wheat bread sandwiched a reddish piece of roasted meat in the middle. Its shape was exactly like a sandwich. Hot steam billowed slowly into the air, carrying the savory scent of meat and black pepper that stung the nose.
Vilavia lifted the sandwich with both hands and bit into it slowly. The chewing sound broke the silence of the table. The human kingdom envoys, the princes, and Aldes also began eating their dishes. The savory and salty taste of the meat juices filled Aldes's mouth as he chewed. The atmosphere of the room was filled only with the sound of people eating.
Tominus placed his fork on the plate. "Straight to the point. No nonsense."
The Emperor raised his left hand. He pointed directly at the representative of the Viortta Kingdom.
"I know you came here to ask for lower dungeon entry fees for your citizens. And also to demand bread exports from us."
Tominus's index finger then shifted to point at the Vlamis envoy.
"You want us to reduce incoming goods tariffs and accept workers from your territory."
Lastly, Tominus's red eyes locked onto Vilavia's golden eyes.
"And you. Asking us to help with the civil war in your kingdom."
Valno stopped chewing. Portas placed his wine glass on the table. Martius raised one eyebrow.
He guessed all of their political demands accurately in a matter of seconds, Aldes muttered inwardly.
"Oh." Vilavia raised both eyebrows. His lips curved into a calm smile.
Tominus took a deep breath. He exhaled slowly through his nose. His face remained flat, without the slightest change in expression.
"This is my offer."
Tominus stared into the eyes of the three envoys one by one.
"Fuck off."
Aldes widened both eyes. Valno, Portas, and Martius were stunned in their seats. The four princes instantly turned their heads and looked straight at Tominus. Their father's face remained completely expressionless.
Vilavia let out a low laugh from his throat. The dragon man's shoulders trembled as he chuckled softly. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Tominus.
On the other side of the table, the two human kingdom envoys froze. Their mouths were slightly open. The fork in the Vlamis envoy's hand slipped and fell onto the plate. Both envoys turned pale instantly.
Tominus pushed his chair backward. The scraping sound of the chair legs against the marble floor rang loudly. The Emperor stood up. Without saying another word, he turned and walked out, leaving the dining room.
The double golden doors closed tightly behind him.
Klaus remained standing silently in his place. The one-eyed man watched everyone at the dining table with an upright posture, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
The four princes, including Aldes, still sat stiffly in silence in their chairs. They were utterly shocked by the Emperor's absolute action.