The words sounded polite.
But the weight behind them felt like a warning.
The atmosphere became awkward.
Because Azzy, despite being terrifyingly strong, still carried youth in his presence, and his temperament was calm enough that even enemies could speak with him like he was merely a powerful young lord. He didn't flaunt authority. He didn't demand worship. He didn't speak like a monarch.
But Qridus…
Qridus was different.
He was not only ancient, more than nine thousand years old, but he had ruled for over seven thousand eight hundred years, and that kind of reign carved authority into a man's bones. His words didn't need aggression to be terrifying, because every syllable carried the invisible weight of history.
Even the Dragon Clan leader, who had mocked the Death Clan's arrogance earlier, now remained silent.
Even the Sun Clan leader, whose pride had been loud, now looked careful.
No one wanted to offend Qridus.
Not because he would attack.
