Aksai paused for a brief moment as his eyes flickered toward Prince Arven.
'As for this man… he has already shared too much.'
The realization was clear.
'This… this is not just an offer. This is a kind of information that closes as many doors as it opens.'
His expression did not change, but his thoughts turned colder.
'If we refuse, I don't think he will let us walk away so easily. The things he has told us… they are not meant to be spread around. This is both an investment and a leash. A reason to recruit us… and a reason to silence us if needed.'
Aksai understood the situation clearly. He could not resist openly in the middle of a supposedly enemy kingdom. Not without exposing himself as a Lord. And that was something he did not want.
Not yet.
Aksai slowly exhaled and looked at Prince Arven again. This time, there was a faint smile on his face.
"Prince Arven," he said calmly, "you have given us a lot to think about."
He paused briefly before continuing.
