Lucas straightened his back and let his gaze sweep calmly across the vast throne hall. The atmosphere already tense with curiosity and veiled disdain. He drew a slow breath, then spoke clearly, his words directed toward the old counselor.
"I come before Her Imperial Majesty," Lucas said with composure..."My king wishes to extend not just goodwill, but something greater. We are here to open talks of a lasting alliance between Valerion and the Empire of Lechia."
For the briefest moment, silence held the air, heavy and sharp. Then it broke.
Soft laughter erupted, low at first, but quickly growing into a ripple of chuckles and muffled mirth that echoed through the chamber. Nobles exchanged smirks, and several envoys leaned toward one another, whispering with grins on their faces. A handful did not even bother to hide their amusement, letting the laughter escape freely as though Lucas had spoken nonsense.
