"Let's talk about our deal," Luciel said quietly.
The Moon Lord's gaze softened. "Then tell me, Your Excellency—what do you think of the Moon Lake Tribe?"
Luciel leaned back slightly in his chair. "It's… fine," he said after a pause. "You've got enough people, plenty of land. Seems prosperous enough."
A faint, knowing smile touched her lips. "Really? That sounds like a polite answer, not an honest one."
He raised an eyebrow. "You want the truth?"
"I insist," she said. Her voice, though calm, held a weight of authority. The playful woman from before was gone; in her place sat a ruler.
Luciel's smile faded. "All right. The truth, then."
The Moon Lord nodded once. "Please. Speak freely."
He met her eyes without hesitation. "In my opinion, the Moon Tribe will collapse sooner rather than later. And the fall will come soon."
The words landed like a blade striking stone.
Agne Moon's red eyes widened. "What are you saying?" she burst out, trembling with anger. "How dare you—!"
