"This city isn't run by strength alone," the rival said.
The room remained quiet.
Watching.
Listening.
"It's run by balance."
He gestured slightly.
"Supply. Demand. Influence."
His gaze sharpened.
"…And control."
Andres stood still, absorbing every word.
Because this—
This was confirmation.
The hidden structure.
The true hierarchy.
"…And those who disrupt that balance?" Andres asked.
The rival's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"They're removed."
Simple.
Direct.
Absolute.
A brief silence followed.
Then Andres spoke again.
"…So this is a warning."
"No," the rival replied.
"…This is an offer."
That shifted everything.
"Join the structure," he continued. "Operate within limits. Grow safely."
A pause.
"…Or stand outside it."
Andres understood immediately.
Inside meant restriction.
Outside meant risk.
But also—
Freedom.
He looked around the room.
At the merchants.
At the silent observers.
Then back at the rival.
"…I'll consider it," he said.
Not acceptance.
Not rejection.
Just time.
Because decisions like this—
Changed everything.