Arthur leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady, his voice calm but firm as his words cut straight through the lingering politeness.
"Since we are speaking freely now, allow to ask directly, Prince Edric," Arthur said, each word deliberate, letting it ring clearly across the grand hall. "Is Chronos prepared to accept the cancellation of the agreent and enter into a genuine alliance with Keldoria? Or does your kingdom intend to sever all ties… and engage in war?"
The atmosphere in the great hall instantly grew heavier. The question was not a threat—it was a challenge wrapped in calm diplomacy. A question that could not be answered lightly.
Prince Edric remained perfectly composed, but a faint glimr flickered behind his eyes.
Lucien stood quietly at his side, though a brief tightness crossed his lips. He rembered all too well how their last encounter had gone. This was no simple provincial king they were dealing with.
Edric finally spoke, his tone polite, yet edged with the careful weight of authority. "Lucien has already briefed thoroughly regarding his encounter with Your Majesty during his last visit. And I must apologize on behalf of my companion for not being able to provide you with a definitive answer at that ti."
Arthur remained silent, his expression calm, waiting for Edric to get to the real point.
Edric continued, his voice steady. "However, I have been granted full authority to negotiate on behalf of my father, King Brandon Rivas. The final decision—whether to proceed toward peace or war—rests with ."
Arthur allowed himself a small, deliberate nod. "That is good news, then. In that case… what is your final decision, Prince Edric?"
A mont of silence followed.
Edric smiled faintly, but did not answer directly. "I must apologize once more, Your Majesty. Though I have full authority, before delivering my final judgnt, I hope you will allow to seek further clarification."
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly, but he already understood Edric's ga.
He's probing further. Testing the edges before he moves.
Edric was clever. Lucien had already painted a picture of Arthur's unexpected boldness and political strength. Yet, as any seasoned political strategist, Edric preferred to evaluate personally—to press and observe the man behind the title.
What surprised Edric, however, was how Arthur had handled his earlier question about the captured knights. Most kings, when faced with sudden accusations or questions so early, would stumble—either becoming defensive or issuing empty threats.
Arthur had done neither.
He had answered with calm control. He had even turned the pressure back onto Edric, subtly threatening to escalate if needed—yet all while remaining polite and composed. It was not what Edric had expected.
Lucien wasn't exaggerating, Edric thought. This king is far more dangerous than so re upstart who stumbled into power.
Arthur could see Edric's silent assessnt but allowed him to proceed. After all, reputation was part of power—and Arthur understood well that cultivating an image of careful calculation and brilliance was an invaluable political weapon.
Arthur gave a small nod. "Very well. I prefer swift negotiations, but since you have co all this way, I will allow you to ask your questions."
He held up three fingers. "You may ask three. No more."
The entire hall remained silent, but the tension was palpable.
Arthur could have refused altogether and demanded a direct answer, but he had no intention of showing impatience. On the contrary—he wanted Edric to see him as the calculating ruler who had nothing to fear.
The more Edric saw Arthur as a mastermind—not a rash king—the more leverage Arthur would gain, not only in these negotiations but in every future interaction between Keldoria and Chronos.
Edric gave a respectful bow, his voice perfectly smooth. "Thank you for granting the opportunity to ask these questions, Your Majesty. And for your generosity in allowing three."
Of course, Edric had far more questions he wanted to ask. Dozens, if not hundreds. But Arthur's strict limit forced him to choose carefully. He wasn't in a position to press the issue—at least not yet—so he sweetened his gratitude with a diplomatic smile, masking the sharp calculation behind his eyes.
Even this is a test, Arthur mused inwardly. Every question he chooses will reveal sothing about what Chronos truly fears or desires.
Edric clasped his hands neatly behind his back and continued, "Then, Your Majesty, I shall begin with my first question."
Arthur nodded slightly, resting back into the carved throne. "Proceed."
Edric's lips curled into a polite smile as he spoke. "Your Majesty, when Envoy Lucien returned ho, he brought back with him a certain gift—a book you personally authored, The Theories on Economics. I took the liberty to read it."
He paused briefly, watching for any subtle reaction from Arthur. When Arthur gave none, Edric pressed forward.
"I must confess," Edric continued, "I was deeply impressed. The theories you've presented are… revolutionary. Concepts even so of our finest scholars—n who have studied economics their entire lives—have never conceived of. Truly mind-opening."
Arthur remained silent but allowed the faintest hint of amusent to touch his lips.
Flattery. Polite, but unnecessary. Arthur thought. He's stalling for his real question.
Then Edric's tone shifted, ever so slightly.
"However," Edric said, "there was one particular theory I found… intriguing, yet difficult to fully grasp."
Arthur raised a brow, curious where Edric was going.
"The Cobra Effect," Edric stated. "In your book, you describe how poorly designed incentives can lead to unintended consequences—using the example of a kingdom attempting to reduce the cobra population by offering a bounty for every dead cobra. This led to people breeding cobras for profit, which ultimately worsened the problem."
Edric's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice calm. "Your explanation was brilliant, but I am curious. As sovereigns ourselves, how might one deliberately use such a principle to one's advantage? After all, understanding how others might fall prey to such consequences is valuable… but is there a way a ruler might deliberately design a system that manipulates such unintended behaviors to achieve… desirable outcos?"
Arthur was montarily surprised. This was not the question he had expected. He had assud Edric would imdiately begin pressing him on military readiness, alliances, or the suspended paynt. But instead, Edric had chosen a purely intellectual, theoretical question.
He's probing how I think. Testing not just my knowledge, but how far ahead I can plan. He's seeing if I am rely lucky… or dangerous.
Still, Arthur kept his composure, folding his hands calmly on his lap.
"You ask a good question, Prince Edric," Arthur replied smoothly. "And I see you've read carefully."
He allowed a slight pause, as though weighing his words deliberately, drawing in the attention of everyone in the hall.
"The Cobra Effect," Arthur continued.
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