Lloyd sketched a smile.
This was a golden opportunity.
But while he was happy, he knew he couldn’t rush, he had to act calm and cautious not to lose control of the negotiation.
Though knowing the beast-n’s situation, he knew it wouldn’t be a difficult task.
"I understand, so what you want is obviously for us to release your people, right?" Lloyd said while leaning over the table, interlacing his fingers above his chin, with a thoughtful air.
"That’s right, Mr. Lloyd," Gueri responded.
The boy’s eyes rested on Sebastian.
He nodded confirming his suspicions; he had already been introduced by his butler.
Lloyd also deduced that from Gueri’s ek attitude, Sebastian had made clear how powerful he was.
"I understand, however, you’ll understand I have no reason to do so, especially after being attacked repeatedly by one of you," Lloyd comnted coldly, dedicating a serious look to Sköll.
It hadn’t really bothered him; however, seeing how Sköll lowered her ears while her gaze stuck to the floor with embarrassnt, confird sothing: it was a good move.
Lloyd was fully entitled to ask for compensation in exchange for freeing the slaves, but it would also make the tribe look at him badly.
However, by using Sköll’s attack as a card he ensured he had the advantage in the conversation.
He wasn’t soone malevolent for not freeing the slaves, simply the tribe had to answer for their leader’s impulsive attitude.
"I understand that; I promise in the na of the Fenrir tribe that we will settle our debt," Gueri said while bowing forward.
Lloyd stroked his temples, pretending he was reflecting.
Though really that was simply theater.
He knew the beast-n held their honor in high regard and would never leave a debt unpaid.
But that wasn’t enough for Lloyd.
The tension was palpable in the air, but it broke soon.
"I understand but will you really have the opportunity to do so? You’re trying to rescue your people, though sothing tells you still have more people to look for. This ti you were lucky, however, perhaps next ti you won’t be so lucky. What assures that in the end you’ll be able to return the favor? Honestly, I’d prefer you offer sothing now," the young man argued calmly.
Gueri felt himself shrink under Lloyd’s intense gaze.
"I’m sorry, but we have nothing to offer," Gueri finally said, with a defeated look.
Lloyd smiled; Gueri had confessed, he was desperate.
Moreover, now he could reveal what he knew.
The plan was underway.
"I understand, you can leave then," Lloyd said with indifference, with a chilling coldness. "Sebastian, escort them out."
The butler nodded; Lloyd knew that surely the Fenrir tribe acted so cautiously because their instinct warned them of Sebastian’s power.
ntioning his na would prevent Gueri from making a scene.
But then, soone intervened.
"Wait!" gazes fixed on Sköll, she was trembling slightly, with very tight fists. "I-I... I’m sorry."
Sköll’s anger and sha colored her cheeks red, it was clear it wasn’t easy for her to say that; Gueri knew it, that’s why his expression was one of total surprise.
However, Lloyd wasn’t surprised; after all, he pushed her to apologize, it was part of his plan.
After a few seconds, which seed eternal, Lloyd sighed.
"Alright, I accept your apology," he said serenely. "I’ll let you resu the conversation, however, I’d like to know the situation you’re in. I suppose they attacked your ho?"
Gueri’s eyes opened with astonishnt. Had he deduced it so easily?
Though what most surprised the beast-man was the ease with which he had forgiven Sköll.
Though that didn’t matter at that mont.
"Alright," Gueri said.
"Great, Sebastian, you can move the armchair from the corner in front of the table, having our guests stand isn’t the most appropriate," the boy ntioned, with a lighter attitude.
Sebastian obeyed, and Gueri began his speech.
After a good while, the story had ended.
Gueri’s expression was serious, while Sköll tried to contain tears unsuccessfully; without a doubt reliving that experience hadn’t sat well with her.
Moreover that had made her rember why she was here and everything that was at stake.
Which made Sköll feel even more guilty for hitting Lloyd.
Just as Lloyd wanted.
"I understand, so it’s that serious," Lloyd said, feigning false empathy.
It’s not that he was indifferent to what had happened to them, however he was already aware of their story.
Or at least he knew that tribe had been massacred.
"Those bastards! The Assassin Guild will pay dearly, I swear," Sebastian exclaid, hitting the wall furiously.
Everyone turned to see him, confused by the old man’s performance, who quickly recovered his composure.
"I’m sorry, I lost my composure," the butler apologized, politely bowing his head.
Lloyd shook his head; deep down he was grateful to Sebastian, that gave him credibility.
"You shouldn’t apologize, they’ve gone too far," the boy affird while slowly leaning back on his seat.
That called even more attention from Sköll and Gueri, who were curious to know what their relationship was with the assassin guild.
"You know them?" the beast-man asked, surprised.
Lloyd nodded calmly while sighing, as if it were a difficult topic for him to talk about.
"That’s right, they tried to assassinate ... and they’re also the reason I never t my father," the boy said, reflecting loneliness and sadness in his eyes.
Though obviously, he didn’t feel either of those two things.
"I’m sorry, I’m getting away from the matter, besides my story can’t compare to yours," the boy rushed to say, feigning embarrassnt.
Gueri shook his head.
"No, it seems you haven’t had it easy either," Gueri responded, with genuine empathy in his eyes.
Lloyd nodded weakly, while resting his head on the back of the chair.
It was necessary not to act too impulsively, his credibility depended on it.
"This can’t continue," the boy finally said. "Yes, we have to end them!"
He then exclaid.
All the cards were on the table, and now, it was ti to use them.
The real manipulation was about to begin.
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