The liquid in the oak cup rippled slightly, reflecting the magnificent golden dome of the temple hall and the pale golden glimmers drifting among the pillars and paintings. Gawain held the oak cup, a faint smile on his face, and several seconds later, the "god" seated across from him smiled as well.
"Splendid," she said with a smile. "You scared me."
"Because you scared me too," Gawain said frankly. "Especially after I saw the 'truth' above Tarlonnd."
He paused, then continued, "Even after going this far, I still couldn't guarantee that this card of mine would work—I could only prepare everything I could, but there are always variables beyond human ability to prepare for. For instance... I hadn't been sure how much of a deterrent those crashing impacts would be to you, nor could I be certain whether you had the ability to directly read memories or alter the orders I issued... My only reliance was that a 'god' like you couldn't directly tamper with the legacy of the Navigators, couldn't intercept or alter my orders. And judging by the results, things turned out fairly well."
As he spoke, he reached out and casually picked up an exquisitely made piece of pastry from the table, placing it in his mouth.
It was mildly sweet without being cloying, with a peculiar fresh fragrance.
"Indeed... even knowing your arrangements, I had no way to do anything to the legacy of the Navigators... There was an element of gambling in your plan, but you won," the Dragon God said, lifting the teacup before her and taking a small sip. She looked at Gawain as though two ordinary friends were chatting. "Ensuring mutual destruction, even ensuring that retaliation could automatically take effect after one side had been exterminated—an astonishing idea. You see, those Dark