The half-elf matter had only just settled down, and the atmosphere in Amnath City had yet to fully return to peace when the Governor's Mansion was struck by fresh turmoil.
That morning, the sun shone brightly. The city square was crowded with people, and the cries of hawkers rose and fell without pause.
Yet a sizable Lizardman delegation had appeared before the Governor's Mansion.
They wore scale armor and carried spears on their backs. Their tails swept across the ground as they walked, making soft swishing sounds and bringing with them an oppressive air of tension.
At their head stood a tall Lizardman envoy, his slit-pupiled eyes icy, as though they might breathe fire at any moment.
Their arrival made the guards outside the mansion instinctively tighten their grips on their spears.
Inside the council hall, Ang sat at the head of the room, looking calm and composed.
He had long grown accustomed to envoys of all kinds, especially Lizardmen. Their relationship with the Empire had always been delicate.
Since the Truce Agreement had remained in effect, the two sides had gone nearly two years without a major conflict. Taking advantage of the situation, the Lizardmen had boarded the Empire's ship.
They had even formed merchant caravans and begun trading with humans.
However, compared with other human nobles, they preferred dealing with Ang—because he could provide superior weapons and equipment.
"Honorable Count." The Lizardman envoy bowed, his voice hoarse and carrying a distinctive tremor.
The two sides first discussed trade for the coming year.
The envoy laid out a long list of supplies, covering everything from food and iron ore to bows and arrows.
Ang showed no reaction. He nodded through each item, occasionally proposing adjustments to prices and transportation.
For a time, the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious.
But just