The Lizardman Legend's plan quickly got underway, but the route they chose was anything but direct.
Instead, they cleverly used a noble from Fortress of Will as an intermediary to contact a highly influential marquis within the Northern Council—Aymund Salita.
Aymond, a middle-aged man with a slightly plump build, always wore an almost-smiling expression.
His round face was covered by a thick beard, and his eyes were narrowed into slits, giving him a harmless, approachable appearance.
Though he looked amiable, he was known in noble circles as a deeply calculating figure.
The arrival of the lizardman envoy shattered Aymond's usual peace.
The lizardman envoy was mysterious and low-profile, completely shrouded beneath a pitch-black hooded cloak. Only a pair of sharp eyes could vaguely be seen, making him seem both enigmatic and oppressive.
When Aymond's butler reported it outside the door, his voice carried a hint of curiosity. "Master, the lizardman envoy has arrived."
"Let them in," Aymond replied calmly, though he felt a trace of confusion.
Although the lizardman race had been in contact with the Empire for years, this was the first time they had made such a formal diplomatic visit.
A moment later, the butler led the lizardman envoy into the hall.
Without saying much, the lizardman envoy knelt directly before Aymond. His posture was respectful and exceptionally solemn.
Aymond was somewhat surprised. Though he knew the lizardmen were not a powerful race, their display stirred something in him.
"Since when did you lizardmen become so polite?" Aymond asked in mild surprise, a glint of astonishment flashing through his eyes.
"Honorable Marquis Aymond, my master said that when dealing with you, we must show the utmost respect, with even greater reverence than we would toward any powerful figure among our own people," the lizardman envoy answered devoutly and