General Absek, I am Akbar of Xilan, Emperor of Xilan. I send this telegram today for no other reason than the safety of Xilan's countless people.
I admit that the late king's handling of the Gray Wolf Army was indeed improper. The surviving orphans and widows were not resettled, and the wounded were not properly cared for. Yet even so, that is no reason for your treason and disloyalty.
However, I am not a tyrannical man. In consideration of the bond between ruler and subject, I grant you the chance to surrender now and spare your life. You will be made Grand Duke of Lion Province, and your wealth and glory shall remain unchanged.
Should you remain stubborn and bring ruin upon the people of the Xilan Empire, bearing eternal infamy, do not blame me for failing to give you a chance to turn back...
Inside a plainly furnished office at the courthouse in West Sail Port.
Akbar Xilan bent over his desk and wrote a lengthy two-thousand-word proclamation urging surrender. He then rose and respectfully handed it to the Velander officer standing behind him.
"How did I write it?"
The young emperor raised his brows, his smile carrying both pride and a hint of ingratiation.
Yet the Velander did not even look at it, merely replying coldly.
"That depends on how the recipient answers."
Akbar's smile froze on his face, though he still gave a dry laugh.
"You're right... I hope that Absek knows what's good for him and surrenders sooner rather than later."
The Velander officer grinned, reached out to pat his shoulder, then suddenly stroked his face as though petting a particularly obedient dog.
What a good dog.
His smile carried undisguised mockery and contempt, a disdain that came from the bottom of his heart.
Akbar's mind