Ex-girlfriend.
Old lover.
Those words caused a slight ripple in the Lion King's expression, but his tone remained casual.
He merely looked quietly at Launs.
"How many years has it been since you left the White Tower?"
"If I hadn't seen you today, I would have thought only Ansu Li remained among Stephenson's Three Giants."
Launs smiled soundlessly.
"That is a matter of our internal division of duties."
"Mr. Lion King, you still haven't answered my question. I'm very curious—given that lady's temperament, what do you think she would do if she found out?"
The Lion King said coldly, "Are you threatening me?"
Launs coughed twice. "Not at all. I merely wish to have a talk with you."
"You and I have been old friends for many years. Can't we chat a little more tonight?"
"No!"
The Lion King said firmly, "No one can threaten me!"
Launs froze.
"Except my wife," the Lion King added.
Launs fell silent.
"You know Riel. Did she ask you to come and hold me back today?"
The Lion King analyzed calmly, "I heard that you recently found a more advanced method of transforming into a lich. I assume you obtained it from Riel?"
Launs smiled, neither confirming nor denying it. He simply said blandly,
"Stephenson's future needs a Grand Lich."
The meaning was obvious. Stephenson's future needed Launs, so even Ansu Li would not stop him.
After all, this place was not actually far from Stephenson.
In other words, Star Spirit Riel's actions had always been tacitly approved by Stephenson.
The Lion King fell silent.
Launs believed his persuasion had worked.
His deal with Riel had never required him to fight the Lion King to the death, so he began talking at length, with the sole purpose of stalling for time.
"You and I