Ignition (7)

"What do you mean?"

After suffering one setback after another, Broken Claw Queen's expression finally turned cold. She was clearly not happy.

"I didn't step in just now out of courtesy, Akasha."

"This friend from the outside is far more dangerous than you imagine..."

But Ballard couldn't even be bothered to look at her. His eyes remained fixed on Fu Qian.

"If I joined the fight, it would become a battle to the death."

"And in my judgment, regardless of who wins, there's over a fifty percent chance you'll die."

"...So what are you planning to do?"

Hearing Ballard say that, the Broken Claw Queen, Akasha, fell silent for a moment.

But a few seconds later, she spoke again, even winking at Fu Qian as if to put their differences behind them.

"Are you inviting Mr. Andir to dinner? I'd be delighted, though I didn't expect you to share my tastes."

"No."

Ballard shook his head.

"Mr. Andir has already eaten. He needs to come with me now. I have to make sure he doesn't disrupt order here."

His tone was firm. He had clearly made up his mind some time ago.

"Actually, I've only had the appetizer."

With a righteous expression, Fu Qian pointed out the inaccuracy in Ballard's plan.

"And while I don't mind adapting to local customs, I'm still curious: what will you do if I refuse?"

"Simple. As I said, Akasha is the one most likely to die."

Ballard said it without the slightest hesitation, his words brimming with menace.

"You've been gone only a few days, and your self-righteousness has gotten even worse."

As the supposed victim in this hypothetical scenario, Akasha was clearly unhappy.

"What makes you think I'll cooperate with you to maintain this so-called ridiculous order? And even if I did, Mr.