Calvin hadn't planned to make his move so soon, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Su Ye had delivered himself to their doorstep, and the Winged Human King was "gravely wounded and weak."
Only those two were in the hall, along with... Calvin and his three confidants.
A golden opportunity!
"Young Friend Su Ye,"
Calvin's gentle smile returned as he gave Su Ye a slight nod.
"Since His Majesty has ordered it, I'll speak with you. However..."
His tone shifted.
"This is an important part of the royal court, after all. Our discussion concerns the secrets of both races. Outsiders shouldn't hear it."
As he spoke, he signaled to the three Confidant Kings behind him with a glance.
They understood at once and spread out, quietly taking positions by the hall doors and several windows.
One of them formed a seal with both hands.
Hum—
A pale golden curtain of light descended like an overturned bowl, sealing the entire Side Hall inside.
Light flowed across its inner surface with a low hum, cutting off every sound and trace of energy between the hall and the outside world.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere changed in an instant.
The false courtesies and probing vanished like a punctured balloon. Pop. Gone.
The warm, respectful smile faded from Calvin's face, bit by bit, as though he were removing a carefully fitted mask.
He straightened his slightly bowed back. The pride he had tried to hide in his pale golden eyes gave way to undisguised coldness and mockery.
First, he glanced at the Winged Human King on the throne, who looked so "weak" he might stop breathing at any moment. Calvin's lips curled in a sneer.
Then he turned his gaze to Su Ye.
"Take him."
Just two light words, but they