"What grudge lies between us that warrants such a massive conflict, even at the cost of making an enemy of the entire Ares Civilization?"
"If this is a misunderstanding, or if someone under my command has inadvertently offended you..."
"I can promise you here that I will investigate the matter thoroughly and give you a fair explanation!"
"Ares is a civilization that values reason and honor! We are not the sort to bully others through strength!"
"Why must this come to the point of blades drawn, of death and injury?"
Yet the hands clenched tightly into fists within his wide sleeves, his nails nearly digging into his palms, revealed his true thoughts.
He was gambling.
Gambling that the other party might fear Ares's overall strength.
Gambling that the other party might not be entirely unreasonable.
Gambling that he could use his status as "King" and his words to stall for time and wait for a turning point!
Upon hearing King Piel's words, the young Lufa felt slightly relieved.
That was right, a King was still a King! Even in such a dire situation, he still maintained the bearing and rationality expected of him.
That only strengthened Lufa's resolve to defend him to the death!
But after hearing King Piel's utterly hypocritical "performance," the future Lufa in the air showed no sign of softening. Instead, his gaze became even colder, filled with mockery and disgust.
"Heh."
"A misunderstanding? An explanation? Death and injury?"
"Piel, even now, are you still playing those laughable political games of yours?"
The other man's undisguised mockery made King Piel's heart clench, but he was King Piel after all—the future ruler of the Galaxy.
Years of political maneuvering had taught him that no matter how turbulent his heart was, he had to maintain the calm and composed