The guard did not answer immediately.
He closed the silver metal case and stepped aside from the entrance.
Another two rows of direct guards emerged from the embassy, replacing the outer sentries. Figures moved across the rooftop, windows, and side corridors. The gun barrels lowered a few inches, but their sights remained fixed on Bai Zhu and the other two.
"Her Highness only permits Mr. Morel to enter."
The guard looked at Bai Zhu.
"Everyone else stays outside."
Bai Zhu raised a hand and pointed at himself.
"I'm the victim here."
"That is Her Highness's condition."
"She owes me money, and I still have to wait outside?"
"You may refuse."
Bai Zhu turned to Morel.
"He's trying to provoke me."
Morel slung his pipe back over his shoulder.
"I noticed."
"So should I do something?"
"Stand there."
"What kind of answer is that?"
"The greatest help you can give me."
Morel raised his pipe, and the Smoke Wall coiling through the street immediately contracted, until only a thumb-thick wisp remained, curling around the end of the pipe.
Seeing the Smoke Prison lifted, the royal guards immediately retook both sides of the street.
Bai Zhu stared at the wisp of smoke that had not dispersed and took two steps back.
"Fine, go negotiate."
He paused, then added.
"If you're not out in five minutes, I'll assume negotiations have failed."
Morel looked back.
"And then?"
"I'll go invite the chairman over."
"Not a bad brain."
"I'm weak as hell right now. Of course I need a brain."
Piyu leaned against the barricade, her phone still in hand.
"Their guns are still pointed at us."
"Let them aim." Bai Zhu found a step not covered in black armor and sat down. "Once the money arrives, I'll let them aim for two more minutes."