He was just a Guild master with nothing to recommend him except greed and a little administrative ability.
Why did he have to hear a conversation that could shave ten years off his life?!
Especially...
What Royman found even more inconceivable was this.
In the face of Haimo's repeated acts of disrespect...
Ouranos showed not a trace of anger from his high seat.
"You really have changed, Haimo."
"You're completely different from how you were in Heaven."
A hint of complexity colored Ouranos's voice.
Haimo merely rolled his eyes, unconcerned.
"Life always changes with time."
"Even gods are no exception."
"I imagine even you can't deny that."
"Perhaps."
Ouranos sighed.
"Perhaps you really have changed, Haimo."
"But..."
"Even if you have no intention of stirring up a storm..."
"A storm will arise because of you in the end."
"Your very existence is an extremely destabilizing factor for Orario, which has finally achieved a rare measure of stability."
"And your familia, just like you, is full of miracles."
Ouranos gave Haimo a long look.
"So..."
"Haimo..."
"Let's get down to business, Haimo."
"I don't want you to become the spark that destroys Orario."
"So I am willing to make concessions."
"As long as you don't deliberately disrupt Orario's existing order."
"And don't cross any lines that must never be crossed-such as threatening the Labyrinth City's very survival."
"I will order the Guild to give you and your familia the greatest possible support and assistance, whether in intelligence, resources, or preferential policies."
"As long as you truly agree to this."
"As Orario's administrator..."
"I am willing to take that risk and trust you."
As Ouranos finally brought the conversation onto the proper track...
Haimo gradually grew interested as well.
"That sounds pretty good."
"Having your official backing really would save me a