Ssshh—

The atmosphere cooled as soon as I spoke.

Especially the old man in front of me—Muk Yeon—his reaction was anything but calm.

“Conditions, you say?”

His eyes practically screamed his thoughts.

They were asking me, Are you serious?

I met that gaze and smiled faintly as I responded.

“Yes.”

That’s right.

What you heard is exactly what I said.

Muk Yeon’s eyes narrowed further.

“Star King.”

“Yes, Elder?”

“Is there something about the terms that displeased you?”

He was asking whether any of the Martial Alliance’s offers—given in exchange for me becoming their Great Leader—had failed to meet my …