Zarvok stood tall and poised, and with a smooth beckoning motion of his hand, he smiled.
"Alright, gentlemen—shall we sit and talk? That would be alright with both of you, yes?"
Both the Guild Master and the Association Master responded with a simple nod of their heads—no words, no ceremony. They understood this wasn't a courtly affair, but a meeting of power.
The Emperor turned, robes shifting gently as he walked to his seat. Once they had all taken their places around the white marble table, he sat as well, then glanced between the two with calm confidence.
"Shall we begin?"
Another pair of nods.
Zarvok's smile returned, a touch sharper now—still pleasant, still composed, but layered with intent.
"So, tell me—what was so urgent that both of you rushed to meet me? I'm all ears."
He lifted one hand and pointed playfully at his ear. The meaning behind the gesture, however, was anything but playful:
"You asked for this meeting. You speak first."
