"Ehhh~ yeah, I do," Adika replied with a smirk, standing up and dusting himself off. He turned to King Alarion, a curious gleam in his eyes. "Anyway… I heard you're collaborating with that King Laury."
King Alarion nodded slowly, studying Adika's expression. "I am. Why?"
Adika raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Why him, hmm? I thought you were hard-pressed to accept any collaboration with humans. Isn't it against everything you've said about protecting Elven lands from their influence?"
Alarion's gaze hardened. "Circumstances change. King Laury's goals align with ours for the time being. I may not trust humans easily, but I trust threats to our kingdom even less."
Adika chuckled, as if amused by the elven king's pragmatism. "Interesting. So, the Elven King chooses alliance over pride."
"Pride has its place," Alarion replied calmly. "But survival of my people comes first." He paused, scrutinizing Adika. "And what about you? Why are you so curious about my alliances?"
