King Darius leaned forward slightly on his throne, his expression unreadable as his gaze flickered between Oliver and Odi. The weight of the moment pressed down on everyone in the grand hall, thickening the already tense atmosphere. He exhaled slowly before speaking.
"I am not an unjust king," Darius said, his voice even but firm. "If freedom is what Odi and Ben seek, then I will grant it. But no man should walk away empty-handed from a deal, even one such as you, Oliver."
Oliver's face lit up with greed, his single hand rubbing against his chin as he considered the words. "Oh, Your Majesty, I always knew you were a man of fairness," he drawled. "Since you put it that way, I do have a request."
Darius narrowed his eyes. "Speak."
Oliver smirked. "I want the artifact that Odi failed to steal. The one that caused this whole ordeal. And... a title in my community. I wish to be recognized, given authority, so I no longer have to grovel in the dirt."
