In a grand hall of the City Lord's manor, two males sat in a chair, facing each other. On one side sat a handsome young man in light blue robes while a middle-aged man occupied the seat opposite him.
The silence in the hall was deafening.
Ikasa observed the City Lord Zhen. He saw a strong man with a well-maintained body for his age. The streaks of white in his dense black beard betrayed his age.
"Tea?"
A servant arrived and broke the tense silence. The City Lord motioned him to fill their cups and leave the room.
"Xue Mi says you can help me secure victory in the Tribute Tournament."
Zhen Wu asserted while stroking his chin-length beard. The statement was filled with doubt and mockery.
Ikasa calmly took a sip of tea and answered with a simple "Yes".
By not deigning to explain, he had chosen not to acknowledge the insult.