Heede inquired about Howard's well-being, to which Howard responded with a faint smile, indicating he was fine.
The two engaged in a half-hour conversation that yielded little fruit.
In the end, Howard informed Heede that he would not assist Castile in claiming the imperial throne.
Heede, feeling helpless, spread his hands and said, "I've said all I can. If you truly wish to confront the entire military force of Castile, there's nothing more I can do."
Bosiden cast a discreet glance at Howard, but there was no discernible change in Howard's expression.
Before concluding the conversation, Howard made a pointed remark: "If the whole of Castile supports you, wouldn't that mean the entire empire is against you?"
Initially, Heede did not grasp the meaning and stood pondering with a wine glass in hand, not noticing that Howard and Bosiden had already left.
