Reginald felt as if he were being pinned to a wall. Emily was dissecting Triesenberg's motivations with surgical precision, forcing him into a corner. He couldn't deny outright what she was suggesting, not without risking the appearance of lying. "Valoria's intervention raised questions," he replied carefully. "A nation without known alliances or history, suddenly projecting power in a foreign conflict—it raised eyebrows."
Emily's smile was thin, a mere shadow of amusement. "It seems that the Triesenberg Empire doesn't appreciate having its sphere of influence challenged. You saw a nation acting outside of your narrative, and it unsettled you. That's why you approached us, isn't it? To uncover the extent of Valoria's capabilities, to see whether we pose a threat or a potential ally."
