In an atmosphere where the balance between grandeur and sophistication effortlessly blended, accompanied by a calm that could only stem from a measured confidence, the Dysars were two men of power whose authority needed no declaration.
Their seating was simple and unassuming, yet their identity and status required no introduction, particularly with their effortless composure.
The blonde man's fingers, dressed in a white formal suit adorned with a black tie resembling a rose with ears, gently glided over the keys of the fortepiano.
The instrument, shaped like an elegant triangle, was decorated with intertwining threads and circular red buttons that changed colors with every touch of his long fingers, as if responding to his flowing emotions.
In a moment of musical brilliance, he pressed the buttons delicately, finishing his performance with a captivating melody.
Then, suddenly and with great force, without pausing, he spun around to face Akriod, just a few centimeters away, moving with a speed beyond human capability.
Akriod's expression was cold as he stared at the blond man with a calm, unaffected gaze, in contrast to Liana, who glared at him with a harsh, challenging look.
However, she responded to Akriod's calm composure by lowering her head and keeping her eyes on the ground, even though she was surprised by how he didn't flinch or blink in response to the unexpected speed.
His face was smooth, glowing with softness, and well-defined, with long blonde hair flowing down his back. "So, you're the one..." he said with a tone tinged with condescension, his eyes casting a mysterious look toward Akriod, who knew little about him...
*
Seven days and twenty-four hours were all it took for him to delve into every detail he needed to learn about the four Dysars of the Democratic Cities.
Among them, the one standing before him with a mocking look was Liam Evryn, the Dysar of the Northern city, renowned for his arrogance and somewhat pompous demeanor.
*
However, Akriod had come to realize that such inappropriate behavior could only stem from a hidden reason, and it appeared that the cause was the unhealthy feelings he harbored, possibly specifically toward Inar.
"Hey, Liam, don't you think this is an improper way to welcome the new Dysar?" a voice came from behind, calm yet authoritative.
Liam turned around, furrowing his brows, as his eyes met those of the man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties.
The man had closed his book quietly, dressed in a black formal suit complemented by a crisp white shirt beneath his open jacket.
His stern features were not devoid of a faint, cold smile—one that seemed to carry a hint of mockery at Liam's actions toward Akriod.
He ignored the words of the seated Dysar and then turned his gaze to Akriod."I don't think I've done anything like what you're saying..." he said, placing his hand lightly on Akriod's back and offering a faint smile.
He continued in a calm voice, "I've heard a lot about you from your father, but wouldn't it be better if we raised a toast to our first meeting?" His words carried much more beneath the surface, and his eyes studied Akriod intently.
Akriod, not wanting to arouse any suspicion, quickly replied, "Yes, you're right," smoothly going along with the situation.