Chapter 337: Conquerors

From the first minutes of conversation with Ludwig, Cael knew that convincing him to make peace with humans would be as easy as convincing Astnar.

Ludwig's invitation called for Cael alone. He received his guest in a private office with only herbal tea for refreshments. The wooden guest chair was as uncomfortable as it was covered in carvings of geometrical shapes.

The rest of the office was furnished in the similar style—strict and unwelcoming despite the apparent luxury of it all. Cael didn't doubt that the endless carvings were made by the hand of a master, and many of them were magical.

From tall shelves to animal skulls and weapons hanging on the walls, the office dominated over Cael. And so his owner, who sat at his deck with fingers folded under his chin, seemed to appear even taller than he was already.

An intimidation tactic. But Cael wasn't easily cowed.

He met Ludwig's stare with a calm look of his own.