Bab 171: Borrowed Knife.

Valerian and Fortuna were standing in front of the old man after the boy narrated everything to the old man. He did not look away from the old man at all. If he dared to show the slightest hesitation he will not even know how he died. This old was not someone he could afford to toy with. He only wanted to borrow his power to get things cleared 

As the hall descended into silence, Valerian became anxious. He wanted to say something when the old man asked, "Given what you said, Thales intends to gain more territory through this ploy of his? Then why shall I help you? Is it not good for my empire to grow more?" 

Valerian smiled suddenly, and said, "Sir, if you think that gaining more territory at the cost of your prestige, and dignity throughout the continent is worth it then please go on. I have nothing else to say. I have always learned that an Emperor's face is the face of the empire, and his deeds and the deeds of his empire.