Cael really was in a dead end, and it frustrated him terribly. He was used to being the proactive one, but no matter how hard he thought about how to deal with Dante, and no matter whom he asked about it, Cael had no ideas.
Attacking him directly still was an easy way to provoke an entire country. But approaching Dante covertly was nigh impossible. Even if he was on his own, the man was simply too well-protected for a small, quiet attack to work.
Not to mention that Dante was likely now ready for any other surprises Cael could come up with.
This left Cael with nothing to do but to act as normal and wait for Dante's next move. This was a course of actions that could easily drive a man mad with anxiety.
Cael was not invulnerable to this, although he had his life experience and will on his side. With their help, he kept his calm—almost.
On the next day after meeting with Dante, the emperor's Speaker still didn't invite the diplomatic delegation again.
I wanted to end this chap on a cliffhanger, but got too much into the scene. :>
Welp, just trust me, cliffhanger in next chapter, OKKKKK???