After what felt like an hours-long interrogation consisting of far too many follow-up questions, Grand Mage Claude finally disappeared from the former baron’s study as though he’d never even been in the first place. The sudden departure made Tiberius wonder whether he’d reappear just as suddenly with one last question or matter to discuss, heedless of the mounting pile of work the man was making for the Emperor. But after a couple of minutes passed without incident, he allowed himself to believe that the ancient man was well and truly gone. For now.Finally alone, Tiberius pinched the bridge of his nose. The encounter had left him with a mild headache. He considered pouring himself a glass of the rather fine spirits they had liberated from the baron’s manor when they had taken the city, but decided against it for the moment. Perhaps after he’d gotten a bit more work done.The mage’s appearance was a… complication. One that he couldn’t afford to ignore, one way or another. Luckily, it seemed to be working out in their favor quite well. Having a man capable of leveling continents simply show up on his doorstep, ready and willing to make a deal, made him wonder if the gods had decided to play some kind of strange joke on him.Of course, actually getting the mage’s direct help with said destruction seemed to be off the table for now. But the other services he was offering were valuable enough on their own. Still, the knowledge of what the man could do made Tiberius feel as though he were trying to seize a sleeping snake by the tail. There was no telling when it would turn and decide to strike back at him.One thing was certain, though. Between their new alliance with the mages, the elves wishing to join their empire, and the smooth integration of Hausten, Tiberius (...)