The peace of the morning was shattered by the arrival of a "Sky-Runner"—a high-speed messenger bird from the Western Federation. Unlike the Eastern Khaganate, which relied on brute force and beast-bonding, the West was a civilization of "Techno-Mages." They viewed magic as a resource to be refined, measured, and mechanized. They were the empire's oldest rivals, and they had watched the Argentine Civil War with the cold, calculating eyes of a jeweler looking at a flawed diamond.
Cian met the bird at the balcony, unrolling the tiny, magically-encrypted scroll. His expression, which had been beginning to relax, tightened into a mask of professional wariness.
"It's from the Federation's High Chancellor, Sophia van Held," Cian muttered, handing the scroll to Livius. "They are 'congratulating' you on your ascension. They've also requested an immediate diplomatic summit at the Neutral Border. They claim to have information regarding a 'Mana-Leak' that occurred during your battle with the First Emperor."
Livius read the lines of sharp, precise calligraphy. "A 'Mana-Leak.' They felt the explosion of the Void. They know the old system is dead, and they want to see if the new one is worth breaking."
"Sophia is dangerous," Cian warned. "She doesn't care about dragons or gods. She cares about the 'Balance of Power.' If she thinks you are a threat to the Federation's stability, she will trigger a continental war before the week is out."
Livius walked to the large map of the continent that hung on the wall. The Argentine Empire sat in the center, flanked by the now-shattered Khaganate to the East and the high-tech Federation to the West. He felt the dual-current of his blood—the Golden fire and the Silver chill—humming in response to the challenge.
"She wants a summit? Then we shall give her one," Livius said. "But we won't go as a 'New King' seeking approval. We will go as the 'Ghost' who has already claimed the shadows. Cian, prepare the 'Spectral Carriage.' We're going to the border, and we're taking the portrait."
"The portrait?" Cian asked, confused. "Vaelin's painting?"
"Yes," Livius replied. "I want Sophia to see the face of the man who lived in the North Wing. I want her to realize that she isn't dealing with a royal who was raised on silk and praise. She's dealing with a man who was raised on dust and silence."