Edmund looked at William's smile without any visible reaction. His expression remained calm and unreadable, as though the confidence and casual arrogance radiating from the young man in front of him had failed to stir even the slightest ripple in his mind.
"So," Edmund said slowly, his voice measured and even, "are you here to prove me wrong?"
William let out a chuckle before shaking his head.
"No."
The smile on his face widened slightly as he spoke again.
"I'm here to make you my subordinate."
Edmund leaned back further into his chair, his posture relaxed despite the dangerous meaning behind those words. He studied William in silence for several long moments, his pale eyes fixed steadily on him, before he finally gave a small nod.
"I see."
He closed his eyes briefly, almost as though organizing his thoughts, then opened them again with the same composed demeanor.
