"You may speak, Champion," he said.
King reached into his interface quietly and activated Council of Authority. The skill settled without signal, no flash, no sound, no visible indicator.
Just a shift in the quality of the space between them, subtle enough that Jean-Louis wouldn't register it as anything external.
His predisposition toward engagement opened. His guard, not lowered, but oriented toward conversation rather than away from it.
King spoke.
"My name is King. Not a title, it's what I go by. By occupation, I'm a builder. Specifically, I'm in the early stages of establishing a kingdom, and I'm looking for the right foundations to build it on."
Jean-Louis turned his head slightly, listening without interrupting.
