You 're in trouble, you realise as the full gravity of your suggestion dawns on you. Yet you don 't stand down.

Your eyes are locked with Admiral Zackly 's. Behind you, you can hear Levi 's rapid breathing.

'What you just said, ' Admiral Zackly says. 'Did you truly mean it? You would toss away your freedom just to secure a handful of slaves? Or is it all talk to stall for time? I hate having my time wasted. If you say yes, we sign a contract right away. '

'So, you would trade those factories for my freedom? '

'Yes. That is the most advantageous thing to do. Which will it be? ' He has zero interest in maintaining this standstill and his eyes shine with impatience as you falter.

You swallow. You can feel Levi 's eyes boring into yours, quietly telling you to drop it right now.

'It is a deal. '

'No. '

You turn your head to see Levi has walked up to you. His eyes are dark and openly hostile as he looks at Admiral Zackly.