As the words filled with menace spilled from Admiral Zio's mouth, the already tense atmosphere of the conversation suddenly sharpened to the breaking point.
"Be careful, Admiral Zio." Captain Tieye "kindly" reminded him, "Don't forget whom you are speaking with."
"Whom I'm speaking with?" Major General Layton's eyes glinted fiercely, overshadowing the three people before him like storm clouds, "You ask who are we speaking with?"
He pressed one hand against the tabletop, and the four legs of the conference table creaked almost unbearably under the pressure.
"We are speaking with [Dandolo]! With [Pisani]! With [Tiepolo]! We are speaking with the richest, most famous, and most powerful families in Sea Blue." Major General Layton pointed at Captain Tieye's nose, "That's why it's you here—and not just any other naval nobodies—sitting here!"
