Having breakfast together was indeed just a polite pretext.
Byron and Violet had just finished a meal with the Prince and Queen Consort—one that would be considered lavish by the Sun Empire's standards—when they were pulled into the tranquil garden to discuss the paramount matter of royal succession.
Clearly, in Atahualpa's eyes, Byron—an external ally who shared significant common interests with him yet had no entanglements with Atahualpa's other brothers—was far more reliable than some of his own subordinates. Atahualpa was eager to secure Byron's support.
For now, matters like arms dealing were put aside, as nothing was more important than the throne of the Empire.
The rain gradually stopped.
