The Luthorians started eating immediately. The food was delicious, rich in flavors and plentiful. The Earl Laap was the one to answer Emperor Huifu. Laap was one to often circumvent pomp, ceremony and other graces and to go directly to the meat of the subject. In many ways, his bluntness complemented the Emperor's attitude, which was the exact opposite.
"Your Majesty, I understand that your attempts at offering compromises and making arrangements with the dignitaries of Clan Deng have been so far unsuccessful and that the members of that Clan seem to purposefully ignore your proposals. This must be very frustrating. Forgive me for speaking crudely, but in the sad event that negotiations crumble do you believe strongly that civil war will occur? Furthermore, if that is the case, and I address this also to your ministers, do you believe that Clan Deng and Clan Liu are evenly matched? No doubt your warriors' bravery is exemplary but it is possible, even probable that the International Monarchist League will not stand idly by if Indrala is engulfed in civil war. His Majesty Emperor Gustavus admires your efforts at seeking peace and compromise with Clan Deng and will most certainly not hold that against you."