As Lucas cleared his throat, adjusting his tie as though the very fabric of his suit was uncomfortably tight, he began to outline the government's proposal with calculated precision.
His voice was measured, carefully stripped of anything that could be construed as too enthusiastic or too urgent, though an undertone of barely contained eagerness lingered beneath the surface.
Lucas was a man who had been trained in diplomacy, but Lyerin could see through his well-rehearsed demeanor with ease.
"We're looking for a mutually beneficial partnership, Mr. Stonehooves," Lucas began, locking his gaze with Lyerin's as though attempting to probe his mind.
"You see, as an independent government unit, we operate with a certain... autonomy from the families. We're not bound by their influence in the same way.