"No, I do not want to make people stop." Sabine raised a hand as she clarified. "I just do not want to make things like that. It is fun to experiment with alchemy, but I prefer to use it to help people. That is what I want."

Sabine let her words sink in for a second before she gave Colours a fleeting glance and added. "Before you ask me, I do not want to try those substances myself. Thank you."

[hr]
"I can assure you," Maroc swiftly remarked. "That is all accounted for. Do not trouble yourself with a messenger."

At that, Maroc pat at his sides and looked confused for a moment. Suddenly, he perked up and looked across to the silent standing figure of Albus. "You did bring paper, did you not?"

Without a word Albus shouldered off his bag onto the table and produced several scrolls of blank parchment, a small capped ink pot, and a quill, all from rigid cases. Maroc spoke while Albus brought them onto the table. "I regret that I have not brought sealing wax with me. However, my signet will serve as authority to any agreements we sign. With each of us having a copy, this will be a binding agreement with the Empire. I believe Lunise will wish to write up differently worded versions on behalf of the Dominion."

Lunise confirmed with a curt nod.

Maroc continued. "Our agreements shall be relatively simple for now. We can work through the details to execute them afterwards. Your clans will technically be put under the protection of the Empire, which, right now, amounts to the secrets we know. It shall be expanded into further official cooperation after this war is over. I am sure we can reach agreeable terms."

Albus laid out one of the scrolls, revealing it to be adorned with red dye, gold leaf, and the Imperial dragon. This was official stationary for binding agreements.