"No, Ludwig," Van Dijk said for what had to be the tenth time.
His face flickered across the communication crystal on Celine's desk, tired and dust-streaked beneath the weak light of whatever underground passage he currently occupied.
"The presence of Gluttony's influence in Bastos does not justify marching into Tibari with no route, no information, and no idea of what the Usurper is doing."
Ludwig leaned over the table until his face nearly filled Van Dijk's side of the crystal. "Cattle are starving beside full troughs. People drink until their stomachs hurt and remain thirsty, and half the southern crop has become decorative garbage. If you expect me to sit here until someone starts eating the furniture, you should provide a better argument."
"I expect you to investigate what reached Bastos before deciding that Gluttony personally invited you to a duel. An Authority spreading into your territory does not mean its owner is waiting across the border for you."
