Chapter 19: The Bottom Line
The recent events in the sacred lands, and the subsequent turmoil that had spread throughout Solor, would be a story for another time.
For now, in the Twilight Marsh, the second round of negotiations for the trade zone was about to begin.
Rex, the Sand Crocodile Tribe leader, Alonso, the former Archbishop and now second-in-command of the Garrison Knights, and Norma, the leader of the Twilight Marsh elves, gathered at the border.
The North Empire had set up a simple conference table, their experience in such matters evident.
Although Norma was still adamantly opposed to the trade zone, she had come, knowing the matter was too important to ignore.
She was conservative, stubborn, but she wasn’t a fool. She knew that if the North Empire and the Savage Lands joined forces, the Twilight Marsh would be no match for them.
If she could secure a peaceful resolution, one that didn’t compromise her bottom line, it would be a victory.
And besides, she was curious to see how Alonso planned to persuade her.
The three parties had brought only a small retinue. Rex, confident in his own strength, had come alone—and besides, his soldiers were too unruly to be trusted in such a delicate situation.
Norma and Alonso had each brought only a few elite guards, who stood at a distance.
But…
Just a few days ago, Norma had been preparing for war with Rex. And the elves and the beastkin had been mortal enemies for centuries.
So, even now, sitting at the same table, negotiating with the North Empire, the tension was palpable.
“Gentlemen, please relax,” Alonso said with a smile, breaking the silence.
Although he was the weakest of the three (Rex and Norma were both Calamity Class, equivalent to Legendary Knights), his backing, the rising North Empire, could not be underestimated.
And he was the one leading these negotiations.
Norma had experienced similar situations before, but not since the time of the Xia Empire. It was a strange feeling.
“I’m not nervous, human,” she said, her voice low. “I just didn’t expect to be sitting at the same table as a barbaric beast.”
Rex snorted. “You could stand.”
“Respect is a two-way street, Lady Norma. The fact that we’re here, negotiating, means we’ve already reached a certain understanding, that we can resolve our differences peacefully. That’s a good thing,” Alonso said with a smile. “And I would prefer if you would call me Alonso, or even Alon—I can’t speak for all of humanity.”
“The… Alon-brother is right. Haha, I like a man who’s not afraid to talk back to an elf!” Rex whistled. Ignoring his rough exterior and the beastkin’s inherent brutality, he was a surprisingly affable individual.
Norma glared at him, then turned to Alonso. “It’s just a name. If you object, I can use another.”
To non-humans, all humans looked the same, and “human” was often used as a derogatory term, like “ant.”
“Thank you, Lady Norma,” Alonso smiled, then unrolled a map on the table. “Of course, our main topic today is this trade zone, which will span all three of our territories.”
“The benefits of the trade zone, I’ve already explained. Today, we’re here to discuss…”
Before he could finish, Norma interrupted. “If this trade zone requires ceding any territory of the Bewildering Forest, I will not agree.”
She looked at Rex. “The only way the beastkin will set foot in the Bewildering Forest is over our dead bodies.”
“Fine by me. Though it would be a bit… messy,” Rex grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp fangs.
“Gentlemen,” Alonso said, exasperated. “I haven’t even finished. Can we please calm down?”
Perhaps it was the business he was in, but Alonso, who had once reveled in the chaos and bloodshed of battle, had become surprisingly… diplomatic. He was even less intimidating now than when he had been Archbishop.
“I’m just stating my bottom line,” Norma said, her voice firm.
“She started it!” Rex shrugged, leaning back in his chair.
“Don’t worry, Lady Norma. We’ve considered your concerns,” Alonso said, pointing to a section of the map. “This area, from here to here, will be the trade zone, a new city.”
The area he indicated included a portion of the Bewildering Forest, but Norma didn’t object, her eyes narrowed as she listened.
“Of course, this new city will inevitably encroach on our respective territories, which may lead to some disputes. So, the city’s council will be composed of representatives from all three parties, and each will have veto power.”
He didn’t give them a chance to speak, continuing, “And within the trade zone, besides the common areas, each party will have its own reservation, which will not be subject to the new city’s laws, but will be governed by your own.”
“As for the size and scope of the reservations…” he looked up. “You can decide for yourselves. The North Empire will take this portion.”
He pointed to a small, partitioned area. It had been carefully chosen, connecting to the North Empire, at a key transportation hub.
And more importantly, it was undisputed North Empire territory, and a relatively small portion of the new city.
After all, the North Empire would be gaining the most from the trade zone… a small concession was acceptable.
Norma was swayed. She looked at the map, her brow furrowed.
Alonso had clearly been busy these past three days.
The Empire’s strategists had devised a plan that perfectly toed the line, respecting both the Bewildering Forest’s and the Savage Lands’ bottom lines.
