Chief in Tensura

(Leo)

Hinata has decided to go church, and I am feeling a little bad now, it will be not wrong to say I have developed some attachment to her, but everything is for her good and the world's too, but what happened last night was unexpected, someone has said the quietest ones are the wildest, but that is a story for another time.

Strangely the Church let me go freely and didn't force me which honestly is a good thing, I guess?

Luminous must have found something odd about me.

Shizu, on the other hand, had been busy with her affairs. She had gone to Blumund to handle what she described as 'urgent matters,'. That woman never stopped working, but she hinted at retiring permanently to teach. It was a surprising revelation, but perhaps not unwelcome.

Even Ifrit, the greater elemental that had haunted her for years, had mysteriously stopped trying to take control of her. The change was baffling, but I wasn't about to question it. If anyone deserved a chance at happiness and peace, it was Shizu.

Now, my focus was on the task at hand. I had arrived in Galut, the capital of Ulgracia, to meet its Royal Family as Leonardo the Merchant. My goal was clear: secure more independence for my trade activities by revealing select information about my homeland.

Leonardo, my merchant persona, had carved out an impressive reputation in just a month. The superior quality of my goods, coupled with their affordable prices, made me a force to reckon with in the market. Naturally, the established merchants weren't happy. I had disrupted their hold on the economy, and while they grumbled and schemed, there was little they could do. My status as a diplomatic guest from an unknown land afforded me a certain immunity.

The royal palace was a sight to behold, a masterpiece of architecture that seamlessly blended artistry and functionality. Its design reflected Ulgracia's pride in elemental magic, with various elemental spirit figures made out of stone.

This also reminded me of my place that was built around the town hall, it was just at its starting phase and Gran has deduced it would take several months to finish it even with the sheer number of Dwarves and Builders working on it.

I was ushered into the throne room, where the King sat with an air of authority that commanded respect. His presence was complemented by the Queen, who had a serene yet calculating demeanor. Their eldest child, the Prince, stood nearby, a sharp-eyed young man who clearly took after his parents.

"Leonardo the Merchant," King greeted me, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "Your reputation precedes you. Merchants speak of goods unmatched in quality, and yet your homeland remains a mystery. Tell us, what brings you to Galut?"

I bowed lightly, keeping my expression neutral. "Your Majesty, my visit today is twofold. First, I wish to express gratitude for the hospitality extended to me and my trade delegation. Second, I seek to strengthen our ties by formalizing trade agreements between my homeland and Ulgracia."

The kin's gaze sharpened. "Your homeland? Little is known of your homeland. Surely, for such quality goods to flow from your lands, it must be a place of great power and prosperity."

I smiled faintly, prepared for this question. "Your Majesty overpraises me, my homeland called Aryavart is a land of innovation, though we value discretion in our dealings. Our resources are limited, and thus we must carefully choose our trade partners. Ulgracia's reputation for fairness and honor makes it an ideal ally."

The Queen leaned forward, her eyes piercing. "Discretion is wise, but secrecy breeds suspicion. If you are truly seeking an alliance, wouldn't it be prudent to share more about your homeland, Aryavart, as you call it?"

Nodded. "Your Majesty, secrecy is not our aim, but rather caution. In time, as trust is built, more will be revealed. For now, I am here to prove Aryavart's goodwill through action, not mere words. Please allow me to present the latest goods crafted by our artisans."

The Queen exchanged a glance with the King, a silent conversation passing between them. The King gave a small nod before turning to me. "Show us what your craftsmen have produced."

With a clap of my hands, attendants entered, carefully carrying several items draped in silk cloth. As they arranged the goods before the royal family, I took a moment to observe their reactions. The Queen's curiosity was evident in the way her gaze lingered on the covered items, while the Prince remained stoic, though I could see his fingers tapping lightly, a subtle sign of interest.

Encouraged, I gestured to the first item. "This is the Everlight Lantern." Unveiling a small, ornate lantern with intricate carvings, I explained, "It provides endless light without requiring fuel, using a contained mana crystal. The light can be adjusted from soft illumination to a focused beam. It's a staple in Aryavart for its utility, from lighting homes to aiding travelers in dark environments, not to mention it has minor healing effects and prevents low-level threats approaching."

The King leaned forward, inspecting the lantern, clearly interested.

Next, I revealed a finely crafted cloak. "This is the Noble Mantle, a garment designed for high-ranking officials or travelers. It's lightweight yet durable, offering minor resistance to physical attacks and elemental magic. It also repels dirt and water, maintaining its pristine appearance even in harsh conditions, it also regenerates from minor damages, like scratches."

The Prince finally spoke, his voice calm but curious. "A cloak that repels magic and damage? Practical for diplomats or travelers in hazardous regions. How durable is it?"

"It can withstand moderate combat scenarios or surprise attacks but isn't intended for full battlefield use," I replied smoothly. "Its purpose is to ensure protection without sacrificing comfort or mobility."

Next, I gestured to a small box. "This, Your Majesties, is a set of Arcane Quills. These enchanted tools allow the user to write seamlessly, even on magical scrolls or unstable surfaces. Perfect for correspondence, record-keeping, or inscribing mid-level runes."

As I presented each item, I kept my tone confident yet measured, ensuring that the goods seemed advanced but not so extraordinary as to invite suspicion. The royal family exchanged glances, their interest evident. The King was the first to speak.

"But, this not the best item of what Aryavart has to offer Your Majesty.."

I stepped forward and gestured to the last item. "This, Your Majesties, is a high-level artifact known as Elemental Grace." With a theatrical flourish, I removed the silk cloth to reveal a stunning necklace adorned with a bluish-cyan gem that shimmered as if holding the essence of a clear sky. Gasps filled the room as the gem seemed to refract light into a soft, ethereal glow.

"This is not an ordinary piece of jewelry," I began, allowing a moment for my words to sink in. "Elemental Grace is imbued with moderate control over elemental energies, specifically lightning, fire, and ice. It grants its wearer a natural resistance to temperature extremes and enhances their affinity for magic in those elements and affinity with respectable spirits. While not a weapon of war, it's invaluable for mages,"

The Queen's eyes lit up as she studied the necklace. "Exquisite craftsmanship. It's both practical and beautiful," she remarked her tone a mix of admiration and intrigue.

"Aryavart indeed appears to be a nation of innovation," the King said. "These goods show a level of advancement on par with Dwargon, yet they maintain an elegance uniquely your own. I see great potential in forging closer ties."

Queen also nodded. "Each of these items is practical yet refined. If this is merely a sampling, I am curious about what else your homeland might offer."

Prince, ever the skeptic, crossed his arms. "You speak of your homeland's discretion, yet these goods suggest resources and artisans of remarkable skill. How do we know Aryavart's intentions are as peaceful as you claim?"

I met his gaze evenly. "Because we do not need conquest or hostility, Your Highness. Aryavart thrives on trade and innovation, not conflict. Our goal is mutual prosperity, and these goods are merely a gesture of goodwill, a foundation for the trust I hope we can build."

The room fell silent for a moment before King nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, Leonardo the Merchant. We will deliberate further, but I must admit, that you have made a strong case today. Aryavart is a nation worth knowing."

I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to earning Ulgracia's trust and the relationship between Aryavart and Ulgracia grow."

As the attendants carefully gave the goods to the King's assistants, I couldn't help but feel a small surge of satisfaction. The presentation had gone as planned, planting the seeds for future cooperation while maintaining Aryavart's mystique.

Now my trading autonomy will increase.

(Royal Family)

The Prince turned sharply to his father. "Father, why did you agree to further trade agreements? The items, except the necklace, while useful, are not worth the risk. Letting an unknown nation establish itself on our trade routes could be disastrous."

King Galvan smiled knowingly. "Illyas, your caution is commendable, but you underestimate both Aryavart's potential and our ability to manage this arrangement. Do you really believe the items Leonardo presented were the pinnacle of their craftsmanship?"

Illyas froze, his mind racing as the implications dawned on him. "You're saying... those were just samples? That Aryavart might possess even more advanced artifacts?" His voice carried a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

The King chuckled softly, his gaze drifting toward the now-covered goods. "Precisely. The artifacts shown were meant to impress but not overwhelm. It would be naive to assume they would reveal their best wares so easily. The necklace alone, the Elemental Grace, speaks volumes about their capabilities. Imagine what they might be holding back."

Illyas' thoughts spiraled as he pictured what superior variants might entail: cloaks offering immunity to magic, or even everyday items for nobles that combined luxury with practical magic. "If they have better versions of these artifacts… their nation could shake the established economic system," he muttered.

King Galvan nodded, his smile turning shrewd. "And that's precisely why we must establish a relationship now. Even if Aryavart does not yet rival Dwargon or other superpowers, their innovations could elevate them swiftly. Better to secure their goodwill early than to compete with them later."

The Queen, who had been quietly observing, added, "It's not just the artifacts. Their weapons, while not as durable as Magisteel, are vastly superior to what our regular soldiers currently wield. And they are remarkably affordable. Equipping our armies with such weapons would significantly bolster our defenses at a fraction of the cost."

The King inclined his head in agreement. "Commander himself remarked that Aryavart's weapons while lacking the sheer resilience of Magisteel, were lighter, sharper, and easier to maintain. If such weapons become widespread, it would not only strengthen our forces but also allow us to redirect funds to other critical areas."

Illyas furrowed his brow. "Still, Father, we know so little about Aryavart. Their leader, the so-called Clash King (Leonardo has revealed basic info in the background), remains a mystery. What if they have ulterior motives?"

Galvan remained calm. "That is why we must tread carefully. Trade is the safest avenue to learn about their ambitions and capabilities. If Aryavart is as advanced as they appear, it is better to have them as allies than adversaries."

The Prince let out a reluctant sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I understand your reasoning, Father. But I still feel uneasy. Aryavart's emergence feels… sudden. Almost too convenient."

The Queen gently says. "Caution is wise, Illyas, but remember that no nation rises in isolation. If Aryavart is making itself known now, it's because they are confident in what they have to offer. Our role is to ensure we benefit from their rise, not fear it."

King Galvan leaned forward slightly, his expression firm yet reassuring. "And if they do harbor ulterior motives, Ulgracia will show them the strength of our elemental prowess. Let no one underestimate the power of our nation."

Illyas looked between his parents, their unwavering confidence contrasting with his wariness. "But how can we be so certain they come in peace? What if this is all a ruse to gauge our weaknesses?"

The King's gaze softened, though his words remained resolute. "Because the Greater Elemental Spirit of Wisdom herself has assured us of Aryavart's good intentions She has been our guardian for generations, she will not lie. Aryavart comes to us not as an adversary, but as a potential partner."

At this revelation, the Prince's eyes widened. The Greater Spirit of Wisdom was one of Ulgracia's most revered entities, her insights were rarely invoked unless the stakes were critical. "The Spirit… vouched for them?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

The Queen nodded gracefully. "Indeed. That is why we must approach this alliance with both care and open-mindedness."

Illyas sat back in his chair, the tension in his posture easing slightly. If the Spirit of Wisdom had given her approval, then perhaps his suspicions were unfounded. Still, his instincts urged him to remain vigilant.

King Galvan rose from his throne, his regal demeanor commanding attention. "For now, we proceed cautiously. Our trade agreement will serve as the first step in understanding Aryavart's capabilities and intentions. And if their leader, this Clash King, proves trustworthy, then Ulgracia will welcome this alliance with open arms. If not…"

The Queen rose as well, placing a hand on her husband's arm. "Let us not dwell on what-ifs, my love. For now, let us prepare to welcome the possibilities Aryavart may bring."

Illyas exhaled slowly, nodding in agreement. "I'll oversee the preparations for their next shipment. But I'll keep an eye on this Leonardo, just in case."

"Good," Galvan said, a faint smile crossing his face. "But remember, Illyas, alliances are built on trust. Be wary, but do not let suspicion blind you to opportunity. Aryavart may yet surprise us all."

After Illyas went away the Queen turned to her husband and asked "My King, there is more than you revealed right?"

Galvan nodded "I can't hide anything from you my love, huh." His voice then took a serious tone "You have heard about this Majin Madara, right? Who claims now named Genesis Valley as Clash Empire's territory."

The Queen nodded "Yes, he is someone strong if he is capable of defeating a commander of the Eastern Empire, if the rumors are to be believed, do you think there is a relation between them?"

"Yes, if my hypothesis is correct then both Leonardo and Madara belong to the Clash/Unknown Continent and they somehow found a method to travel from there to here without being affected by the Barrier."

He gravely says.

"Oh, Spirits, may you protect our nation from what is about to come," Queen says clasping her hands knowing the implications.

~~~~~~~

So Spirit of Wisdom is wise.

I am bad at these trading, agreement and politics things.

All the royal family is Oc since we have yet to see them in anime.

Leonardo the Merchant Leo's other persona has revealed some basic information like their king is called Clash King their trading specialties and such.

The King also suspected that Leonardo and Madara were related since the Merchant was trying to establish trade relations with Madara, and Clash King, Clash Empire he guessed but it is not a bad thing.

While humans fear unknown the King is Confident and Wise.