Chapter 40: 32 Envoys from Moon City and Frozen Peak
I will be using the Meta-Harpy term for Harpies of Clash continent to avoid confusion.
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(Aryavart)
I let the people from Eurazania and Fulbrosia do whatever they want.
Carrion just wanted to know about the rumor and if they were he wanted to meet him.
For Harpies, they wanted to know about the meta-harpies under me after I told them they were mutated ones they didn't bother to ask much, though the look on their face was priceless after seeing the harpy's strength which was at the level of their elites (A-).
I wonder what their reaction would be if they learned that Meta-Harpy Queen was Frey's older twin sister even I was shocked to learn that but I knew she didn't lie, she was exiled from the kingdom due to being a mutant who can't reproduce like harpies something like Virgin-Birth it was pretty stupid of you to ask me to exile her since she had potential to rival Frey.
The reason she was so weak was because she neither had someone to train nor had a name, but after being named even I had a hard time fighting her in aerial combat if I didn't use my full strength.
Currently, I am sitting inside my clan's castle waiting for the delegates from Moon City and Frozen Peak, which is the reason I arrived earlier than expected and I plan to immediately go to Dragon Cliffs soon, I have delayed enough.
"My lord envoys from Frozen Peak and Moon City have arrived." Venelana brought a man who matched the description of Ice Knight I had from my scouts, he was very strong no wonder he was their Champion.
And woman that had weird eyes had a target sign in them and the other was normal though it looked more like a lens, she was probably the Magic Archer and also a Champion from Moon City.
'Man, they really are serious with all this.' He muses internally.
"This is Sir Glace, the Ice Knight and she is Ms. Luna the Magic Archer." Venelana introduces them
They both gave me respectful bows, Luna's eyes were piercing probably but it was due to her looks more than anything, and Glace well I couldn't see his face since he was wearing a helmet.
"This my Lord Leo Lyros, Clash King." I slightly cringe at the Chunni title but who I am to complain after what I have done till now?
"Welcome to Aryavart. I hope you've found our small kingdom to your liking," I said, keeping my tone polite and diplomatic while studying the two individuals before me.
Glace, the Ice Knight, was an imposing figure. Due to his full plate armor obscured his features, his stance and aura exuded a quiet, controlled strength. A true warrior. His very presence seemed to lower the temperature of the room ever so slightly.
Beside him stood Luna, the Magic Archer from Moon City. Her sharp, calculating eyes gave the impression that she was analyzing everything about the ro and me. The unique target-like pattern in one of her eyes seemed to pulsate faintly, probably some kind of intrinsic skill or magic.
Venelana, ever the composed diplomat, stood gracefully to my side.
Luna, speaks with a melodic yet firm voice. "Aryavart may be young, but it has a certain... potential. The irrigation systems, in particular, are sophisticated. A rarity even in more established kingdoms."
Sir Glace added, his voice deep and resonant, "And the soldiers we observed during our brief passage their discipline and equipment are commendable. It is clear your leadership commands respect, Clash King."
I gave a modest smile, though I could feel Venelana's silent approval beside me. "Thank you for the kind words. Aryavart is still growing, and we have much to improve. But I am glad to hear our efforts are recognized. Please, be seated. Let us discuss the purpose of your visit."
Both envoys took their seats across me. Venelana remained standing beside me, her poised presence ensuring everything flowed smoothly.
Luna was the first to speak. "Our ruler, the Archer Queen, has taken an interest in Aryavart after recent rumors reached Moon City. Stories of an emerging power, capable of feats unseen in the Clash Continent, have drawn her attention. She is curious to understand your ambitions, Clash King, and whether Aryavart seeks friendship or... dominance."
Glace folded his arms across his chest. "Similarly, her Majesty the Ice Queen has sent me to evaluate your strength and intentions. Frozen Peak values stability, and we do not tolerate threats to it. However," he added, his voice softening slightly, "we are also open to collaboration with nations that share our values."
I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers as I considered their words. "Aryavart has no interest in disrupting the balance of the continent," I began. "Our primary focus is on growth, internally and externally. We wish to establish trade and alliances that benefit all parties involved. Of course," I added with a faint smile, "if anyone threatens our people, we will respond appropriately."
Luna's gaze narrowed slightly, though her tone remained neutral. "Growth often comes at a cost to others. Your conquest of Goblin Forest and Hog Mountains has sent ripples across the continent. Even Moon City has taken note of the implications of this. Are you prepared for the attention that will bring?"
Glace nodded. "Indeed. And then there are the golems your kingdom has recently produced. That alone has raised questions about your intentions."
"I understand your concerns," I replied. "But the Golems were merely tools to stabilize my territory and ensure the safety of its people. None of our action was meant as a provocation."
Luna and Glace exchanged a glance. It was clear they weren't entirely convinced, but they didn't press the issue further.
"Very well," Luna said finally. "If that is the case, Moon City is open to exploring trade agreements. However, we will need reassurances that Aryavart's ambitions will not extend into our borders."
Glace added, "Frozen Peak will take a similar stance. We are interested in exchanging resources and knowledge, but we will not tolerate aggression. Your potential is undeniable, Clash King. Whether that potential becomes a boon or a threat is up to you."
I nodded, appreciating their cooperation. "I believe we can work together to build something mutually beneficial. Venelana will assist in drafting preliminary trade agreements for review. For now, let us continue building trust."
The two envoys relaxed slightly at my words, though it was clear they would remain vigilant. This was only the beginning of Aryavart's relationship with Moon City and Frozen Peak, and both sides would tread carefully.
"Now," I said, signaling to Venelana, "let us continue this discussion over a proper meal. Aryavart's cuisine has much to offer, and I'm sure our chefs would be delighted to impress you."
Before I could rise, Luna stepped forward, her posture graceful yet deliberate. "Thank you, Clash King. Before we proceed, I would like to present you with gifts from Her Majesty, the Archer Queen, as a gesture marking the start of this agreement."
Not to be outdone, Glace followed suit, his voice as steady as the ice he commanded. "The Ice Queen has also sent gifts to signify her hopes for a successful collaboration between our nations."
At their signal, attendants entered the room, each bearing ornate boxes crafted with an artistry befitting their origins. The contents were unveiled with reverence, revealing a dazzling array of precious items: enchanted Moonlight crystals and Enchanted Bows from Moon City, each pulsing faintly with magical energy, and a collection of Froststeel weapons and Glacial crystals from Frozen Peak, renowned for their resilience and rarity. There were also fine silks, jeweled ornaments, and scrolls containing knowledge of elemental techniques.
"These are magnificent," I said, bowing my head slightly in appreciation. "Please convey my gratitude to the Archer Queen and the Ice Queen. Their trust is not misplaced, and I assure you that Aryavart values these tokens of goodwill. I hope you will find our own gifts equally meaningful."
Venelana, ever efficient, nodded discreetly and stepped aside as Aryavart's attendants brought forward several intricately crafted chests. Within were items uniquely representative of Aryavart: shimmering spirit-infused fabrics woven by skilled craftsmen, full potions renowned for their healing properties, and delicately forged jewelry imbued with powerful protective enchantments. Each item reflected the balance of practicality and artistry that Aryavart prided itself on.
Both Luna and Glace inspected the gifts with quiet appreciation, their expressions betraying a faint sense of intrigue.
"Your gifts are exquisite," Luna remarked, her fingers lightly grazing the edge of one of the enchanted fabrics. "It seems Aryavart's reputation for quality craftsmanship is well-deserved."
"Indeed," Glace agreed, his eyes lingering on the Elixir Steel sheen of a finely crafted blade that accompanied the offerings. "Your artisans have a talent for blending utility and elegance. These will be well-received in our courts."
With the exchange complete, Venelana gestured toward the adjoining banquet hall. "If you'll follow me, the feast awaits."
As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a slight tension ease. This was a good start, a sign that Aryavart's steps into the broader world were being received with cautious optimism. But the road ahead would demand careful navigation. Both Moon City and Frozen Peak were formidable forces, and earning their lasting trust, or respect, would take more than a few gestures of goodwill.
Still, as the scent of Aryavart's finest dishes wafted through the air, I allowed myself a rare moment of optimism. For now, the foundations of collaboration had been laid, and that was a step in the right direction.
The feast went smoothly though I still didn't understand how Glace was able to eat through the helmet but I didn't ask. But the food made a good impression, so much so that they asked our chefs to train the royal chefs.
This made me realize how much I underestimated the [Class], with my ascension every one of my Classed villagers was growing in their jobs, and some of my dedicated citizens also got [Class], while not good at skills it was WAY better than normal humans.
The Town Hall is in constant upgrade and I get troops with the system though I left them to more experienced ones like Sebast, who is managing the army, he is good at that.
The envoys decided to tour around Aryavart so I assigned Akali and Naori to give them a tour, though I had to owe them a favor Aika had shut herself in after I bought her a manga to keep her inner otaku satisfied though there is another problem her physique was taking a toll on her body due to her not having sex so I had to sacrifice my pure body to cure her and now she is a full-blown succubus, well that is a story for another time.
"Let's go to Dragon Cliffs," I mutter taking out a ticket that resembles a dragon tooth and breaking it, I feel my vision blur.
I appeared in a completely different landscape and with my senses I could feel a lot of powerful presences and one particular power that seemed to rival Veldora's.
"Oh, shit."
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It was fast-paced, but we are approaching canon soon.