The topic of going to human land makes the Dalish’s eyes light up. That is a very frank reaction.

"I hear you tried to go to Castall Kingdom at our south west but it seemed you returned to the forest."

The elder furrows his eyebrows when hearing my words.

"If you befriend my kingdom, the whole land from your north, north east and east is accessible to you."

I explain in very persuasive tone.

That is big gain to them in return for their allegiance and willingness to be our base in Korcari Wilds. Currently, no state dare to venture into the mysterious vast forest. It is precisely because of that reason makes Dalish tribe lucrative ally and vassal in the area. 

Most states in the region could produce various products including the landlocked demesnes. Thus, negotiation with them is difficult as Redcliffe and Hyuutia have little to offer and most states don't need the things we could offer.

However, for Dalish, even allowing them to travel into our land would be very attractive to them.

What a marvellous trading partner!

"My kingdom has port. So you can sell your goods via sea with our help."

"..We have not yet inquired of the precise location of the Hezri Kingdom. Can we transport our trade goods there by ourselves?” Elora finally opens her mouth.

“Having your country’s people move cargo by themselves would still be quite dangerous. I feel that my nation should take the lead in establishing a proper trade route so your nation’s people can safely transport their wares. When that happens, wagons and carriages will be able to move smoothly."

I answer in length with enthusiasm.

Just as I am about to launch into an enthusiastic presentation, the deputy Lanaya interrupts me.

“—Is it not true that the human will despise the Dalish?”

I pout internally, but I respond with supreme confidence.

“It is true that many Dalish would think that way about human.....An to be frank, it is true. Humans might find it hard to accept human of different races. For example, Selene who is sitting behind me is a pure elf. She is accepted by hundreds of noble families but I am still not ready to expose her to general public. Dalish might not be as rare as elf, but as different race, general people might give you discrimination. However..."

I place particular emphasis on that word.

“Under my absolute authority, the people of the Hezri Kingdom will not pose any problems for you. You may rest easy knowing that.”

She seems to be hesitating. 

She must have had a bad experience where the humans slew her family, or something. As I contemplate that possibility, I play one of my trump cards.

“In addition, my nation can supply manpower.”

“Manpower?”

"During my journey, I spoke with one of your tribesmen whom I saved from ogre."

"I heard that your artisan is highly skilled but you lack manpower due to low population. Our land has abundant population that could do labour for you."

"What? Can they really do that?”

The eyes of Lanaya goes wide, having taken the bait.

“Of course. I have conducted this experiment in human lands, and it was successful. In fact, the owner of the lands who hire them even requested for additional manpower.”

"So you’ve done that sort of thing in human nations…”

Lanaya  mutters as though in awe.

"—Your Majesty, I would like to ask a question about the manpower before that. Could we borrow them as a defensive force?”

The chief-guard's question sends ructions through the Dalish.

"Mithra, it is too risky to rely on the military power of other nations to keep the peace!” Zathrian scolds her.

"There are many benefits to borrowing them as a  defensive line. The most important thing, the thing we must all consider, is the safety of our tribe. Now that we have lost to the ogre, we need power, more than anything else to survive.”

"Even so, don’t you think it’s more dangerous to have the hands of another nation around our throats?!”

“I told you, now isn’t the time to talk about that sort of thing!”

The elder, Zathrian and the young head of security glare at each other.

“...We’ll leave it as that. Those words will be saved for when it’s only us. This is not something we should be saying in front of His Majesty, who came all the way here from his kingdom. Forgive us, Your Majesty. This conflict was caused by the attractive nature of Your Majesty’s proposals, and we would be very grateful if you could permit it to pass unnoticed. —Then, may I know what Your Majesty desires from this country? I feel that we have practically nothing to offer.” Lanaya slightly bows.

"As I mentioned before, I need venture deep into Korcari Wilds. I shall send my force but I need your presence here and expertise in forest."

"We see nothing much to gain from this dangerous forest." Zathrian argues.

"No. The possibility is endless. If I succeed in expanding my force throughout the forest, you as a tribe that is based in here could also expand your area."

They look at each other in silence.

"While we have not thanked Your Majesty for sharing all this with us, these are questions which cannot be answered immediately, in particular on the matter of forest exploration. Could you give us some time to discuss this?”

“Of course. Discuss until you reach a conclusion. I will not be upset even if we cannot begin relationship immediately."

This is the crucial moment. It is time to complete my objective for coming to this forsaken place.

“Shall we discuss the matter of the ogre?”

Tension immediately fills the air.

“The response to the ogre's aggression was merely a personal decision. Is that correct, guard chief Mithra?”

“Indeed.”

“However, what would have happened if I was not around?”

After inhaling air, Mithra seriously explains,

“If Your Majesty had not been around, we would have had to rely on myself and Gheyna, our best archer as well five other men. We would definitely be decimated by the ogre. Once we are killed, the ogre would advance to the camp. We would have needed to mobilize the tribe members to engage in a decisive battle within the camp in order to buy time for the children to flee. I imagine that would have been the case.”

The Dalish all have bitter expressions on their faces.

Perhaps it is due to the Mithra’s earlier report, but the utter absence of objections or counter-arguments speaks of the excellence of everyone here.

There is nobody present who is driven by idealism, emotion or personal gain. If there is anyone like that here, particularly if they possess authority or influence, they would waste time pointlessly before even the basics are completed, chattering away until the meeting is concluded. The fact that there is nobody like that here is worthy of praise.

“Then, please explain to me in more detail. What would this decisive battle entail?” I push her to explain further.

"The ogre should be only lurking in its territory further from here but it was seen lurking outside our hunting area. That means something is not right in the forest. Something is disturbing the harmony in the forest. If more dangerous creatures invade, do you think we stand a chance?"

Mithra resumes,

"If we have only one ace in the hole, when it is defeated, then we are undone. Thus, I feel we need another trump card, in the form of Your Majesty’s power.”

I raise my hand to silence the Dalish, who seem about to speak. Mithra might have seized the reins of the conversation, but I am not done speaking yet.

“The ogre have been repulsed for the time being, but Korcari Wilds is not yet at peace. That is my opinion.”

The expressions on the Dalish’ faces are universally sour.

After making sure that everyone is fully aware of his prior point, I decide to seize the moment and speak.

"Without me, it will be very difficult to repulse the next creature invasion. Even for someone like me, the destruction of a nation which I am about to begin trade with would be quite troublesome. What do you think? Will you not make use of my strength? Given the power of my nation, I can guarantee that your nation will not be attacked for a time."

They stay silent for a moment.

"Can you give us until tomorrow to give our answer?" Zathrian asks.

That might be a little troublesome,” Mithra interjects. 

“Don’t forget this city is still in danger of being attacked by the more mysterious creatures. Even if His Majesty accepts the task of defending us, it will take time for him to gather his troops. With that point in mind, we cannot wait until tomorrow. We should give him an answer right away.”

I look over the Dalish.

“It is not my place to speak here. However, if you are truly in such dire straits, then having me fulfil my earlier promises will also be quite troublesome. If the situation becomes very bad, then I will have to add several more conditions. After all, one must expect to pay more for last-minute work.”

"Mm. Mithra is right, and Your Majesty’s words are also very sensible. Then, Your Majesty, while we apologize for the imposition, can you wait for us in the room from just now? We would like to reach a conclusion as quickly as possible.”

“I have no objections to that. I shall wait there, then.”

With that, I rise, and left the room in the company of my subordinates.

***