Chapter: 4. Negotiation (6K)
“Damn it, they won’t even let me in, and they don’t even look at Xiya next to me, she’s a Hero! Tsk tsk tsk, what a narrow-minded view. I’m telling you, even if we dragged these guards to the lake to fish, they wouldn’t catch a single one! Why? Because they’re blind! They can’t see the fish to catch a thing! To make another analogy, even if they… Um? Huh?”
“Ugh… Xue Fei, please stop talking, you’ve been babbling for a full five minutes, and I’m about to faint from your chatter.”
“Huh?!” (Is it unreasonable for a person with a mouth not to speak?!)
Of course, having a mouth means one has the right to speak.
However, Xiya, having hands, also has the right to use them to cover Xue Fei’s mouth, preventing her from speaking.
Xue Fei, is this what you call speaking?
This is simply a rapid-fire barrage!
Why didn’t the guards let you in just now?
It’s not because of a narrow view; it’s because they saw you holding a huge roasted fish!
Just think about it, the council chamber in the suburbs, such a formal national-level diplomatic occasion, and yet a Shaya is striding in with a roasted fish bigger than her head, humming a little tune like she’s on a picnic. How could the soldiers on guard possibly let her through?
Fortunately, Xue Fei is an incredible eater, showing them an impressive three bites per fish, leaving the guards dumbfounded.
After finishing the fish, they should let her in, right?
Hey, but it was still not allowed!
The guards said Shaya didn’t have an invitation to this negotiation venue; even if she is nobility, she can’t enter.
Then what was the point of letting me quickly munch on the fish?!
We didn’t let you quickly eat the fish!
Before Xue Fei exploded with anger, Xiya arrived just in time from behind to inquire about the specifics with the diplomatic staff, using her identity as “the subordinate knight of the Hero” to finally allow Shaya into the venue.
The twists and turns of the entry situation at the door sparked Shaya’s mouth to switch into rapid-fire mode of sarcastic comments.
Xiya moved her palm away from Xue Fei’s mouth.
Hmm, good, both she and her mouth have now calmed down.
Taking out a handkerchief to wipe the saliva from Xue Fei’s mouth, Xiya silently chanted “blood gain” in her heart while guiding Xue Fei forward.
“Do you see that… once we pass through that door ahead, it’s the main negotiation venue. It will definitely be very quiet there. If you keep mumbling and blabbering, you might become the focus of the entire audience.”
“Xiya, what do you think the topic of discussion today is?”
“It’s about the fate of the Demon Princess.”
“The Demon Princess is who?”
“Xue Fei Ya.”
“Who is Xue Fei Ya?”
“That’s you.”
“Then that’s right, I am the focus.”
“……”
Xue Fei, she walked with her chest held high towards the council chamber.
Xue Fei…
Ugh, I know you said that to show off, but your mouth still has roast fish seasoning on the corner, it’s really not dignified!
Xue Fei is quite polite; she walked while taking out the brand-new handkerchief that Xiya gave her to wipe her mouth.
The closer they got to the council chamber, the more dignified Shaya became!
Wow, being able to find joy in such a serious diplomatic occasion, it’s probably only Xue Fei in the whole world.
Shaking her head with a wry smile, Xiya deliberately slowed her pace to wait for Xue Fei to catch up.
The conference hall is a flat, low building, located a few miles from the back of the castle, rarely used throughout the year.
Upon entering this inconspicuous building, it’s the narrow passage where Xiya and Xue Fei had just been.
At the end of the passage is the true royal council chamber.
“Xue Fei, I just asked about the attendees today; the king is still wise for not letting Philex come. Instead, the foreign affairs minister is handling everything, and Princess Livra is observing. The king probably wants to take this opportunity to give Princess Livra some experience.”
“Pfft… not letting that swine from the church state, Philex, come isn’t wise; that’s just a normal judgment. What, are we letting the church people come to do diplomacy for the kingdom? That’ll instantly send the entire kingdom out! Hmm… Who’s coming from the Demon Territory?”
“A marquis from the Demon Territory, seems to be called Han Ke Si.”
“Oh, oh, I knew it was him; he’s the official chosen by Father to handle dealings with other races, very eloquent, but his fishing skills are pretty average.”
“Is your way of evaluating abilities and selecting talents based on fishing skills?”
“Yes, but not entirely.”
They were about to reach the main door of the council chamber.
Xiya suddenly remembered that the soldiers outside seemed to have mentioned something previously.
“Oh… besides that, it seems there’s also been a significant figure from the Demon Territory who showed up unexpectedly; it was sudden, and it seems the soldiers outside didn’t receive any news.”
“Hah…?”
There was no time to ask further.
The two had already reached the end of the passage.
Two soldiers in golden armor pulled open the grand golden doors, and a dazzling light made people instinctively squint.
Unlike the dim passage, the openness and grandeur of the council chamber are enough to rival the halls of Kom.
Golden chandeliers hanging down reflected a sense of symmetrical beauty, the crystal floor spotless enough to reflect people’s shadows, and in the center was a massive solid wood long table, flanked by numerous seats. Each seat was adorned with golden edges, shining brightly, and the spacing between the seats was particularly far, making full use of the space in the conference hall.
Since the council chamber is where the kingdom speaks to other races, it is undoubtedly not a shabby layout.
How the place is decorated is not what’s important…
What’s important is, when Xue Fei Ya turned to look at the row of seats belonging to the Demon Territory…
——Her heart jolted!
It was already known that the diplomat, the Four-Winged Demon Han Ke Si, had come with his diplomatic team.
But the one sitting in the middle…
Why is she here?!
In the central position of the Demon Region, the suddenly arrived important figure of the Demon Territory.
——It was the Demon’s Second Princess, Belis Halder.
The elegant girl, like a silvery white butterfly, gently covered her face with her palm, yawning lightly. The surrounding demon diplomats were all nervous and scurrying about, one moment bringing her tea and the next going to the kitchen for snacks, even though Belis smiled slightly, saying she didn’t need any trouble, they didn’t dare neglect her.
Han Ke Si, forty-something, dressed in the black-tipped formal wear of the Demon Territory, was sweating nervously, adjusting his reflective single-framed glasses. His mouth kept twitching slightly, constantly reminding the demon personnel accompanying him not to slacken their care of the princess.
Hiss… The Demon King never mentioned that even the Second Princess would accompany the diplomatic mission, at least a heads-up would have been nice.
Originally, Han Ke Si thought that when his team arrived, they would put on a serious and imposing demeanor to create pressure on the human side.
But with the sudden arrival of the Second Princess, they had no choice but to play the role of servants, serving tea!
Forget about that pressure; prioritizing the care of our Second Princess is what matters.
But it must be said, Belis, as royalty, manages to manifest an extraordinary demeanor in such scenarios.
She lightly gripped her teacup, squinting her eyes to savor the human tea, and then, observing the ripples in the tea, smiled lightly.
“Lord Han Ke Si, I’m truly sorry for showing up suddenly; I must have caused your diplomatic team some inconvenience.”
“Your Highness, the Second Princess is too kind!” Han Ke Si immediately stood up, bowing in deference to royalty as per Demon Territory etiquette, “Your presence is affirmation for our diplomatic team, and not giving notice in advance is indeed… no, this is a test for us!”
“Hehehe, no need for that, the human representatives should be here soon, so don’t let things get haywire because of me. I, well, on one hand, Mother Queen called me to come and take a look, and on the other hand… hmm?”
“Your Highness?”
When Han Ke Si asked again, Belis was in no mood to answer.
Because in the rippling reflection of the tea, Belis had accidentally spotted a familiar small figure that she couldn’t possibly forget.
If just a moment ago Belis was a cold and powerful, impeccable elegant princess, then at that instant when she unexpectedly glanced up to see that same surprised small face, even if it was only for a moment.
Xue Fei Ya also caught a glimpse of the look Belis directed towards her, a sudden shift to that excited expression that resembled a little puppy becoming obedient!
However, Belis is skilled at suppressing her emotions within.
This expression is almost imperceptible to the naked eye; she still maintains the persona of the aloof and wise Second Princess of the Demon Race, also serving as the commander of the Fifth Legion.
Xue Fei’s brow was wildly twitching… it wouldn’t stop.
“Hiss… Xiya, I want to go home; there’s nothing interesting here, really!”
“Don’t say that, weren’t you just saying last night that you hope to find an opportunity to reconcile with your sister?”
“I… I just said that in the heat of the moment! I’m really not good at dealing with her! Look at her sitting there like a big shot!”
“That’s exactly how a princess should behave abroad; regarding this point, Xue Fei, you ought to learn more from her.”
“Ew, learn from her? Has she learned how to fish? I would learn from her if she did; I outright disdain her.”
“……”
Alright, Xue Fei’s “fear of her sister” syndrome is acting up again.
Xiya naturally respects her choice. If Xue Fei insists on leaving, Xiya would accompany her back home.
However…
Even though Xue Fei walked stiffly, with reluctance on her face, she still maintained a cold expression as she sat down at the front of the observation seats.
It seems, Xue Fei is also willing to make some efforts for the harmony of her family~
Xiya chose to sit with her in the observation seats.
In fact, as a Hero, even sitting at the human negotiation table would be completely fine; it’s just that Xiya would much rather accompany her~
And just as Xiya was sitting beside Xue Fei and chatting quietly with her.
The Demon diplomatic team suddenly noticed an issue.
Earlier when they were serving tea to the Second Princess, she was still being very humble, saying “no need” and “no fuss.”
But now, the Second Princess suddenly fell silent.
She appeared to be in thought, or perhaps accumulating anger!
Did we do something wrong to upset her…?!
Han Ke Si hurriedly signaled his two-winged or three-winged diplomatic talents to return to their seats and not to fuel the fire!
He speculated that the princess likely felt they were showing a complete lack of the majestic attitude expected from the Demon Race, hence her anger.
How that actually was, probably only Belis herself could know.
The demons took their positions.
At the same time, the human diplomatic representatives began entering the venue from the other side of the passage.
Leading the way was a hurried white-haired old man, not very tall, with slightly dry and messy hair, yet his gaze was sharp. From his quick steps, even in his old age, it was clear he was a person of significant capability.
Xiya leaned close to Xue Fei’s ear and whispered.
“The foreign affairs minister of Aulus Kingdom, Rom Lan Li, has secured many benefits for the kingdom in diplomatic situations over the past few decades; the king values him highly. Rom usually dislikes Philex’s underhanded behaviors, repeatedly advising in front of the throne to push him back to the Church State.”
“A country seldom has loyal officials; sigh, I just suggest he not be too radical; things should be done step by step; otherwise, he might end up bitten by that dog Philex.”
Rom strode in decisively.
He placed the hefty prepared documents on the table, and a heavy, dull sound resonated around.
That hefty document must be the content of his negotiations today.
As the diplomatic core of a nation, he needed to be fully prepared.
In contrast… Han Ke Si from the Demon side brought nothing, seemingly fully unprepared.
But from the way his diplomatic team displayed their wings symbolizing strength while sitting.
It’s as if he brought everything, as if he was well-prepared.
Once Rom’s team was fully seated, at the end of the passage, another figure in luxurious attire stepped out, a dark-haired, strikingly beautiful young girl.
That was Livra Aulus.
In formal occasions, the Third Princess’s every move carried an innate elegance and beauty.
The humans once again all stood in respect; regardless of the country, there is unconditional reverence and admiration for royalty.
After all, royalty is the foundation and merit badge of a country.
Livra smiled, pressed her palm down, signaling everyone to sit and prepare for the upcoming negotiations.
Although by rank, she would also sit in the center of the human team later, it didn’t prevent her from being just an observer and learner today.
In fact, Livra felt a bit nervous…
And when she passed by the observation seats, she noticed that her two most trusted and admired people were also present, making her heart’s tension dissipate significantly!
Ugh… you guys really are… Miss Shaya, did you come here to give me strength and support? Thank you!
Shaya: Thank you, but no.
Livra was touched, her eyes glistening as she gently patted Miss Shaya’s shoulder with her delicate hand like a green onion, expressing her gratitude.
But just as this gesture ended…
From the center of the Demon seat.
——A clear sound of a teacup dropping on the ground abruptly rang out.
Hearing this noise, the knights surrounding the council chamber quickly went on guard, drawing their swords.
At the same time, the demons all spread their wings in alert, readying their magic.
This tense atmosphere was as if about to turn into a conflict at any moment.
Yet this worrisome scene didn’t actually occur.
Belis nonchalantly picked up the broken teacup shards and placed them on the table’s edge.
The Second Princess remained unperturbed, shaking her head leisurely while surveying the surroundings, with a faint smile to show her apologies.
“Haah… my apologies, the human tea is indeed quite different from that of the Demon Territory, aromatic and rich; I wanted to savor it but accidentally knocked over the teacup… hmm? Seeing how tense the humans are, could it be that this teacup is quite expensive? No worries, we can mark it down in the diplomatic bills for compensation later; Han Ke Si, note it down that our Demon Territory owes the Kingdom of Aulus one beautifully carved teacup.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Also, I hope both the Demon and Human folks can relax their behaviors, at least don’t be too jumpy, okay? For today’s negotiations, we all bear no ill will, but if you overstep your boundaries first… then it might not be so good to say?”
Every word was weighty and resonated in the air.
At Rom’s signal, the soldiers lowered their long spears and swords, returning to a standby position.
Unbeknownst to them, beads of cold sweat were already forming on Rom’s forehead.
This Second Princess of the Demon Race… is not simple.
She used a teacup to test the human’s attitude; had it not been for the well-trained human soldiers, no one acting rashly, the demons would have already captured a significant shortcoming of “the humans being insincere” and “initiating force during a negotiation,” making everything seem extremely passive.
How close… how close.
Moreover, she was subtly mocking the humans for being stingy and lacking in stature while disrupting the morale of the human side and boosting her side’s spirit.
Could it be that the demon diplomat Han Ke Si is merely a puppet, used to confuse the issue, with the suddenly visiting Second Princess being the core of this diplomacy?
In reality… Belis didn’t drop the teacup with that intention.
She was simply reminding a certain someone—behave, don’t be too jumpy, pay attention to being restrained.
Due to the commotion just now, Livra was a bit distracted.
She looked left and right, not noticing that her palm was still resting on Miss Shaya’s shoulder.
Xiya frowned as she glanced at this little hand and shoulder, quickly straightening her head as she spoke up.
“Your Highness? It’s time, you should take your seat.”
“…? Understood!”
Livra jerked her hand back as if electrocuted while hearing Miss Shaya let out a light sigh, saying something ambiguous.
“Hey, Livra! Good thing you’re quick with your movements, or there would have been big trouble.”
“?”
Didn’t you see? In those few seconds when your hand was still on my shoulder…
That girl Belis was clearly preparing to drop another teacup while “smiling”!
How many teacups do you humans have for her to break?!
Seeing Livra scurry with small steps to sit down in the center of the human diplomatic team.
No more teacups were dropped, and Xiya’s brow did not continue to furrow.
Silly Princess Livra, still unaware that her small action almost caused a diplomatic incident.
All those involved were now in place.
This negotiation was of the highest level, and ordinarily, the King should personally attend the negotiations.
However, exchanges between countries need to be equal; since the Demon King and Queen announced they wouldn’t be attending.
The King of Celtic couldn’t attend either.
Otherwise, could he personally negotiate with the opposing diplomat? That would completely break the equality.
Having Livra here already represented the kingdom’s determination to strive for peace.
The unfolding of this diplomatic meeting aligned with what both sides expected.
But what Rom couldn’t comprehend was… why didn’t the Demon King attend in person?
Clearly concerning his own daughter, the First Princess of the Demon Race—could the Demon King and Queen be at ease?
Or were they using this method to tell the humans that the Demon Race understands them not daring to act rashly, treating the humans with utter disregard?
No matter what, it wasn’t for Rom to guess at this moment.
He only needed to continue as usual, to secure the maximum benefit for Aulus Kingdom in this diplomatic setting.
All personnel were already in position, and the human soldiers standing by at the back activated the conference room’s amplification crystal with magic.
Thus, anyone seated at the negotiation table, regardless of who began speaking, would be heard by all.
According to custom, the first to speak should be the host side of the talks.
That is, the delegation of Aulus Kingdom.
Rom cleared his throat, setting down all the documents he brought, and his aged but sharp gaze fixed directly on Han Ke Si.
“Welcome, Demon delegation, to Aulus, and we especially welcome your Highness the Princess for attending this meeting. This truly is a stroke of good fortune. We have also, without prior resolution, temporarily invited Her Highness the Third Princess to join us; with both sides having royals present, I have reason to believe that this negotiation will be harmonious and smooth.”
Originally, Rom thought the Second Princess would respond in some way.
However, he noticed she didn’t even look up.
Not only did she not look up, instead, she was tilting her head, gazing toward the observation seats outside the negotiation table, seemingly indifferent yet focused.
Arrogant demons… notoriously rude.
This negotiation wasn’t supposed to involve Belis at all.
Han Ke Si nodded, taking the opportunity to re-enter the conversation.
“What Mr. Rom said is indeed true, but there is something I wish to express before the formal start of the negotiations; if this matter can’t be resolved, it would be difficult for us to proceed to the main topic.”
“Oh? Mr. Han Ke Si, please feel free to speak.”
A chess match between opponents, Rom couldn’t afford to be careless.
To start aggressive from the very moment negotiations begin?
This young man in his forties had a way of speaking that was distinctly different.
He wouldn’t be easy to deal with…
In the observation seats.
Xue Fei expressed her approval of this “battle of words,” frequently nodding.
“Well said, well said, having snacks while watching is a good tradition. Xiya, do they provide donuts here?”
“We don’t provide those; here, mouths only speak, no eating allowed.”
