ocean-life Book 4: Chapter 7-2: Lies
Book 4: Chapter 7-2: Lies
Book 4: Chapter 7-2: Lies
Voldeck laughed as if amused.
I see, you're quite bold. You're amazing! A genius, I'd say. As far as my research goes, you have ironmaking technology that surpasses our country, you've crafted bows with unbelievable performance, and you're a military genius who has defeated our forces repeatedly despite being vastly outnumbered. Even when twenty of our best attacked, you single-handedly fought them off! On top of all that, you're quite the businessperson. Didn't you make a fortune in Erin?
Well, yes .
That explosion you showed us this time was also incredible. Two hundred and fifty people died in just a few minutes. I was truly amazed. If the Empire had attacked with full force without knowing about that, it would have been a disaster.
You seem to want to say that knowing it once means you can prepare for it.
I don't think such a thing! We have no intention of attacking your village.
Duke Voldeck shook his head in an overreaction.
I see, then you dont mind if we capture the soldiers you sent to the Empire to ensure the information is accurately delivered in the event of your death?
Countless soldiers saw this attack.
However, even if those troops returned to the Empire, accurate information would not be conveyed. Everyone was in a state of madness at that time. There was no trace of calmness.
Some limited individuals could convey objective information such as the actual range, power, and quantity. Perhaps the only ones who could do it would be the subordinates of Voldeck, who had decided from the beginning to observe behind the Duke of Florandys army, who were trampled and in a panic.
For a moment, Voldeck's eyes narrowed as he listened to my words.
It's a joke. We haven't done anything. It's alright. Those soldiers will reach their destination without interference on our part. In the first place, I plan to return you safely. There's no point in silencing you.
You have a bad personality.
I get that a lot.
I can't refuse when you put it that way. Alright, that's fine. Three days from now, about ten carriages will come here with the gold coins. How will the handover be? Can we enter the base with the carriages to load them?
That's not acceptable. On the day of the handover, all the armor and swords to be handed over will be placed outside the gate.
Understood. Then, the contract is established. I'm glad everything ended without any problems.
Duke Voldeck extended his hand for a handshake, and I responded to it.
Then, I escorted him and his retainer outside.
On the way, many hostile and murderous glances were directed at Voldeck.
Everyone here had been driven out of their villages by the Empire. They harbored deep hatred.
Elf Chief, let me give you a final warning. If you continue like this, the elf village will eventually be destroyed. Your weapons and tactics are excellent. But once something is out in the world, no matter how advanced it is, others will catch up and replicate it. Countermeasures will be developed. When that happens, the elf village, outnumbered, will be finished in an instant.
That is the truth.
No matter how advanced the technology, once it's known, it will eventually be reproduced. Finding the concept is the most difficult part, and it spreads every time I create something.
Perhaps each time, you might create something new. But that's only as long as you're alive. The moment you're gone, what you've created will easily crumble.
What are you trying to say?
Why don't you stop being so stubborn? You can gain significant concessions due to your efforts so far. I believe Lurvish has also asked you, but would you consider using your skills for the Empire? We won't treat your village harshly, either. For starters, if you hand over half of the fire foxes, that would suffice. We'll also provide some compensation. Your contribution and half of the fire foxes. With that, the Empire will protect you. The elf village will be safe. You will be remembered as the hero who saved the elf village. If you give us some of them, you will be able to save the fire foxes you like; its all advantageous.
There's no need to consider such conditions.
Those can't truly be considered concessions. The only magic stone exchange I can accept is after the natural passing of the owner, the magic stones can then be exchanged for appropriate compensation.
Magic stones are said to be retrievable only while alive, but its possible to crystallize them within a few minutes after dying. Retrieving magic stones immediately after death as a keepsake is a custom among both the elves and the fire foxes.