"I have a few questions if you don't mind," said Alfonso.
"Go ahead."
"Why do you want to send kids to our educational program? As far as I know, Tulip had their own scholars, if they want to follow the road of a diplomatic, they can always go to Dragon's Academia in Dragon city. Why the sudden interest in my educational program?"
"Well," replied Felio, "there are a lot of reasons, however, the main one is that…the subjects that you teach here are quite different from the ones that our teachers have in Tulip- especially mathematics. I attended one of the classes yesterday and I was fascinated. Although I didn't get much of it, I can say, at least, that they are more advanced than the ones in my town. That's why." Felio wore a slightly grim expression.
"Cunning fox, I didn't know he went to a class," thought Alfonso.
Alfonso was a little reluctant. After all, the mathematics that Taylor taught was very advanced, so he didn't want to share them. However, it seem that he didn't have much of an option here.
"…. The soldiers that come here would receive the title of honorary soldier. I will give them the same privileges that my men have- however- with benefits there are always responsibilities: during their stay they will be soldiers of Wasteland Valley, so they will only receive orders from me. If you accept that, then we have a deal," said Alfonso.
He needed to make this point clear in case of any misunderstanding.
"….What about if I need them from an emergency?"
"Then you will have to send someone to inform me. If I give the order, then they can't go. If they disobey, then you will have to pay me double of coins they have consumed until that day and a penalty of 5000 gold coins. Of course, they won't be received here again," said Alfonso.
"….You are being ruthless."
"Deal?"
Felio thought for some time before making a small sigh. "Deal."
Alfonso made a light smile and with that, the alliance between Wasteland Valley and Tulip Town was concreted.
*DING*
[Allies 2 : Sub-mission complete
Congrats to host Alfonso Lockheart for making your first alliance with a human town. This is the first step to implement a route of commerce that you urgently need!
Reward: 1000 Drachmas, Affinity with people of Tulip Town increase in 40%.
Remark : The Protector god of Tulip Town has taken a liking to you, the fertility in Wasteland Valley has increase by 15%]
"What!?" Alfonso was surprised when he read the information, especially the remark part.
"The protector of Tulip? A god?" Though Alfonso while looking at the panel.
"System, what's the meaning of this?"
[The gods of this land usually overwatch their towns. Some really care about their towns. However, some of the other don't care. It seems that the protector of Tulip really cares about its people] replies the system.
"So that's the case..."
While Alfonso was meditating, someone came rushing towards them.
"You- your Highness!" A young man with the uniform of Tulip was almost out of breath while his face looked very agitated.
"Calm down, what is happening?"
"My- my lord!, we just received bad news from Tulip Town!"
"What?! What happened!?" said Felio while losing his calmness.
"Princess- Princess Susana-"
"WHAT! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER!?" demanded Felio while grabbing the soldier by the arms.
"THE PRINCESS HAS DISAPPEARED!"
........................
"Alberto, thanks for coming," said Titio.
"Titio, is it true that you are planning to attack Tulip?" askes Alberto.
"It's true. The chance is finally here. Tulip will most surely pay attention to the horde that is going to attack anytime soon and, soon enough, their defenses will be low and that will be our opportunity." Titio made a smile as he spoke.
Felipe was just at one side of the room without talking.
"Wait a minute, father."
Suddenly, Excelio walked forward to Titio.
"Father, it is true that we have a small advantage now because of the horde, however, Tulip still has Felio and Leonardo. They both were part of the battalion of His Majesty Willian Lockheart, so they shouldn't be underestimated. If we go to all out war without certain information the gains wouldn't worth the loses and we will be vulnerable to an enemy attack. Furthermore, if Felio, by any chance, send a word requesting an audition to Dragon City about our plans, we may get on the bad side of the royal family. My advice is to not attack for now and wait for relay information" said Excelio.
Alberto didn't seem too happy with the words of Excelio, however, Titio made some calculations in his mind.
"What do you think Rodof?" asked Titio.
"I think we should attack, we have been waiting for this chance for a long time. Although, Felio and Leonardo are strong, we have a champion. What do we have to fear" asked Rodof.
Titio stayed quiet for some time.
"If you are worried for getting on the bad side of the royal family, then you don't have to worry about it."
A voice came from the other side of the room. When the door opened a young lady walked in. She was a small girl with red hair and a slender figure.
"It's been a while father-in-law," said the girl while bowing.
"Oh, Sana, welcome, welcome. It's good that you are here. Sorry for my idiot son for not receiving you in a proper way," said Titio while looking at Felipe.
"Hello, husband," said Sana while smiling to Felipe.
"Hello, you are earlier than expected," said Felipe
"Yeah, when I received the letter I was actually on my way here. I bring someone with me who can help you with your little problem," said Sana while looking at the entrance.
*THUMP*
While everyone was looking at Sana, a stomp sound could be heard. Immediately, everyone froze in the place.
When Felio saw the person at the entrance, he almost fell from his chair.
The man was very handsome, with short brown hair and brow eyes, he was very tall, maybe even taller than Hephaestus, however, what impact everyone the most was the armor he was wearing, he had a golden armor of an unknown material, although it looked perfect, if one looked closely, one could see the huge amount of slices that it had, its obvious that it had seen many battles ,at the back, the man had a huge sword who emitted a certain aura that made people back off. At the center of the armor one could see the symbol of an ax on the left side of the chest area.
"YOU- YOU ARE- !?"
"I came for personal business. Tell me, how do I get to Wasteland Valley?" asked the man with a calm but firm voice.