The Galli army had been repelled just like that. An hour after meeting the mysterious messenger, king Leonard received the news.
The scouts that had been monitoring the situation had observed a fire giant summon a gate from which an army of smaller fire creatures emerged and decimated the Galli kingdom's forces. The Galli army had fought back but been unable to do any damage. Then, after the giant himself joined the fight they were forced into a disorderly retreat.
From that point, the scouts were unsure of what had happened. The Galli infantrymen had acted like something terrifying was chasing them but nothing had been there.
All the fire creatures then disappeared along with the giant and the gate. All the flames were mysteriously put out and the scorched ground was restored. Despite extensive searching, the scouts hadn't found any traces of whoever was responsible.
All king Leonard could do was attribute this entire event to the grey messenger's offer of help.
"We have acquired a very powerful ally. we must seize this opportunity and expand as much as possible!"
King Leonard felt a headache incoming. One of the ministers was so caught up in their saving that he actually suggested such a thing.
"Do you see those allies of yours anywhere? They may have helped us defend the capital but based on their disappearance right after they are not interested in doing anything beyond that! Who should we send to invade another kingdom? Our forces are still weakened and we have to be wary of attacks from all sides. Not to forget the two cities that the Galli kingdom took from us."
"But surely the grey empire will help us if we ask!"
"They might, but at what price?! Our coffers are depleted, their merchant guild already has full tax-exemption and unless you are willing to give up a large amount of territory I suggest you keep your yapping to yourself."
King Leonard's face was flushed red with rage. He felt like he was the only one with a functioning brain in the room.
"I will pay a visit to the grey merchant guild to give them my thanks."
As he entered the guild's building king Leonard couldn't help but shudder. This was his third time entering but this time he felt like he was entering the mouth of a beast. He'd seen the power the backers of this guild wielded and knew that should they turn against his kingdom... He didn't want to think about it.
"Can I help you? Oh, welcome your Majesty!"
It was the arachne who had acted as auctioneer. She spoke politely and gave a small bow that looked quite strange due to her long spider legs. King Leonard had mixed feelings about demi-humans but kept up a polite facade to avoid leaving a bad impression. This arachne was an employee here so she could certainly harm him by taking advantage of this guild's influence.
"I'd like to request a meeting with the guild master, Aurelia."
"Oh, so you are the guest they were expecting. Please follow me."
While he found this development a little strange King Leonard followed without another word. He was led into a room where two people were already sitting. One of them he recognized as Aurelia as she motioned for him to sit opposite of them. The other one looked to be the one who had appeared when the high priest acted up after the auction.
Both were scary characters and king Leonard felt like he had returned to when he was young and the various neighboring kings had visited and talked to him.
"We were expecting you. The defeat of the Galli kingdom must have been quite a spectacle for you to arrive so quickly."
"Lady Aurelia, I'm here on behalf of the entire Saital kingdom to thank the grey empire for aiding us in our time of need. May I know how you plan to proceed now?"
"If you are hinting for us to take further action in this war I fear you won't be happy with the outcome. Matters related to that out outside of our merchant guild's area of jurisdiction. Also, as you should know the grey empire mainly sought to protect this guild so no further assistance will be provided."
"I see, is there truly nothing you can do?"
Saying this, king Leonard directed his gaze to the one sitting beside Aurelia. Maybe that man would be able to do more for him.
"Why are you looking at me? I'm just a friend of Aurelia here to help her out. But if you really need help why not contact the kingdom of Glacialis? They might be able to take some pressure off you."
These words caused king Leonard to hesitate. What did the kingdom he was most worried about, have to do with helping him? Were they perhaps taunting him? No, there must be something behind this.
"I'll definitely consider your suggestion. Now I'll take my leave."
Back at the castle, king Leonard was approached by a minister. Apparently, the kingdom of Glacialis had asked for a meeting. Was this coincidence?
King Leonard went to the transmission room where a group of mages was starting up the transmission. Soon a blue figure emerged from a gem in the middle of the room. It was prince Albion.
"Thank you for agreeing to this meeting, King Leonard."
"Prince Albion, what did you want to discuss with me."
"Your current situation seems quite dire. You are surrounded by kingdoms that are eyeing your territory and the Galli forces have already succeeded in taking over some of your cities."
"I do not need you to tell me about the current affairs of my kingdom. Did you call this meeting only to mock me for being in a tight spot?"
"By no means. I meant no offense and was merely stating the facts. As you know my kingdom always struggles to feed our populace so I have a proposal."
"Continue."
"To my knowledge, your kingdom has had a rich harvest this year and you have many times more grain than you need. If you were willing to give us some we would promise not to invade you during your time of crisis. If the amount is... Satisfactory we will also launch attacks on the Galli kingdom which should reduce the pressure you feel."