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"What did you mean by a new fuel source for the Eternal Flame?" The chief elder's expression carried a weight of seriousness as he posed the question.
Wearing a sly smile, John gave a slight nod before launching into his explanation. "During my journey to your city and through my own network of information, I made a remarkable discovery. There exists an expansive volcano system that stretches across the Grand Duchy of Valoria. The volcano you currently utilize is merely one branch of this vast network, which likely experienced a decrease in magma flow due to seismic activity. However, if we grant you permission to access all the regions housing these magma nodes, I dare say you won't have to worry about a new fuel source for an exceedingly long time." As John's words unfolded, the elders in the room were left in awe, their jaws figuratively dropping at the rarity and significance of such a vast volcano system.
After recovering from the initial shock, the chief elder cleared his throat and spoke, "Ahem, do you have any proof to substantiate your claims? You must understand how implausible they sound."
"Yes, sir. I do, in fact, possess some evidence to support my claims," John replied with a hint of laughter, nodding his head. "During our journey to Ferrum Castrum, not far from here, we encountered a colossal natural hot spring. And if that alone isn't enough as proof, we also stumbled upon a salamander dwelling deep within the hot spring." John smiled as he pulled out the severed head of the salamander from his storage ring, the same one he had slain just days ago. "I'm certain you understand the significance of finding a salamander this far north," he stated, his wide grin accentuating his point.
*Cough cough*
Witnessing the salamander's head drop to the ground, the military elder let out an awkward cough before speaking. "It appears that you are indeed being truthful about this. However, I'm sure you don't intend to provide all of this without any cost. So, what is it that you desire?" His words resonated with the other elders, who nodded in agreement.
"Of course, there's no way I would undertake all of this for free. I am no saint, after all," John responded with a serious nod. The other elders acknowledged his statement, understanding that anyone who would undertake such an endeavor without personal gain would either be a saint or bat-shit-crazy. It was preferable to have a self-interested individual as a trading partner rather than one who was completely unhinged.
Taking a deep breath, John spoke with a serious expression etched on his face. "As I mentioned previously, the empire is currently in a state of instability, and the looming threat of a civil war is a constant concern. However, what I failed to disclose earlier is that the nobility and the pentarchy have intentions to invade the north in the near future. Our estimates suggest this invasion could occur within the next six months to a year." Pausing momentarily to gather his thoughts, John continued, "In light of this imminent invasion and to prepare for future threats, I propose the industrialization of the entire Valoria Duchy, much like what you have achieved with the city of Ferrum Castrum, but on a significantly larger scale."
The chief elder's voice resonated with anger as he interrupted, "Do you fully comprehend the implications of your words?"
"Please allow me to finish. As I mentioned before, my offer is designed to benefit all parties involved," John said, attempting to appease the chief elder's growing anger. Just as the chief elder was about to interject, John continued, "To enact the revolutionary changes I envision, I will require your assistance."
Without allowing anyone to speak, John pressed on, "To accomplish this ambitious task, I intend to incorporate the city of Ferrum Castrum into the wider Duchy of Valoria. Naturally, your people will have complete autonomy to pursue their desires and chart their own course, as long as it does not jeopardize the well-being of the duchy or the empire's citizens."
"The grand duchy will also employ the high dwarves to aid in the industrialization effort and military reforms. You and your people will be granted unrestricted access to all territories within the north, enabling you to establish your own cities or join the pre-planned cities as part of our comprehensive infrastructure initiative. Most importantly, you will have unfettered access to the entire volcano system beneath the empire, without any inquiries or obstacles."
"These terms are, of course, open to negotiation, with the exception of the most critical aspects. However, what are your initial thoughts on the proposal? If you prefer, I can arrange a meeting with the Grand Duke, allowing you to discuss and finalize the details in a more comfortable setting." As John concluded his explanation, he surveyed the room, where hushed whispers among the dwarves filled the air. After a tense two to three minutes of waiting, he received a response that fell short of his expectations.
"Would you mind stepping out momentarily? We need to deliberate among ourselves before providing you with a response," the chief elder requested, receiving nods of agreement from the others. He raised an eyebrow at John, indicating the need for privacy during their discussions.
"Yeah, sure," John said, stepping out of the room to join Nicholas and the others, who greeted him with curious gazes.
"So, what did they say?" Nicholas asked, walking alongside John.
"No idea. They asked me to wait outside while they discuss the offer among themselves," John replied, shrugging his shoulder and pursing his lips.
"I see. Well, let's hope they respond positively," Nicholas said, nodding slightly.
"Well, I have an idea of what they might do," John replied, a smile forming on his face, piquing Nicholas' curiosity.
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Within the council room, a heated debate ensued among four of the six elders, their voices echoing through the chamber. The remaining two elders observed the exchange silently, taking in the arguments.
"This offer is utterly preposterous! It may masquerade as a mutual benefit, but in the end, it will only favor the humans. Did you hear what he said? He wants to integrate our city into the empire, after all the hardships we endured because of that scoundrel! There's no way we can agree to this. I vote we kick these bastards out right now!" The military elder's voice reverberated with anger as he stood with crossed arms, his frustration palpable.
"While I loathe to side with the brute, he has a point. We must safeguard our pride as high dwarves. For a thousand years, we've suffered under the pact we signed after the war. This will only be another means for these human bastards to exploit us," the engineering elder spoke, his tone less composed, the simmering anger underlying his words.
"Oh, please! Let's not forget the benefits the pact brought us. It may have isolated us here, but it also allowed us to focus on our own growth rather than constantly defending against invaders. If what that young man said is true and the empire is truly teetering on the edge of civil war, then the demons are likely preparing for another invasion. Have you forgotten what keeps those savages at bay? If the stronghold of the empire falls, the demons will come, and even with our technological advantage, we won't be able to hold them off indefinitely," the blacksmithing elder retorted, scoffing at the military elder's words.
"He's right, you know. If we were part of the grand duchy, we wouldn't have to worry as much about resource depletion. And aren't they offering a new fuel source for the eternal flame? We have the opportunity to expand, gain access to potentially more resources, and ensure the eternal flame continues to burn. All we need to do is let go of our pride. Can't we objectively consider what the correct choice is for the greater good of our people? Is our pride really that paramount?" The science elder rose from their seat, looking at the military elder with a mixture of confusion and concern, while the military elder remained seated, defiant.
"I have listened to all four of you. What are your thoughts?" The chief elder turned his gaze towards the mage elder, who sat in contemplative silence for a moment before speaking up. "In my personal opinion, it would be wise to engage in a discussion with the grand duke, as the young man suggested. We can address our concerns directly and explore the way forward. It is premature to make a decision now because both sides present compelling arguments."
Upon hearing the mage elder's perspective, the chief elder nodded gently and turned his attention to the remaining four elders. "Hmm, I concur with the mage elder's viewpoint. It is indeed too early to arrive at a definitive choice. What do all of you say?"
After a brief moment of thoughtful silence, each elder contemplated the mage elder's words and eventually reached a unanimous agreement: they would opt for the third option of engaging in dialogue with the grand duke before reaching a final decision.
With their discussion concluded, the doors to the room swung open, and the chief elder gestured for John to enter. Obliging the chief elder's invitation, John stepped into the room.
"When can you arrange a meeting with this grand duke? We wish to have a conversation with him before reaching any conclusions," the chief elder inquired, his expression filled with curiosity.
Beaming with enthusiasm, John replied, "Give me just one day. I will schedule a meeting for you by then."