"Would you mind elaborating on that a little? I'll have to convince the others as well, considering the sensitivity of the topics we'll be discussing," the chief elder spoke with a serious expression as he walked over to the couch and took a seat.
Nodding in acknowledgment, John settled himself on the opposite end of the couch and began to explain, "Certainly. Crassus Denison, the son of one of the largest merchant companies in the Empire, will be joining us today. Although you may not be familiar with them since we don't engage in trade with the Empire, he is seeking exclusive trade rights with our realm. In exchange, he's offering several advantageous propositions that could greatly benefit both parties if our people choose to collaborate in the future."
The chief elder pondered John's words in silence, his expression thoughtful. Eventually, he responded, "Hmm, if that's the case, I believe the others won't have any objections. However, I cannot provide a definitive answer without consulting them first. I will get back to you within the hour. And don't worry about coming back here repeatedly—I'll simply send someone with the message."
John expressed his gratitude, a light smile gracing his lips. "Thank you for your understanding. I'm confident that this meeting will address any concerns and clear up any confusion. With both the grand duke and me present, it should facilitate smoother negotiations."
Just as John was about to leave, his curiosity compelled him to pause and inquire, "This is purely out of curiosity, so you don't have to answer, but earlier today while I was training in the tavern, I noticed a blind old man sitting there, facing me. Though I'm sure it's nothing, I couldn't help but feel his gaze upon me. Who is he?"
The chief elder chuckled and reassured him, "Ah, him. Pay him no mind, he's merely a wanderer who arrived here ages ago. I assure you he is harmless, so don't let his presence bother you too much."
"I see. I'll take your word for it then. Well, I should take my leave, unless you have anything else to add?" John inquired, glancing at the chief elder.
"No, I have no further questions. Feel free to go. I'm certain you have much to prepare for the meeting," the chief elder replied, shaking his head.
"Very well. I'll see you at the meeting," John said as he rose from the couch and made his way to the door.
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After concluding his conversation with the chief elder, John made his way back to the bustling tavern. He glanced around and spotted Nicholas and Friedrich seated at the counter, nursing their hangovers with a questionable-looking bowl of soup.
Rather than joining them immediately, John headed straight towards Hans, who was enjoying his breakfast nearby. "Hans, contact the grand duke and inform him that the meeting is scheduled for today at noon," John instructed, his tone firm.
"Of course, sir," Hans responded, hastily stuffing a piece of beef into his mouth before rushing off to his room to relay the message to the grand duke.
Once Hans had disappeared, John released a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the upcoming meeting bearing down on him. He turned to face Nicholas and Friedrich, who had been startled by his sudden presence. "My apologies for startling you two. Now, would you mind filling me in on what happened after I left to speak with the chief?" John asked, his voice carrying a tinge of urgency.
"Goodness gracious, you nearly gave me a heart attack! I'm well past retirement age, you know. Please try not to do that," Nicholas grumbled, feigning an old man's frailty while rubbing his chest, fully aware of his own strength that could withstand such surprises.
"I'll fill you in, Your Highness," Friedrich replied, ceasing his salute and adopting a more relaxed posture, though his hangover-induced grimace remained.
"Please do. I'm rather eager to hear the details," John urged, his smile taking on an unsettling edge.
Friedrich proceeded to recount the events that had unfolded shortly after John had left them alone in the hallway. As he spoke, John settled into a seat at the counter, a frown forming on his face. "So, if I understand correctly," John interjected after Friedrich finished, "while I was discussing matters with the chief elder, the blacksmithing elder returned to speak with him. Since I was already engaged in conversation, they chose not to disturb us. And since the two of you were seemingly idle, they whisked you away for a drink, leading to your current sorry state. Is that the essence of it?" John questioned, his hand rubbing his forehead with a mix of frustration and concern.
"Yes, sir. That sums it up," Friedrich replied, his head hanging low in remorse.
"Sir Nicholas, you bear the responsibility for this. At your age, how could you go out drinking without informing me? And if the two of you couldn't handle your liquor, you should have declined the offer. You should be grateful that Hans was able to handle it; otherwise, this situation could have taken a turn for the worse… You have no idea how seriously the high dwarves take their drinking," John admonished, his voice carrying a hint of frustration and concern.
"Oh, enough already. Everything turned out fine in the end, and Hans saved the day. Let it go," Nicholas retorted, taking another sip of the soup only to cough at its taste.
John let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, I won't dwell on it now. We have a meeting scheduled with both the grand duke and the council of elders at noon, so both of you need to pull yourselves together by then," he stated firmly, locking eyes with Nicholas and Friedrich. Without waiting for a response, he turned and swiftly made his way to his room, the sense of urgency guiding his steps.
As John ascended the flight of stairs, Nicholas and Friedrich exchanged blank looks before releasing a shared sigh. They continued to consume the remainder of their hangover soup in silence before heading out to the training grounds, hoping to work up a sweat and shake off the remnants of their late-night indulgence.
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As the sun ascended to its zenith, signaling the appointed hour for the momentous meeting that could shape the future of the North, John, and his group entered the conference room. What greeted them was a startling transformation from their previous visit. Where once a spacious chamber had stood, now two elongated tables faced each other, creating an atmosphere that seemed designed for opposing factions to engage in intense negotiations. The room had seemingly expanded overnight, defying conventional logic and leaving the group in awe of the inexplicable phenomenon.
Observing their bewildered expressions, the mage elder approached with a light chuckle, eager to dispel their confusion. "Your eyes do not deceive you; the room has indeed grown in size since your last visit. It is an ancient, lost magic that our ancestors once possessed but eludes our own mastery. Its secrets remain shrouded, even to us. Now, please, take your seats," she explained, guiding John and the others to their designated table.
Once settled, they focused their attention on preparing the video communication crystals that would facilitate their interaction. Amidst their tasks, the chief elder cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention. "I am delighted to see that each of you has arrived punctually. May this meeting bear fruitful outcomes," he greeted, a warm smile gracing his face.
"We share the same hope," John replied with a reciprocal smile, his preparations complete as he awaited the commencement of the proceedings.
As everyone settled into their seats, John and Nicholas channeled their mana into the communication crystal, conjuring an ethereal image of Dante, accompanied by Crassus, into the air.
"Good afternoon, esteemed individuals. It brings me great pleasure to meet all of you on this auspicious day. I am Dante von Valoria, the sole Grand Duke of the Empire and brother to the Emperor," Dante introduced himself with a radiant smile.