As John and the chief entered the office, Grendrick, already seated on the couch, awaited John's arrival. Taking his place beside Grendrick, John settled into the seat, ready to engage in the conversation. The chief wore an uneasy smile, his gaze fixed upon John as he voiced his concerns.
"I am concerned," the chief began, his tone filled with a mix of apprehension and sincerity. "I fear that if we proceed with this alliance, the rich tapestry of high Dwarvern culture will gradually fade into the imperial culture. While the treaty promises the preservation of our heritage, my long years have taught me that once our people start mingling with the broader populace, the distinctness of our traditions will slowly erode, just as it happened to other cultures absorbed by the empire."
John listened attentively, recognizing the chief's genuine worries. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he responded, his voice tinged with empathy. "I understand your concerns, and I cannot offer false solace in this matter. It would be wishful thinking to believe that the dwarvern culture won't blend into the wider imperial culture. However, I can assure you, without a shadow of a doubt, that the unique identity of the high dwarves will never vanish."
He leaned forward, his eyes reflecting determination. "You see, I have a dream—a vision for when I ascend to the throne. It is perhaps fueled by my own fears, but I aim to unite the entire continent under one banner, my banner, and to forge a shared religion—the pantheon of gods. Alongside this, there will be a unifying culture, the imperial culture. Yes, as we assimilate with other cultures, the imperial culture will evolve, and by the time the continent is united, it might be unrecognizable. But that is the natural flow of time, sir. Different elements merge and intertwine, like pieces of a grand tapestry, creating a beautiful masterpiece."
John finished his words with a genuine smile, hoping to offer reassurance. The chief exhaled deeply, contemplating John's response. "Haaaaaah, perhaps you are right, or perhaps not," he said, his voice carrying a mix of resignation and acceptance. "For now, I will find solace in your words, understanding it as an inherent consequence of the passing of time." His gaze wandered to the setting sun beyond the window, his thoughts drifting to a distant memory. "You know, the words you speak—they echo those of another spirited soul I encountered long ago. I wonder if you will succeed where he faltered. You have my best wishes, young prince. Perhaps I can witness the image an old friend once yearned to see."
John opened his mouth, ready to respond to the chief's previous words, but before he could utter a single sound, the chief anticipated his question and interjected, knowing exactly what was on John's mind. "Let's join the others who are out celebrating. We shouldn't keep them waiting," the chief declared, rising from the couch and making his way toward the door.
"Yes, sir," John replied, exhaling a sigh as he followed the chief's lead. His footsteps echoed softly in the hallway as they made their way to the bustling tavern. The vibrant atmosphere outside the door was palpable, a joyful anticipation hanging in the air. The residents of Ferrum Castrum had gathered, their laughter and conversation creating a lively backdrop.
Stepping into the tavern, John was immediately handed a glass of juice. Being underage, he couldn't partake in the alcoholic indulgence of the others. The chief, on the other hand, received a frothy pint of beer, a familiar treat he relished. The crowd quickly made way for them, creating a cleared space at the heart of the room, where they could address the gathering. A hush fell over the room as the chief elder, standing at the center of attention, raised his hand for silence.
"Dear friends and honored guests!" his voice boomed, commanding the attention of all those present. "Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate the success of our diplomatic endeavors but to embrace the joyous spirit of unity and friendship that binds us together."
As the chief elder spoke, a chorus of cheers and applause erupted, filling the hall with electric energy. The sound of tankards clinking reverberated through the air, signifying the eager anticipation of the revelers.
"I raise my glass to each one of you," the chief elder continued, a wide smile spreading across his face. "May this evening be filled with laughter, song, and the forging of lifelong bonds!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their excitement building like a swelling tide. Music filled the air, its lively melody beckoning all to join in the revelry.
Nicholas, Friedrich, Hans, and the elders now relieved of their formal obligations, shed their serious demeanors and embraced the revelry with gusto. The engineering elder, known for his robust spirit, took center stage, regaling the crowd with tales of impressive inventions and engineering feats. His booming voice resonated through the hall, captivating everyone's attention.
Seated nearby, the science elder engaged in animated discussions with the mage elder, their conversation a delightful blend of arcane theories and scientific discoveries. Glasses in hand, they raised toasts to the progress made during the negotiations, their faces alive with enthusiasm and shared passion for knowledge.
The military elder, normally stern and composed, let loose his gruff laughter, joining in the merriment as he swapped tales of valorous battles and strategic triumphs with Nicholas.
In the midst of the festivities, John, ever the responsible and determined youth, found himself at the center of attention. While unable to partake in the revelry himself, he reveled in the contagious joy of his newfound allies. He moved effortlessly among the crowd, engaging in light-hearted banter and sharing hearty laughs.
As the evening wore on, the dwarves, fueled by their potent spirits, began to engage in friendly competitions. Arm wrestling matches erupted, shaking the tables and drawing cheers from the onlookers. The engineering elder, displaying his immense strength, emerged victorious more times than not, his triumphs greeted by uproarious applause.
Amidst the revelry, the chief elder raised his tankard, his voice booming over the clamor. "To the success of our negotiations and the promising future of our alliance!" he declared, his words met with an enthusiastic chorus of agreement. The dwarves clinked their tankards together, their resounding cheers filling the hall.
Meanwhile, Nicholas found John sitting by the counter with juice in his hand looking at the surrounding merriment, "A very merry people these dwarves are," Nicholas commented, as he approached John, his voice laced with a hint of awe.
"They truly know how to embrace life and find joy in the simplest of moments," John mused, a tinge of wistfulness coloring his words. His eyes flickered with a mix of happiness and longing. "I can't help but wonder why we, as humans, struggle so much to find that same sense of harmony. Is all the power we amass truly worth it if it prevents us from living in peace?"
Nicholas leaned against the counter, contemplating John's question. His expression turned somber, as he spoke, "Greed knows no bounds, John. It is a relentless force that resides within the hearts of humans. We have been burdened by its consequences, and as long as this insatiable greed exists, true peace will always elude us—especially those who hold positions of power."