After saying these words, I rested my elbow on the table, supporting my head with the back of my hand as I regarded them intently.
I knew that asking them to serve me might bruise their pride, but I pressed on anyway. I did not care.
My gaze fell on Cain, the elder elf, who seemed lost in thought. I watched as Viola leaned in and whispered something in his ear before returning to her seat. When Cain finally looked up at me, his expression was dark and contemplative.
"Sire, this is not a decision to take lightly," he said firmly. "Though I have led my clan for decades, I cannot make this decision alone."
"I recognize your strength," he continued, his frown deepening. "I see the powerful allies you've gathered, but is that enough to entrust you with my life? Is it enough to put the lives of my kin in your hands?"
His words weighed heavily on my heart. I wanted to respond, but my lips felt heavy, and I suddenly lost my voice. It made me reflect on my true intentions. Why did I suddenly want to subjugate the forest? Was it a desire for conquest? No, I had never been that type of person; I had never coveted what belonged to others. Perhaps I was acting without realizing it. I wasn't so sure.
In my old world, I had been a craftsman, deeply interested in the methods of forging various weapons and how they were wielded. This fascination led me to learn combat techniques. Deep down, I harbored an insatiable curiosity.
"My curiosity," I thought.
It stemmed from a profound desire within me, a thirst for knowledge that left an emptiness once I had mastered a subject. This yearning for the new had been ignited upon my arrival in this world, filled with wonders such as mana, otherworldly creatures, and essence stones.
All of this transformed the ember of curiosity within me into an incandescent flame of desire. I wanted to witness everything firsthand. I also sought to understand the reason behind the summoning that had brought me to this world.
So much to discover, so much to yearn for.
Even though I knew I was leading them in my quest for knowledge, I was also trying to prepare them for the worst. I wasn't naive enough to put those who chose to follow me in danger; rather, I cherished the fact that I was not alone on this journey. I wanted to be surrounded by people I could rely on, just as they could depend on me.
As I returned to the present moment, I realized I had been lost in thought, and all eyes were on me, studying my contemplative expression.
"I apologize; I was lost in thought," I said calmly.
"What you said touched me deeply. I'm not one to deliver grand speeches to sway you; in fact, I'm not very good at it."
I lingered for a moment, my expression turning serious as the weight of the moment settled in.
"But I can promise you one thing."
Everything I was about to say mattered not only to me but to them as well. I took my time, choosing my words carefully. Their gazes were fixed on me, hanging on my every word, unwilling to miss a single syllable.
I sighed, rose from my seat, puffed out my chest, and let my gaze radiate determination. Facing them, I declared, "Follow me, and I will transform you into predators!"