The kingdom of Rimuru woke to a quiet morning, but for Padrino Penduko, the weight of responsibility had grown heavier. In the aftermath of the council's decision to negotiate with the northern warlords, he knew the next steps would be pivotal in securing the future of his kingdom. His kingdom.
He was seated in the war room, the large map of the northern territories spread out on the table before him. Marko stood nearby, silent but watchful, his mind undoubtedly ticking through the many possibilities that could arise from the delicate negotiations with the warlords.
"What are we really expecting from these talks?" Marko finally asked, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but there was a bite of concern behind it.
Padrino didn't look up from the map. "A delay. That's all we need right now. The warlords are unpredictable, but they aren't foolish. They'll know that a prolonged war could drain their resources, just as it would ours. If we can keep them talking, we can buy ourselves time to prepare."
Marko ran a hand through his dark hair, his sharp eyes narrowing at the strategic points on the map. "They're banding together out of necessity, not loyalty. If we can create division among them, that alliance will fall apart faster than it formed."
Padrino nodded, tracing his finger over the regions ruled by the warlords. "Exactly. If we offer incentives to the right leaders, we could even convince some to switch sides or remain neutral."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation, and Hinata entered, her light magic aura subtly filling the room. "Vincent's ready to depart for the negotiations," she said softly. "He'll need your final instructions."
Padrino straightened up. "Send him in."
Vincent entered a moment later, his diplomatic robes neatly arranged, his face as calm and composed as always. A master of words, Vincent had proven time and again that he could navigate even the most volatile situations with poise. But this negotiation was different. The warlords were a chaotic force, more interested in power than diplomacy.
"Vincent," Padrino began, "your task is to stall them, but don't let them sense that's what you're doing. Offer them enough to keep them talking, but nothing concrete. We need time—time to fortify our defenses and to gather more information on their movements."
Vincent nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will keep them intrigued but cautious."
Padrino clasped Vincent's shoulder. "And be careful. The warlords are not known for their patience. If they sense weakness, they may lash out."
"I'm prepared for whatever may come," Vincent replied confidently, though the subtle tension in his voice wasn't lost on Padrino.
The Edge of Negotiation
Vincent's journey north was uneventful, but the atmosphere grew noticeably tenser as he approached the neutral grounds where the talks were to take place. The warlords had chosen a large, derelict fortress on the northern border, a place devoid of charm or comfort but ripe with intimidation.
As Vincent approached, his diplomatic retinue surrounding him, he could see the banners of the various warlords fluttering in the wind, their sigils as varied and ominous as the men they represented.
The fortress gates creaked open, and Vincent was led inside. The main hall was already filled with the leaders of the northern factions, each one seated at a long, weathered table. At the head of the table sat their unofficial leader, Warlord Korgon, a hulking figure with a long scar running down the side of his face. His armor, battered and worn, spoke of a life of constant battle.
Vincent could feel the weight of their gazes as he entered. These were not men accustomed to negotiation. They were conquerors, warlords who understood only the language of strength.
"Welcome," Korgon's gravelly voice rumbled through the hall, his dark eyes fixed on Vincent with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "I was beginning to think the mighty Kingdom of Rimuru had lost its tongue."
Vincent forced a smile. "On the contrary, Warlord Korgon, we are eager to engage in meaningful discussion. War is costly, for both sides. Surely, even the mightiest of warlords understands the value of peace."
Korgon leaned back in his chair, his heavy frame causing the wood to groan. "Peace? Is that what you've come to offer? Or do you bring false promises like the rest of the kingdoms that have fallen before us?"
Vincent met Korgon's stare without flinching. "I come with an offer of cooperation, Warlord. Rimuru is not your enemy. We have resources, land, and alliances that could benefit you. But a prolonged war will only drain your strength."
The hall fell silent as Korgon considered Vincent's words. Around the table, the other warlords watched, their expressions ranging from disinterest to quiet amusement. These men didn't trust easily, and Vincent knew he was walking a fine line.
Finally, Korgon spoke again, his voice quieter but no less menacing. "What exactly do you offer, diplomat? Speak plainly, or leave with your head in a bag."
Vincent took a breath. "Trade agreements, access to lands south of Rimuru, and the possibility of forming an alliance. We can open channels for shared military knowledge, fortifications, and mutual defense against larger threats."
Korgon laughed, a deep, unsettling sound. "Mutual defense? From whom? We are the larger threat, diplomat."
Vincent's heart raced, but he didn't let it show. He pressed on. "You may be powerful, but even the greatest of warlords face challenges. The Kingdom of Galdros still looms in the east, and there are whispers of their king eyeing northern territories. Together, we can create a buffer that will benefit us all."
The mention of Galdros shifted the atmosphere. Some of the warlords exchanged glances, their faces hardening. Vincent had hit a nerve. The fear of Galdros' growing power was a concern for all in Xandros, even for the proud northern warlords.
Korgon leaned forward again, his scarred face inches from Vincent's. "And if we refuse your offer?"
Vincent didn't blink. "Then you will face not only the forces of Rimuru, but possibly an invasion from Galdros as well. Rimuru does not seek war, but we will defend ourselves with everything we have."
Another tense silence followed, broken only by the crackling of the fires in the hearth. The warlords stared at Vincent, weighing his words. Korgon's expression darkened as he sat back once more.
"We will consider your offer, diplomat. But do not mistake our hesitation for weakness. If we decide your kingdom is worth taking, there will be no alliance, no trade—only fire and blood."
Vincent bowed slightly, knowing he had done all he could for now. "I look forward to hearing your decision, Warlord."
As he left the fortress, Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that he had bought Rimuru only a little time. The warlords were dangerous, unpredictable, and they were now fully aware of the kingdom's precarious position.
The storm was far from over.
Back in Rimuru
Back in the capital, Padrino waited anxiously for news from Vincent. Every hour that passed without word felt like a tightening noose around the kingdom's neck. Preparations for war were moving swiftly, but Padrino knew that if the negotiations failed, Rimuru would be thrust into a conflict they might not survive.
He stood in the courtyard, watching as soldiers trained and fortifications were strengthened. Hinata approached, her presence as calming as ever.
"Do you think Vincent will succeed?" she asked quietly.
Padrino didn't answer right away. He watched the soldiers, his mind racing through countless possibilities. Finally, he spoke. "I trust Vincent. But whether the warlords can be reasoned with is another matter entirely."
Hinata nodded, her eyes filled with quiet resolve. "If they do come for us, we'll be ready."
Padrino looked at her, the weight of leadership heavy in his gaze. "We have no other choice."
The storm was indeed on the horizon, and soon it would arrive. All Padrino could do was hope that they had prepared enough to weather it.