**Chapter 99: Maple Leaf City, Duke Cypher, Negotiation**
Ten minutes later, Sivan descended from the clouds. His once pristine magic robe was torn around the chest and abdomen, leaving a half-meter gash that pulsed with holy light, while his face was tinged with a dark, purplish hue—a clear sign of a serious wound.
"Master Sivan, are you alright?" Princess Elize asked with genuine concern.
"It's nothing, just a minor injury," Sivan replied stoically. "As for Madeleine, she won't be much of a threat. I struck her with [Shadow Madness]; within a week, her soul will fragment, leading to death."
"Thank you for your efforts," the princess responded gratefully.
"It's all for the Empire," Sivan replied, transforming into a wisp of black smoke as he returned to his carriage.
With a soft sigh, Princess Elize turned to Kelderon. "Prepare the convoy. We continue to Maple Leaf City."
Kelderon gave a quick nod. "As you command, Your Highness." With that, the convoy resumed its journey, and Su Yu's quest log was updated:
**Ding! Your main storyline has been updated! [Glory of the Gorse Empire (11/100)]**
- **Task Objective:** Escort [Queen Elize]'s convoy to Maple Leaf City.
- **Reward:** 300 EXP.
Many players had initially planned to journey with Su Yu, but after learning the trip to Maple Leaf City would take three in-game days—equal to six hours—they decided to return to Gorse City instead. Using their exclusive teleportation arrays, players could instantly rejoin future battles, making the extended journey unnecessary. Thus, only Su Yu remained with the princess's convoy, continuing on to their destination.
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The journey passed without further incident, and six hours later, they arrived at Maple Leaf City. Awaiting them at the city gates was Duke Anzu Cypher, a man of around forty with black hair, a sharp black beard, and a mature, commanding presence. Wearing dark armor and mounted on a majestic black warhorse, Duke Cypher exuded an aura of strength and authority. Behind him hovered over a hundred skilled warriors, each capable of flight, showcasing the duke's impressive entourage and sending a clear message to the royal envoy.
As the convoy arrived, Duke Cypher dismounted, greeting Princess Elize and Sivan with a courteous bow. "Your Highness Elize, Master Sivan, it's an honor to meet you both again."
Sivan offered a slight nod, observing the formidable warriors above. His eyes held a glimmer of caution, recognizing the show of strength.
Princess Elize, stepping down gracefully with her cat Morningstar in her arms, smiled warmly. "It's good to see you too, Duke Cypher."
The two clasped hands in a brief but respectful gesture. Although adversaries on the battlefield, in this setting, they maintained a calm, diplomatic demeanor.
"Come, let's enter the city. I've prepared a grand reception dinner in your honor," Duke Cypher said with a gracious smile. "The city's noble elites and top warriors will be in attendance. I hope the evening will be a memorable one."
"Thank you for your hospitality," the princess replied, re-entering her carriage. Once the convoy was underway, Duke Cypher mounted his horse again and led them into Maple Leaf City.
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Maple Leaf City, situated in the empire's northeast, was a large urban hub comparable to Oran City, Tina's hometown. Its bustling streets and towering structures were home to a population of about 400,000. By evening, Duke Cypher hosted an extravagant banquet in honor of Princess Elize. However, Su Yu was not invited, as this gathering was exclusive to the city's highest dignitaries.
Su Yu's main quest instructed him to report to Duke Cypher's castle, Wolfscream Castle, the following day for formal discussions. With two hours to spare, he ventured to the outskirts of the city, where he efficiently farmed monsters to pass the time.
When the time came, Su Yu made his way to Wolfscream Castle, a towering four-story fortress with arrow slots, watchtowers, and a formidable moat, located in Maple Leaf City's affluent west end. Presenting the princess's badge to the gate guards, he was promptly escorted inside and shown to a grand conference room on the castle's second floor.
Inside, Princess Elize and Duke Cypher sat at opposite ends of a long table. Su Yu was instructed to stand behind the princess, joining her entourage as a quiet observer.
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After a polite exchange of pleasantries, the negotiation quickly took a serious turn. The princess had come with one goal: to broker peace. Hill, her chief negotiator, outlined the royal family's proposal.
"My lord, we suggest that the Plantagenet royal family and the forces of Calett divide the land along the Glowing River, with each side promising not to trespass into the other's territory for a period of thirty years."
The Glowing River, a major waterway running along the empire's central axis, would create a clear boundary, effectively splitting the Gorse Empire into two distinct territories.
Duke Cypher listened intently, his fingers resting on his lips in contemplation. "I understand your proposal, but I have one condition. The city of Gorse must come under our control."
"This is out of the question, Duke Cypher," Hill objected immediately. "The City of Gorse is a symbol of royal sovereignty. It cannot be conceded."
"Wait, Hill." Princess Elize raised a hand, silencing her advisor. She met Duke Cypher's gaze with unwavering confidence. "I am prepared to concede the City of Gorse."
Hill looked stunned, unable to contain his frustration. "Your Highness!"
"However," the princess continued, "I have one condition. The Duke of Lantilus must send a representative to sign the treaty as well."
At the mention of Lantilus, Duke Cypher's expression tightened. Within the Calett faction, Cypher had always been an advocate for consolidation, believing they already controlled enough of the Gorse Empire to warrant peace and stability. Yet Duke Lantilus, a staunch advocate of war, argued for the complete annihilation of the royal family to prevent any possibility of a resurgence.
Princess Elize's voice softened but held a steely edge. "Duke Cypher, let's be realistic. Without Duke Lantilus's approval, even a peace agreement between us would mean little, correct?"
Duke Cypher sighed, nodding. "You're right. Lantilus is indeed a crucial player in this matter. Very well. I will arrange a magical communication to Lantilus, and his representative should arrive by tomorrow. We'll proceed with the three-party negotiations the day after."
The princess rose, extending her hand to Duke Cypher. "Thank you, Duke Cypher. I look forward to reaching an agreement."
With that, the first round of negotiations in Maple Leaf City concluded, setting the stage for the upcoming alliance talks.
*(End of Chapter)*