Chapter 61: Diplomacy 7
Elania walked at the center of the group. Eira, Rynor, Thorne, Aria, and Roran—all members of the Hels’ City Council—strode alongside her. As they exited the Arcane Academy, a carriage waited to whisk them away.
Eira waved the others to go on ahead. “Elania needs her own carriage.”
Elania didn’t argue. This was her chance to finally meet the chancellor and make progress on her mission.
So far, she sensed Hels could offer more than just a squadron of airships. The demi-divine tracking magic and barrier protections were high on her list of things that could help, though uncertainty nibbled.
The second carriage arrived as soon as the first departed, and Eira climbed in with her.
The ride was brief, curving around the dome before reaching the government building.
Its architecture differed slightly from the Arcane Academy but kept what Elania had decided was Hels’ classic look: dark stone structures illuminated by arcane torches. Two extensive gardens flanked the entrance, with black fountains as their defining feature. It exuded an air of officialdom.
As they disembarked, Eira took the lead.
Elania followed, her heart pounding with anticipation. As they ascended the steps, she hoped this meeting would yield the answers and support she sought.
Their footsteps echoed through the oversized halls of the Hels’ government building, the scarcity of people and the slight chill in the air sending a shiver down her spine.
Eira led them into the council chamber, and Elania immediately noticed the stark contrast to Contia’s chamber.
The room was smaller, more intimate, with a large rectangular table dominating the center. The councilors from the revolver demonstration were already seated, along with a few unfamiliar faces.
But it was the man at the end of the table who commanded Elania’s attention.
As her gaze fell upon him, her [System Analysis] activated instinctively as the hair on the back of her neck stood up.
[High Chancellor - Lich - Level 1912]
Elania blinked, taking in his human appearance, yet the power radiating from him was undeniable. It was actually disturbing and felt far more visceral than anything she had sensed from Arlois or the other Towers. Or the magisters and Conclave elders.
Was the lich… leaking?
Her second thought was to wonder if he could pass through Hels’ dome and walk through the gate to the dead.
Elania’s wings curled around her, providing a reflexive protective cloak.
Valaran stood, not missing the instinctual body language. “Please, do not be alarmed.”
“My apologies for my reaction,” Elania said. “No one warned me you weren’t human.”
An awkward shuffle rippled through the room, as if she had committed a faux pas. But Valaran laughed, his voice echoing off the walls.
“Indeed, I have slightly slipped my mortal coil for some time.”
Elania took her seat, and Valaran followed suit.
He announced the commencement of the council meeting. A piece of paper floated into view, accompanied by a quill, poised to record the minutes; it would transcribe everything said.
Valaran fixed his gaze on Elania, his eyes piercing. “Why has Contia decided to contact Hels now, without warning, and by sending such an under-prepared and overqualified envoy?”
Elania swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “High Chancellor Valaran, esteemed councilors of Hels, I come bearing urgent news and a request for aid.”
She wasn’t sure how long she talked, but they allowed her to run through her thoughts without interruption.
When she finally paused, Valaran spoke. “I called this meeting because I was worried you’d woo my councilors to your side before things could be considered carefully.” He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. “Maybe Contia does have something valuable,” he said, turning to Aria. “What do you think about the weapon Elania demonstrated?”
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Aria cleared her throat. “It could be advantageous to arm the men with. The firepower and range are impressive.”
Valaran nodded, then looked to Thorne. “And your opinion?”
Thorne gave a grudging nod. “It has potential. It would be a force multiplier for our regulars. We wouldn’t have to rely so much on the Obsidians.”
“High praise indeed,” Valaran mused. He turned to Eira. “Do you see an advantage for the Obsidian Guard as well?”
Eira leaned forward. “With hand-held weapons like the one we saw, it would be a considerable boost to our short- to medium-range firepower.”
Roran raised a hand. “It would only be an advantage if sufficient weapons could be obtained. Since each one requires a mana shard, arming the men in such a way could be very expensive.”
Elania smiled and nodded. “They could cost a lot if sufficient mana shards can’t be acquired to produce them, but they are still much more powerful than crossbows.”
Valaran fixed his gaze on Elania. “What does Contia want?”
Elania felt the tension in the room. This was her chance. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Contia is interested in long-term relations and a defensive pact.”
Valaran’s expression hardened. “Such things can’t be produced overnight.”
Elania’s spirits fell, her hopes of a quick alliance crumbling. Frantically, she searched for the right words to salvage the situation, but the skepticism in Valaran’s eyes told her it would be an uphill battle.
Elania listened intently as Valaran continued speaking, his words measured and cautious. “The Four Towers seemed to completely forget Hels’ existence for many years. For them and me, that is only a blink; much can change for our citizens in such a time. There is little attachment to another state that is so distant.”
Elania acknowledged his concern with a nod. “I understand, but we both face the same threats. Cooperation could benefit us all.”
Valaran nodded slightly, his eyes glinting with interest. “That is why I am interested in continuing and furthering relations.” He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. “But I believe you were meant to return with an answer in a much too shortened timeline, and at the moment, the answer can only be no.”
Elania’s heart sank, but she maintained her composure.
Valaran continued, “I wish Contia would send an actual diplomatic mission instead of an air-mailed demi-divine.” A hint of amusement colored his tone. “Hels can send its own mission to Contia in the coming weeks or months.”
“The threat from the Lightbringers grows with each day. By then, it could be too late,” Elania replied.
Valaran’s expression hardened. “I have learned that moving too quickly can open one up to dangers that could be averted by being cautious. While I don’t believe you or Contia mean Hels any harm, we must deliberate every factor before making any commitments.”
Elania nodded. “I’m happy to hear that you are at least considering things in a positive light.”
Valaran stared at her, his gaze intense. Then, he turned to Rynor, the High Mage of the Arcane Academy. “What about the sky searcher project?”
Elania wasn’t sure what the sudden change in topic was about. From the looks of the councilors, neither did they.
Rynor perked up, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Ah, yes! The Arcane Academy has made significant progress in developing a tracking system capable of detecting high-flying heat sources.” He leaned forward, his hands gesturing animatedly. “It can distinguish between falling rocks and controlled flight, a crucial advancement for detecting fast-moving demi-divines.”
Rynor dug into his pouch and pulled out the screen Elania had seen earlier. With a few deft movements, he activated it, displaying Elania’s flight path from Contia to Hels.
Valaran turned to Elania, a knowing look in his eyes. “I believe you expressed interest in such a thing, did you not?”
Elania blinked, surprised that Valaran knew that. She quickly composed herself and nodded. “Yes, Contia has nothing like it. I think it would enhance the city’s defenses against attacks.”
Valaran stroked his chin thoughtfully. “You must be concerned about an attack from the Sun Emperor.”
Elania nodded. “Arlois claimed she could defeat him within her own [Domain], but she acknowledged he would pose a significant threat if he attacked the city directly.”
Valaran threw his head back and bellowed a loud laugh, startling the council members. He wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. “I can imagine that purple brat saying that, indeed.”
Elania couldn’t help but smile at Valaran’s reaction.
It seemed that Arlois’ reputation preceded her, even in Hels. Or maybe High Chancellor Valaran had met her before?
She glanced around the room, gauging the reactions of the other council members. Some looked amused, while others appeared deep in thought, possibly considering the implications of the Sun Emperor’s potential aggression.
Elania studied Valaran’s face, trying to decipher his thoughts. But that didn’t last long.
Valaran turned to Rynor. “Provide her with an informative paper on the arcane technology.”
Eira’s objection came swiftly. “But that’s secret technology we just developed! We can’t just give it away for nothing!”
Valaran raised his hand, silencing her protest. “We can, and I just did.”
He fixed his gaze on Elania. “Consider it a token of goodwill from Hels to Contia. We wish you well in your challenges, but further relations will need time to bear fruit.”
Elania nodded, her disappointment tempered by gratitude. “Thank you for the gesture. I understand Hels’ position, even if I had hoped for something more concrete.”
“In time,” Valaran said, inclining his head. “In due time.”
Elania bit her lip. What if they didn’t have more time?
As the council members dispersed, Elania found herself alone with Rynor. He approached her, adding a thick roll of parchment to the display board he had produced earlier.
“Here’s the information on the sky searcher project, as promised,” he said. “You can even have the unit, although you’ll need to implement detectors of your own.”
Elania accepted the items. “Thank you. I’m sure Contia will find this invaluable.”
Rynor’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, something she was very familiar with thanks to a certain artificer.
“I’d be interested to hear how you plan to implement it. If you improve the design any, I would appreciate having that feedback,” he said.
Elania nodded. “I’ll see that you get a full report on whatever we do with it.”