I observed the reactions from the delegates. Many looked surprised. The people from Beravis did not seem too upset as they were discussing things among themselves. The dwarves were hard to read. Duke William looked rather angry.
“You tried to have me killed and now you invite me to your capital?” William asked.
“I assure you the Empire had nothing to do with that. It was a demonic cult. The emperor wants to apologise to you in person.” the messenger answered.
“He could have travelled here.” William pointed out.
“The emperor wishes to make amends and so he is offering his hospitality. Be assured that he has prepared countless luxuries for his guests. This invite is part of the apology.”
This was basically an insult to Iron Rock, implying that it was a backwater and mere visit to Unitera counted as a reward.
Maybe it was time for me to speak up: “If this summit travels to Unitera, maybe we should come to an agreement on how we handle treachery first. How about a limited alliance between the delegations for the duration of our visit? Any attack from the Empire against one of us would be answered with a war, from all of us.” Loriel did not object to my proposal.
“What? You can’t be serious!” The messenger was outraged.
“If the Empire is sincere that should not be a problem now, should it?” I said with a smile.
“That is an insult!”
“You know what an insult is? Trying to have someone killed, smuggling troops into their country and then have a demon lord summoned due to incompetence. Meanwhile your high inquisitor did not even have the balls to own his mistake and ran like the useless coward he is.” Clearly I was great at this whole diplomacy thing. Lucy snickered next to me.
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The messenger seemed rather speechless. “How… you… that…”
“She does have a point.” Freyja said. “We are willing to hear what the emperor has to say but the defensive clause sounds reasonable. Our trust only goes so far given the past.”
The dwarves might still have a slight grudge. It appears that they never forgot when the Empire tried to starve them into compliance.
Beravis’ delegation seemed a bit torn. Supposedly the Empire had plans to invade them at some point. They should have been very interested in having some friends. I wondered if they had a pro Empire faction amongst them.
Henry spoke after a bit: “Beravis does not want to be dragged into a conflict between the Empire and the Dominion. This entire scenario does look slightly suspicious. We will hear out the emperor before any judgement is made. We do not believe a formal agreement is necessary. Beravis is confident enough in our ability to defend ourselves. If another delegation is attacked we shall decide based on the circumstances.”
An interesting stance. I wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that Bervais was run by humans, just like the Empire.
“THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?” the messenger screamed at me. It looked like he found his voice again.
“I am countess Amaya Delphinium, archsorceress and slayer of Mantus.” It never hurts to throw a few titles around. “And who are you?” I asked.
The man slightly paled as he might have been reminded of my power. I suspected power was worth a lot in the Empire. He straightened a bit before he answered. “I am Sir Edward, messenger of the emperor himself.”
Sir might imply a noble title. Probably not a high ranking one or he would have mentioned it. I suspected he was simply a knight.
William had watched the exchange carefully. He did look rather grateful when I mentioned the alliance. He was the weakest here and needed the help of the other nations. Travelling to the Empire after they tried to kill him was probably not an enjoyable thought.
William addressed the room: “I have called this summit because the Empire’s actions, intended or not, brought a great danger into this world. I would have gladly listened to an explanation but the inquisition fled. But even now I am willing to hear what answers the emperor has to offer. Of course I will also accept the proposed alliance from the Dominion. Only a fool would venture into the lion’s den unprepared.”
Edward looked unhappy. Iron Rock, the Dominion and the Dwarven Kingdom would be travelling as allies. While I still doubted they would try an assassination I suspected they were going for bribery or intimidation. I assumed they had plans to divide the nations somehow. I was also relatively certain that they were unaware of the full extent of my power. Even Lucy was likely stronger than they expected. This trip would be interesting.