Chapter 88: Conditions

“Everyone, stop! They are all guests I invited.”

Seeing how Xiong Da’s single sentence had truly intimidated the aristocrat’s subordinates, making them roll on the ground like balls, Seta naturally had to step forward as a mediator. His original intention was simply to test Zhai Guangyi and the others. He had hoped to rely on these ignorant aristocrats to gain a bit of goodwill, but now it seemed rather difficult.

“I am truly very sorry, but unconditionally releasing all the Forest Elves is impossible.”

At that moment, a servant approached Seta and whispered something into his ear. Upon hearing the report, Seta’s expression changed. He no longer seemed as troubled as before and appeared much more confident.

“What do you want then? Under what conditions will you release the Forest Elves?”

Zhai Guangyi naturally knew that Seta wouldn’t simply release those Forest Elves just because of his words. To Seta, they represented countless assets, so it was unlikely he would give them up so easily.

Many of the aristocrats in the banquet hall were still in a state of confusion. They had only received news that Forest Elves could be purchased here. They never expected that the Forest Elves still had a faction to return to, and that it would come knocking just as the kingdom had issued a ban. Wasn’t Zhai Guangyi, this Elf, essentially delivering himself? And he actually wanted to release those captured Forest Elves?

“I believe you are aware that human city-states currently prohibit Elves from entering. If it weren’t for the fact that Banwang City has already agreed to cooperate with Honored One Xiong Batian’s faction, you would also be arrested and imprisoned. Releasing those unstable Forest Elves would be like planting a ticking time bomb for the future of the city-state, wouldn’t it?”

Seta did not directly answer Zhai Guangyi’s question. Instead, he began to emphasize his own magnanimity and the future of Banwang City, undoubtedly trying to raise the stakes. However, for Zhai Guangyi, the amount of money didn’t matter—it wasn’t his money anyway. The Demon King’s Army should be able to afford it. They should be able to afford it. Zhai Guangyi believed the Demon King had that capability.

Previously, Seta had also sent people to negotiate with the Spirit King Tree faction. This Demon Human, Xiong Batian, should be the leader, and this Elf girl was likely the representative for dialogue on behalf of the Spirit King Tree. After all, Demon Humans tend to have simpler thinking and are usually at a disadvantage when negotiating with humans. However, as a Demigod Powerhouse, Xiong Batian deserved Seta’s full respect.

“Honored One Xiong Batian, can you fully represent the Spirit King Tree’s stance?”

Seta did not look at Zhai Guangyi. To him, a mere Level 13 individual could not be placed on equal footing with himself. However, Seta was somewhat curious about the Primordial Spirit race. This was the first time he had heard of such a race among Elves, making it quite rare.

“When it comes to negotiations, there’s no need to talk to me. I’m only responsible for fighting.”

Xiong Batian remained as domineering and concise as ever, expressing her thoughts. For her, fighting was what she excelled at most.

“I can fully represent the Spirit King Tree. You should know our purpose here, so there’s no need to beat around the bush.”

To ask whether Zhai Guangyi could represent the will of the Spirit King Tree—wasn’t that just nonsense? Although normally, what Zhai Guangyi thought was none of Sylph’s business, and even if he provoked the Demon King, he would have to distance himself from Sylph, but now was different—he was the Spirit King Tree itself.

Zhai Guangyi’s response confirmed Seta’s speculation. Although this Elf wasn’t particularly powerful, he truly represented the Spirit King Tree. It seemed the Spirit King Tree also valued those Forest Elves highly, which was exactly what Seta wanted to see. The fact that the Spirit King Tree had dispatched Zhai Guangyi and the others so quickly was enough to show how important those Forest Elves were to the Tree. This allowed him to raise the stakes.

“After all, we are also concerned about the safety of our own City-State. When I negotiated with this Mr. Xiong Da earlier, I already expressed our desire for a peaceful cooperative relationship. However, capturing Forest Elves is a regulation of the Kingdom. If I were to privately release them, I would undoubtedly be endangering the safety of the people and betraying the great King. I hope you can understand.”

At this point, Seta politely removed the top hat from his head and gave a slight, gentlemanly bow to Zhai Guangyi and the others in apology. But soon, he straightened his back, put the silk top hat back on, and spoke solemnly.

“As a new force in eastern Mesopotamia, I sincerely hope to establish a peaceful and mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with you. To show our sincerity, I can also make an exception and release all the Forest Elves, but I hope you can meet some small conditions of mine.”

After all that nonsense, Seta finally got to the point. Zhai Guangyi had never expected Seta to unconditionally release all the Forest Elves—that was simply impossible.

“Go ahead.”

“First, you must not be hostile to Banwang City, and you have an obligation to protect Banwang City from Magical Beast invasions.”

Zhai Guangyi didn’t find the first point particularly troublesome. Nowadays, it was difficult for Magical Beasts in Mesopotamia to even leave the eastern part of the Forest. After all, Zhai Guangyi’s Followers needed a certain amount of meat for sustenance daily, and combat was key to improving their strength. Everyone was actively hunting Magical Beasts everywhere, though when encountering weaker ones, Zhai Guangyi would ask his Followers to bring them back and inquire if they wished to join his protection. Those willing would receive two Blessings; those unwilling would be killed.

The Forest was a place where the strong preyed on the weak. Choosing to join offered a chance for growth, while choosing to fight meant certain death. In fact, it was the same with the Demon King: choose to join and receive protection, refuse and die. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

But as Seta continued with his conditions, Zhai Guangyi was already growing angry. Xiong Da’s fists tightened, and even Xiong Batian frowned.

Hong Ren even placed his hand at his waist, where a long knife was concealed beneath his Robe, his eyes fixed on Zhai Guangyi as if waiting for a single word from him to strike.

“Second, you must not harm any Humans who enter your territory, especially residents of Banwang City. If Humans commit harmful acts within your domain, the right to punish them belongs solely to Banwang City.

Third, every quarter, you must pay 100 Magic Crystals of no less than fifth tier and ten thousand Kingdom Great Gold Coins to Banwang City as proof of our peaceful cooperation.”

Fourth, when Banwang City requires military support, you must provide unconditional assistance at the first opportunity, as a practical demonstration of our friendly relations. Naturally, we will also support you within our limited capabilities.

Fifth, in exchange, this envoy of the Spirit King Tree, the Honored One, must remain within Banwang City, specifically in my castle, as a guarantee of our commitment. Rest assured, I will provide the finest accommodations for all your needs and will certainly not treat you poorly.