
"So let me be clear. You want to use these two to negotiate with Rosalia Hortensia?" Eleanor asked
The higher-ups and all my friends also gathered together to try to listen to all my plans. Some representatives from the city of Andromeda also sat with the Elves because they did not want to miss every detail
"really. Initially, I only wanted Eloy to be the offer material. He's useless, but he's still king of Crux. If he did not exist, a brutal usurpation of the throne would have been certain, and Yuriel would have accepted the offer directly. He still needs that mask to defend his country
Then the fool Eloy brought me a diamond. It's a lie if I don't want to execute Yuriel on the spot, but I thought about this first because he and Rosalia Hortensia are allies" I explained
"Hm... Also true. But, what do you want to get by bargaining it?"
"I'll explain the details later. If I say it now, I'm sure this meeting will be even longer. Some of you here need to rest first"
"... Hm. Alright"
I nodded in response to Eleanor, then turned to the judges
"So, I'll close our meeting"
I stopped speaking when I saw someone raise a hand, that is Welt, the higher-up of the land Elf clan
"I have one question, but not your plan"
Aahs... I'm tired, but what can I do
"Continue"
"I still don't understand your explanation for housing these humans in Miralius. Why is Oberon sure they're not gonna fuck around?"
"Huh? You just asked now?" A man from Andromeda's representative interrupted
"No man can be trusted, that's a lesson I took 5 years as a slave"
"You're right, but give us a chance" one woman asked Welt
"I can't stand sitting next to you. Your stench remains as foul as those people" Fyon suddenly followed as he curled up and goosebumps remembering everything that happened to him
"What did you say!?"
Mouthfighting among the higher-ups who had been enslaved and representatives of Andromeda was inevitable. With each other they continued to offend the side of their opponents, causing an unwanted commotion
Forcibly, I knocked on the ground with my wand until the whole of Miralius shook with it. Glancing at Welt, I asked him to explain in more detail
"... Like I said, humans can't be trusted. And although they can be trusted, they will make it difficult. Seren even had to get hurt like that because we had to protect these people"
"... Seren's problem, I'm the one in charge, and you know that. Why are you twisting the facts and pointing them at them?"
"But Seren-!!"
"Why don't you blame me, knowing that I sent Seren a curse?"
...
Between that silence, the sound of soft laughter began to be heard by all ears. The sound of laughter coming from Veskal
"I just realized all this time you guys didn't dare protest with Vainzel's leadership. You just shut up every time he does something you don't want"
He laughed again, but a little harder while holding his stomach
"You don't understand our concept. Oberon was the only person who had a relationship with the Great Tree. If we don't try to make a good relationship with him, the First Elf will definitely not be satisfied" Zaphir replied
"Just like when you rejected Aestas' orders 250 years ago. I was bitterly disappointed, and the disappointment ended with the Elf starting to have a bad relationship with the humans since her death" Alf joined the conversation with a plethora of hands
The higher-ups lowered their heads in lethargy because they remembered that history
"So we have nothing else but to blame someone other than you. We don't want what happened 250 years ago to befall the Elves anymore" Welt said
...
"... Hmph. It's only natural that he's a bad leader"
"Tu-!! How dare you!"
Welt immediately pulled out some of the land that formed into a weapon out of annoyance at Veskal
"Let your gun down Welt. Remember your manners. We're facing Oberon right now" Zaphir interrupted before he acted any further
"He's sassy Zaphir!"
"No. He's just so right"
Hearing Alf begin to speak again, Welt lowered his weapon limply
"Yes. Everyone from my close friends is right. I am a bad leader. I caused Miralius to crumble with my absence. You were kidnapped and enslaved because of me. Then, Seren was badly injured because of me. I'm the one responsible for it all" I continued
"But you are a good king Oberon. Unlike our king" A representative said
"A good king does not mean good for his country..." I said while bowed
And I have to be honest once in a while for their good...
"Listen. To be honest... I don't want to be your leader"
None of the higher-ups received my word well. They immediately looked angry and surprised at my words
But I still have to be honest. They need to know who I am
"I feel compelled, and because I always refuse to be a leader, I make you suffer
But, you guys have put your trust in me. I can't possibly disappoint you, can I? Coupled with the vacancy of the throne before I ascend, you must be in desperate need of a leader by then"
"..."
"So please, if I make a mistake again next time, I want you to tell me. Communication is the key, right? I will try to be a leader according to your wishes"
My words ended with me bowing down while closing my eyes. I waited for a response from them, a response that at least convinced me to continue being a leader
"..."
"..."
"Vaine..."
Verdea just looked at me sad because of what I said just now
"..."
"... Huh huh? Only now you say that? Be fat! You trash!"
"Huh?"
Veskal suddenly said that. Of course I'm surprised
He then advanced in front of me then punched me in the chest once without any excess energy
"Then prove to us that you want to be a leader with your own intentions. A leader is not one who listens to what others say first, you know?"
"... Right too"
Verdea got up and approached me. We both glanced at him who got up with that smiling face
"Just like when you swore allegiance to me. Show that you can be like that, of your own volition. You know I'll be your biggest responsibility, but you keep going and keep doing your best
Good work and results will be achieved if you have good intentions, right?"
...
Ahahahah... I can't believe these two newly grown kids gave me advice
Huh... But I must admit. The advice was very good, just like Veskal's previous one
"Ooh..." Everyone was amazed to see us
I sighed once, then started saying one sentence to the two of them. "Thank you"
They smiled broadly following me
So then... How many lessons have I learned?
Hm... I don't know. I received hundreds, but it was refreshing. And I can't believe these two children who grew up from childhood in front of me have given me such a sentence
My greatest pride lies with both of them...
All right, I want to rest. The night is late. I also have to start preparing for the next few days
The bargain had to produce something I wanted. Let's see what cards I can get from him. Is it the card that gives me the chance, or the card that will stop my journey...?
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