Once I had returned to the diplomatic tent, waiting for the arrival of the two envoys, I called my System again, focusing on my most recent acquisition.
[Blade of Radiant Flame (Legendary) - 221]
I still wished I had more time, but even with the limited time I had, I was able to improve the skill enough to turn it into a veritable threat. As usual for any skill, the improvement not only unlocked better, more devastating abilities, but also increased the general proficiency of the basic ability.
And, that comparison went a long way to give me a good idea of how that 'retribution' concept of the skill worked, enough that I was confident to forge weaker variants.
Arrows that were made from it would be a devastating addition to Rosie's arsenal, while the weaker mass-produced variants would fit perfectly well with the machine gun variants we had installed for each town.
Of course, for that, I needed a way to mass-produce such items. I was able to mass produce fire-resistant metal with ease because the dungeon material provided the core, and I just needed to manage the bonding process.
Even with my growing Wisdom, this new retribution concept wasn't as easy to copy.
However, that wasn't the only benefit I received from my new skill. The more important part was that I had a new way to deal with armored enemies other than slowly corroding their armor through several attacks, which was something my enemies would be prepared for.
In the end, I was very grateful for Leona's excessive generosity. The new skill was a true force multiplier … one that might come useful faster than I would have liked, I decided as I watched Rosie approach with two representatives in tow, her attitude reflecting deep dissatisfaction.
The attitude itself was subtle, one that would have gone unremarked if it wasn't for Wisdom helping me to peer into her mood, along with my familiarity with her. She was nowhere near this distressed even when we were facing the siege.
I prepared myself for a bad experience while a squad of soldiers approached the tent, riding some kind of beast that roughly resembled a horse, but with teeth sharp enough to identify as carnivorous. Each wore identical black scale armor, carrying spears and tower shields, none of them carrying any symbols except the leader, and even that was a simple silver spear on his shield.
Behind them, a carriage of a completely different style followed, though the sigil of Vessalia, the mage city, was very recognizable. To my surprise, when they stopped, no one stepped out of their fancy carriage.
However, where they had stood was rather pointed. Right between the tent and the temporary residence we had created for Asterion. I doubted it was an accident. Especially when I saw a subtle yet strong shield appear around the carriage.
It was a silent declaration, showing that they were supporting Drakka in what they were about to request.
"You're welcome under the flag of parley —" I started.
"You dare to declare parley while wearing a sword," the one carrying the sigil of a spear barked. "Respect your superiors."
I inclined my head mildly, showing no explosive reaction. However, I had a sinking feeling. The Asterion party was abrasive as well, but it stemmed from seeing us as inferior to them. Ironically, that was a much better state than what I was getting from the Drakkan party.
Those were not the gaze of people who were just secure in their superiority. No, it was the attitude of a man that was looking for battle.
"We're prepared to show the courtesy your rank demands. In the same breath, we hope you'll show equal courtesy to our people. We are still an independent political entity, and you'll respect us as such."
A dismissive snort escaped from him. "We shall see how long it'll continue," he said, his gaze scanning the tent, eyes lingering on every detail, clearly looking for a threat or a trap.
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Once seeing none, he commented. "This is the best you can do arranging for your betters?" he asked.
Rosie tensed at that insult, but she gave no sign that the envoy could detect. Though, considering he didn't treat her as a possible threat, I doubted he would have caught it even if she reacted more obviously.
However, I found myself in a dilemma before answering. It was obvious that he was baiting us, but I wasn't sure what would serve our interest better; anger or subservience. I suspected part of our success hinged on not letting these envoys bait us too easily, but that didn't mean rolling over for them.
Especially since the Drakkan party's attitude was exactly what I feared how those cities would react once I revealed a resource that might threaten their monopoly. I was immeasurably stronger compared to back then, but it seemed that wasn't enough.
"This arrangement suits us," I replied calmly, picking a middle road to delay for some time, mixed with some subtle posturing. "We prioritize function over luxury, but if you require more comfortable accommodations, you can always return later, when we manage to get some better purchases through our esteemed trade partners."
At the mention of trade partners, his eyes flipped slightly toward the direction of Asterion camp. I sensed a hint of apprehension from him then, signaling that he was afraid of a possible interference. Unfortunately, apprehension disappeared just as quickly when his eyes focused on his Vessalian allies.
"No need. We won't be staying in this dump for long. We're just here to bring your orders," he said and threw a tied scroll at me. From the way his hand tightened around his spear as I touched the string keeping it tied, I guessed it didn't contain good news.
I didn't open it immediately, wanting to test him more before I committed to one direction. Especially since the lack of a seal, magical or ordinary wax was an interesting detail, indicating it was a last-second effort to look more official; likely an attempt to handle the Asterion party.
"An order?" I asked, deliberately acting obtuse. "I didn't realize we were already under the command of your city. I should ask Lady Maria once she returns from her trip."
"Don't be obtuse. You're a mere town. You have no right to refuse our demands."
A tough stance. "Let's see those demands, then," I said, unfurling the scroll, hoping that it was just some extreme trade delivery, and nothing else.
Only to freeze. "Is this a joke," I responded, unable to prevent my anger from spiking.
"No, it's not," he declared, his hand tight around his spear. "You either follow all of those demands, or we declare war."
My shift in attitude made Rosie's eyes widen. I threw the scroll to her. "Read it," I said.
"The execution of every blacksmith apprentice that consumed the skill stones, with no exception. Execution of every farmer that had gone through class upgrades, with no exception. Limiting weapon production to personal weapons only, with sales only possible through Drakka. Granting a monopoly of Forge and Repair skill stones to Drakka and Meditation to Vessalia, with any violation to be punished by execution…" Rosie read, each word chilling her more.
"Then, war, it is," I declared as I stood up, putting my hand on my blade. I did not pull it out, but it was a close thing. The anger burned in me.
That seemed to be enough to shock him. "War. Against Drakka? How dare you?" he roared, his declaration accompanied by a metaphorical pressure, which I recognized as Charisma. Only, much weaker than I expected. "We're already being generous enough to let you live. You should be on your knees, thanking us. Yet you complain because we want to get rid of a bunch of farmers."
"You expect me to execute the people that decided to entrust their lives to me, and thank you for it?" I asked. It was a genuine question, because it was too absurd. With Wisdom, I could sense his anger to be genuine. The fact that I refused his offer had angered him.
"A mere blacksmith, daring to refuse me!" he responded, his spear glowing with Vitality threateningly. "Just because you have managed to defeat a bunch of heretics, do you think it gives you the right to bargain with us?"
I caught Rosie's gaze at that mention. The declaration meant that, unlike Asterion, they had put some effort into scouting, at least enough of it to have a general idea of what we were capable of. Yet, despite that, he was determined to force us into a corner.
It was everything I had feared when I first started making my discoveries … yet, once it happened, I couldn't help but feel scandalized.
One last gambit. I pulled my sword, using my recently acquired skill as mana covered my blade. I moved it slowly, making sure it wasn't taken as an attack, but still leaving behind that distinctive red track, enough to show my expertise in the skill.
"Radiant Fire," he spat out in anger. "Asterion dog. No wonder you're so arrogant. But, if you think that'll dissuade us, you're wrong."
With that, he stamped his spear on the ground. All his soldiers raised their spears while moving forward in perfect coordination.
At the same time, I felt mana gathering at the Vessalian cart, slowly turning into a spell. I didn't recognize the spell, but the size of it was equal to the strongest spells I had seen Maria use.
It seemed that, merely three days after dealing with Thomas, we were at war again. The fact that I predicted it happening the moment I revealed my secrets was not particularly comforting.