Chapter 221: [221] Greed
"NO, DEFINITELY NO!" He yelled. "We are in the midst of a war. What would happen if one of you were to get injured?!"
"What does that even have to do with this??" Alex sighed tiredly and glanced at the council.
The nobles immediately sat straighter, waiting for his next words.
"So far, our problem was that the enemy outnumbered us, and since it is impossible to match the enemy in numbers, we decided to find a single man that could make up for fifty thousand troops..."
Alex made use of the map sprawled out on the table. He grabbed a red marker and circled a particular spot, castle Kasket.
’Not a bad plan...’ Eliron thought. While an open field battle often favoured the side with superior numbers, a siege was different.
But even though it was effective, there were two major issues associated with sieges.
There were a number of battles where the other side simply starved the castle dwellers till they had no choice but to surrender.
"But now..." Alex smiled. "I have found a solution." He then pointed at Eliron, causing all the nobles to stare at him.
— That man is at the level of a grand mage?!
— Has he managed to deceive the prince in some way?
They all stared at him with suspicion in their eyes.
"I do not wish to discredit your testimony, my prince. But understand that it is difficult for us to believe what you have said..."
"How are we then to believe that a wood elf is on the same level as a grand mage such as Azarath?"
"I understand your concerns. But rest assured, I witnessed Lord Eliron defeat Azarath with my own two eyes."
"Sorry?" Alexander glanced at the man, a sly smirk on his face.
Eliron glanced at the prince, his eyes narrowing slightly. ’So that was what he did...’
By saying he saw Eliron himself, he had put the nobles in a tight spot. If they said it was not true, then it would be the same as calling the crown prince a liar.
So although the nobles did not believe him, no one opposed his statement. Right now, the only person who could possibly interject was—
"Tell me Lord Eliron. Why do you wish to assist us? Oh, I apologize." The king smirked. "I guess I should go straight to the point right?"
Eliron forced the smile that was about to appear down his throat. ’Ahh, my favourite part.’
"If you want my assistance in this terrible war, there are three things you must agree to."
"One. I want Donia to recognize Artaris as a kingdom in the near future." Eliron took a short pause to let it sink.
If Artaris did declare themselves a kingdom and Donia acknowledged it, then it could spark a war between them and the high elves.
"Secondly." Eliorn added, not missing a beat. "I want all shipments going to the east to be dropped off at Artaris’ port when it is fully constructed."
Having their shipments moved to Artaris meant they would be creating a new trade relationship with the wood elves, while causing discord between them and their old allies!
That would be millions of gold coins lost in the process! Hearing Eliron’s words felt like being doused with acid.
King Darius glanced at his son who was also staring at Eliron with wide eyes. He knew Eliron would have some crazy requests, but this was just too much...
"I want it."
"Lord Darwin." The Grand Marshal cautioned, but he would not be stopped.
"How dare you walk in here and make such preposterous demands!" He spat, unable to control his rage.
Eliron chuckled internally. To think money would be all it would take for a noble to disrespect the grand marshal?
The noble’s eyes then turned icy as he glared at Eliron. "Your greed is the reason you half ears were exterminated in the first place—"
But it was already too late.
Eliron cocked his head to the side, a sinister look in his eyes.
The room’s temperature suddenly dropped several degrees.