Chapter 200 The Conclusion
"What’s your answer?" Addison asked, her stance firm and uncompromising.
Seeing her like this, Leon felt a pang of guilt. He knew he had overstepped; his actions had been too forceful, and no matter his reasons, they had pushed Addison into a corner. Of course, she would be guarded now. But even in this situation, he sensed an opportunity, not to overpower her, but to get closer.
He suspected Addison intended to use him and his tribe as a spare blade against her enemies, and strangely, he didn’t mind. If being "used" meant staying in her orbit, and perhaps gaining leverage to make his own request in the future, he’d take that chance. He would retreat now, if only to advance later.
He noticed the priestess from his tribe looking displeased. Their position had shifted; they had lost the upper hand in the negotiation. Although they had managed to bind Addison to Leon through the false mate bond, it was clear she had no intention of submitting. She wasn’t someone who could be controlled.
Still, even if they no longer held the reins, it wasn’t as if they were walking away empty-handed.
The priestess, catching Leon’s gaze, quickly lowered her eyes and pressed her lips together, swallowing whatever words she had planned to say.
"I agree," Leon said at last. "We’ll follow your arrangement and cooperate with your kingdom. My only condition is that you provide food for us each month. Of course, we’re not asking for charity; we’ll work for it. So, I believe this makes it a fair and equal treaty, doesn’t it?"
He looked at Addison directly, his earlier arrogance and domineering presence stripped away. Now, there was only sincerity in his gaze, as if he would truly abide by whatever decision she gave.
Addison raised an eyebrow. If Leon truly believed this treaty would be equal, then he was dreaming.
She was certain, if she had lost their earlier duel, Leon would have forced her to follow his terms without question. She wouldn’t even be given a voice in the matter. So now that she had won, and Leon had willingly left the arrangement in her hands, she had every right to treat this as she saw fit.