novelraw Chapter 696
Chapter 696
"Ridd, the conference room is just ahead."
Johann, who had been leading the way, stopped before a pair of elaborately decorated double doors. Flanking the doors were catfolk warriors with scarred, intimidating faces and sharp-eyed gazes, holding weapons resembling forked "sasumata" poles. However, unlike the rounded-tip sasumata I was familiar with from my previous life, these had sharp spikes like those seen in period dramas.
An ordinary civilian without military background would probably cower under their glare. I glanced around at our group—Amon, Chris, Capella, Tink, Emma, and the others—but none showed any signs of intimidation. Well, given what we've been through, this level of pressure was nothing.
"Thanks for guiding us, Johann," I said. He flashed a grin, revealing his white double fangs. "The clan leaders attending the meeting are all quite cute-looking, so look forward to it." "That sounds promising," I replied. If even Johann, with his cute face, called them "cute," the clan leaders must have a very different aura from these warriors.
As we chatted, the warriors slowly opened the doors. Following Johann, we stepped into the conference room. Inside, a large long table dominated the space, with Sekmetos and Tabal seated at the head. Surrounding them were stern-faced clan leaders with crossed arms and scowls.
This… is cute? Confused by Johann's aesthetic sense, I discreetly studied them. The clan leaders wore uniforms similar to the military attire Amon and I had on, though some had variations—short sleeves, sleeveless jackets, or no military caps. But every single one bore scars on their faces or arms, likely from past skirmishes with Toga. At a glance, I could see slash wounds, arrow marks, burns, magic scars… and even missing fingers.
"So, Lidd? Adorably warrior-like faces, right?" "Y-yeah," I agreed with Johann, who looked smug. The clan leaders immediately shot us sharp glares, their intensity reminiscent of yakuza film standoffs.
"Alright, Lidd, you all can sit here. I’ll head to Mother and Father," Johann said breezily, striding off. Sekmetos smirked as he left. "The three of you look quite fitting in those," she remarked. "Thank you, Lady Sekmetos," I replied with a bow before taking my seat, flanked by Amon and Chris.
"Now that everyone is present, let us begin the talks," Tabal said gently, his tone relaxed. "Yes, please proceed," I responded, steeling myself under the weight of the room’s collective gaze. Chris, Amon, and the others mirrored my composure. Yet, strangely, I felt little pressure or hostility from Sekmetos and Tabal—unlike the overwhelming aura Sekmetos had exuded during the tribal summit in the capital. Were they plotting something?
As I tensed, Tabal chuckled. "No need for such wariness. Our demands have already been conveyed to you through Luva, and negotiations are practically settled." "W-what do you mean?" I exchanged puzzled glances with the others. Sekmetos cut in, "Luva made requests regarding road construction and supply provisions, correct?" "Yes, but…" She grinned. "Those were our most critical agenda items. Had Luva’s negotiations failed, we planned to renegotiate here as a fallback."
"So… you arranged this two-stage meeting because the issues were too important to leave to chance?" "Precisely," Tabal nodded. "Our border skirmishes with Toga are relentless. While we gather domestic supplies, maintaining border security demands exorbitant resources. The road development in Baldia was non-negotiable."
"But why go to such lengths? Couldn’t you have joined Luva’s talks from the start?" Amon asked. Sekmetos smirked. "My presence would’ve put you all on edge, hindering progress. Hence, the two-stage plan." Her gaze turned meaningful. "Luva already reported the outcome—a 'reasonable price.' Frankly, we expected worse exploitation." Her tone suggested the budget Luva secured was far more generous than anticipated. A masterstroke by the tribal leader entrusted with national affairs—we’d been outplayed.
Now the relaxed atmosphere made sense. For Sekmetos and Tabal, securing supply routes was existential. They’d prepared for the worst, but the road negotiations had already succeeded. With one major issue resolved, their ease was understandable. Still, I couldn’t afford to lower my guard—not after Sekmetos’ past machinations. I smiled calmly. "This 'price' reflects our priority on mutual trust. We’d appreciate restraint in further demands."
"Rest assured. We’ve burdened you enough," Sekmetos shrugged, then shifted focus to Amon. "This meeting’s true priority lies with the Grandork family, not Baldia." "How so?" Amon frowned. Tabal cleared his throat. "The former Grandork house allocated all its armaments to its own military expansion, especially in recent years, severely limiting supplies to us. We’ve had to rely on Burst and Saffron merchants. We’d like this… remedied."
"Understood. Submit your orders, and we’ll begin production immediately." "Much obliged," Tabal smiled. I raised a hand. "A moment, please." The room’s attention turned to me. "While we won’t interfere in Zveira’s military affairs, Grandork is in a technical partnership with Baldia. I trust you’re aware this will affect pricing?"
At my words, the clan leaders stiffened, some scowling openly. So, they had hoped to procure Grandork arms—enhanced by Baldia’s technology—at the old rates.