Chapter 70: [70] Drakili’s offer

After taking Yennefer back to his hut so that she could rest, Eliron had a quick bath and changed into a new set of clothes.

Before he left, he instructed Ash to guard Yennefer and left some food for her, in case she woke up at any point.

It was already night by the time he set out.

Lazarus’ house was a well-built cottage at the other side of the village.

It was well maintained, with a small stone fence, decorative vines on its walls, and a cobblestone path that led up to the door.

There were two elves at the door when he arrived, most likely his workers, and they stood up to greet him when he arrived.

“I’m here to see the chief.”

“We are aware, my lord. Chief Lazarus informed us of your arrival,” one of them said, leaving the path to let him pass.

Eliron nodded and walked past them, moving to the door.

Knock knock!

There was a short period of silence before the door was pulled open. When Lazarus saw it was Eliron, he smiled.

“Aha, I was wondering when you would arrive. Come in.”

The house was warm and cozy. Eliron couldn’t help but notice that the hut was actually larger than his own.

It also seemed to have been standing for quite some time, as opposed to other houses that had been destroyed only to be rebuilt.

’I guess he’s always been able to defend this place from raids…’

There was a nice aroma in the air as well, but since the kitchen was separated from the living room, Eliron did not know who was cooking.

They sat down opposite each other before Drakili spoke.

“I hear you’re building something next to your place. Are you thinking of expanding that little hut of yours?”

“It will soon be the rainy season, you know?” Eliron said. “If I don’t fix it now, then I’ll have to endure being drenched each time it so much as drizzles.”

Lazarus nodded. “I see…”

Eliron then said, “But it’s not just my hut.”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

Eliron thrummed his fingers on the edge of the couch. “I plan on rebuilding the entire village.”

The chief blinked, then burst out with laughter. “Hahaha, the entire village, huh? That’s why I like you, boy. Your plans are always so lofty! That is how a leader should think.”

Eliron smiled. The more he spoke to Lazarus, the better he was getting to know him.

Although he was a cautious man, the chief was a man of principle.

“I’m guessing you did not invite me to chat about my projects though, chief?” Eliron probed.

“Well, a little small talk never hurts, right? Before we get to that, what would you like to drink?”

Eliron gave it little thought. He was more interested in the topic they would soon discuss. “Tea should be fine.”

“Alright, give me a moment. I’ll be back in a second.”

While Lazarus retreated into the kitchen, Eliron got up and took a little walk around the living room.

The room was decorated with a lot of ornaments that had been gathered over the course of Lazarus’ life.

There was a necklace made out of the fangs of a monster Eliron did not recognize, hanging on the wall.

There were a few paintings lining a shelf as well. One of them was of a younger version of Artie.

The redhead had a longbow in hand and was aiming at a small rabbit which was scurrying away.

Eliron picked up the picture and stared closely at it. There was another person in the picture, stealing her aim.

The woman was clearly more mature and looked very much like Artie, but her hair was cut short and her eyes were teal instead of forest green.

’Is this her sister?’

Artie had never once mentioned ever having a sister, so this was news to him. ’I guess I’ll ask her about it later.’

He picked up another picture, and this time, a pang of pain cut through his heart.

This painting was of Lazarus and the former elven lord, his brother.

’Maybe if I regained my memories a little earlier…’ Eliron sighed.

When he heard Lazarus returning, he went back to his seat.

“Chamomile tea, it’s the best this forest has to offer,” he said as he offered Eliron a wooden cup.

Eliron took a small sip, then looked at Lazarus, who drank from his cup as well.

Then Lazarus placed the cup on the table between them, his expression turning serious.

“The confluence was postponed, and I’m sure you know why?”

Eliron took another sip. “I’m guessing Drakili is trying to do everything in his power to win?”

Lazarus nodded.

“The truth is that the confluence is not merely a popularity contest.”

“In order to be selected as elven lord, you must win sixty percent of the elders’ votes and fifty percent of the people’s votes.”

Lazarus stroked his beard and smiled. “It is safe to say that you already have the people’s votes.”

“You may be popular among the people, but the elders are rigid. They do not buy into your ideals. Drakili will do everything in his power to sway the elders to his side.”

Eliron had already come to the same conclusion as Lazarus a long time ago. That was why he allied himself with Artie in the first place.

If he could not get the elders to vote him into power, then both he and Drakili would be stuck in a deadlock with no real winner.

“My plans for Artaris cannot change,” Eliron stated. “If I have to change my plan to accommodate them, then I would rather stay without their votes.”

“You didn’t let me finish,” Lazarus said, a sly smile on his face.

“Drakili would normally have been a problem, but it would be a different case if you had someone like me involved…”

Lazarus was a man whose influence was just as great as Drakili’s. Having him on Eliron’s side was no doubt a great addition.

But…

Nothing in this world came free. There was always a price to pay, one way or the other.

“What do you want in return?”

Lazarus sat up straight and smirked. “You’re smarter than your age would suggest. This is another reason I feel you will be fit for lord.”

“As for what I want….”

He grabbed his cup and gulped it all down at once, then lowered his voice to a sharp whisper.

“Eliron, don’t you think it’s about time you got married?”

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