King Xerxez negotiated with neighboring countries to form a strong alliance. These included Thartherus, known as the Blue Moon country; Vhorlandrus, from whom they bought explosives and cannons; Peronica, widely known as the blooded-phoenix; and Latherus, or what most called ‘land of sorcery’. Xerxez also wanted to form an alliance with the country of Ossibus to settle the problem in Wendlock.

“Welcome to the kingdom of Ossibus, King of Thallerion, Xerxez.” said the man in fine attire, casting a shadow in other corners of the room as they passed, and the unbearable gaze of the Ossibus council leaders, like the icy window outside with a gleaming raven peeking in. The ravens’ cries were faint, piercing the fragile windowpane. “As the right hand of the King of Ossibus, I am Lanero.” Lanero looked at Xerxez’s entire retinue and thought that Xerxez seemed to have an important purpose, as it was the first time the King of Thallerion had visited their country. “Accept this room for the meeting.” There was also a fire providing warmth to the people, so it wasn’t too cold.

“We are here to invite King Matar for the good of our nations,” Xerxez began, calmly looking at King Matar, who sat silently, surrounded by many important leaders, listening to Xerxez. Behind Matar was a large black wing attached to the wall—some said it was proof of a legend about a large bird in Ossibus long ago.

“For the good of our nations?” A man named Fhajo interrupted, as the ravens outside also clamored. Fhajo was the highest-ranking minister. “We don’t need Thallerion’s help!” Fhajo’s tone was sharp, like ink spreading dread in the room. With those words, he seemed to be building a wall around the entire border of Ossibus against Xerxez.

Xerxez’s brows furrowed in disgust upon hearing Fhajo’s dagger-like mouth. The people present gaped and bowed their heads at Fhajo’s insolence. Matar remained silent, like a watchful owl.

“With all due respect, Leader Fhajo, but this is not the right time for you to speak like that in front of the King of Thallerion,” Lanero said, his brow furrowed.

“Why don’t you shut up like King Matar!?” Fhajo retorted sharply, looking at Xerxez. “Xerxez, the King of Thallerion. You probably don’t know Ossibus, the country that doesn’t meddle with other nations.” He sneered.

“As far as I know, you are not the king of the Ossibians.” Xerxez replied, his jaw tightening. “So step aside because you are not the one I want to talk to.” Matar quietly smiled in his seat because Fhajo was insulted.

“If you’re planning to form an alliance to avoid conflict in the Wendlock land, you might be mistaken,” Fhajo said. “Wendlock is ours; before the Thallerion arrived, our ancestors already lived there.”

“I came here to discuss order, but with your behavior, you are now showing that you don’t want a diplomatic alliance,” Xerxez said. “And what is your proof that that land is yours?” Xerxez looked around at the people at the meeting.

“King Xerxez.” An old man spoke softly. “I regret Fhajo’s behavior, but many Ossibians rely on Wendlock for farming, please—”. Fhajo suddenly cut off the old man’s narration, his voice like scissors.

“Why are you pleading, when Wendlock is truly ours!!!” Fhajo said, irritated with the old man.

“I want to know the answer of the King of Ossibus.” Xerxez said, his gaze softening on the old man’s worn face, sensing a deeper history of why the Ossibians were allowed to live and farm in Wendlock.

“In truth, I like the idea of an alliance,” Matar declared, and Fhajo’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. “But only if you agree to give us the entire land of Wendlock.” Xerxez’s chest suddenly tightened, his own eyebrows colliding like crashing carriages.

“I came here seeking a better settlement for Wendlock,” Xerxez began, his voice dangerously low, “and now you demand the entire area?” He bore down on Matar with an intense stare, seeing no hint of an act or a play. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Do you take me for a jester at our meeting?” Matar retorted, his face contorted in a sneer.

“Then it is clear: we have no deal for an alliance,” Xerxez snarled, spitting his words at the Ossibian king.

“But King Matar—?” the old man gasped, his hand flying to his mouth. Fhajo, too, was struck dumb, his breath caught in his throat. Xerxez surged from his seat.

“I will not agree!” Xerxez’s reply thundered, shaking the very air. “Let’s go, comrades.”

“If you try to expel the Ossibians from Wendlock, Ossibus will contend against Thallerion!” Matar’s voice, like a raven’s harsh cry, seized Xerxez’s ear just as they reached the door of the meeting room.

“Do not threaten me!” Xerxez ripped back, and with the unfazed power of a lion, he strode out.

After Xerxez left, the council immediately erupted in chaos like a market den, wondering why Matar had made such a decision regarding the alliance Xerxez offered.

“Your Majesty, you angered Thallerion… what now, if Xerxez expels our countrymen from Wendlock?” said one council member, almost hoarse with shock.

“Why don’t you ask Fhajo, the idea that Ossibus doesn’t meddle with other countries came from him—” Matar retorted with a daring smile in his eyes. But in truth, Matar intended to test the king of Thallerion if he was truly cunning, and according to his father’s instructions, he should not ally with Thallerion.

“His decision was correct!” Matar’s father arrived, with a patch over his left eye and smoke coming out of his mouth like a dragon. Even though he was old, his shoulders still moved arrogantly. “You are brilliant, Matar!”

“Father!” Fhajo said. “It’s not fair if you only praise him.” Old Sapar—their father—just scowled. Fhajo was Sapar’s illegitimate son from his womanizing when he reigned in Ossibus. That’s why Fhajo had the audacity to speak ill of anyone, even Matar, who was a king of Ossibus.

“I fought for Wendlock before, but this is all I got.” Sapar said and removed the patch from his blind eye. “This is proof that they are an untrustworthy race!!!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep