Chapter 30: Celetsine side
Celestine raised an eyebrow, clearly contemplating Aiden's proposal. His terms were straightforward, but they carried a lot of weight—especially the destruction of slavery, a concept deeply embedded in the foundations of both Celestine's kingdom and Olga's. And the second part? It would require careful diplomacy and a shift in her alliances.
She looked at him with a serious expression, her voice calm but firm. "Destroying slavery is not a simple task. It's deeply woven into the fabric of society. But if you insist on this, I will support it. No one should live in chains. However, this will require resources, time, and perhaps most importantly, a shift in mindset. A radical change for both my people and Olga's Dark Lands. If this is to be done, I'll need your cooperation to ensure it's a smooth transition, not just a bloody uprising."
Aiden nodded, acknowledging her concern. "I'm aware of the challenge. But slavery has been a plague, and it's time it ends. We can make the transition work, but it'll require effort from both sides. And once the Dark Elves are returned to Olga's lands, it'll be on her to ensure they live free and not just return to servitude."
Celestine's eyes narrowed as she processed this. She knew Olga would not easily part with the Dark Elves. They were valuable assets, soldiers, and tools to secure her dominance in the Dark Lands. The second part of the deal would be tricky, but it was a necessary evil to create lasting peace.
"If you expect me to simply hand them back after you've slain her monsters and broken her forces," Celestine began, "you're mistaken. Olga will resist. But," she paused, her voice softening slightly, "I understand why you want this. So, I will agree to return them, provided that we can maintain some semblance of stability in both our territories afterward."
Aiden smiled, pleased with her understanding. "That's all I'm asking for. It's a heavy burden, but it's the only way we move forward."
Celestine gave him a nod, her expression serious but resolute. "Then we have a deal. But know this, Aiden, if Olga tries to turn the Dark Elves into tools again, I'll step in. You may have forced her hand today, but I will not stand by if she undermines what we've agreed upon."
Aiden's eyes met hers, his voice steady. "Understood. We both want the same thing, in the end—a world free of tyranny, free of monsters, and free of chains."
Radomira, who had been silent throughout the exchange, now spoke up with a smirk. "A peaceful world? How boring."
Aiden chuckled softly, but there was a seriousness in his tone. "Peace isn't boring. It's necessary. It's what allows us to grow, to change, to move forward. War may fuel strength, but it's peace that keeps us alive in the long run."
Celestine remained quiet for a moment, then finally spoke. "You have your terms, Aiden. Now, let's see if you can make them stick."
With that, the three of them stood in the tension-filled silence, the weight of the agreement hanging in the air, as they prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Aiden then looked at both sides. "Now, time for both side to Singh this contract, and breaking this is calling me and all my army, so shake hand".
Celestine and Olga both glanced at Aiden, sensing the seriousness of his words. There was a weight to his declaration, a reminder of the power he wielded. Both leaders knew that breaking the contract would not only defy the terms they had agreed to but would also bring down the wrath of Aiden and his forces upon them. The consequences were clear: rebellion against this deal would lead to annihilation, and both sides knew it.
Olga, ever proud and defiant, narrowed her eyes at Aiden. But even she knew the power he had shown earlier, the fear he had instilled in her. She could not afford to break the contract. She gave a stiff nod, a sign of her reluctant acceptance.
"I'll sign," Olga said coldly, her tone filled with venom but carrying a hint of resignation.
Celestine, on the other hand, was more measured. Her experience in diplomacy showed as she examined the contract one last time, ensuring that everything was in order. She didn't trust Olga, but she trusted Aiden's resolve. With a heavy sigh, she placed her signature on the contract, her hand steady as she signed.
Aiden nodded with satisfaction. "Now, for the handshake," he said, gesturing for both to extend their hands.
Celestine was the first to step forward. She extended her hand toward Olga, her grip firm, a silent acknowledgment that both had agreed to this delicate truce. Olga hesitated for only a moment before grasping Celestine's hand. There was no warmth in the gesture, but there was a mutual understanding.
Aiden, standing between them, observed the handshake carefully. "This is the moment," he said, his voice cold and unyielding. "One mistake, one broken promise, and there will be no turning back. I expect both of you to uphold your side of the deal. If not… well, you know what happens next."
The air was tense as they held the handshake for a few moments, the weight of the contract binding them. No words were exchanged as they silently agreed to the pact, knowing that breaking it would lead to their own downfall.
Finally, Aiden stepped back, giving them a nod of approval. "Now, we move forward. The peace between you two may be fragile, but it's necessary. Don't make me come back here to remind you of this agreement."
Olga and Celestine both stepped back, their expressions unreadable. But the unspoken tension between them remained, both women unwilling to show vulnerability in front of each other.
With the formalities done, Aiden turned to Radomira. "We'll need to prepare for the next steps. This is just the beginning. Keep the peace, but watch for any signs of trouble. I'll deal with any betrayal swiftly."
Radomira gave a small smile. "You really know how to keep them in line, don't you?"
Aiden smirked. "They don't have a choice." He turned to Celestine and Olga one last time. "Remember, I'm watching. I'm always watching."
And with that, the tense meeting came to a close, leaving both sides with their own thoughts on what the future would hold.
Aiden then crossed his legs. "Now let's start about our plans about this Orc problem we all have".
Both Celestine and Olga exchanged wary glances, the tension in the air still palpable after the contract had been signed. But now, with the weight of the truce upon them, it was time to focus on the issue that had brought them together—the orcs and the looming threat they posed.
Aiden, maintaining his calm and commanding presence, looked between the two leaders. "We need to strategize if we're going to deal with this orc problem once and for all. The longer we let this fester, the worse it's going to get for both of you."
Celestine took a breath and nodded. "Agreed. The orcs are a threat to our borders and our people. They've been raiding for years, and they are growing stronger by the day. But I won't just send my forces into battle without a clear plan. Olga, you've had experience with these creatures, what do you suggest?"
Olga scowled, her arms crossed defensively. "I've dealt with them before, but the issue isn't just the orcs. They're not unified, but they are organized. And whoever is behind this—there's someone pulling their strings. If we focus on the orcs themselves, we may be missing the bigger threat."
Aiden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean by someone pulling the strings?"
Olga's expression darkened. "There's always been whispers in the Dark Lands—rumors of a powerful warlord or even something worse controlling the orc factions. The orcs are not as fragmented as they appear. They're being led by someone—or something—who knows how to manipulate them."
Aiden's gaze sharpened. "A hidden leader. Sounds like someone with enough power to make waves."
Celestine nodded slowly, clearly thinking over the information. "If we go after the orcs blindly, we risk falling into a trap. But if we take out their leader, we could cripple their entire movement. We need to find this person and eliminate them."
Aiden leaned forward, his tone becoming more serious. "That's the key. If we target their leader first, we'll dismantle their organization before it can grow any more. But this needs to be done with precision. We can't afford to make a mistake."
Olga shifted uncomfortably. "So, we are working together now, then? You are just as much of a threat to my people as the orcs, Aiden."
Aiden smiled thinly. "You know I don't care about your lands, Olga. But I do care about finishing what we've started. If we don't deal with this now, the orcs will keep attacking us, and it will only escalate. Think of it as a mutual investment in both our futures."
Celestine's eyes narrowed. "I still don't trust her," she muttered, mostly to herself.
Aiden looked at her. "And that's why we'll work from the shadows. We'll take out the orc leader quietly, before they can even realize what's happening. The less they know, the better for all of us."
Olga sneered but held her tongue, knowing full well that challenging Aiden's plan would be pointless at this stage.
Aiden glanced between the two leaders. "We'll need to gather intel, and fast. I have a few spies in place already, but I need you both to put your best operatives on this. The sooner we find out who's behind the orc movements, the sooner we can strike."
Olga nodded grudgingly, her arms still crossed. "Fine, but I want my people safe in the process."
Celestine didn't bother hiding her disdain for Olga's tone but didn't speak up. She was focused on the mission, her mind calculating the next steps. "We'll coordinate our forces, and once we have a location on their leader, we strike. But we'll need backup in case it's a trap."
Aiden stood up, the air around him thick with authority. "It's time to end this. No more games. We move quickly, we strike hard, and we don't leave anything to chance."
He turned to Radomira. "Prepare the scouts and get them moving. The sooner we have intel, the better."
Radomira bowed slightly, "At once, Aiden."
With that, Aiden looked back at Celestine and Olga. "The orc problem ends here, but remember—if either of you tries anything, I will deal with you both. We're all in this together, whether you like it or not."
As both Celestine and Olga exchanged looks of uncertainty, they knew that they had no choice but to follow through. The orc threat had become too large to ignore, and Aiden's power was something neither of them could afford to challenge. The truce, though fragile, was their only option.
Aiden's eyes flicked to the crystal as Olga's image began to fade. "You both know what happens if you break your word," he added coldly, ensuring they both understood the consequences.
The room fell into tense silence as the new alliance began to take shape, a shaky pact to rid the world of the orc threat once and for all.
Aiden then called his finger, as Kotarou comes to him. "Kotarou, take Guren and gather Information".
Kotarou bowed respectfully, a sharp gleam in his eyes as he heard Aiden's orders. "Understood, Aiden. Guren and I will gather the information we need. We won't fail you."
Aiden nodded, his gaze hardening. "I want precise intel. We need to find the orc leader and make sure we know every move they've made. If there's a hidden hand behind them, I want to know who it is. No mistakes."
Kotarou's expression became serious, and he turned to leave. "We'll be quick. Guren's already prepared for reconnaissance. You'll have the information soon."
As Kotarou and Guren departed, Aiden turned back to the two leaders—Celestine and Olga—who were still present, seemingly lost in their thoughts after the tense meeting. The weight of the situation was pressing down on them all.
Aiden addressed them once more, his voice steady. "While Kotarou and Guren work on gathering intel, you two need to prepare your forces. When we strike, we strike hard and fast. I'm not asking for a full-scale war; we need precision. If we can hit the orc leader, the rest will fall apart."
Olga's eyes narrowed, her pride still simmering beneath the surface, but she nodded. "I'll make sure my forces are ready. But if I find any tricks, Aiden—"
Aiden cut her off, his voice unwavering. "If you try anything funny, I'll end this truce before you even have a chance to blink. Keep your word, Olga."
Celestine didn't speak immediately, but her intense gaze met Aiden's. "I trust you, Aiden. But if this plan fails, it's all on you."
Aiden gave a slight smirk. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As Celestine and Olga left to prepare their forces, Aiden turned to Radomira, who had been standing quietly nearby, watching the entire exchange. "Get everything ready on our side. I want to move fast as soon as Kotarou reports back."
Radomira nodded and began to move. "Already on it. I'll make sure we have everything we need for the operation."
Aiden's thoughts were already shifting to the orcs. Their leader had to be taken down, or the chaos would only continue to spread. It was a delicate balance, but Aiden was prepared to push things to the edge. If it meant bringing both Celestine and Olga to heel and ensuring the safety of his people, so be it.
The clock was ticking, and Aiden's next move would set everything in motion. He could only hope Kotarou's intel would come through quickly enough.
To be continued
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