Chapter 95: Darveim Diplomats

The morning was busy in Duskryn.

Several carriages were prepared in the shade of the large tree surrounding the royal district. Servants were stowing supplies in the storage holds while guards were arming themselves and inspecting armor and weapons. The reason for the hustle and bustle was already known throughout the capital. Darveim had sent a diplomatic mission to Eldoris.

Not an ordinary diplomatic mission, however.

The monster nation which had appeared in the Great Verdant Forest had defeated the military of the Syrathen Empire, survived an encounter with a True Dragon, and openly declared themselves to the world. This was the first time in years that Darveim had taken an interest in something other than itself. Lord Vaeron Duskryn was currently in his castle, studying a large table covered in various maps. Several other members of the council were gathered with him.

"This is no ordinary diplomatic mission," Vaeron said. "We are going to Eldoris to establish relations with a nation that appeared practically out of nowhere."

One of the elder members of the council crossed his arms over his chest. "And we know practically nothing about their internal affairs."

"We know enough to understand that treating them lightly would not be wise," another retorted.

Vaeron nodded. That was the issue. Eldoris was strong. But just how strong was uncertain. The reports from Rosen City had mentioned the coexistence of various monsters under the rule of a slime called Tanaka. The messages had described Ogres, Goblins, Kobolds, wolves, Moonhares, Mana Birds, Orcs, along with other lesser-known species of monsters living in peace within the nation’s borders. And then the war had begun. The reports had become more chaotic after that.

A great battle had occurred near the borders. A warrior named Gareth, one of the strongest fighters of the Syrathen Empire, had arrived on the battlefield. And then the battle was over. And a True Dragon had appeared on the battlefield. Even now, the people of Darveim did not know what had happened.

"What worries me the most," Vaeron continued, "is that the monster nation is no longer trying to hide themselves."

One of the council members studied the map on the table.

"They’ve opened their gates to the world."

"Correct,"

Vaeron placed his hand on the map of the Great Verdant Forest.

"They are extending an invitation to the world. That means they are expecting to become part of the greater scheme of things."

"And if they become strong enough to have an impact on the world?"

Vaeron’s expression did not change.

"Then the nations surrounding them will have to make a choice about whether Eldoris is an enemy, an ally, or something else entirely."

A tense silence filled the room. Vaeron turned to the doors of the castle.

"And that is why Darveim cannot stand idle."

A knock sounded from the other side of the doors. "Then let me go." The doors opened to reveal Nira. Her long legs carried her swiftly to the group, her expression clearly showing that she had overheard the discussion. Vaeron released a weary sigh. "I should have expected you." Nira approached him. "Father, please allow me to go with the diplomats." "Absolutely not."

Nira’s expression darkened. "You didn’t even consider it, did you?"

"I considered it before you interrupted me,"

Nira crossed her arms. "I know Tanaka. I’ve worked with him. I know what kind of person he is."

"Just because you know one part of him does not mean you know everything,"

Nira frowned. "I’m not saying I know him completely. I just want to be there."

Vaeron studied his daughter. "You have already survived an assassination attempt by an Arch Demon, awoken as a Spirit Elf and single-handedly changed the fate of Darveim. I will not send you to somewhere unfamiliar just because you miss your friend." Nira’s cheeks flushed red. "I don’t miss him!" A chuckling sound came from the corner of the room. "You definitely miss him." Nira turned to see Kaelith, grinning at them. "I heard everything," Vaeron turned to stare at him. "You were not invited to this meeting."

"I know,"

Kaelith casually walked up to the table. "But I’m going with them." Vaeron immediately shook his head. "No." Kaelith narrowed his eyes. "Why does everybody get to go but me?"

"Because this is a diplomatic mission,"

"I’m the son of the Dark Elven Lord,"

Vaeron stared at him. "You are my fifteen-year-old son." Kaelith groaned. "That does not sound as impressive." Nira stifled a laugh. Vaeron rubbed his temples. "This is exactly why I did not want either of you to be involved in this." Kaelith’s expression hardened. "I want to see Tanaka for myself." Vaeron paused. Kaelith continued, "I’ve heard his name so often, and I’ve heard what happened in the woods. I’ve heard about what he did for the people of the empire, and I want to see for myself the man everyone is talking about."

Nira looked at her father. "I feel the same way." Vaeron said nothing for a few moments before Sylvara walked into the room. She looked first at Nira and then at Kaelith before finally looking at her husband. "You have already lost, haven’t you?" Vaeron gave her a tired look. "Apparently." Sylvara smiled. She walked up to her husband and looked at their children.

"Nira should go," Vaeron turned to face her. "Sylvara..." "She knows more about Tanaka than anyone else in our delegation. She can help us learn more about him and how he thinks,"

Vaeron said nothing for a long moment. "And Kaelith," Vaeron finally said. "He should stay. Kaelith’s face fell. "Mother!"

"One of us has to act sensibly,"

Sylvara said.

Nira laughed. Kaelith shot a betrayed look at his mother. "I can act sensibly!" Sylvara raised an eyebrow. "You challenged your father the moment you walked into the room." Kaelith opened his mouth to protest, but he quickly closed it. "You’re right," Vaeron turned back to Nira. "You understand that this is not a visit to see old friends." Nira nodded. "I do."

"You will be representing Darveim,"

"I will,"

"You will not cause any unnecessary trouble,"

Kaelith raised his hand. "What is unnecessary trouble?"

Everyone turned to stare at him. Kaelith carefully lowered his hand. "I was just wondering." Vaeron ignored him. "Nira, you will accompany the delegation and you will speak and observe," Nira smiled. "Thank you, father." Kaelith looked at his mother, who gave him a sympathetic smile. "Your father isn’t changing his mind." Kaelith sighed. "Okay." Nira walked up to him and gave him a hug. "I’ll tell Tanaka that you wanted to come with us." Kaelith smiled. "Tell him I was personally rejected by the Lord of Darveim,"

"I can do that,"

Vaeron shook his head. "Just make sure you get back safe," Nira’s smile faded. "I will."

Outside the castle, preparations were being made. The Darveim delegation would include a team of seasoned diplomats, a handful of guards, as well as healers and a token force of soldiers to serve as bodyguards for the diplomats without drawing too much attention to themselves.

Nira stood among them, dressed in a dark green and black traveling set with light armor underneath. A bow was slung over her shoulder, and various magic items were attached to her belt. One of the diplomats approached as they were checking the carriages. "Lady Nira, are you ready?" Nira nodded. "As I’ll ever be," The diplomat smiled. "Have you been to Eldoris before?" Nira shook her head. "No, but I know Tanaka." "That should make things easier,"

Nira looked at the approaching carriage. "I suppose," The diplomat looked where she was staring. "Is something wrong?" Nira shook her head. "No, I was just wondering what Eldoris looked like," Back in Duskryn, she had seen report after report on the changes going on in the monster nation.

The roads.

The walls.

The districts.

The workshops.

The gates.

It was all so different from the small monster village she had heard of and seen in stories. Tanaka had changed it, and from what she had heard, he was still changing it.

Kaelith ran up to her just before she got into the carriage.

"Nira!"

She turned to see her younger brother panting. "You forgot something," Kaelith held out a small pouch, which Nira took with a smile.

"What is this?"

"Travel food,"

Nira opened the pouch to reveal a few pieces of dried fruit and some sort of biscuit. She laughed. "You made these?"

"Actually, mother did," Nira turned the pouch over in her hand before smiling and closing it. "Thank you," Kaelith’s expression turned serious.

"Tell Tanaka I said hello,"

"I will,"

"And tell him I wish I could have gone,"

"I will,"

"And..."

He hesitated. Nira waited patiently. "Tell him he had better have something interesting waiting for us," Nira laughed. "I’ll tell him,"

Kaelith stepped back. "Promise you’ll come back safe," Nira nodded. "I will," She climbed into the waiting carriage. The door shut and a moment later the horses began to move. Nira looked out the window as Duskryn grew smaller in the distance.

She watched the large trees pass by and the streets she had walked as a child disappear from view. Darveim was home, and she had never thought she would willingly leave it for another nation. But Eldoris was no longer just some distant land in the Great Verdant Forest. It was a country, and a country the world had taken notice of. Nira leaned her head against the window of the carriage. Her thoughts drifted back to Rosen City, the missions, the battles, and the strange slime who had somehow become one of the most important people in her life.

She smiled. "Tanaka," One of the diplomats across from her took notice. "Lady Nira?". She looked over at him. "Yes?" "You seem happy," He said. Nira looked out the window again. "I am," She replied. The carriage continued on the road to the Great Verdant Forest. Behind them, more carriages followed carrying the rest of the Darveim delegation, and above them several Mana Birds flew through the sky, scouting the path ahead.

Nira closed her eyes for a moment.

"I hope you’ll be glad to see me, Tanaka,"