Turmoil in negotiation

Elizabeth turned to General Petra with a slight frown. Even she was thinking that the general was being a bit unreasonable. However, the general was undeterred. She explained, "The problem is this. The Alzar Kingdom and the Xingyuu Empire have large differences in medical theory, ingredients, and treatment methods. Our physicians aren't fully confident they can check everything. One 'accident' is all it would take to poison the 'well'. That's why we need full control over the city's medical supply."

Ming grimaced. "By 'poisoning the well', are you suggesting that our physicians would?"

"I'm glad Your Highness can read between the lines. That's exactly what I'm implying."

Her expression darkened. "That is a false accusation. We would never do something like that. I demand that you retract your words."

"Never?" General Petra sneered. "The human heart is incomparably weak. In your own words, you suffered over three hundred thousand casualties. Everyone in Yongtein wants to expel or kill us. Even an idiot should understand the danger involved."

"…Then let me reply with a question of my own: how would the kingdom guarantee our safety? We would be exposing ourselves to the same risks as you. As you say, even an idiot should understand. We cannot accept this one-sided demand."

"Like I said before… you don't get a say in the matter. You lost."

"…"

"Stop right there," Elizabeth said. "I understand both of your concerns. How about this? The medical supplies will be relocated to a single central location, guarded by both sides throughout the day. Entry will be limited to a handful of people, and there must be a written record of every transaction. Poison testers will also be required for every portion of medicine prepared. That should appease both sides for now, correct?"

Neither the general nor the princess seemed satisfied, but this was the best outcome for now. They accepted begrudgingly. Afterwards, they went on to discuss more issues plaguing this city, many of which were more complicated than this 'simple' medicine debate. Elizabeth learned that although the Imperial Council fell, there were many more factions within the city, some carrying considerable power and influence. They could be a potential danger, especially if they worked together. Not to mention, there was the larger lingering threat of the Jian, Jun, and Li Families. This battle might have ended, yet the war carried on. When Elizabeth finally stepped out of the assembly hall, she exhaled. She was exhausted. It felt she was fighting a battle for hours on end. That was unsurprising. Her body might have healed for the most part, but her mental fatigue did not. She might have pushed herself too hard today. Still, her eyes remained firm. There was something she needed to do.

Taking her carriage to a large mansion, Elizabeth immediately felt a powerful perception wash over her. This precision… It was on another level compared to the Ten Dawns, and even the Featherwind Sect. They were almost two worlds apart! Elizabeth smiled bitterly. As expected from humanity's strongest Arcanist… That was right. This was the temporary residence of Protector Avin Arcellius! Thankfully, she had excellent mental fortitude, due to facing both her master, the Featherwind Sect, and the Sword King. She did not falter here. Her guards were less than resilient though, as they froze on the spot, too afraid to even breath. They were supposed to be Great Knights of the Realm, Fundamental Realm Masters, who could dominate most battlefields. Unfortunately, as time went on, the goals shifted. They were no longer as impressive as before. Elizabeth could not fault them. Protector Avin's power far eclipsed everyone.

"Stay here. I'll go alone," she stated.

"But-" the guard captain felt embarrassed.

"It's fine. I won't be long."

The girl walked to the front gate and prepared to knock, except it swung open before she could touch it. An open invitation. Elizabeth nodded and entered alone. To be honest, she could understand her guards' anxieties. She was about to meet someone whose strength transcended logic and reasoning. Protector Avin had thoroughly surpassed all imagination. He existed on another level! That was what a Rank 3 King represented! Therefore, it was normal that her guards, Rank 1 Mortals, would hesitate. That was the natural instinct to preserve one's life. Elizabeth would have doubted her decision too, had she not known that Protector Avin was Freon's uncle. By speaking with Freon, she had gained a good grasp over Avin's personality. She felt confident she could succeed. As for what…

 In the main courtyard, there was a small garden and pond. Large fish swam happily in the waters, while birds chirped loudly. There was a colorful selection of flowers and trees everywhere. Since it was early April, they were beginning to bloom. It was mesmerizing. A pagoda sat at the center of the pond, where Protector Avin was reading a book. How peaceful. The man did not bother to look up or say anything until Elizabeth was a few steps away. Only then did he close his book and put it down. Facing a princess, his attitude was extremely arrogant, yet Elizabeth did not find it strange.

"Protector Avin Arcellius. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Princess Elizabeth Etuvel Reindel of the Alzar Kingdom, and I come bearing a request. It's-"

"You don't need to continue. I accept."

"I… Huh?" Elizabeth was flabbergasted. "I haven't finished speaking yet."

"I already know what you're going to say." He looked at the girl with a piercing gaze, sending a chill down her back.

"But how?"

"It isn't magic, if you're thinking that. I heard a lot about you on my way here. You want me to use my magic to heal the soldiers, correct?"

"…Yes, that's correct. Are you willing?"

"On one condition."

Elizabeth instantly became on guard. "What is it?"

"It's nothing big. I only want you to tell me everything you know about the Featherwind Sect, the Sword King, Martial Energy, and the so-called 'Rank 3 Kings'. I'm very curious where you learned these things. They shouldn't be topics that a normal princess like you should know about it."

"Why shouldn't they? Like you said, I'm a princess. I have access to more resources and knowledge than anyone else. Don't underestimate the Alzar Kingdom's five centuries of accumulation." She returned with a sly look.

"I see… That does make sense," Protector Avin said, making Elizabeth sigh with relief. "Only… if that were the case, then you would have been better prepared against the Featherwind Sect. However, the battle in Liguang proves otherwise. Tell me. Who told you this? Who is your true master?"

A drop of sweat rolled down Elizabeth's forehead. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He shook his head. "Playing dumb won't help. I'm a Perception Realm, so I can sense your anxiety. In fact, now I'm even more curious why you're acting like this."

Elizabeth frowned. Although she told her friends about her master, that was because she fully trusted them. She knew they would keep this secret. As for the Featherwind Sect… that was out of necessity. There was no other way she could convince them. Given the choice, she would have kept it a secret forever. After all, the implications were too big. Rena as a weapon carried incredible destructive potential. Elizabeth did not know the exact effect, but her spells were far stronger when she used her bow than without. Suffice to say, it was not a simple weapon! In the right hands, for example a Rank 3 King like Protector Avin, it could be much more impressive! The bow was worth its weight in gold. And most importantly, there was the spirit itself. Rena had an exceedingly vast wealth of knowledge, spanning topics that far exceeded the boundaries of the human world. They knew about Rank 3 Kings, Martial Energy, Vogels like the Featherwind Sect, and more. If the Alzar Kingdom could fully leverage Rena's knowledge, it would propel their civilization… no, humanity into a new era. It would change everything!

That sounded great, except Elizabeth knew how greedy and selfish people were. Admittedly, she was not a saint either. She had done her fair share of bad things. However, other people would fight, rob, and kill to get their hands on Rena. The larger civilizations would declare war. The entire world would plunge into chaos again. That was the worst possible outcome. She could not let that happen, when they were so painfully close to ending the Second Great Kingdom War. Therefore, it was in her best interest… not to tell Protector Avin about Rena or anything else. Having concluded that, Elizabeth sighed and began to walk away. This negotiation had failed.