Queen's Party

-----Kaede's POV

Today is the day that both Ilfa and Cecelia meet. Apparently, it was decided that the meeting would take place at a neutral location that doesn't have any large amount of threats. I suggested to the queen that the mountain range would be ideal since that wyvern I had taken has been killed, leaving behind only her babies. The queen agreed as long as I handle the baby wyverns.

When I relayed the plan to Ilfa during one of our cooking lessons, she also agreed. However she did say that she'll be taking her sister, Tarifa and Sweyn along with her. To me, that seems understandable, especially considering that the queen will also be getting escorted by Neri and the masked captain who had just returned along with the rest of the Yarene forces. And since I'm the cause of all of this, I'll be acting as the mediator of sorts, trying my best to keep a neutral viewpoint.

...

When we arrive at the mountain's flat top, I took a moment to quickly charm the baby wyverns, forcing them to stay put. Once this is over I can maybe ask the queen if I could take care of them, but that might prove to be difficult in the future; especially when they're fully grown.

Ilfa and her two escorts soon arrived, flying in with their own wings with Ilfa being at the center of the three. In terms of raw power, Ilfa definitely has the advantage between her and Cecelia, no doubt. However, Neri and her captain are a bit unknown with their mana being hidden. Either way, If a fight breaks out, I'll try my best to contain it. I also have Mai on standby back home, ready to teleport everyone in, including Yui who would be our trump card at dealing with magic.

Ilfa: "So you're the queen of the humans?"

Cecelia: "The queen of Yarene. I don't think humans have just one queen or king."

And so the talk begins. I can tell that Ilfa has already relaxed after seeing the queen, probably thinking that she could kill her easily if it comes down to it. But hopefully she listens to what I said the other day and just try to keep everything civil.

Ilfa: "I'll just get right to the chase. My people and I want to live in peace, okay? Everyone's had enough with you lot trying to expand and take over everything."

Cecelia: "That was the Inasdale king's doing. I had no part in that."

Ilfa: "Even so. I'd like for you guys not to come and invade us again. Of course we'll do the same and not attack your land."

Cecelia: "You mean to sign a peace treaty with me?"

Ilfa: "If that's what you want to call it, then yes."

This is going exactly how I expected so far. I know Cecelia saw the monsters as a threat in the future and wanted to get rid of that threat as soon as possible. Only I had to ruin that plan, leaving us where we are now.

Cecelia: "Hmmm~"

The queen seems to be amused by this turn of events. I did say to her that Ilfa is unique in terms of monsters, but it seems like she's finally figured out what I meant. People would generally think that demons would love to eradicate anyone else, but Ilfa breaks that stereotype, even going as far as agreeing to a peace treaty.

Tarifa: "Sister. She's clearly mocking you. Let's just stop this."

I overhear Tarifa whispering into Ilfa's ear. I doubt the other side could hear it, but I don't think there's a reason to panic. Ilfa remains calm, dismissing her sister's remark whilst still facing Cecelia.

Ilfa: "So. Shall we say that everything to the east of this mountain range be regarded as my territory, and everything to the west be yours?"

Cecelia: "You plan on keeping this area as a neutral area?"

Ilfa: "Sure."

Cecelia: "Then I have some terms. One, anyone here would be barred from fighting."

Ilfa: "Agreed. I was going to suggest that same thing."

Cecelia: "Good. And two, I'd like to make an outpost here. There's plenty of room so if you'd like, you may also do the same. We could even turn this mountain range into a trading center."

Woah... I had no idea Cecelia would suggest something like that. Even Neri and the captain turned their heads to her in surprise. I can't blame them. Who in their right mind would want to live on a mountain that's filled with monsters and demons. But that could also be said for the monsters and demons themselves. I doubt they'd like to work together with humans.

Ilfa: "I doubt we'd like to do trade with one another. We have different needs, but if you plan on establishing some buildings here, then I can arrange something."

Cecelia: "Perfect. So then we're in agreement?"

Ilfa: "Not quite-"

I'm aware what Ilfa is truly after with this conversation. In my opinion, I think it's perfectly acceptable for Fabian to do as he pleases. If he wants to be with Ilfa, then he should. But I remember overhearing something about the queen having plans for Fabian, so I'm a little nervous how this'll go.

Ilfa: "I have my own terms. And it's in regards to Fabian."

Cecelia: "Iris' son, yes?"

Ilfa: "..."

Ilfa looks over to me as I just give her a head nod. I forgot that Ilfa isn't aware of Iris' name.

Ilfa: "Correct."

Cecelia: "Well, I would like for him to return with us. He should be back with his family, where he belongs."

Her words caused my heart to tighten for but an instant as I end up looking back over to Ilfa. Her eyes definitely changed from a calm, soft expression to a more tense and firm expression, with her brows now slightly furrowed.

Ilfa: "Where he belongs?"

Cecelia: "Right. I'm sure he's uncomfortable being surrounded by mons- uh, people not of his kind."

Thankfully the queen ate her words just then. With Ilfa right now, calling her a monster might've made this situation a whole lot worse. But from the looks of it, just the start of the word seems to have escalated it as I can see one of Ilfa's hand had begun morphing into a long, black hand with daggers as her fingers. She hasn't acted yet, but just that alone made everyone tense up, including me as I also begin to grow out one of my nails behind my back, readying myself to draw out my blood.

Ilfa: "How would you know? He's the one that asked if he could stay here with me. He's not uncomfortable at all!"

Cecelia: "That might be so, but don't you think he should be with his family?"

Ilfa: "...And you think forcing him to make that decision is for the best? Why can't he decide what he wants to do?"

The exact same sentiment I have. I agree with Ilfa here. Fabian should be able to decide for himself.

Cecelia: "Then let me ask you this. What do you need Fabian for?"

Ilfa: "...Shouldn't I be saying that to you? You're the one that's apparently needing him."

Cecelia: "..."

Ilfa: "So I'd like to make another term for this so called "peace treaty." Fabian will have his free will. I will not have him tied down to whatever it is you have planned."

Ilfa: "Kaede-"

Suddenly. I hear Ilfa's voice, only this time it was echoing in my head, much like how Mai communicated to me."

Ilfa: "Have Mai teach me how to use that spatial magic."

Kaede: "You mean teleporting?"

Ilfa: "Yes."

Oh god... I have a bad feeling, but I'm sure she only wants to learn for Fabian's sake."

Ilfa: "We can extend your visit, allowing you to continue teaching me cooking, and Mai teaching me that magic."

Kaede: "I-I'll do my best."

If that will help calm down Ilfa, then I'll gladly have that arranged. This is all my fault at the end of the day, so I have to do my part in making sure nothing going awry.

Cecelia: "-And If I accept that, our people will live together in peace?"

Ilfa: "Not together. But if you mean not attacking one another, then yes."

Cecelia: "...Then fine. But Fabian does need to come back soon."

Ilfa: "Yes yes~ I'll talk to him about it later. If he wants to, then I'll have Kaede come pick him up. But I will have Kaede keep watch over Fabian while he's over there."

Cecelia: "Fine by me."

With that, Ilfa's hand returns to normal, appearing as a human hand, making the situation far more calm than it was before. I end up heaving a heavy sigh, knowing that this whole ordeal has ended.

Neri: "Hehe. Looks like now you're the supervisor."

But I guess it's not over for me. Apparently now I'm a babysitter for Fabian? Not that I mind if it means that everyone's happy. But I can imagine that it will get tiresome. Maybe when both Cecelia and Ilfa are happy, Maybe Ilfa could come into Yarene along with Fabian. But that might take a while, especially how easily this little talk could've turned hostile.