Meeting with the Tribal leaders

16—09—1560 WC

The convoy of vehicles rumbled along the dirt road. The destination was Alpha Base, the Eastern Division's main headquarters. As the imposing gates swung open with a mechanical groan, the soldiers on guard snapped to attention, their salutes crisp and disciplined. The vehicles rolled through, coming to a halt before the seven-story headquarters building where Major General Petrov, Commander of the Eastern Division, stood waiting with his officers.

The doors of the vehicles opened, and a group of individuals dressed in black emerged, forming a protective cordon around a sleek sedan. The door of the sedan opened, and Alberto stepped out, his presence commanding immediate respect.

Major General Petrov stepped forward, his hand snapping to a salute. "Your Majesty, we are honoured by your presence," he said, his voice steady and respectful yet carrying an undertone of authority. Behind him, the other officers followed suit, their salutes echoing Petrov's.

"Major General Petrov," Alberto acknowledged with a nod, his voice low and measured. "I heard that Colonel Hans was injured in the recent engagement. How is he faring?"

Petrov's expression tightened slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. He sustained several broken bones and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The doctors have advised him to rest for the time being."

Alberto's gaze hardened, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes. "Hmm... Very well. And the tribal leaders? Where are they?"

"They are waiting in the conference room, Your Majesty," Petrov replied promptly.

"Good. Let's proceed," Alberto said, his tone firm but not unkind. He gestured for Petrov to lead the way, and the group moved toward the headquarters building.

........

As they walked, Alberto's mind was already at work, analyzing the situation. He had seen the consequences of poor leadership and hasty decisions, and he was determined not to repeat those mistakes here.

As they entered the conference room, Alberto's sharp eyes immediately took in the four tribal leaders seated at the table. Their expressions were a mix of fear, anger, and resignation. He understood their emotions all too well.

Masu, the chieftain of Tara Village, sat stiffly in his chair, his mind flashing back to the day his world had crumbled. He remembered the two thousand warriors who had gathered, ready to defend their land against the Empire's forces. They had been confident, even defiant, believing in their strength and unity. But that confidence had evaporated the moment the Empire's "metallic birds" had appeared in the sky, raining destruction upon them. The ground had shaken, fires had erupted, and chaos had consumed everything.

Masu had watched in horror as his warriors fell, their lives extinguished in an instant. He had seen Timba and Astra, charge forward despite the devastation, but even their courage had been no match for the Empire's iron beasts. In the end, Masu had made the agonizing decision to surrender, if only to spare what remained of his people.

Now, sitting in this opulent room, surrounded by the trappings of a civilization far beyond his understanding, Masu felt a deep sense of unease. He had no idea what the Empire planned to do with them, but he knew they were at its mercy.

Alberto took his seat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed but authoritative. He studied the tribal leaders for a moment before speaking, his voice calm and measured.

"I am Emperor Alberto, ruler of the Bramble Empire," he began, his tone sincere. "First, let me express my deepest regret for the lives lost in the recent conflict. Many of your people have died at our hands, and for that, I offer my sincerest apologies."

The tribal leaders exchanged uneasy glances, their anger simmering beneath the surface. They dared not speak out, knowing full well the consequences of defiance. Alberto noticed their discomfort and felt a pang of guilt. He had seen that look before—on the faces of those who had suffered under the weight of war.

"Let us move forward," Alberto continued, his voice steady. "I have no desire to see further bloodshed. My goal is to bring peace and prosperity to all who live under the banner of the Bramble Empire."

He gestured to Carl, who stepped forward and placed a file on the table. "This document outlines the terms of your integration into the Empire," Alberto explained. "By placing your fingertips here, you will officially become citizens of the Bramble Empire, with all the rights and privileges that entails."

Masu hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he studied the device. "What guarantees do we have that you will honour this agreement?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Alberto met his gaze squarely. "You have my word as Emperor. I do not make promises lightly, and I intend to ensure that your people are treated with fairness and respect."

One by one, the tribal leaders pressed their fingertips onto the device, their expressions a mix of resignation and cautious hope.

"Congratulations," Alberto said, a faint smile touching his lips. "You are now officially citizens of the Bramble Empire."

Krulos, the chieftain of Omo Valley Village, stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly. "Your Majesty, will you release my daughter now? She was taken into custody after your soldiers discovered she had used magic to gather information about your forces."

Alberto's gaze shifted to Petrov, who nodded in confirmation. "Your Majesty, it is true. She used invisibility magic to infiltrate our camp. We have her in custody, but she has not been harmed."

Alberto turned back to Krulos, his expression calm but firm. "Chieftain Krulos, your daughter will be returned to you. However, she—and all mages like her—will be required to work under the supervision of our Magic Department. This is not a punishment, but a measure to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future."

Krulos nodded reluctantly, understanding the implications. His daughter would be monitored, her abilities controlled, but at least she would be alive.

As the meeting drew to a close, Alberto stood, his presence commanding the room. Before he left, he turned back to the tribal leaders, his expression thoughtful.

"Tell me," he said, his voice carrying a note of curiosity, "what do you know of the world beyond this island?"

The tribal leaders exchanged bewildered glances. The world beyond their island was a realm of myth and legend, a place of danger and mystery.

"We... we have never ventured beyond the island," Masu admitted, his voice hesitant. "The sea is filled with terrible monsters, and there are tales of a great sea monster ruler—a creature so vast and powerful that even the other sea beasts fear it."

Alberto's eyes gleamed with interest. "A sea monster ruler, you say? Tell me more."

Masu hesitated, then continued. "Our ancestors spoke of it. They said its scales are like polished obsidian, and its eyes burn like molten gold. It is said to be as large as a mountain, capable of stirring the seas with a mere gesture. No one who has encountered it has lived to tell the tale."

Alberto's lips curved into a faint smile. "Fascinating. I would very much like to see how my navy fares against such a creature."

The tribal leaders stared at him in disbelief. "Your Majesty," Masu said cautiously, "with all due respect, the sea monster ruler is a force of nature. To challenge it in its own domain would be... unwise."

Alberto chuckled softly, his confidence unwavering. "Perhaps. But I have faced many challenges in my time, and I have learned that no enemy is invincible. We shall see."

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I made a map of the Island, check the comment 👍