Chapter 31. Right of First Refusal

While the physician meticulously examined the potted plant, the tribesmen watched from behind, their anxiety palpable. They were desperately hoping the old man would confirm that it was indeed Silask. After carefully inspecting the leaves, turning them over, and scrutinizing every detail, the physician finally declared, "It is indeed Silask."

"Damn it! Gods!"

"Thank the heavens!"

"Then hurry, brew it! Huh? Winchen is about to take his last breath!"

Short bursts of cheers erupted at the physician's words. They embraced each other, offering prayers of gratitude to the gods. Only the chieftain, Kakan, remained unmoved, his gaze fixed on the plant.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes. Comparing it to all existing records, it is undoubtedly Silask. The number and thickness of the leaves, the color, the scent, the shape of the roots, everything matches our expectations. And most importantly, if the foreigner's testimony is to be believed, the flower bloomed and has not wilted since?"

The most crucial characteristic had already been confirmed through Winchen, so there was no need to add anything further. The chieftain nodded and urged, "Then brew the medicine quickly."

"However…"

A slight hesitation, but enough to freeze the atmosphere in the tent.

"The quantity is insufficient."

"Quantity?"

"The records state that three roots are needed for a complete cure. Winchen is already greatly weakened, and this pot only contains two roots. It will likely only be a temporary reprieve."

The quantity was insufficient. However, they decided to focus on the positive.

"Even a temporary reprieve is a blessing. Hurry and prepare the concoction. Just one root for now."

"Yes, Kakan."

"And the outsider, Ian…"

He trailed off mid-command. Everyone looked at him, puzzled. Kakan corrected himself after a moment of contemplation.

"Bring Lord Ian Bratz here."

Regardless of the circumstances, he had brought the Silask to help their leader. His intentions might be unknown, but as chieftain, and as one of the Cheonrye, this was a clear act of goodwill. They had a duty to uphold their promise.

Thud-

Ian entered the tent, his expression calm. He had likely heard the commotion from outside. He looked at the potted plant on the table and smiled.

"Knowing it's one of the last of its kind, it seems particularly vibrant today."

"Lord Ian Bratz."

He placed a hand over his heart and bowed. It was the same etiquette Nersaren had shown him at the mansion. When Kakan bowed, his subordinates had to follow suit.

"We are sincerely grateful for your help."

"I hear the quantity is insufficient, though."

"That does not change the fact that you have helped us. On that note, I have a few questions for you. Please, have a seat."

His attitude had clearly changed. While not entirely deferential, as he was the chieftain of the Cheonrye, his words were laced with respect.

"Speak."

"Can more Silask be obtained from Bratz?"

If Winchen died, someone from the tribe would take her place. This was an unchanging truth. And in time, that person would also need Silask. In the long run, cultivating the red flower was essential for the Cheonrye.

"I cannot be certain."

"Please elaborate, in a way we can understand."

"The plant is indeed mine. But to be precise…"

Ian hesitated. To explain the exact origin of the plant, he would have to mention the existence of the person who gave it to him, which would inevitably reveal his status as an illegitimate child.

It was something he would have to reveal eventually, but whether this was the right time was another matter. As Ian remained silent, everyone in the tent watched his lips, holding their breath.

"Lord Ian?"

"My apologies. I've had it since I was a child, but I don't know how it came into my possession. There is someone who might know, but I cannot meet them at this time. I can only contact them in about fifteen to thirty days."

To obtain Silask, Bratz, which was only a few days' journey away, was certainly more advantageous than the south, whose path was uncertain.

"Does that mean Count Dergar is also unaware of the existence of Silask?"

"No one in the Bratz mansion knew of the flower. Even I only learned of it upon arriving here."

He had thought of formally applying for it as a trade item, but it was perplexing to hear that it wasn't even circulated within Bratz. Kakan fell into thought, tapping the table lightly.

"...But why would it take fifteen to thirty days to contact them?"

It was a distance that could be covered in three or four days at most. Was the person who knew about Silask somewhere else? As if confirming Kakan's guess, Ian nodded.

"Due to certain circumstances, it will be difficult to see them in Bratz."

"May I inquire further?"

"...I would like to, but then I would require another promise from you."

What could it be this time? He wondered if Ian would request to be sent back to Bratz.

'That would be troublesome.'

"Give me priority negotiation rights over Count Dergar."

"Priority negotiation rights?"

Murmurs rippled through the tent at Ian's words. Weren't they all tied together under House Bratz? Priority negotiation rights between a father and son? That was tantamount to saying there would be internal strife.

Kakan frowned and asked, "You intend to overthrow your father, I presume."

"Is it not also true for the Cheonrye that the strong sit at the head?"

True. He really couldn't argue with that. The Cheonrye were the ones who embodied the law of survival of the fittest. Kakan realized that this conversation was taking a very interesting turn.

"I apologize, but I cannot grant you priority negotiation rights. You cannot mobilize the Bratz soldiers at this moment, nor can you increase the amount of grain you can provide us."

It meant, what assurance did he have to make such a promise to someone who had nothing to offer? However, contrary to his words of denial, Kakan had a smile playing on his lips. It held an expectation that Ian would dispel his doubts.

"Very well. I will tell you. But if you deem this information worthy of determining the priority negotiation rights, swear upon the gods that you will keep your promise to me."

"I swear."

He had nothing to lose. Kakan leaned back in the soft, fleece-covered chair, signaling Ian to continue. His body immediately stiffened at Ian's next words, however.

"An army, along with imperial inspectors, will be descending from the Imperial Palace. The charge is treason due to tax evasion. It is possible that within a month, the name Bratz will be completely erased."

"What? Treason?"

"What did he just say?"

"An army from the Imperial Palace?"

The tent buzzed with disbelief at the bombshell. Kakan's dark brown eyes stared intently at Ian. Even without Winchen's gypsy abilities, he knew Ian was telling the truth.

"Is this true?"

"I swear upon the heavens, it is the truth."

"How do you know this?"

"Before the peace treaty, someone came down from the central government to assess my suitability as a candidate for the treaty. I heard it from them."

"If House Bratz falls, you won't be safe either, will you?"

"That is why I have come here. If House Bratz is annihilated, wouldn't it also be troublesome for the Cheonrye?"

House Bratz and the Cheonrye tribe. They shared a border and maintained a precarious relationship. While not exactly friendly, they respected each other's territories.

But if Bratz disappeared and the Emperor's central army was stationed there? Would the Emperor of the Empire fear a barbarian tribe on the outskirts like Dergar did? Even if a new Count was appointed, would they engage in trade with them?

It would be a monumental event that would completely change the political landscape.

"Is Count Dergar aware?"

"He is not. And even if he were, it would only lead to unnecessary bloodshed. Treason, regardless of the Emperor's leniency, always results in beheading. I ventured across the desert to preserve the territory with minimal losses."

"What do you mean?"

"When my father is dead and the territory is vacant, I want you to lead your warriors and enter the Bratz territory with me."

"That's preposterous! Kakan!"

An old man listening from the back shouted in astonishment. But unlike him, Kakan and Nersaren's eyes gleamed sharply. They realized that Ian was hiding something else.

Kakan spoke, as if carefully calculating, "If Dergar dies, it means the Emperor's central army will be in the territory. If we confront them, we will be in trouble."

"I am aware. But they will want to avoid a conflict with you."

Because they were preparing for a real rebellion. There was no way they would want to confront a barbarian tribe on the outskirts, especially one whose military strength was unconfirmed.

"Why?"

"Chieftain, you are asking for far too much from me."

That was an answer he couldn't give.

The sound of Kakan tapping on the table grew faster. It meant his thoughts had become more complicated.

"The Cheonrye just need to stand behind me. It would be great if you could add a word, something like, 'As an ally who has been with Bratz for many years, the Cheonrye stand with Ian Bratz, who has become family.'"

"Then the Empire might turn its swords against us."

"Against the Cheonrye, who command the vast desert and the strongest warriors? I doubt it. It would more likely be the other way around."

From the central government's perspective, they would think that Ian managing the territory would be the most effective way to control the Cheonrye. It could also imply that depending on Ian's decision, he could even go to war for the territory's independence.

If the territory became independent, all the effort put into purging Dergar would be for naught.

"War in the Empire does not always require the drawing of swords. The Empire will choose the easy and cheap method. Even if a military conflict does arise, if you do not wish it, you can simply return to the great desert."

"Lord Ian. You are saying something extraordinary."

"I have been thinking about this since before I crossed the desert. If you help me, and if I manage to protect Bratz, or rather, the territory, I will show you the power of a 'true alliance,' something the Cheonrye have never experienced."

It wasn't a lie. If the military's food supplies were reduced due to peace, the territory's warehouses would surely be filled to the brim. This would allow everyone to live abundantly.

"Wait a moment."

Nersaren, who had been listening quietly, raised his hand. He had an expression that indicated he didn't understand something.

"Speak."

"You, or rather, Lord Ian, you said that treason is a grave crime punishable by annihilation. Your name is Ian Bratz, the son of a traitor. Returning to the territory itself would be impossible, no matter how much we protect you."

"As expected of Nersaren. You are correct. That is a very important point."

Ian smiled, clapping lightly.

And he emphasized once again.

"I am indeed Dergar's biological son."

He first pointed out that there was no issue with his bloodline.

"But legally, I am not. I have not yet been registered. Therefore, my name is not 'Ian Bratz,' but simply 'Ian.'"

"What?"

The tent buzzed with murmurs. But Ian's following words were enough to silence everyone.

"Therefore, the Empire cannot legally charge me with treason. That is how I can become the new lord of Bratz."

Of course, one misstep could lead to enslavement, but there was no need to inform the Cheonrye of that.