Lord of the Oasis Chapter 818 - The Grand Finale (5)

“Thank you, Lord Kant.” Nate expressed his gratitude, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“It’s nothing.” Kant casually replied, his gaze sweeping over the other attendants. They consciously parted to allow him passage. After a brief nod to Nate, Kant turned and departed, with Abel and Bunduk in close pursuit.

As the trio exited the inn, a carriage dispatched by the surveillance bureau awaited them.

The carriage driver, a waiter adorned in the surveillance bureau’s uniform, lounged on his seat, appearing utterly bored. His attention was fixated on the inn’s entrance. Upon spotting Kant and his companions, he retrieved a set of portraits from his person and began a comparison. Once he had confirmed their identities, the driver promptly dismounted. “Lord Kant, Lord Abel, Lord Bunduk. Good evening. I am Brown, the attendant sent to escort you,” he greeted them respectfully.

“Apologies for keeping you waiting,” Kant said, offering Brown a hand up and a disarming smile.

“Not at all. This meeting was rather sudden, and I'm sure all Lords needed time to prepare,” the attendant responded, shaking his head. “However, it is quite late now, so we must make haste. Please, board the carriage first, my Lords.”

“Mm.” Kant gave a slight nod. After the attendant positioned the ladder for boarding, Kant slowly ascended and entered the carriage, lifting the curtain before stepping inside.

Bunduk and Abel, without hesitation, clambered onto the carriage. Once inside, they took seats to Kant’s left and right.

“My Lords, please hold tight!” a servant’s voice called from outside the door curtain. Moments later, the carriage began to rumble down the street, accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of hooves.

“Your Majesty,” Abel finally broke the silence after some time. “You may rest in the carriage. We shall wake you upon arrival at the monitoring station.”

“Alright.” Kant exhaled deeply, crossing his arms and closing his eyes amidst the carriage’s jostling motion.

Observing Kant drift into a deep slumber, Abel and Bunduk exchanged glances. It was evident their sovereign was truly exhausted.

Throughout the fifteen-minute journey, Abel and Bunduk maintained a respectful silence, careful not to disturb Kant as he caught up on his much-needed rest.

Once the carriage came to a halt, Abel slowly rose and approached the window. He lifted the curtain, revealing the imposing structure of the monitoring station.

“My Lords, we have reached the monitoring station,” Brown announced cheerfully from outside. He had dismounted and now stood beside the carriage, not having entered.

“Yes.” Abel inclined his head towards Bunduk, signaling him to wake His Majesty.

However, before Bunduk could utter a word, Kant’s eyes snapped open. The weariness that had clouded his features moments before had completely vanished.

Bunduk paused, momentarily taken aback, before addressing Kant. “Your Highness… we have arrived at the monitoring station.”

“Indeed.” Kant nodded, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles on his clothes. “Let us proceed.”

“Yes.” Abel glanced at Kant and immediately exited the carriage. Bunduk followed suit, rising from his seat.

“Upon reaching the monitoring station, the carriage can only proceed this far,” Brown explained, seeing Abel’s departure. “Once you Lords enter the front hall’s doors, another attendant will take over and guide you further.”

“I understand. Thank you for your service,” Abel acknowledged.

“Hmm?” The attendant craned his neck, peering into the carriage. “Where are Lord Kant and Lord Bunduk?” he inquired, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Abel raised an eyebrow, about to respond, when Kant emerged from the carriage, Bunduk right behind him.

“Lord Kant!” the attendant greeted with a wide smile.

“My apologies for the delay,” Kant said, returning the smile.

“Not at all, not at all!” The attendant gestured dismissively. “Allow me to retrieve the boarding ladder from the carriage.”

Abel intervened, stopping the attendant. “No need for the trouble.”

With that, he hopped off the cart and offered Kant a steady hand to the ground.

“This attendant, Brown, mentioned someone will guide us from within the entrance,” Abel informed Kant and Bunduk.

“Thank you.” After bidding farewell to Brown, Kant led Bunduk and Abel towards the gate of the monitoring station.

Brown, meanwhile, stowed the wooden ladder back in its place. He watched as the three figures disappeared into the entrance before leading the horse towards the stables.

The moment Kant stepped through the gate, a deferential servant immediately approached to greet them.

Kant regarded the servant with a flicker of surprise. It was rather uncommon to encounter a human servant within the monitoring station. Furthermore, the name tag displayed on the servant’s chest indicated a distinct role compared to the other reception staff.

“You must be Lord Kant, Lord Abel, and Lord Bunduk?” the attendant inquired with a smile. “I am the attendant dispatched by the museum to guide you. Please, follow me.”

“Indeed, excellent.” Kant gave a nod. Once the attendant had departed, he promptly followed in their wake.

The attendant guided them towards the uppermost level of the monitoring station. The chambers on this floor were rather exclusive, occupying a considerable expanse. Even the fabric of the carpeting underfoot differed notably from that on the preceding levels.

Before a door standing two meters tall, the attendant paused, addressing Kant, “All esteemed guests, please proceed inside.”

“Hm?” Kant directed a questioning glance at the attendant, but this individual had already bowed and retreated to a nearby corner, quite oblivious to Kant’s actions.

Just as Kant prepared to take initiative and turn the lock himself, Bunduk stepped forward, reaching for the door handle.

The handle, appearing to be crafted from white jade, felt cool to the touch. Bunduk took a concealed, deep breath, gathering his resolve before turning the lock mechanism.

The door itself was constructed from a remarkably lightweight material. As Bunduk slowly pulled it open, the individuals already seated in the meeting room gradually shifted their attention towards the entrance.

Bunduk stood aside at the doorway, creating a clear passage for Kant.

Kant then proceeded into the conference hall, and an imposing presence immediately seemed to saturate the atmosphere. Gilbert, alongside the chieftain of the dwarf clan, rose in unison and advanced to the entrance to extend a welcome to Kant.

“Lord Kant, a most cordial welcome.” Gilbert offered his hand in greeting.

“It has been some time, Your Highness Gilbert.” Kant inclined his torso slightly, aligning his gaze with Gilbert’s, and responded with a smile.

“Lord Kant, the honor is truly ours to meet you.” The envoy representing the Dragon Clan also approached Kant to offer salutations.

“And who might you be?” Kant inquired, a slight elevation in his brow.

“The Young Master regrets his inability to attend personally today. To ensure his presence at this crucial meeting, he has dispatched me in his stead,” the dragon clan representative explained. “I am Frey.”

Chapter 898: The Circumstances of the First Encounter

“General Frey is the trusted right-hand man of Young Master Millard,” the Dwarf Clan chief interjected helpfully. “Given that General Frey has graced us with his personal attendance, I surmise our negotiations are likely to proceed with enhanced smoothness.”

“Indeed, I anticipate your guidance.” Kant clasped Frey’s extended right hand, offering a subtle nod.

“Let us collaborate,” Frey responded with a smile, before returning to his designated seat.

Kant observed his retreating figure, a thought crossing his mind: ‘The bearing of these dragon soldiers is invariably cut from the same cloth.’

“Your Highness Kant, allow me to make an introduction. This is the esteemed leader of the dwarf clan, Miss Kailin.” Gilbert, fulfilling his role as host and administrator of the town, proceeded to introduce Kant to the various clan leaders who had been organized to meet him.

“Greetings, Miss Kailin.” Kant maintained a perpetual smile, appearing unfazed despite the focused attention of all present.

“Greetings, Lord Kant. This marks our initial encounter, and I trust we shall foster a harmonious relationship moving forward,” the dwarf clan leader stated generously. After completing the necessary pleasantries, she turned to depart.

Following the exchange of greetings with all the leaders present, Kant finally took his seat. Adjacent to him, on either side, were Miss Karen and General Frey.

“Now that all parties are assembled, allow me to formally commence. The meeting is now officially in session,” Gilbert announced from the central seat, taking a measured breath before addressing the assembly.

The moment Gilbert’s words concluded, a servant stationed by the door promptly produced a notice board. This board displayed comprehensive intelligence, painstakingly gathered by the GNOME organization over the preceding months, concerning the clandestine dark side organization.

The information was presented not only through written accounts but also included detailed portraits and likenesses.

Gazing upon the notice board, positioned a mere three meters from his vantage point, Kant offered a silent internal commendation for the meticulous and discreet diligence of the GNOME.

Gilbert allocated approximately ten minutes for each attendee to review the contents of the displayed information.

A lively exchange of words emanated from behind Kant. Turning his head, he observed Miss Kaileen of the dwarf clan engaged in conversation with the matriarch of the Snake Lady Clan. Their interaction suggested a pre-existing familiarity, carrying an air of comfortable acquaintance.

Shifting his gaze away from the pair, Kant surveyed the other individuals in the hall. The majority of the assembled leaders were recognized figures, evidently well-acquainted with one another. Kant, remaining in his seat, found himself unapproached for a considerable duration.

“Lord Kant, I understand you were the one who resolved the predicament involving Potts and his companions,” Frey, seated to Kant’s right, inquired at this juncture. His finger gestured towards a section of the public notice board: the dossier pertaining to Potts and his associates was affixed there.

“We were merely acting to secure the safety of a friend,” Kant replied with composure.

“Word is, you managed to bribe an operative of the Dark Side organization, persuading them to guide your people to Potts and the others,” Frey persisted, showing no inclination to abandon his line of questioning.

“Yes, my friend was implanted with a parasitic worm by a member of the Dark Side organization, and his life is in grave danger. Our only hope rests on this plan; we must give it a try,” Kant stated.

“A worm? Is he skilled in witchcraft?” Frey inquired with curiosity.

“No.” Kant’s demeanor turned guarded when the topic of the individual arose. He elaborated, “We are unaware of his true identity. After he provided us with the antidote for the parasitic worm, we allowed him to depart.”

“What?” Frei’s expression shifted to one of surprise. After glancing around, he leaned in and whispered to Kant, “Your Highness Kant, you must not casually allow members of the Dark Side to escape.”

“What would happen?” Kant’s eyes glinted with a hint of mockery. The Dragon Clan had deliberately remained non-committal in this affair, clearly intending to profit from both sides. Their passive observation was already irritating enough. He found it unexpected that a trusted aide of Young Master Mirad would exhibit such a cautious and hypocritical facade.

Kant, as a matter of course, paid no heed to his “advice.”

“This…” Frey hesitated, glancing at Kant’s face before swallowing his words. He continued tentatively, “He might implicate you in trouble, or something similar…”

“What is there to fear?” Kant responded calmly. “Is it possible that one of the leaders present here wishes to see members of the Dark Side exterminated?”

Frey was left speechless by Kant’s retort. He could only hold his breath and sit up straighter in his seat.

Abel and Bunduk exchanged smiles, a gentle expression gracing their faces. The Dragon Clan’s representative had intended to leverage this situation to undermine the Caradia side’s influence. However, they had underestimated Kant, a true ruler who had forged an empire capable of sustaining hundreds of thousands from the desolate sands of an oasis. His true leadership was vastly different from the superficial heirs they had encountered previously.

Consequently, the representative could only face a one-sided defeat.

After the minute hand on the wall clock advanced two spaces, Gilbert cleared his throat and addressed the assembly, “Please quiet down!”

The leaders, who had been engaged in discussion, immediately fell silent. They awaited Gilbert’s subsequent pronouncements.

“As you are all aware, the Dark Side’s forces have infiltrated the streets and alleys of this very town. Furthermore,” Gilbert continued, “just a few days ago, we detected Dark Side operatives within the monitoring station. That specific operative has now provided us with the names of all Dark Side members with whom he maintained contact.” Gilbert took a deep breath and calmly explained, “Following the adjournment of this meeting, that list will be disseminated to those among you who have chosen to align yourselves with the monitoring station’s cause.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” someone at a table queried loudly.

“Although it may seem premature to announce this now, on behalf of the Gnome tribe, I officially declare to everyone present that our people will wage war against the Dark Side.”

Upon hearing these words, the faces of the various racial leaders, who had moments before displayed anger and displeasure, immediately turned ashen.

“The leader of the Gnome tribe possesses such tremendous courage. It is truly a beacon of hope for the Gnome Tribe’s future,” the Dwarf clan chief remarked, apparently unfazed by the Gnome Leader’s declaration. He offered only words of praise to Gilbert.

Kant observed the reactions unfolding around him. General Frey of the Dragon Race had already departed the banquet and approached a guard standing behind him, whispering something into his ear.

The assembled leaders exhibited a spectrum of reactions: some were astonished, others impassive, a few were fired up and eager for battle, while others were clearly engaged in calculation.

Chapter 899: The Stance of the Island Races

Irrespective of their internal thoughts, Kant felt a profound sense of relief. Gilbert’s announcement had arrived at the most opportune moment for him.

The conflict on the island had already entered its critical mid-stage following the incident at the surveillance bureau.

At this juncture, demonstrating resolute strength was the most advantageous course of action for any race seeking to oppose the Dark Side.

And the Gnome race, represented by Gilbert, held the most strategically advantageous position among this gathering.

“Therefore, I have convened everyone here today because I intend to form an alliance. After all, the matters we will discuss next pertain directly to the lives of our warriors,” Gilbert declared, striking the conference table with his hand. He fixed his gaze upon the individuals present.

“I am willing to contribute to the Gnome’s endeavors,” Kant announced, raising his right hand to declare his allegiance to Gilbert.

As Kant represented forces external to the island, his declaration did not elicit a significant stir. Apart from the racial leaders who were unacquainted with him, who might have been criticizing him behind his back, only Frey turned to cast a glance in his direction, his eyes conveying a complex mixture of emotions.

Gilbert offered Kant a polite nod and inquired, “Are there others?”

“We are also participating,” the Dwarf clan chief, seated to Gilbert’s left, stated gently. “We will join the initiative as well.”

A soft acknowledgment came from Gilbert after observing the stance of the diminutive clan, his confidence burgeoning as he surveyed the others present.

Affirmations began to ripple through the assembled crowd.

“Representing the orcs, I declare our agreement to wage war against the forces of darkness,” proclaimed an ornately dressed orc. “The followers of the dark must be annihilated.”

Following this declaration, a handful of racial leaders remained conspicuously silent.

“Lord Fansi, what is your stance?” Gilbert inquired, turning his attention to an angel seated in a secluded corner.

Kant and the others also shifted their gazes. This was Kant’s inaugural encounter with an angel. The angel, known as Fansi, possessed luminous, translucent skin and a serene smile, appearing to be bathed in a divine radiance. Intriguingly, Kant had not registered his presence upon entering the chamber. Noticing the collective focus upon him, Fansi offered a gentle nod and rose, responding to Gilbert, “The atmosphere within this room has become somewhat close. If you would permit me, I shall take my leave.”

“Very well,” Gilbert replied, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features as he watched Fansi depart.

Kant, however, pondered the survival of the angel race on this diminutive island, having seen no other angels besides Fansi in the small settlement.

“Fansi remains unchanged,” remarked Miss Caitlin with a light laugh.

The remaining lords who had yet to voice their decisions departed alongside Fansi, leaving the chamber less than half-filled.

A sigh escaped Kant’s lips; the number of departures far exceeded his expectations.

Observing Gilbert’s crestfallen expression, Kant could sense his unhappiness.

“Miss Caitlin, are you acquainted with Lord Angel?” Kant posed the question to Caitlin.

“Acquainted?” Caitlin turned towards Kant, a smile gracing her lips. “I’ve never encountered the notion of angels having acquaintances.”

“Based on your earlier remark, it seemed as though you two knew each other,” Kant continued, his demeanor unwavering. “Do you happen to know why the Angel clan is abstaining from the conflict against the Dark Side?”

“Fansi’s continued presence on this island is to safeguard his extensive stables,” Karen stated impassively. “Regardless of who exercises dominion over the town, his equine enterprise remains unaffected. His participation, or lack thereof, is of little consequence.”

“Then why does everyone appear so disheartened?” Kant queried. “If it were merely about horses, they would hold little relevance in the town’s internal conflict. Yet, even after Fansi’s departure, the leaders of the races who chose to remain did not seem pleased.”

“Am I not displaying happiness?” Karen gestured animatedly towards her face, her tone vibrant. “They believe Fansi’s alignment with the monitoring station guarantees their victory in this engagement. They prefer not to squander their efforts on such certainties. It would be far more engaging if Fansi were to deliver the ‘will of the gods’ to the dark side.”

“What are you suggesting?!” The leader of the snake-woman tribe, seated beside Kaelin, intervened, attempting to silence the young dwarf. While she was well aware of Kaelin’s tendency towards flippant remarks, she had not anticipated…”