Javier provokes Gorak and Jaigar during negotiations at the Elven border, seemingly testing their temperaments and assessing their strength. King Garius observes his son's actions, confident in Javier's strategy and believing the summoned heroes are not a true threat. He plans to capture one of them to extract information about their origins and objectives, while also arranging for Erinette to escort Liana and Gloria back to Armand.
Meanwhile.
Elven Nation.
Javier had already climbed onto Buddy’s back, observing the crates being transferred from the horse-drawn carriages to the Armand pekko-drawn carriages. He rested casually, hands clasped behind his head, legs dangling without a care.
The Armand coachmen, two special units who had been with Javier from the mission's inception, stood nearby, their gazes calm and observant as they watched the transfer.
"So, mister?" one of the coachmen inquired, arms crossed, his eyes flicking toward Javier before settling on the group. "Direct to Armand, I presume?"
"Yes!" Javier responded with a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his head. "Full speed! Ehehehe!"
Mikhail tilted his head, looking at 'Beggar Jee' as he conversed with one of the pekko-drawn carriage handlers.
I wonder what he means by 'full speed'?
And I also wonder how fast these... creatures actually are.
He glanced upward at the colossal pekko standing before one of the carriages. The avian creature was enormous, its feathers shimmering brilliantly under the sun. It shifted its head slightly, fixing him with a sharp, one-eyed stare, its beak curling into what appeared to be a smirk.
Mikhail blinked.
Err... did that monstrous bird just smirk at me?
But... birds can't smirk or smile, can they?
He shook his head, letting out a slow exhale.
Perhaps... it’s just my imagination.
Mikhail jumped when a hand landed on his shoulder from behind. He turned and looked up, seeing Gorak with his arms crossed and Jaigar offering him a cold, dismissive smirk.
"Y... yes?"
Jaigar gestured for Mikhail to follow them a short distance away.
I wonder what this is about...
Mikhail trailed after them and halted, his voice laced with uncertainty. "Yes, Sir Jaigar? Sir Gorak?"
Jaigar pressed a few copper coins into his hand, his smirk widening. "Gorak and I have conferred with the others. It's been decided that we no longer require a weakling like you on this mission. You are dismissed."
"B... but, Sir Jaigar..."
Gorak crossed his arms and glared down at him. "You're useless, Mikhail. Your contribution has been minimal. You are merely a liability. We don't need dead weight slowing us down. Our funds are too limited to be squandered on feeding someone incapable of pulling their own weight."
"But Sir Vane instructed me to remain with the group until..."
Jaigar waved his hand dismissively. "Just heed our decision. We will handle the explanations later. Your presence is no longer required. The carriages have already been changed, and the other handlers are far more competent than a weakling like you. Now, take the copper and be on your way."
Gorak folded his arms and fixed Mikhail with a hard glare. "If anyone asks, tell them you had other commitments. Now depart."
He turned and began walking away with Jaigar, then paused, looking back over his shoulder with a cruel smirk. "Consider yourself fortunate that we are allowing you to leave with your life intact."
Mikhail stood rooted to the spot, his fingers tightening around the paltry coins as Jaigar and Gorak walked off without another word, leaving him isolated by the roadside.
They simply discarded me.
If I return to Sir Vane... I will face severe punishment. He has no tolerance for failure. He might even end my life for being dismissed from the mission.
Mikhail's hands trembled as he gazed at the few copper coins in his palm.
I wonder... what am I to do now?
They left me with practically nothing.
He felt his pocket and discovered two silver coins he had stashed earlier, a small emergency fund kept hidden. He closed his fingers around them, his shoulders slumping as he began to walk away, his steps faltering and uncertain.
Javier, from his perch atop Buddy, noticed the man who had negotiated with him walking away alone in the distance.
Ah~ Good.
That fellow was dismissed and left the group.
He let out a quiet, relieved sigh.
It would have been a waste to eliminate a man as capable as him. From what I can gather, he possesses a talent for commerce, a silver tongue, and an innate knack for negotiation. He's better off far from those scoundrels.
He watched as Mikhail vanished into the throng, a faint, genuine smile gracing his lips.
Heh~ Good luck, Mikhail.
Jaigar stopped before Buddy and looked up at Javier, who remained seated casually on the massive pekko.
"We are prepared to depart. Let's move."
Javier nodded, then feigned confusion, casting his eyes around. "Hey, what about the fellow who negotiated with me earlier? The amiable one? Isn't he joining us?"
Jaigar emitted a smug, arrogant chuckle. "That guy? He requested to leave the group. Claimed he had personal matters to attend to. So, we permitted him to go."
"Oh... alright then." Javier shrugged, acting as though he readily accepted the explanation. He turned to the coachmen with a broad grin. "Alright, let's move!"
The carriages jolted forward as the pekko commenced pulling them, their movement steady and fluid.
Javier settled back onto Buddy’s Bback, his grin dissolving into a cold, knowing smirk.
Hmph, what an imbecile. Along with his companions, and their entire group.
How could he utter such words so carelessly when they stood in direct opposition to Mikhail's earlier statement?
Initially, they declared themselves as 'adventurers hired for protection,' yet now this individual claims the merchant simply opted to depart on his own accord? What a flimsy fabrication.
He let out a shake of his head, his gaze intensifying.
Yet another simpleton who deludes themselves into believing they possess superior deceptive abilities than they actually do.
Very well... this implies that mercy will not be extended to any of them.
His hand gently stroked Buddy’s feathered neck, his smirk distorting into a dark expression.
The moment they make a move... let's just say they'll have the opportunity to test out my brand-new blade.
Several hours elapsed.
Within the Elven Royal Palace.
Liana released a soft breath as she glided towards one of the ornate couches, preparing to sit, just as the doors swung open.
Gloria entered, expelling a long, tired sigh as she shut the door behind her.
A smile graced Liana's lips as she offered Gloria a playful look. "And what befell you, my dear second wife~?"
Gloria narrowed her eyes before returning Liana's playful gesture with one of her own, lifting a hand to her mouth. "Might I inquire about your own circumstances~?"
Liana chuckled and shook her head slowly. "My siblings were quite insistent on spending time together. We conversed for ages, catching up on every detail, and then they desired to share a room, just like when we were children. I scarcely had a moment to myself."
She then turned her attention to Gloria. "And your experience?"
Gloria sighed once more, gracefully settling onto the couch beside Liana. "My brothers were much the same. They wished to associate, reminisce about bygone days, and inquire about the Young Master. It was pleasant, undoubtedly, but thoroughly exhausting."
Liana gave a nod, already retrieving her mana-enhanced glasses and communication device, putting them on and adjusting the earpiece.
"Oh? Is that our First Wife?" Gloria teased, a smirk beginning to etch itself onto her lips. "Can you not endure a few hours without checking on him?"
"What is it?" Liana shot back with a sharp glare. "He is our husband. Naturally, I wish to ascertain his well-being." She paused, letting out a prolonged, weary exhalation. "Furthermore, I neglected to check on him earlier today. It is imperative that I confirm he is unharmed."
