CHAPTER 76: GIDEON’S IDEALISTIC PLAN

Dinner was over, Viviene returned to her room, while Gideon’s team gathered in Gideon’s room.

There was a specific issue that needed to be addressed, Gideon made sure no one else would overhear this discussion.

"Norton will return in two days to ask for our answer. What do you all think?" asked Gideon.

He stood by the single-seat sofa, while in front of him there were two long sofas occupied by Lena and Lyra on the right, and Luke on the left.

Two bottles of wine were placed on the glass table, along with four small glass cups for each of them.

Luke was the first to open a bottle and enjoy the wine. He had to admit that freeing Alanar was an easy mission, but he understood the girl’s high status.

No wonder Queen Anastasya had promised to grant Gideon and his team whatever they asked for.

"A reward equal to Princess Alanar. Didn’t the King already promise noble titles?" asked Luke.

"Correct. Considering the King’s capacity, he will definitely give the title of Earl or Marquis," stated Gideon.

"If that’s the case, does it mean we’ll have to move again?" asked Lena, turning her head.

There were two Marquises ruling in Moko that Gideon knew of, one in the west and one in the north.

Although a Marquis and an Earl were technically equal, in this fantasy world’s hierarchy, a Marquis held higher status because their territory bordered other kingdoms.

There were also two Earls ruling in Moko, Earl Ashfield in the south and another in the east. An Earl only ruled over peaceful areas that did not border any kingdom.

However, their status could be raised to Marquis if a new kingdom arose next to their territory.

"There’s a chance of that. But I’m tired of moving from place to place," explained Gideon.

For him and his team, their move to Rockvalley had been their fourth relocation, starting from the wolf village, the kitsune village, the Nemora village, and finally Rockvalley.

He did not want to move again because it was exhausting, not to mention the adjustment process with the locals, which always took time.

"In that case, we could just ask for money or something else instead of a noble title," said Lyra.

"We already have plenty of money. Asking for more would be pointless," replied Gideon.

"Then? Do you have any ideas?" asked Lena.

"I’ll still accept the noble title, but with certain conditions."

"What would that be?" asked Luke, his face red from the alcohol.

"The southern territory. Earl of the south," answered Gideon.

"Does that mean you’ll replace Norton’s position?" asked Lena. Gideon shook his head.

Gideon turned to the side, looking at the map of Moko’s territories hanging on his wall, which he had put there specifically to make coordination for missions easier.

He rose from his seat, drawing more attention from his team. The three of them watched as Gideon stood in front of the map, picked up a piece of white chalk, and circled the southern area he meant.

Lena stood as well, walking closer to see the map more clearly, especially the area he circled. Luke remained seated, while Lyra joined Lena.

"Wait! Isn’t that..."

"The southern territory I mean is the mythological territory."

"You’re planning to unite the mythological races with humans? Isn’t that risky?" asked Lena.

"I know the challenges. But if I accept a noble title, I can’t interfere any further with the plan to unite the mythological races," answered Gideon.

"Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about that plan?" asked Luke, startled as he reflexively turned his head.

"The promise to build the mythological territory is our promise. We can’t abandon them just because I become a noble."

Lena and Lyra went silent, Luke kept drinking, while Gideon continued convincing the three of them.

There were many questions running through Lena and Lyra’s minds, especially about the effort of uniting two different races.

Previously, they had thought uniting the mythological races could work because it involved many similar kinds of races.

But it was a different story if humans were included. There would be grudges rising because of racial differences.

And that was a complicated problem that needed to be handled carefully. One wrong move could destroy everything, making Gideon and his team hated by both sides at once.

"I have to admit, this is a brilliant idea, but one that carries a lot of risk," said Lena.

"Even among the mythological races themselves there is conflict. How would they react if they knew you were trying to unite them with humans?" asked Lena.

"I think you’ll have to choose, Gideon."

"Choose humans, or the mythological races."

"Sometimes, you can’t have both at the same time," explained Lena.

Gideon went silent, turning his body and staring intently at the map on the wall. Of the seven mythological races in the south, three supported his idea. However, they could change their minds if Gideon included humans in it.

The initial idea might change, but Gideon would offer a kingdom of freedom, where humans and mythological races could work together.

There were human needs that the mythological races could provide, and vice versa. Seeing that mutual dependency, Gideon believed they could cooperate because they shared the same foundation: necessity.

It’s an idealistic idea, not just for me, but for Lena and the others too. But it’s the only way to keep a noble title while keeping our promise to unite the mythological races.

"What do you think, Captain?" asked Lena, curious about Gideon’s worried expression.

"I know this will be difficult, but I’ll still try."

"First, I’ll secure the title of Earl for the southern border territory. After that, I’ll negotiate with the leaders of the mythological races," answered Gideon.

"Why not discuss it with them first before you receive the title of Earl?" asked Luke, without turning.

The attention of Gideon and the others shifted to Luke. He was helping discuss the plan while half drunk, something they never imagined.

"At least if you tell them first, they won’t feel betrayed. You could also start negotiations with them," said Luke.

"It’s better if we offer them specific benefits they could get by allying with humans, while also giving them hope that we’ll become an independent territory," added Lena, joining in.

"Establish a council of race representatives from the different races living in the territory. That will help to discuss each race’s wishes more specifically," said Luke.

Gideon cleared his throat. There was a lot of work ahead of him, and his team was only half convinced about his plan.

But if he could persuade the mythological races with his diplomacy, then Lena and the others would not hesitate to support him.

"Alright. We’ve reached the conclusion of this meeting. I’ll go alone to the wolf village and the kitsune village to discuss this," said Gideon.

"Let me help you," Lena asked.

He smiled, lightly patting Lena’s shoulder with a broad smile. He knew what needed to be done, and Lena already had plenty of work with her clinic. Gideon decided not to take her along so her mind wouldn’t be burdened.

"You’ll stay in the village and help with everything here. While I’m gone, Luke will be in charge," ordered Gideon.

"Me?" asked Luke, shocked.

"I might as well go to the Siver village to discuss this too. The three races need to know about this plan," said Gideon.

"You need preparation for that," added Lena.

"I’m more prepared than you think, Lena."

"You don’t need to worry about me," said Gideon.

Lena kept watching Gideon, feeling worried, anxious, and sad about his decision. But it was clear that if he was truly certain of his choice, then Lena would not stop him.

Luke stood, holding his wine glass as he walked over to Gideon. He raised his hand and patted Gideon’s shoulder with enthusiasm. Luke believed Gideon could overcome their doubts.

"I’m sure you’ll be able to handle this," said Luke firmly.

"Thank you."

"Now let’s talk about a second plan, in case the first one fails."