CHAPTER 78: FAILED NEGOTIATIONS

Hearing Gideon’s words made Bian and Lady Mitsuko excited, while also feeling curious about what the man wanted to discuss.

It had been quite some time since he last came to the wolf village or the kitsune village.

Bian and Lady Mitsuko were certain that something must have happened to Gideon’s team that they had never known about.

While waiting for Lady Siver from Lamia Village, Gideon stayed with Lady Mitsuko in the village hall. Bian went out to do something, helping his people with their daily activities.

"How is Lena doing?" Mitsuko asked. Gideon cleared his throat softly.

"She’s fine, and so are the others."

"Are you still living in Nemora Village?" Lady Mitsuko asked.

Gideon shook his head. He and his team were clearly no longer living there, because of the political changes taking place, something he could not avoid.

Even though he knew very well that being a Baron or a noble made it easier for him to gain the power he wanted.

"Then where?"

"We’re staying in Rockvalley."

"Rockvalley? Isn’t there a cruel Baron ruling there?" Lady Mitsuko asked, knowing well about the condition of the human village.

"Yes. How do you know about that?"

"We kitsune always trade with the alchemists there. They always come to buy the herbs we sell."

"They often tell us about the condition of their village. It’s a pity, but there’s not much I can do."

Gideon stayed silent, turning to the side as he studied Lady Mitsuko’s face. He was curious about her thoughts on humans. There was no harm in asking her about it.

"You and your people have been trading with humans for quite some time. What do you think of them?" Gideon asked.

"Humans? They are cruel, greedy, and selfish. Almost half of my people hate them. You and your team are the exception," Mitsuko explained.

"Even so, there are some who are kind, friendly, and understanding. The merchants who buy my herbs are among them."

"I don’t know, I can’t make a broad judgment about humans since my view is limited."

Gideon understood that. Lady Mitsuko only knew the people of Rockvalley and its surroundings, not all of humanity.

There were many humans who were wicked, but there were also those who were good. Still, her experience came only from Rockvalley.

Fortunately, Lady Mitsuko had seen kindness from the humans she met. That opened the possibility that she might also agree with Gideon’s proposal.

"Why are you asking me that?" Lady Mitsuko asked.

Gideon fell silent and smiled. It was not time for Mitsuko to know, not until Lady Siver arrived at the village.

Time went on, and Gideon and Lady Mitsuko spent it in the village hall, chatting and eating the light snacks Bian had provided.

They talked about many things, from the progress of her village to the petition from her people to start the plan of uniting the mythological races.

Among the three races who agreed, the Kitsune were the most enthusiastic about Gideon’s plan.

Not long after, Bian entered the hall while Gideon and Mitsuko were talking. He was not alone. Lady Siver had just arrived with her two guards.

Seeing Gideon made Lady Siver happy. Gideon stood up and walked toward her, and to his surprise, she embraced him tightly while expressing her deep gratitude.

All of Gideon and his team’s advice had been followed well. Ten days after Gideon left, the river water began to show signs of recovery.

Several Lamia villagers had recovered from the sickness that had long haunted them. They became more selective in choosing food and water sources. It was a definite step to guarantee their health.

Besides the environment, clean and healthy food and water would bring health to the entire village.

"Everything you suggested worked. In one month, the river will surely be completely clean," Lady Siver said, her face smiling wide with relief and joy.

"I’m glad my team could help your village."

"It’s fortunate you’re here. There are some things I need to discuss with you all," Gideon explained.

Bian nodded in understanding. He ordered all the guards and servants in the hall to leave, giving Gideon the chance to talk about important matters with the three village leaders.

Gideon stood in the middle of the hall, his attention focused upward on Bian, Lady Mitsuko, and Lady Siver, who sat together at one table. Their eyes were fixed on him, waiting for him to speak.

"About uniting the mythological races, this is our big plan to avoid the threat from the Moko Kingdom."

"Three of the seven mythological races in the southern region have agreed with my idea. But there are others who stubbornly refuse."

"I might be able to persuade the mermaids to trust you," Lady Siver said.

"Thank you, Lady Siver. That would help greatly."

"But that’s not what I came to discuss today," Gideon explained.

"What is it?" Lady Mitsuko asked.

Gideon fell silent, then took a deep breath to ease the tension and worry in his heart. He had come here, met with Bian and the other mythological leaders, only to talk about a change in the plan of uniting the races.

"Nozel is dead," Gideon said.

"Nozel? Who is Nozel?" Bian asked.

"That name... for some reason it feels familiar to me," Mitsuko replied.

"Nozel was the cruel Baron ruling Rockvalley. He is dead by my team’s hand."

Not only did Gideon explain about Nozel, but he also told them everything starting from the rescue operation of Princess Alanar. From that moment, everything changed drastically.

He also explained his current status as Baron of the southern border territory. Luke, Lyra, and Lena were in Rockvalley helping the villagers there.

The expressions of the three leaders changed, from smiling with enthusiasm to flat silence. They listened to Gideon’s explanation, and they understood what his current position meant.

"A Baron? You joined the Moko Kingdom?" Bian asked.

"Not exactly," Gideon answered.

"Of course. You’re a noble now, you obey their orders," Bian said.

"You’re nothing more than a dog licking your master’s feet!" Bian snapped, insulting him.

Lady Siver acted firmly, slamming the table to silence Bian. Even though he was the leader of the forest wolves, Lady Siver was not afraid of him at all.

"Gideon and his team are honorable humans. Take back your words, wolf!" Lady Siver said firmly.

"The Moko Kingdom is my enemy. If Gideon has joined them, then you are my enemy as well!" Bian declared.

"Both of you, stop!" Lady Mitsuko ordered, drawing their attention.

"Let him continue. Don’t interrupt him."

Gideon stayed quiet, then nodded to Lady Mitsuko. He continued explaining his status and authority. He also promised to separate from the Moko Kingdom if he had the chance and the strength.

"The Moko Kingdom is in chaos. High taxes and rebellions everywhere. This is a valuable opportunity for us," Gideon said.

"Wait, if you rule over human territory, do you mean—"

"Yes, the human race will join the plan of uniting the mythological races," Gideon cut in on Mitsuko’s words.

The room fell silent. Even the sound of the wind blowing through the hall’s windows could be heard clearly between them. Bian was the first to respond, not with insults, but with laughter.

"HAHAHA!"

"Are you insane, Lord Gideon? You want us to ally with the race that enslaved us?" Bian asked sharply.

"The group that enslaved you is the Moko Kingdom, not the entire human race. Don’t generalize your hatred for one group and throw it onto all humans," Gideon answered.

"Not all humans are like Moko!" Gideon stressed.

Bian stood firmly, full of conviction and principle. If that was Gideon’s plan for uniting the mythological races, then Bian and the wolves would not take part. He would not raise arms alongside those who had enslaved them.

"The Forest Wolves are withdrawing from the unification plan," Bian declared.

Roughly, he stormed out of the hall in anger. Gideon could not argue. He could not force him either. Whether or not they joined was entirely up to Bian and his people.

Now only Lady Siver and Lady Mitsuko remained. Lady Mitsuko stood, walked down the steps until she was in front of Gideon, and gently patted his shoulder.

"I know you must feel torn, Gideon," Mitsuko said.

"I don’t know what I should do, Lady Mitsuko," Gideon replied.

"I have an idea that is far more interesting. Do you want to hear it?" Mitsuko asked.

"What is it?" Gideon asked.

Lady Mitsuko turned to look at Lady Siver, who was still sitting at the hall’s table, her eyes fixed on her as well.

"If you don’t mind, you can come with me," Mitsuko offered.

"Where to?" Siver asked.

"To the Kitsune Village."

"We will talk about this safely there."

"I worry Bian has been blinded by his anger and may threaten our lives."