Chapter 9 (2/2)
In reality, I was just ad-libbing with the period language as best as I could; the atmosphere was incredibly important for me to keep it up.
”I am the Patron Evil G.o.d of the <dethroned crown=”” prince=””>. For what reasons do you, Lu Gan, attack my devoted Drake for?”
”Yes, I must respectfully confess; it is my mission, more important than my life, to ambush and kill the <dethroned crown=”” prince=””> Lord Drake.”
That's not good. It's just as I thought.
I don't know who he is, but do I tread carefully, or try to get him to switch sides?
Either way, it's gonna be a hard sell.
”Your mission, you say...what a waste.”
”A waste, how do you mean?”
”Behold!”
With exaggerated gestures, I point to Lu Gan's subordinates.
They finally stopped their panic, and all mimicked Lu Gan, humbly taking to their knee.
”Those elite forces you lead, Lu Gan, for what reason must they partic.i.p.ate in this dirty work?”
”That is...”
He's confused.
After all, it's not work anyone wants to do. Giving him a loaded question was surprisingly effective.
I often performed such negotiations in my previous life. This guy is overwhelmingly remarkable, I don't feel like he would lose in battle.
”<half faced=””> Lu Gan...nay Lu Gan, son of El Gen. You, why do you not proclaim your valour to the world? Sneaking and hiding in the shadows, tormenting the wounded, why do you do these things?”
The goblinoid lowered his head, sinking into silence.
Let's push him once more.
”Fight honestly and justly, cross your sword with Drake’s, do this if you want to be remembered. Fulfilling your duty this way will be most rewarding. Do you want your achievements to be sullied, will you shame your name as the son of El Gen?”
”But I!”
”But you what?”
”But what shall I do? I have only myself. I've come this far all by myself. How can I live if I do not obey my lord's command?!”
What's this? This is a nice unexpected turn of events.
I had planned to request for him to retreat from here, however...
”O' Lu Gan. Have you not just answered your own question?”
”Have I done so?”
”Indeed. You said 'I've come this far all by myself'. You are the master of yourself, you alone, Lu Gan.”
”Wha-”
”The soldiers you have trained agree. To them, you are their lord and master.”
It's a bluff.
It's a total bluff, but surprisingly effective.
I then wink in Drake's direction. Now <dethroned crown=”” prince=””>, show me your true strength.
○
”Attention warriors!”
Drake stood and shouted while brandis.h.i.+ng his sword.
”The Evil G.o.d has shown us the way. A second path to follow!”
Like that, he advanced slowly down to hill to appear before Lu Gan.
”The first, a path of battle. A path that would cross swords with the subordinate under Venon the <clairvoyant>'s command. A worthless, dishonorable, and contemptible battle of the stories of old.”
The rain intensified.
The intense rain tried to drown him out, but Drake raised his voice.
”The second path!”
Thunder.
Lightning flashed, illuminating everyone.
”A path to walk with me. A path where you could face forward instead of down. You will likely perish, but it is a path where you can die with pride.”
Drake stood in front of Lu Gan.
The <half faced=””> Hobgoblin hung his head.
”Lu Gan, Son of El Gen, and your soldiers. Will you join me in conquering the world?”
Kneeling before Lu Gan, Drake kindly held out his hand.
The flesh on Lu Gan’s raised shoulders, you could easily tell how hard the hobgoblin had trained.
”Lord Drake, no, My Lord Drake.”
Lu Gan raised his head.
”I humbly accept your offer. Please allow me to be by your side as you realize your dream for the world.”
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