433 An Unexpected Twist, The Decision the Folklore Creatures (1/2)

Day 76 - 10:39 AM - Cliff House Balcony, Mountain Base, Mount Malabito, General Nakar, Quezon

Now understanding the circumstances and their mistake, this group of small creatures was swallowed in self-pity. It was understandable. They were already struggling because of the changes that suddenly happened in the mortal world. And yet, because they were paranoid, they just caused the death of some of their tribesmen.

Then, Mark said those words that made them very confused.

They already did not understand what the video games that he spoke of were. Now, they could not understand what Mark clearly meant by asking them to work for him.

The concept of working for payment or salary surely did not exist among their kind.

To them, each individual had a duty to fulfill. An excellent example of this was the guards. They served as guards because of their loyalty to their leader. In exchange, it was the leader's duty to feed his people.

Another thing was that not all of these races follow the concept of money. Especially to small tribes, they barter for things they wanted.

As such, the real meaning of the word ”work” did not register clearly in their minds.

Not understanding the meaning of Mark had said, they had to ask. Nevertheless, it was quite strange that the one who stood up was Felenia instead of Teremillio.

”Master of the Spirit Tree, can you please elaborate? What did you mean by use working for you? Do you want us to submit to you? You already said that you had no plans about something like that.”

This made Mark feel strange as he looked at Amihan, who also looked a bit troubled.

”Master, the concept of work, like humans did. It doesn't exist to us.”

Amihan already understood this concept as she spent more time with humans. As for those that lived in isolation, it was a very foreign concept. Thus, Mark really needed to elaborate.

”No, I don't need your submission,” Mark said seriously. ”What I meant that is something like you will do things for me and in exchange I will provide benefits.”

Mark then looked at Kokoro, who flinched after receiving Mark's attention. She wanted to hide. As there was nowhere to take cover on the table, she could only cover herself with the large leaf she was carrying.

While thinking that she should already replace that tattered leaf she always carried, Mark spoke.

”Kokoro, right? Your race used to trade with the Ainu people before if I'm not mistaken.”

Hearing that the Master of Spirit Tree knowing something about her race, she was obviously delighted for some reason. Despite being shy, she peeked out from behind the leaf and nodded while she spoke in a soft voice.

”Yes.”

After that reply, Mark turned to the others.

”It's basically the same concept with Trading or Barter. The only difference is that you will follow my orders as long as you are capable of it in exchange for the benefits I can provide.”

Then, Felenia fired another set of questions after understanding what Mark had said.

”I want to ask. What kinds of orders are you going to give us? Are those absolute? Also, what do you mean by benefits?”

Mark scratched his head. Felenia sure was an intelligent, cautious, and curious Duende. If she did not understand, she would ask. If she found a flaw, she would try to confirm it. However, that was not a bad trait at all. She was really suited to be the highest in the hierarchy of Teremillio's wives.

”As I said before. Follow my orders as long as you are capable of it. I want you all to work, not submit. I won't force any of you to do something that you can't do or against your will. Of course, not being able to do my orders things means fewer benefits. About the benefits that I mentioned before...”

Mark looked with a bit of a sly expression.

”One of the most valuable things is protection.”

Hearing that very last word, the ears of these little creatures perked up. However, Mark was not finished yet.

”I can let your tribe live inside my base. You all will be protected by the dangers outside and will be able to freely roam without fear of any threat you can come across, even humans. Food and necessities will be provided plenty enough depending on the work you fulfill. More importantly, the benefits of my Spirit Tree.”

With each of Mark's sentence, the group of small creatures could not help but gulp their saliva. Each of what he mentioned was too enticing for them to just pass by.

”C-can you please let us discuss this?”

Felenia said. Obviously, she already lost her composure.

”I don't mind, go on.”

Mark replied. He was already satisfied with their reaction. Sure enough, the fishes were already circling around the hook.

Thus, with the unconcious pixie as an exception, the members of the group of little creatures gathered around whispering.

”You're being too sly, you know that?”

Pefile said with a low voice.

”But I'm not deceiving them.”

Mark replied.

To those words, Pefile smiled.

”I know. Or else, I might have tried to stop you.”

The Tamawo then moved. It was clear that he decided to leave.

”Leaving already?”

”I don't have any roles here, do I?”

Pefile said. And without waiting for a reply, he jumped off the balcony. He landed on a small tree below, vanishing from everyone's sight.

”That person is really mysterious.”

Amihan remarked. Mei also nodded to her words.

”Just don't mind him, you two. He just had his own problems to deal with.”

The discussion of the folklore creatures was taking a while. They were really discussing it hard as their decision would dictate the future of their tribe.

In the middle of their discussion, three little girls entered the balcony.

”Papa, Mama!”

Three cute voices mixed together called out to Mark and Mei.

The appearance of the three girls surely interrupted the discussion of the little group. The little girls were also amazed seeing the moving toy-sized creatures on the table. However, they were smart enough to be able to tell that those creatures on the table were not toys. After all, they spent time with Aephelia and Amihan every day.

”Sorry, Master. I told them that you have guests, but they would not listen.”

Aephelias voice came in as she hurriedly chased after the three.

But then, an unexpected reaction was detected from the small group. No, it was just from one individual.

”Hiraya?”

Some called out to Aephelia. It was no other than the Sylph, Malaya.

”No,” Malaya seemed to have realized something. ”Who are you?! What are you doing with my sister's body?!”