80 80 "Meeting with the Emperor" (1/2)

”Welcome to Cultivator, War Hero, and Gourmet Hero Phytis. Welcome, my name is Rostam. ”I am the king of this country and I hold the title of 'The King of Heroes'.”

There was a man with the air of a champion.

He had brown skin and jet-black hair, and a smile on his face that showed absolute confidence in his own existence.

When we arrived at the castle, he led us to a meeting place.

You're going to be able to find out the best way to get to know each other.

It's good to see you, Rostam. Let's just say that you did a great job invading our country the other day.

Such skirmishes, it's business as usual. More importantly, we heard that you might have been captured by the Demon King's army. I was just trying to get it back before the warrior's country was captured by the Demon King's territory.

But, well, that's okay. I'll include it this time, because you'll have to ask for a lot of wabi, you know.

With that, Amanes took her seat unabashedly, and I, Fitis, and Helu followed her gaze.

”First, we want to talk about that hostage you have.

”Hostages?

The first topic of Amanes' conversation, the emperor and hero blurts out, wondering what he is talking about.

This guy, no matter how much he fancies himself as an emperor, was a bit annoyed with this attitude as well.

Don't play dumb with me!　That's Lily you're holding!

The next thing you know, I'm leaning forward to voice my opinion to the emperor in front of me.

The emperor just glances at me quietly in response to my anger.

The moment you are fascinated by those too cold eyes, you feel your anger freeze in an instant, and as if the emperor saw through it, he lets out a slight giggle.

Oh, you mean the beastman hero. Oh, you mean the beastman hero. She is one of our heroes. She is one of our heroes.... and we have no intention of holding her captive. I will let you see her at once if you wish.

I felt like I'd been let off the hook by the emperor's announcement of liberation, which was so simple.

What are the conditions?　You're not going to let them go for free, are you?

This is yet another suspicion. I don't want to do business with you. I just want to have a dialogue.

”Dialogue?

”I'll just say it bluntly. You will be my men.

”No!

We decline.

”But I refuse.

All of us reject the suggestion from the Imperial hero.

You are able to get a good deal more information about the company.

I see. Well, if you ask to join someone when you meet them, then so be it. Well, I'm going to make some conditions for you.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier. I was filled with an interesting emotion.

If you're willing to work for me, I'll give you all three World Tree seeds.

It was literally an unbeatable condition that meant the achievement of my goal.

It's a good thing that you're able to get the best out of it.

That's nice to know, but it's also nice to be under someone else's thumb. ....... I'm sure you called me for the seeds of the World Tree, right?

At least the letter was written in a way that made it sound like he was interested in our three species.

But Rostam smiles somewhat strangely at that.

Well, it's certainly easier to manage when you have it, but as far as it goes, it doesn't matter where it is. It doesn't matter where it is, because in the end it's going to be exactly what I want it to be.

?　What does that mean?

”Then, pending your answer, as for the brave men and women of war, we grant you our protection by submitting to our cause. As for the battle against the demon king's army, you may use our forces without reservation. of course, you may keep your lands as well. Don't you think that's an unbeatable offer?

”No. I'm not going to work for anyone. I have no intention of joining anyone. I don't like the idea of being ruled by you even if my land remains intact. And we have a truce with the Demon King's army for a while. There's no reason to fight with them now.

”I see. . that's a shame.

The expression on Rostam's face as he said this was not about his proposal being kicked out, but about the ceasefire being signed with the demon king's army, and he seemed to be twisting his face.