Chapter 159: Familial Denunciation (1/2)

”That is an excellent point, Your Highness, but I think we both know what the eventual decision will be. You really have no other choice but to accept our proposal.” The most senior member of the ambassadorial party was saying. She vaguely recalled his name being something along the lines Kelith, but it was always difficult to remember the excessively long and complicated names of the Sun Elves.

Andrea had to work hard at keeping her expression neutral. The sheer arrogance of these elves was simply unbearable. She hated interacting with their emissaries, but unfortunately, her brother, whose job this usually was, had pleaded weakness and escaped. It was obvious that he was just taking advantage of the events from a few days ago to skip out on an annoying duty.

[Damn you, Matthew. I'll get you back for this.] Andrea thought, while trying to focus her attention on what the irritating man was saying.

Perhaps sensing weakness, the elven ambassadors had wasted little time in pursuing their usual agenda. For the last few decades this had consisted of one thing, the elimination of export taxes on certain Almiran manufactured goods. The elves of Nirethial benefited greatly from the natural resources of the Forest of Shadow, but their isolationist nature had led them to fall behind in several of the technological developments that had swept the Inland Sea Region in recent centuries. This, combined with a minor cultural aversion to manufacturing in general, had led to a goods disparity that enterprising individuals took advantage of.

It was no surprise, when the few merchants allowed to bring their wares to the small trading post on the forest's border quickly learned to offer those items which were unavailable to the elves. Consumer goods, cheap magical tools, and alchemical products requiring specialized ingredients proved to immensely popular. Pretty soon, the merchants involved in this trade had become fantastically wealthy.

So successful was this trade that Andrea's grandfather, King Gregory I, instituted a tax on manufactured goods leaving through the eastern border. The move had been one of desperation, as the country had been gripped in an economically devastating naval war with the Ateshi Commonwealth, and the king had merely been seeking any means of replenishing the country's coffers.

The tax, while modest, was roundly denounced by the elves of Nirethial. They declared it a discriminatory policy, and have been petitioning to have it removed ever since. Unfortunately for them, it proved to be rather lucrative for the kingdom during period of otherwise stagnant tax income, and as such has remained in effect till the present.

Historically, the elves had lacked the political or military strength to force the issue, but with the current period of instability in Almir, they seemed to think it would be an excellent chance to push for concessions.

As such, they were offering to provide the kingdom some support in their war with Tennundi in exchange for a complete abolishment of the tax, and a limited free trade agreement for the next fifty years. While the Prime Minister (regent in all but name) was willing to suspend the tax in the short term, he knew that the kingdom would require all the income it needed to rebuild after the war. As such, the elves second objective had become something of a sticking point, and negotiations had stalled.

Ordinarily this would continue until one side compromised or gave up, but recent events had changed that. When a knight rescued her from the Tennundians with the aid of his dragon mount, it had international ramifications. Suddenly, Matthew and Andrea were assumed to have the undeclared support of the Dragonknights, or whatever remnant of them that existed. This catapulted them from uncertain long shots, to major contenders for the throne. Andrea had already been swarmed by a host of newly sycophantic nobles as a result.

A week ago, she was more concerned about passing exams and memorizing chants, now she had to deal with demanding foreign emissaries that thought she could somehow influence kingdom policy. It was enough to drive her crazy.

”I understand your point, Ambassador. Just as I understood it when you brought it before the council yesterday. My response has not changed since that time. We are still weighing our options, but we will make certain to inform you once we've come to a decision.” She answered coolly.

Kelith who, despite looking middle aged, was probably hundreds of years old, nodded sagely. ”Of course, You Highness. We understand that is sometimes takes the Kingdom a while to come to a decision, but considering the suffering of your soldiers fighting against your enemies, I felt morally obligated to speed the process along.”

”If you felt so obligated to the people of our nation, why not offer your support freely? Why make it conditional at all?” She asked, growing tired of his hypocrisy.

”While I could lecture you all day on the complexities of international economic politics, the simple truth of the matter is that Nirethial is suffering under the strain of that unjust tax levied against us. So much so, that we cannot spare the resources to assist you in your plight.” The elf replied with an exaggerated expression of sorrow.

[Gah! These people are so frustrating!] Andrea thought while trying to once again assume a neutral expression. It was proving difficult.

”Perhaps we should continue this another time. After all, this is a celebration of your rescue from the hands of your enemies. I'm sure engaging in matters of state is quite taxing, considering your recent tribulations.” Kelith said with a slight smile, clearly enjoying the small victory he'd won.

”Thank you for your consideration, Ambassador. It has been a trying few days.”

One of the envoys, a relatively young looking male elf, broke in at this point. ”Speaking of which, where is your savior? I'm very interested in meeting him.”

”Regretfully, the knight in question has neither the time nor inclination to attend such an event. His duties take him elsewhere, but I will be sure to pass along your desire for a meeting the next time I see him.” She replied with a straight face.

The Third Prince faction had been tacitly encouraging the belief that they had an ongoing relationship with the Dragonknight, despite the fact that no one had seen the knight since the day of the attack. It gave them a degree of political clout that they could ill afford to lose, considering the growing intensity of the dynastic conflict.

Andrea just hoped that the Headmaster of the University succeeded in determining the knight's identity. The last time they had spoken on the matter, he was in the process of pursuing a strong lead and, from the sounds of it, he was getting very close.

Looking at the younger envoy, she continued. ”I'm afraid I don't recall your name. Who may I say is asking for him?”

”My apologies, Your Highness. I am Farin Ulithindiel Lorethenica.” The man answered with a smug smile.

He was dressed in the elegant ceremonial robes of the elven diplomatic mission. Much like the other members of his race, he had long, blond hair left hanging freely. His face was all sharp angles, with high cheekbones and a tapered chin. This made him seem beautiful, at least in the traditional sense, but there was something wrong about his eyes that she couldn't place her finger on. Andrea had grown used to the Sun Elves being condescending, but something about this man's mannerisms set her on edge.

”Then, I will make sure to let him know that the honorable delegation from Nirethial is interested scheduling a meeting.” She said, as neutrally as possible, hoping that they would leave it at that.