206 Mediation 2 (2/2)
Noticing how Garen looked at the soldiers, Lycian smiled, ”There’s a tent outside with artillery aiming here, keeping here as peaceful as possible so the meeting could go on. I think Mr Garen would appreciate that.”
”Of course.” Garen nodded, ”The Confederation couldn’t sustain any more internal damage. This is why I’m willing to meet with him.”
Lieutenant Lycian nodded in relief.
The two entered a quiet tea room.
The tea room wall was lined with black wood. A very detailed Eastern ancient drawing hanged on the wall facing the door. It’s rectangular, and was set on the wall in a horizontal fashion. It’s about 5 meters wide, accentuating its exquisiteness.
Tens of birds were drawn on the canvas. Some were soaring, some landing, some charging ahead, and some waiting to be fed.
There were red birds, blue birds, white birds, black birds and birds with all sort of colors and sizes, highlighting its magnificence.
”Such a good picture!” Garen doesn’t know how to paint, even then, he could tell the painting must have a really high value.
On the right of the painting sat a tiny lady in black clothing. The lady was slowly pouring a cup of tea. The jade-colored tea flowed smoothly into the white jade teacup, stunning Garen a little bit before calming him.
The lady had a pretty face and looked as if she’s only in her twenties. She moved with grace and a smoothness highlighted by her fair porcelain skin.
Garen approached her with the lieutenant, and noticed she wasn’t wearing any simple black clothing, but a black silk dress with a long, floor-sweeping skirt that shone with mystery and silky smoothness.
Black hair, porcelain skin, pretty face, and a pair of soul-catching slanted eyes.
For a moment, Garen felt as if he was back in China, and the lady sitting in front of him was a classic oriental beauty, gently pouring him his tea.
The two sat down slowly with Garen facing the lady as he watched the lady handing him his tea in appreciation.
”I’m a crude guy, I don’t know the simplest things about culture, so I will be frank. You’re General Black Orchid from Behemoth Gate?” He didn’t explain much, instead admitted himself straightforwardly.
”I heard Gate Master Garen was barely twenty years old, but it seems like you’re more mature than that. Unbelievable.” The lady smiled. ”Yes, I am Black Orchid. General is just a title, it couldn’t compare to yours.”
”My time is running out and I have other matters to attend to, so let’s not beat around the bush. The situation in the country no longer have room for infighting. About your sect, you must know, I was not the one who started the feud. You were the one who incited my senior sister’s betrayal.” Garen stated expressionlessly.
”This was our fault, but White Cloud Gate was not one of our concern at that point. It was only after your ascension that this happened. Strength equals dominion, it was the law of nature. Now that you’re strong enough, we no longer have reasons to fight against each other.” The lady paused, ”This was also one the reason I requested Lieutenant Lycian to mediate. Only the Strong Ones may earn respect.”
”And by that you mean…”
”We’ll give up on the South and will retreat completely.” Black Orchid sipped her tea, ”We will also abdicate from avenging Clark, that way we’ll be even.”
”Even if you struggle, you won’t be able to do anything else in the South.” Garen smirked. ”This outcome was already in my grasp, your offer lacks sincerity.”
”Kid, don’t be too arrogant…” Cold fury flashed through her face. ”You are strong, but don’t you assume what you saw was the entirety of our power.”
”Me? Arrogant? You were the one who initiated the mediation, but you didn’t even want to show any sincerity, and you dare to call me arrogant?” Garen responded with the same fury. ”Don’t assume I don’t know that your headquarters is in the North. I wouldn’t mind a war between your sect and I, at least then I can find out whether you sect is stronger or the Immortal Palace Alliance!”
”Let’s not jump to conclusion so soon. Since both of you willingly participate in this mediation, it’s obvious both side were sincere about this. Let’s back up a little for my sake.” Lycian interjected, reminding them of his presence with his kind face.
”Let’s agree to this, for my sake, Behemoth Gate will retreat from the South and will discuss with White Cloud Gate when their future operations involving the South. Likewise, White Cloud Gate will discuss with Behemoth Gate in the future whenever they need to move to the North. What do you think?
”What if the discussion didn’t happen?” General Black Orchid sneered.
”Then it’s not my fault if I kill them.” Garen recomposed himself. ”For Lieutenant Lycian’s honor’s sake, I agree.”
”Likewise!” Clenching her jaw, Black Orchid echoed Garen.
To be honest, if it weren’t for Garen and his companions’ victory against Immortal Palace Alliance in Picardi, the Behemoth Gate wouldn’t request for a truce so readily.
Garen and Andrela were still somewhat easier to handle, at least they were more straightforward.
The difficulty lies with King of Nightmares. This person can shapeshift into any identity they choose, be it male or female, young or old. More horrifyingly, they are proficient in hypnosis and have the title of King of Hypnosis. With an enemy like this, it wasn’t their true power that was hard to manage, but their tracking and anti-tracking abilities.
With a character like this, no organizations would be able to conceal themselves completely. If a war breaks out, with King of Nightmares’ help, Garen will have the entire Behemoth Gate thrown into disarray in no time…
Black Orchid didn’t even dare to imagine when that happens.
Because of Behemoth Gate’s deviant initiation method, they have made enemies out of everyone. If they were exposed…
This was also why they requested General Black Orchid to call for a truce.
Translator's Thoughts
J_Squared J_Squared
1. Chinese idiomatic phrase meaning to pay respects to an elder or to give honor.