Chapter 202 - Negotiator (2/2)

”We have a recording of the guard in the lower levels of the cellar. We already had someone infiltrate and provide the proof we need to attack you,” said Shadow looking at Barnabus. ”But the coastal guard is busy and don't have time to waste with attack the town people. So, the lieutenant had sent me to negotiate. So, I hope for the sake of both of you that I return safely with the guard by the end of this discussion.”

”You commoner, what does the lieutenant ...,” started the NPC Barnabus, but Shadow cut him short as he wanted to wrap up the quest as soon as possible.

”Na, na na. Let me finish. First you send someone down right now to heal the guard and make sure that he is taken care of. Also, please return the supplies that were stolen from the guard. Then, we shall talk about the compensation for the coastal guards. The information about your son capturing a member of the military had already reached his higher ups, but to maintain the relationship with the town, the lieutenant proposed a compromise,” said Shadow.

”What do you suggest?” said Theodore as he called for a guard and then sent him down to get the guard from the prison to the study after healing and feeding him. All the things that they discussed till now were expected as they were just correcting their mistake. He was hoping that the compensation wouldn't be anything severe.

”Well, it is like this. The lieutenant can't actually be lenient towards your son without proper cause. So, I would like to suggest that he join the military as a trainee under the lieutenant,” said Shadow.

”No way,” yelled Barnabus. ”Impossible.”

”Shut up,” said Theodore. ”Barnabus, get out of the room for a minute.”

After Barnabus left the room, Theodore resumed the conversation. ”What is his intention behind asking my son to join the coastal guard? What are the intentions of the lieutenant in calling him to join as his apprentice? He could simply join the military. There is no need to join under someone who has a conflict with him,” said the town head putting forward his suspicions.

”You think for too much about the situation, Mr. Theodore. There is not secret or untoward intention behind the lieutenant's thoughts. First, it allow him to pardon your son if he is under him. Second, he doesn't want a quarrel with you. It would just make things harder for his unit and they are having trouble with the seas as it is. Third, your son needs discipline and has been known to cause problems. If left alone, we can't be sure that he wouldn't persist to behave in such a way. He won't join any organization willingly but a death threat over his head might be the right inspiration he needs. I am sure that you don't want your son to continue in this manner either,” explained Shadow.

”Why would he be willing to do all this for me? You still haven't answered the main question that I had,” said Theodore looking at Balthazar sternly.

”It is simple. Hard times are on the way. There would sure be a time when the coastal guard would need reinforcements. The town being quite close to the coast would be the first place affected if the guards fail. He just wanted a closer bond without wasting any resources in fighting for you. But there is a problem of his men being satisfied,” said Shadow.

”That is exactly what I have been afraid of,” said Theodore. ”They would ask for justice and one can't just consider pacifying such a large number with money. I doubt that all of them could even be bought.”

”It is hard to convince them to let go of your son's offence. So, I suggest that you lend him some of your forces temporarily to help against the monster aggression that they are facing. Having your forces support them would calm down the other members of the coastal guard too. They may not consider your money, but your support would be well received if it helps save more of their brother's lives,” said Shadow.

It was a hard task to convince, but he decided to make the town head assume that lieutenant is doing him a favor instead of the other way. The NPC Theodore would certainly be suspicious of the suggestion and believe that he owes the lieutenant a favor, but Balthazar was sure that the NPC would still accept it.

”Fine, it is a deal,” said Theodore finally getting up and shaking Shadow's hand. ”I will let my men lead you down to the guard who is being taken care of. You can return with him whenever you want to. I will lead my son down to the station tomorrow morning.”

”I wish that we have a successful cooperative relationship,” said Shadow shaking the NPC's hand as he pulled out the numbers that was given to him by the lieutenant. ”This would be an initial number of personnel we have determined that would pacify the coastal guards based on the current situation. It would be good if you would bring enough forces along with your son tomorrow.”

”System: Special Notice: Received Hidden Title 'Negotiator'. This title would affect the NPCs behavior towards you but wouldn't be noticed by anyone other than the its holder.”

”Murk Water Town Reputation +25;”

After that, he was led down to the hall of the first floor where the missing guard was being treated by a healer. ”I expected a raid led by the lieutenant. I don't understand the situation,” said the guard as he saw Shadow enter the hall.

”Let us get back to the station and meet the lieutenant. It is best if we discuss it with him directly,” said Shadow. He waited for a few minutes for the guard to be back in shape and then took the supplies and put in his bag before they made way towards the coastal guard station. The journey along the coast was much easier as he didn't even have to go into stealth. The guard who accompanied him just blasted away any monster that was below level 15 and managed to come within his sights.

”Ah! You are safe,” said the lieutenant as they got to the main hall. He called for the healer to check up his man before turning to talk to Shadow. ”So? How did it go?” he asked.

”He accepted to everything we talked about. He would be here tomorrow morning with his son and reinforcements for your men,” said Shadow as he returned the token to lieutenant Bloom. ”I have informed him that the only way you are able to avoid his son's punishment is to have him train under you. He was quite gladdened by the suggestion.”

”Good. You have been of great service to the coastal guard and will be considered an honorary member of the coastal guard,” said the lieutenant giving him a small token as a couple of notification sounded.

”Five Elements Empire, Coastal Guard Reputation points +10;”

”Five Elements Empire, Coastal Guard Contribution points + 25;”

Quest Modified: Missing Supplies.

Quest Description: Return the supplies to the deacon.

The token that he had received was a buckle that could be attached to his waist. It provided him an honorary membership to the coastal guard that would provide him access to the station and would also consider him a trusted member. It would allow him to take the forging services that he was sure was very advantageous.