27 Spirit Pledge 1 (2/2)

”It is good we arrived with three hundred of his highness's crack troops, I doubt this Reine character would be this polite if we did not at least bring this many.” Tiffany muttered in a low voice to Caine.

Caine's lips quirked as he replied ”Can't help it. Spirit beast tribes are based on a relationship of strength. Their most common language is the fist. It makes them poor trade table negotiators but exceptional martial allies.”

”Nevertheless though, I would never have expected a spirit spider to be leading a group of exiled spirit beasts. Exiles they may be but they are made up of five monarch class spirit beasts.” Tiffany said as she looked over Reine. ”The battle fluctuations we sensed earlier must have been their tribes combating the demon beasts. It appears that this group are not push-overs, in this forest at least.”

”While spirit spiders physical capabilities may lose out to blazing lions for example, their combined spirit strength with their physicality is no mere joke.” Caine replied. ”I am not the least bit surprised that a spirit spider the leader of such a group.”

”Oh yeah, you studied the spirit spiders prior to heading to the outer realm. Was there anything in particular that struck you?” Reine asked as she twirled her hair.

”Their spirit beast ability is a perfect fit for golem manipulation but gaining the loyalty of a spirit spider is a tricky matter. They are not famed for being trusting.” Caine replied while sighing. ”Speaking of contracting, interested in any of the lions?”

”They are fire attribute, true, but their spirit beast ability is not compatible with my skills,” Tiffany replied without even thinking.

—

Reine waited without moving as Edward considered his words. The two men tapped their scimitars and folded their arms as they waited but Edward took no notice.

Finally, Edward asked if Reine and the rest of the tribes would pledge allegiance to Prince Aureus.

The two men behind Reine snorted and was about to speak before Reine looked over. The two nodded and stayed silent.

The officers behind Edward were frowning in puzzlement instead and started discussing in low voices amongst themselves.

Reine looked over Edward in detail before asking ”What can you offer in return?”

Edward gave a smile that was not quite a smile. ”There is a forest that is smaller in size than Rolger Forests but nearer to Everdawn that can be available for spirit beasts to live.”

Reine's expression gave nothing away as she waited for Edward to continue.

”What if Prince Aureus could upgrade the spirit beast cores of his followers by one grade with a 90% certainty and that he is willing to do so for his first spirit beast tribes supporters?” Edward asked in a neutral manner.

”That is not possible, such a technology would have changed the power of the core realms already. Even the spirit beast tribes of the outer realm know such a simple fact.” This time Ragnar could not resist bursting out.

Reine appeared to have no intention of silencing Ragnar as she waited for Edward to continue.

”I can offer a spirit pledge as guarantee of my words,” Edward said.

Ragnar was silenced as he heard Edward's offer. Lido's manner appeared half believing and half doubtful.

Silence stretched in the clearing as it was Reine's turn to consider.

”Spirit pledge with me the authenticity of your words, I will pledge in return that the tribes and I are not to spread word of this matter and to open discussions to pledging allegiance to your prince.” Reine said after several moments.

Edward held up his right arm as a white glow enveloped it.

Reine entwined her right arm with Edward's and grasped his hand.

Spirit beast core and Aether core resonated as a spirit pledge was formed between the two.

Stunned looks can be seen from everyone as the pledge was completed.