Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"Good afternoon, honorable members of the council," Branden said while slightly bowing his head. "My name is Branden Corsalis, and this is my fiancee, the Princess Esmeralda Rosalis, and this is our bodyguard Rainendall. It is an honor to have the chance to meet you all in this utmost auspicious of days."

Rain wondered why he was being introduced as well; his name wasn't important for the negotiations, and he couldn't imagine the point of confirming his identity to those who wanted him dead. Rain didn't know if it was related to diplomacy, or maybe he was considered to be a diplomat as well in the situation.

"It is an honor to meet you all," Esmeralda said while showing the female greeting while pulling her skirt slightly to the sides.

"My name is Josar, leader of the Geminis tribe, and today, to keep order, I will act as the representative of the council," A man in the middle of the seats said. "I hope that you won't find trouble in this."

All of the leaders were sitting close to each other on a platform in the shape of half a circle, so the group was facing all of the tribe leaders.

"Certainly," Esmeralda said.

"Our countries have been at odds for many years, so we are thankful that you answered our call for a meeting so fast," Josar said.

Rain found it hard to stifle his laughter, as describing the relationship between their two countries as merely being "at odds for years" was a significant understatement.

To clarify, it was their side that initiated the last decade of conflicts. However, Rain couldn't say for sure if the magic people harbored even older grievances or if humans had provoked them in the past as well.

Rain pointed out that while they might have been trying to settle debts from centuries ago, their intentions and reasoning didn't seem sound. After all, they should have addressed these issues with those responsible in the past rather than involving the present generation.

Rain contemplated that maybe, from the standpoint of the magic people, their timing appeared justified. Given their longer lifespans compared to humans, they might not have felt the need to swiftly address past grievances.

"First of all, let's hear what the other members think that this truce should involve," Josar said.

"The truce must guarantee the cessation of all hostilities, including military actions, skirmishes, and any other form of aggression."

"A clear demarcation of borders and territories must be included to prevent future disputes and conflicts."

"Trade agreements, including the establishment of trade routes and tariffs, should be outlined to foster economic cooperation and prosperity for both parties."

"Both nations must agree to the exchange of cultural and educational initiatives, promoting mutual understanding and tolerance."

"Humanitarian clauses should be incorporated to ensure the well-being and rights of all citizens, regardless of their origin."

"Environmental preservation and conservation agreements should be established to protect the natural resources of our lands."

"A mechanism for dispute resolution, including a neutral mediation process, should be available to address future disagreements."

"Regular diplomatic exchanges and communication channels should be maintained to promote transparency and trust."

"Cultural exchanges and joint celebrations should be encouraged to foster goodwill among our citizens."

"It is imperative that both sides commit to assisting each other in times of external threats or invasion. Mutual defense clauses should be incorporated to ensure our collective security."

Rain was a bit surprised since all that stuff seemed reasonable. Still, the last one was a bit dubious, but it made sense, even though it changed the atmosphere.

"Impose restrictions on human access to certain magical goods and services, allowing the magic people to maintain a competitive edge in magical markets."

"Magical Creature Protection: Implement stringent regulations to protect magical creatures and ecosystems vital to the magic people's way of life, potentially limiting human activities in these areas."

"Majority Representation: Ensure that the magic people hold a majority of seats in joint councils and decision-making bodies, ensuring their cultural and political dominance within the truce agreement."

"It seems that is most of it. What do you think, Lady Esmeralda?" Josar asked.

"Most of them are understandable, but some of them seem a bit too hard on the human side," Esmeralda said. "While I understand that our side would benefit more from the trade between our nations, it will cause problems among the population if our side has too many limitations. Do you have something to add, Branden?"

"The question about military aid is also difficult. Right now, you are fighting the dragon people, am I right?" Branden asked. "If we sign the truce and we are immediately obligated to send troops to help in the battles, it will cause unrest since we are still recovering from the last ten years.

Also, it would take time to return, prepare an army, and then come to join in this current situation, several months at least. We would be spending a lot of resources, time, and lives without receiving anything in exchange so soon. I suggest that the clause about military cooperation should take at least one year to become effective."

"I believe that it would be more beneficial to both parties if we kept an army that would be ready to move when a situation like that happens," Esmeralda said. "I am not familiar with military matters, but each side should keep an army of five thousand ready at any moment to assist each other."

"Understandable, but your sooner cooperation would put our people at ease and make them feel more confident in the alliance," Josar said. "Both of you hold immense power when it comes to controlling military might of your country, so I believe that you can make that decision."

Josar put Branden and Esmeralda in a tough spot. They might have that kind of influence, but not that much. The king's Blade was increasing in number again, but Branden was cautious with the new member. They barely had recovered what they had lost, after all.

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