Chapter 84: The Negotiation Part 1
Chapter 84: The Negotiation Part 1
Vincent woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the delicate, leaf-patterned curtains of his guest quarters. The room was spacious and airy, with walls made of smooth, polished wood that gave off a warm, golden glow in the early morning light. He stretched and got out of bed, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath his feet.
He moved to the window and pulled the curtains aside, taking a moment to appreciate the serene view of the forest outside.
Vincent turned to the elegant wooden door on the far side of the room, which led to a private bathing chamber. The chamber was adorned with intricate carvings of elven symbols and nature scenes, giving it a tranquil and mystical atmosphere. A large stone tub occupied the center of the room, filled with steaming, crystal-clear water that glowed faintly with a soft, blue light.
He shed his clothes and stepped into the tub, sighing as the warm water enveloped him. The elven bath had a soothing effect, easing the tension from his muscles and calming his mind. He found a small shelf beside the tub stocked with various elixirs and soaps, each one emitting a pleasant, natural fragrance. He chose a soap that smelled of lavender and pine and began to wash.
After thoroughly rinsing himself, Vincent stepped out of the tub and wrapped himself in a soft, white towel that had been provided. He noticed a neatly folded set of clothes on a nearby table, clearly intended for him. The garments were unlike anything he had ever worn before, and he examined them with interest.
The outfit consisted of an elven robe made of a lightweight, shimmering fabric that seemed to shift colors subtly in the light. The robe was a deep forest green, accented with delicate silver embroidery that traced the edges of the sleeves and hem in intricate, swirling patterns. The fabric was soft and smooth to the touch, almost like silk, but with a durability that hinted at its quality.
He slipped into the robe, enjoying the way it felt against his skin. It fit perfectly, draping elegantly over his shoulders and falling to just above his ankles. The sleeves were wide and flowing, giving him freedom of movement, and the robe was secured at the waist with a silver sash adorned with small, green gemstones that sparkled faintly.
Vincent turned to the mirror on the wall and adjusted the sash, making sure it was tied securely. He had to admit, he looked rather distinguished in the elven attire. And he'd kind of want to have some similar outfits for himself.
Just as he finished dressing, there was a soft knock on the door. "Enter," Vincent called out.
The door opened, and an elven attendant stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Good morning, Vincent. King Thandor requests your presence in the council chamber for the continuation of your discussions."
"Thank you," Vincent replied with a nod. "I'll be there shortly."
The attendant bowed again and left, closing the door quietly behind him. Vincent took a deep breath, steeling himself for the negotiations to come. He knew that today could be a turning point in their relationship with the elves, and he was determined to secure the best possible outcome for his team.
He made his way out of the guest quarters where he could see all the special forces also preparing for the day. He would need them during the negotiation as they would be the ones who would show the weapons to the elves.
Then, escorted by an elven attendant, Vincent walked towards the council chamber. As they reached the grand doors of the council chamber, Vincent took a moment to compose himself. The doors opened, revealing the impressive hall within. King Thandor sat at the head of the table, flanked by his advisors. Princess Elara was there too, her eyes keenly observing Vincent as he entered.
"Good morning, Vincent Stryder," King Thandor greeted, his voice warm and welcoming. "I trust you rested well."
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Vincent replied with a respectful nod. "Yes, thank you. The accommodations were excellent."
"Please, take a seat," Thandor gestured to a chair opposite him. "Let's continue our discussions."
Vincent sat down, his gaze steady and confident. "Thank you. As we discussed yesterday, we are prepared to offer a variety of our weapons in exchange for your enchantment tomes and the services of your enchanters. Now let's go over some definitions. What we are going to offer to you is called pistols and assault rifles."
"What are they?"
Vincent leaned forward slightly, his expression serious and focused. "Pistols are small, handheld firearms designed for close-range combat. They are easy to carry and use, and they provide a good balance of power and accuracy. Assault rifles, on the other hand, are larger firearms designed for mid to long-range combat. They are capable of rapid fire and can carry more ammunition than pistols, making them extremely effective in various combat scenarios."
King Thandor nodded thoughtfully. "I see. These weapons sound formidable indeed. How do they compare to the weapons we are familiar with?"
Vincent considered his words carefully. "The main advantage of these firearms is their efficiency and ease of use. They do not require the physical strength and skill that traditional weapons like swords and bows do. This means that even those with minimal training can use them effectively. Additionally, the rate of fire and accuracy of these weapons far surpass most conventional weapons."
Princess Elara, who had been listening intently, interjected. "And what about their maintenance? Are these weapons durable?"
Vincent nodded. "Yes, they are designed to be durable and reliable. Regular maintenance is required, but it is not overly complicated. My team can provide training on how to maintain and repair these weapons."
King Thandor glanced at his advisors, who murmured amongst themselves before turning back to Vincent. "Very well. We would like to see a demonstration of these weapons before we proceed further."
Vincent smiled. "Of course, Your Majesty. My team is ready to demonstrate the capabilities of our firearms."