The Peerless Kobold - Chapter 81
In other words, she had placed the lives of the people that need to be protected on the negotiating table.
So for that reason, she secretly advanced and threatened the Kobolds even if her heart bled and she knew that her red-haired friend would blame herself if she were around.
“A life can only be paid with another life. That’s why we subjugated you and your brethren… I’m sorry if that seems very selfish to you.”
“Kuorugu guuo?” [So you were threatening us after all?]
“Of course we will also compensate you, but that won’t be enough either, won’t it?”
Ernesta whispered and reached her hand out to the sky. A gust of wind suddenly blew over, and in her hand was a piece of parchment.
“Please read this.”
“…”
The parchment she handed over to me was a “pledge” created with the secret techniques of the Magic Society, a large organization that spanned nations. It was made so that one of the parties involved would lose one of their bodily functions once they break the oath written on it.
The parchment contains a spell that engraves the contents of the pledge into your memory and soul at the same time you approve it, and you will be punished the moment you are even slightly aware that you have broken it.
It seems that people lie to themselves and take advantage of the fact that they cannot completely lie to themselves… I have seen the Commander exchange these with his bargaining partners a few times during my time as a mercenary.
I passed my magic through the “pledge” and secretly confirmed that it was the Magic Society’s seal that appeared.
(Looks like it’s the real “pledge”.)
This is a brief summary of its contents:
Regardless of the defeat of Alvesta of the Black Rain, the reward for our earnest cooperation will be paid in good faith. As a reward, the central area of the Easteria Forest in the Ferias Domain of the Kingdom of Riastize, namely, our settlement and the surrounding forest area, was to be given to us and no one would be allowed to enter it without authorization.
Formally, the King would also compensate the Feudal Lord of Ferias, and designate this area as a hunting ground under the direct control of the Royal Family, which in effect, will allow us to use it as we please.
Furthermore, they will also turn a blind eye to the fact that we robbed several adventurers earlier in spring.
It also said that we would lose our voices if we violated the pledge, and written at the bottom of it was King Alexius’ name. All that was left to do was for the King to give his approval and the ‘pledge’ would be valid, but likewise, if he violates the pledge, then he would be left unable to speak.
“I know it’s a little lukewarm for you to be risking your life and your comrades’ lives, but…”
“… Lady Ernesta.”
Behind her, a dark-skinned man that seemed like her second-in-command chided Ernesta.
“Hmm, certainly, King Alexius has also placed his voice on the line too. Don’t worry, Glen, I’m already keeping myself from making too many negative comments about it.”
Glen turned to me and spoke.
“… I have a further message from His Majesty saying that he would be willing to grant anything that you demand as long as he could provide it, so please consider our offer.”
I returned my gaze to Ernesta after Glen bowed.
“Gugau?” [What if we refuse?]
“Then I would be in a real pinch. I’d really love it if you could help us.”
… I removed the telepathic communication mask and consulted with the main members who were present.
“Woruan garuonn?” (Do you think we could turn this situation around?)
“Guuh, guuh, guuaooon!!” (Let’s just cut, cut, and cut them down!!)
“… Gauh, guuon.” (… Tsk, it’s impossible.)
“Guruu kuauoouu…” (I don’t think we can take them on either…)
Buster was raring to go, while Blazer and Ax disagreed. The rest of the group on the other hand…
“Kyuuunn…”
“Kuuun…”
Nope, their tails have already curled up.
“Wafu~” (Sigh.)
I let out a sigh and put on my mithril mask again.
