Blood Elf Monarch

The one who was being introduced by the guards was the prince mentioned by the elder. This young man standing before Tristan and the others were the source, the origin behind everything that was happening.

Currently, the Forlorn Prince was accompanied by two elves dressed in silver tunic and a dozen others who stood all around the structure they were currently at. It seemed these people were his followers, as Tristan could see the reverence as well as subservience they showed to the former.

Naturally, as a safety precaution, Tristan quickly scanned these people before he tried to do anything that could offend them.

The result showed him that these people consisted of a dozen warriors and two elf nobles with high spirit force, just like the elder he fought before. A formidable entourage, if Tristan should say himself. And this group still had its main figure, the Forlorn Prince himself.

Tristan could vaguely perceive that the young man had a certain aura in him, telling that the latter couldn't and shouldn't be underestimated. As expected, he could only shake his head inwardly when he saw the scan result of the Forlorn Prince.

[Battle power undefined]

[Spirit force undefined]

Seeing the words that basically stated the Forlorn Prince shouldn't be played around, Tristan could only sigh. Luckily, he didn't let his pride get into his head and stupidly came barging into the Forlorn Kingdom with an unbridled attitude. He was sure that if they did that, they would certainly be obliterated within minutes.

Tristan was not even sure if he would be able to win against the two elves standing beside the Forlorn Prince. Moreover, these people were obviously those who the Forlorn Prince wanted them to see, as there was no way the protection for a kingdom's prince was only to this extent. There must be a dozen more of those elf nobles and hundreds of warriors hidden somewhere on standby.

Once again being reminded of his powerlessness state in this world, Tristan subconsciously clenched his fist.

The only advantage Tristan seemed to have right now was the fact that these elves didn't seem to care nor notice him. It was apparent that these people were arrogant and had no interest in a mere human foot soldier - the identity he was currently using.

As Tristan and the other two stopped several meters away from the Forlorn Prince, Agoon quickly bowed at the latter and said, "Greetings, Prince of Forlorn. I am Agoon, the person who the Arcadian Kingdom sent as the envoy. Forgive my insolence, but I wonder if King Itrethril will be joining us today."

The Forlorn Prince was seen swirling the glass in his hand as he said, 

"No. You Arcadians will be dealing with me."

Even though the current development was somewhat unexpected, Agoon quickly schooled his expression and nodded. "I understand, Your Highness.. Then, first of all, we have come here to deliver my king's deepest and sincerest regret about the incident complicating your men."

Afterwards, he took out a sealed parchment and box. These were the messages that King Callan wanted to send to the Forlorn Kingdom.

Through the mental connection that [Blood Seal] made, Tristan knew what the envoy intended. However, he couldn't open the sealed parchment and box. Hence, he was curious about their contents.

After reading the message and opening the box, Tristan saw the other party suddenly frowned.

"Huh! I can't accept an apology from a half elf! And what's with these mere 100 spirit stones!" said the Forlorn Prince as he eyed the box with utter disdain. "This measly amount of stones aren't even enough for the lives of my man!"

Tristan was surprised when he heard a king as arrogant as Callan would send an apology letter for him. Moreover, 100 spirit stones wasn't a small amount. In fact, unlike what the Forlorn Prince said, that amount of spirit stones was a great deal, a wealth that was equivalent to more than 1000 gold coins.

Agoon once again nodded his head and added, "Your Highness, We know this isn't enough, but we hope you understand that these terms have been part of our alliance pact. Therefore, I sincerely hope for your wisdom and insight."

"No! Those are the terms with my father! You are now dealing with me, so those terms are invalid! And I say this is not enough! Besides, that Arcadian mayor also killed my elder. I can not let this pass,"

Agoon brought forward the argument that the prisoners had been released, but it was clear the Forlorn Prince didn't believe him.

"I can tell that Elder Giulis is already dead, and I am sure that the new mayor is the one responsible for it!"

Seeing how determined the Forlorn Prince was at his statement, Agoon could only take a step back for now and told the other party that he would certainly have this issue investigated.

Hearing the way the Forlorn Prince and Agoon conversed made Tristan extremely confused. The current situation was as if the Arcadians were the one at fault, and the Forlorns had nothing with them at all. 

Did Agoon truly had no intention to inquire about the murder of the mayors?

At the moment, Agoon still maintained his calm demeanor, keeping his respectful attitude to the Forlorn Prince. Tristan could see him nodding at the other party's words when he suddenly said something that baffled him.

"Your Highness, if I may hear about your wishes, then I can convey them to my king."

Tristan could clearly see the green-haired Forlorn Prince showcased a wicked smile in the blink of an eye.

"You want to hear my wishes?! Fine! Listen carefully!"

"First, I want 300 spirit stones as compensation! Not one stone less!"

"Next, I want.. I want Callan to give Caerleon to us. The Forlorn elves."

Agoon was seen nodding his head at the Forlorn Prince's words, but caught off guard by the next thing he heard. A confused look appeared on his face as he slowly asked the Forlorn Prince in a unsure tone.

"Your Highness, regarding your second wish, do you mean you want us to replace Caerleon Town's mayor with one of your people?"

"No! I want the town! I want you to force those mongrels away. Kill them if you have to, I don't care. What I care about is that the town is empty."

Agoon seemed unsure about what he should do. "Your Highness, this.. This request is never heard of. Therefore, I could only convey your wishes to my king."

It looked like the Forlorn Prince had expected Agoon's reply as he returned his attention to the liquor in his hand. "Go! Tell Callan that I want the town to be cleared in a month!"

While the two figures were conversing about this matter, Tristan who stood at the side let out a smile on his face. He secretly thought this was going to be fun.

When the Forlorn Prince assumed the envoy had finished his business and was about to send the latter away, Agoon suddenly inquired about another matter.

"Your Highness, my king also hopes that you can release the Vanyar Kingdom's heir, Princess Serene."

The Forlorn Prince seemed surprised by the inquiry. "You don't have to worry about her. The matter regarding the Vanyar Princess is between me and the Vanyar Queen, and shall be dealt with between us. There's no need for you, Arcadians, to get your hand in this matter."

Upon hearing the Forlorn Prince's words, Agoon showed a troubled look.

"Your Highness.. Princess Serene is the cousin of my king. Hence, it's reasonable for him to be concerned about her safety and well-being. Please release her and let her follow us back to the Arcadian Kingdom. The king even specifically instructed me to say he's willing to give a hefty compensation for her release, and would be very grateful to the Forlorn Kingdom."

This time, what Agoon said was something that Tristan ordered him to do through [Blood Seal]. This was the best case scenario for him; having his wife released using the king's money.

Unfortunately, the Prince firmly rejected it.

He seemed to be starting to lose his patience when Agoon continued on Tristan's next order.

"Your Highness, my king expressly ordered me to check on her well-being. I am absolutely sure that he will not let me return without seeing her."

"That Callan has gone mad. He's getting weirder every year!"

He then contemplated Agoon's words, and felt there shouldn't be anything wrong with it. After all, the other party only wanted to take a look at her. Thus, the Forlorn Prince gestured at one of the elf nobles next to him.

Immediately, the said noble approached Agoon and told him to follow him. Tristan and Astrid, who acted as Agoon's escorts, quickly followed.

The result was very clear to Tristan. That Forlorn Prince was an unreasonable person. Therefore, there was no need for further diplomacy. 

As the group of four walked out, Tristan sneakily touched his earpiece and whispered, "Are you ready, Chieng?"

Not even a second later, a reply came from the other side.

"[Affirmative. I'm ready whenever you are, Master.)