Chapter 4606: Chapter 4595: Griffon’s Roar (Part 1)

"Aalejah Eventide will take part in the negotiations to ensure the elvish interests are protected. To avoid a war, however, we’re not enough. That’s where you come into play." The Human Representative paused to let her words sink in.

"You are a hero to Jiera for destroying Kolga, Verhen. You have helped the Merfolk find their place on the surface. You have contributed to taking down two Jieran lost cities, Thaymos and Ruugat.

"You are the reason the people of Zelex and the elves have joined the Garlen alliance. Most of all, you’re the most prominent among the few stable evolved humans on Mogar. Your status as an Indech can play a big part in the negotiations and gives your words weight."

"What Representative Raagu is trying to say is that we hope to use you as a needle to pop the soap bubble that the Jierans’ requests are." Sylpha snorted, annoyed by all that beating around the bush.

"If you sway the beasts and plants to see our point of view, the human Jierans will find themselves isolated. If you threaten them not to mix your bloodline or share the secrets of human evolution with Jiera, it might bring them to reconsider.

"Like it or not, all Indeches are Verhens, and even though nobody says it openly, as the first and the most powerful member of the Verhen family, you’re the Patriarch of the newborn Indech bloodline, Magus Verhen."

"In other words, I’m the thread that connects everyone involved, and my Indech bloodline, along with the others I possess, can tip the scales of the negotiations." Lith said.

"Correct." Sylpha nodded. "No beast bloodline wants to get on the Tiamat race’s black book, and no plant folk is willing to risk making an enemy out of you and earn the resentment of the unborn Erkin Verhen.

"If he becomes a Demon or unlocks the Divine Beast equivalent for Fae, it would mean that only Garlen would enjoy the presence of another bloodline first of its kind. The same applies to your Indech aspect, Magus Verhen."

"When you put it like this, I feel like a living stick and carrot." Lith scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Because you are, Featherling." Salaark’s hologram joined the conversation. "You’re the only Demon who had children. Ral and Ely love you. Erkin and his mother owe their lives to you. Aran and Leria would never side with your enemies.

"What my not-so-much esteemed colleagues said is true, Featherling. We need you to avoid spilling blood for a petty squabble and wasting countless resources just to get our work in Jiera set back by months, if we’re lucky.

"I’ve kept myself out of this situation because I hate political babble. If this were up to me, I’d fly there and beat the Jierans an inch of their lives. Alas, that’s another Guardian’s turf. Long story short, I kindly request your intervention as well, Featherling. Salaark out."

The Overlord’s hologram disappeared just as abruptly as it had appeared, giving the others no opportunity to reply.

"I’ll do everything I can to prevent bloodshed and protect those who trusted my word, Your Majesties." Lith said. "I’m willing to take part in the negotiations with Jiera. When and where are they going to take place?"

"In Jiera’s Cascan Region, where the elves have decided to establish their cities-republics." Aalejah replied. "Time and distance have kept my people apart for too long, and every vine city has its own customs and laws.

"The elves of Setraliie and Medolin have formed a federation with the nearby vine cities and are willing to offer hospitality to their cousins, but they are not ready to merge into one country nor give away a single meter of land to those who didn’t earn it."

"As for the when, we waited to hear your response before setting a date with the Jieran diplomats, but all the groundwork is already done. We’ll contact you again in a few days to inform you about the final details."

"Is there anything else I should know about this?" Lith asked, receiving only a shake of the head in reply. "Then, with your permission, I have a few things to prepare for this trip. Verhen out."

***

As soon as the call ended, Lith informed his family members of the situation in Jiera and his plans to deal with it.

"Ryla, this is a good opportunity to reconnect with the people of Zelex who moved on the other side of the ocean. I don’t need your presence, but if you want, you’re welcome to tag along."

"Thanks, Lith. I think I will. Rena?"

"On it." She replied. "I’ll contact the rest of Zelex’s Senate right away and let them know about this."

"Count me in." Morok sighed. "I’m offended no one thought of asking my help, but as a fellow evolved human, I might be able to help. Also, I owe the people of Zelex that much.

"They trusted me, and I don’t want them to think I’ve abandoned them once they were no longer useful, like that piece of shit of my father would have done."

"Thank you." Lith nodded. "Ripha, you and the other Sigil Demons focus on our array formations until the day of the meeting. If something goes wrong, I want to hit our enemies so fast and hard that they’ll be dead before they understand what hit them."

"On it." The First Ruler of the Flames nodded. "What about conjuring a few wild Demons this time? To give us and your golems a chance for a proper test run."

"Not here." Lith shook his head. "There are only so many wandering souls in Lustria. We’ll need to move around a bit. Tista, contact Bodya. If his relationship with his clan has improved, let him know. Otherwise, ask him for Vothal’s contact rune."

"I will." Tista swallowed hard.

’I haven’t heard from Bodya for a while, and I didn’t call him either. Calling him only when I need something from him might sour our relationship even more than it already is.’ She thought.

"As for me, I have a call long overdue waiting for me." Lith took the words out of his sister’s mind, but their motives couldn’t have differed more. "How are you doing, Vladdy? I’ve heard Detemer is off to a great start."

"Hi, Lith." The Firstborn Vampire snorted. "I’m fine, and my fortress city is slowly returning to its former glory. Before you ask, I’ve already sent you every magical resource I could spare, and no, I haven’t forgotten about our deal."

"No pressure, Vladion." Lith lied through his teeth. "It’s just that I’ve been invited to Jiera for some negotiations, and I can drop by if you have something for me. Maybe I have enough time to help you sort through Ruugat’s rabble."

"Negotiations? Don’t tell me they dragged you into that bullshit?" Vladion’s eyes flared red with outrage.

Lith nodded and brought the Firstborn Vampire up to speed about the recent developments.

"I agree with your decision. You have as many good reasons to participate as I have to tell the Jierans off." Vladion snorted. "I’m ashamed of my own countrymen, and I don’t trust any of them further than I can throw them. I suggest you do the same."