Chapter 190: Denied

Chapter 190: Denied



Vincent sat across from Princess Elara in his office, the air between them heavy with the conversation that was about to unfold. Maps of the region and battle plans decorated the walls, but neither of them focused on the details. Vincent leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk, his face serious.

"Elara," he began. "I've thought a lot about your proposal of marriage. I get why you suggested it—it makes sense from your perspective. But I don't think it's necessary for us to form a strong alliance."

Elara's brow furrowed in confusion. "Not necessary? In elven tradition, marriage between leaders is the most secure way to ensure an alliance. It creates a bond that can't be broken. In times like these, we need something strong enough to last."

Vincent gave a small nod. "I understand that's how your people see it, but we're different. My forces aren't tied to any country. We're mercenaries. We don't belong to a nation, and we don't have the same traditions. We fight where we're needed, and we make alliances through agreements, not through personal ties."

Elara looked surprised. "But your power, your forces-everything you have is just as strong as any kingdom's military. Why wouldn't you want to secure that strength through marriage, ensuring it's tied to the elven kingdom forever?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Vincent leaned back, crossing his arms. "That's exactly the problem. If we get tied to one kingdom or one cause forever, we lose what makes us effective. We're used to being flexible, taking on different missions, and making decisions based on what's in front of us, not because we're bound by a permanent alliance. Marriage would change everything for us." Elara thought for a moment, her expression becoming more serious. "So, because you're mercenaries, you can't commit to a long-term alliance-even in a war as important as this?" Vincent sighed, trying to explain it clearly. "We can commit for the duration of the war, but after that, we have to move on. That's how we operate. If we tie ourselves to one nation, we lose the ability to take on new missions. It's not that we don't care about the outcome of the war-of course, we do. But we can't become part of another kingdom. We have to stay independent."

Elara's confusion deepened, but she was also trying to understand. "Then... if you're mercenaries, does that mean your services can be bought? Could we pay you to stay with us indefinitely? If marriage is off the table, maybe we can ensure your forces fight for us by paying for your services."

Vincent shook his head, his tone firm. "No, Elara. It's not about money. We do take on contracts, and you could hire us for a campaign. But to hire us indefinitely would mean we'd lose our independence. That's not something we're willing to do. We fight for a cause, complete the mission, and move on. Staying with one group forever would stop us from doing what we do best."

"Sure."

As Elara left Vincent's office, the heavy topic of their discussion still lingering in her thoughts, she couldn't help but reflect on Vincent's words. The idea of a mercenary force, so powerful yet unwilling to bind itself to one cause permanently, was foreign to her. In the elven way of thinking, alliances were built on eternal commitments-marriage, bloodlines, oaths that could never be broken. But Vincent's independence was his strength, and it made him all the more difficult to categorize.

Outside, her advisors waited, their faces curious but silent. They had known the purpose of the meeting, and they could tell from Elara's expression that it hadn't gone quite as expected.

"Your Highness, was the alliance secured?"

Elara turned to face them, her posture as composed as ever. "We have an understanding, but it won't be through marriage."

Vincent values his independence more than I anticipated, and he has made it clear that while his forces will fight with us until the war is over, there will be no permanent binding between our people. Vincent values his independence more than I anticipated, and he has made it clear that while his forces will fight with us until the war is over, there will be no permanent binding between our people."

The advisors exchanged glances, some of them clearly uneasy.

"Without a marriage, can we truly trust the humans to stand by us in the long term? Mercenaries come and go with the tide of battle. What guarantee do we have?"

Elara raised a hand to calm him. "Vincent was honest. He is not driven by greed, nor is he untrustworthy. He has pledged his forces until the demon threat is defeated, and that is the assurance we need for now. Beyond that, we must respect his nature."