Book 3: Chapter 71: The Conference II

Book 3: Chapter 71: The Conference II

There was absolute silence as the messenger spoke. Nobody, not even the empire's delegation, dared interrupt their host's representative.

My role here today is to act as a mediator and ensure the neutrality of Tradespire is not breached, the messenger announced, sweeping their eyes over all parties. We dont want any part in this conflict and do not intend to take sides. Therefore, any intentional violations of the peace will have grave consequences for yourselves, your families, and your countries. Do you all agree to those terms?

In turn, each of the groups consented. Even Zeke was asked, though the idea of him attacking anybody here was laughable, considering the difference in strength.

After getting everybody's agreement, the messenger nodded. Excellent. Now, I think it would only be fair to hear from Seraven first. After all, we have gathered here by the seers words.

A hooded figure stood from their group and bowed to everyone present. Greetings, honored ambassadors. My name is Venus Morrow. I have been chosen by the All-Seeing-Eye and the Omnicient-Voice to speak for Seraven today.

Even while addressing the crowd, the person did not remove her cowl, and not a single part of their face was visible. However, compared to the messenger, they spoke with a melodious, clearly female voice.

Since time immemorial, we seers have always tried to be conscious of our role. The ability to perceive the future is not a burden we take lightly. No matter the scale of the war, we have never gotten involved in any conflict between nations. Only for the gravest of disasters, such as the Grand quake, the World breach, the

We dont need a lesson in history, girly! Get to the point! somebody yelled.

Slap!

An ear-splitting noise silenced the murmurs that had started to emerge. Everyones head snapped to the source of the sound. There, they found Messenger with their palms flat on the podium. I dont mind a debate, but will not tolerate any acts of blatant disrespect and there will be no second warning for you, Mr. Raja. You will be removed from the hall if you interrupt the proceedings again. Now, if you would please continue, Miss Fortuna.

Yes, of course, the woman said. I wont bore you with the details of our history any longer, but I urge you to consider the point I was making. We, the seers, have never before gotten involved in matters of war, so I hope that youll be able to grasp the gravity of this decision. Today, for the first time ever, we break this ancient tradition and warn of the dangers of this coming conflict. Behold the words of the Voice.

With a flick of her hand, her right index finger started to glow. In a practiced manner, Venus started to write. Line after line her finger served as a pen, leaving luminous words floating in midair. After finishing, she pointed outward, causing the block of text to enlarge as it floated to the front of the hall, visible to everyone.

From centuries of slumber, the elements four,

Shall rise from the depths, and claim their lore,

Their power unrivaled, their fury unbound,

Consuming the radiance, without a sound.

The legions of plenty shall fall to their might,

Their screams of anguish drowned out in the fight,

They all shall perish, their blood on the ground,

I said, ENOUGH!

This time, her tone was laced with a hint of a threat. The moment she uttered the phrase, Zekes hair stood on end. It felt like an icy hand had gripped his heart and he had trouble breathing. Luckily, the sensation ceased immediately when Messenger's head snapped toward her. Dont try my patience, Geistreich. It was a yes or no question.

Very well, Otto said, If you want a simple answer, you shall have it.

Even he, as an Arch Mage, had gone pale after the single phrase uttered by Aurelia. Zeke could hardly imagine how much more intense the sensation must have been for him as the primary target.

Otto took a deep breath and turned to the group of seers as he responded. We will not abandon our plans, not if this is all there is to the warning.

Venus's shoulder sagged upon hearing his decision. She was visibly confused by his words and merely pointed at the glowing words of the prophecy once more. Zeke got the impression that she was not used to people turning down her requests. It came as no surprise when Otto shook his head in response to her silent plea.

I appreciate the reply, Aurelia said. But has your empire really considered the consequences of going against the seers warning? We have all signed the pact, and the consequences of breaking it are clearly defined.

Ottos placid expression shifted, but not to one of fear, as one might expect from somebody faced with a threat. No, it looked more along the lines of disdain. He once again met Aurelias unnerving black eyes boldly. Why dont you remind me of the consequences, Ms. Thorsten?

The matriarch looked confused by his reaction but began to state the clause nonetheless. In case any nation refuses to heed the seers warning, all At this point she realized what Otto was getting at and stopped herself, falling silent.

In case any nation refuses to heed the seers warning, all other nations will immediately declare war against the offender and bring him to justice, Otto finished for her.

A long, heavy silence descended while Otto swept his gaze over the attending groups. His expression became more mocking with each face. Eventually, his eyes settled on Aurelia once again. Please remind me, Ms. Thorsten. How exactly would that be different from the situation we have right now?

Watch your words, boy, Aurelia said calmly. You are being naive in thinking the empire can stand up to the rest of us combined. True, there is an alliance, but up to this point, it was more symbolic than anything else. You are far from being able to face the might of the continent in its entirety.

The disdain on Ottos face grew thicker. And who exactly is going to join you? The seers? The slavers? the elves? dwarves? druids? I dont hear any of their representatives clamoring for my head, or even promising their support. Do you?

Finally, Aurelias unflappable expression flickered as she eyed the different groups one by one. Nobody would meet her eyes.

The human nations consisted of the three central powers: Equinox, Invocatia, and Arkanheim. Though they had once been equal in strength, after the great western expansion, the empire dwarfed the other two now. Combined with its consolidation of the entire east, there was no single nation that could come even close to the power Arkanheim held today.

Compared to that, the West was fractured and weak. Valor, Seraven, Korroven, Cosmoa, Irroch, Rukia, and Bernost were the other human states. But out of all of them, only Valor had offered its direct assistance in the war so far. By the looks of it, this fact would not change today.

With every averted gaze she failed to meet, Aurelia was getting angrier. When she saw the empty tables for the delegations of Rukia, and Bernost, she finally lost her temper. Fine, I see how it is. None of you deserve the peace you have today. Let the prophecy come true for all I care I hope it will swallow you all.

After saying her piece, the woman stood, followed by her entire group. She was clearly intending to leave. However, before she could even take the first step, she was stopped by the next line from the empires delegation.

If nobody else has anything to say on that matter, Otto said, sweeping his eyes over the crowd, searching for anyone willing to interject. When the moment went by without any response, he continued. In that case, we have one more announcement to make today, regarding the von Hohenheim family and their patriarch Ezekiel von Hohenheim.