NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 239 Negotiations Conclusion
Pia understood Duke Torin's reservations and the challenges they faced. She remained composed and determined, knowing that she had to convince him of their potential to succeed.
"Lord Torin, I acknowledge the difficulties we’ve both faced and the people we’ve lost," Pia responded, her voice filled with conviction. "However, if we keep hiding and running as we have been doing, then they’ll take the rest of what we have remaining. I believe together, we possess a unique chance to create a different outcome."
She continued, emphasizing the importance of unity and the potential impact of their combined efforts. "While you may have lost in the past, that does not mean we cannot achieve victory together. We have a common goal: to bring down the royal family and dismantle the magic tower that supports their tyrannical rule. With your support, we can gather allies who are disillusioned with the current regime. You are loved and respected by many people, my Lord. We can strategize, uncover weaknesses."
Pia's words hung in the air, as silence settled once again. Duke Torin's expression remained inscrutable, but Pia could sense a flicker of contemplation in his eyes. The weight of the decision rested upon him, and she knew that it was up to him to choose whether to join their cause or remain detached.
After a few moments of thoughtful silence, Duke Torin spoke, his voice measured yet resolute. "Well then, Phelantha Ivoriel Ardenia, if I were to agree to this, what would you have me do?" he asked, addressing Pia by her full name. "I will consider your proposition and the potential of this alliance only if I find your answer satisfactory."
Pia nodded appreciatively, understanding that his support would not come easily. "I understand, Lord Torin," she replied. "I would have you provide me any information you have regarding the location of my enslaved people within the kingdom. With that information, I will work to free them, and once I have freed enough, I will give you the location of our secret vault."
Duke Torin inclined his head slightly, acknowledging Pia's words. "Vault?" he said. "What is this vault, and why would its contents matter to me?"
Pia's heart swelled with a mix of relief and determination. She had taken a significant step forward, and Torin seemed intrigued. Now the real work would begin, as she knew that her next words would decide if Duke Torin would grant his support. “As you know, the Kingdom of Aepilia fell to the combined might of the three kingdoms. What you don’t know is that we could have won the war had we decided to sacrifice our people. In this vault, we sealed certain weapons and technology that we deemed too dangerous to be used. These weapons would allow us to wipe out all three kingdoms in the blink of an eye, but my father deemed that we should fight without resorting to such means, so they were sealed.”
Duke Torin, in a stern voice, asked, “And you want me to open this vault and use these weapons to destroy both the kingdom and the tower? If that is your goal, then I’m afraid I can’t…” but was interrupted by Pia raising her hand to silence him.
Pia shook her head as she said, “No, one of my father’s last orders was to seal those weapons away so that they may never be used. If I were to use them, then I would dishonor my father, which I shall never do. However, when we saw that we would lose, we sealed most of our important technology inside to keep it out of the grasp of the magic tower. Inside are things like a machine that allows you to talk with others, no matter the distance between you, and a machine that washes clothes in bunches. With these things, you could improve the life of your subjects and those who serve you, no? The royal family sent you here to die because there are no supply chains that come this far. You managed to keep everything working only with the help of the few still on your side, but this arrangement puts them in danger. If you help me, I will help you improve your territory in ways you couldn’t even imagine.”
Duke Torin listened attentively to Pia's words, his initial skepticism giving way to curiosity and interest. The prospect of accessing the advanced technology of the Alves and improving the lives of his subjects seemed to resonate with him. He leaned back in his chair, deep in thought, considering the possibilities that Pia's proposition presented.
"Improving the lives of my subjects and securing a brighter future for this territory," Duke Torin mused aloud. "Those are certainly compelling incentives. The magic tower may have underestimated my resourcefulness and resilience, but I understand the challenges we face in sustaining this territory. If your technology can really guarantee a stable life for my people, then I might be inclined to accept."
Pia nodded, encouraged by his response. "Indeed, my lord," she replied. "By unlocking the knowledge and technology within the vault, we can bring advancements that will not only benefit your people but also strengthen your position in the face of external threats. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement, where together we can challenge the oppressive rule of the royal family and the magic tower. I would also like to add that any of my people freed shall join us here. So I implore you to please consider this alliance."
Duke Torin remained silent for a moment, contemplating the potential risks and rewards of this alliance. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a mix of determination and cautious optimism. "Very well, Phelantha Ivoriel Ardenia," he said. "I will agree to your proposition and provide you with the information you seek about your enslaved people within the kingdom. In return, you shall share with me the location of this vault and allow me access to the knowledge and technology contained within."
Pia's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and gratitude. The alliance was taking shape, and she had secured Duke Torin's support. However, she knew that the challenges ahead were far from over. "Thank you, Lord Torin," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Together, we shall work towards our shared goals and overcome the obstacles that lie in our path. I believe that with our determination and resourcefulness, we can bring salvation to both our people."
The room filled with a renewed sense of purpose as Pia and Duke Torin began discussing the details of their collaboration. They outlined their strategies, identified potential allies, and set a course of action for the future. The path ahead would be fraught with danger, but they were resolved to face it together.