Some people could be seen not far ahead. I was sure they could see us too.
"You two don't need to talk—just act as usual and stay alert, just in case," I said without taking my eyes off the beastkin. Both guards nodded in response.
As we drew closer, I stopped my horse when we were about ten meters apart. Without dismounting, I gave them a polite nod and began speaking.
"People of Varess, glad to finally meet you. I am Evander, lord of the Spartans you've seen. You may address me as such."
They exchanged glances before the old one in the center stepped forward.
"Glad to meet you too, Lord Evander. We are the council heads of Varess. I'm Kaelir. These are Thornek and Fenrik."
"Glad to meet you, Lord Evander," the other two echoed. I nodded in return.
"Then, Lord Evander, let's take seats and talk," said the old fox, gesturing toward the rocks near the shrine.
I dismounted with my guards. One of them took care of the horses while the other stood at my side.
Hmm. Are they intimidated? Probably because we're taller and more muscular than they are.
Once we were seated, the old fox began the conversation.
"Ahem. Lord Evander, if it's okay to ask… are you human? You really don't look like one."
"No, we are not. As I said, you can call us Spartans."
They looked rather pleased. Do they dislike humans or something?
"So, why did you call me here? If I'm not mistaken, you called yourself Kaelir—the Voice of the Council—in your letter."
"Yes, Lord Evander. We reached out because we wanted to know whether you are friend or foe. If you're an enemy, that could become dangerous for us."
Testing the waters, huh? I'll play along for now.
"Well, if you ask me, I see no reason for us to fight."
Fenrik's POV:
"Glad to meet you, Lord Evander."
He looked strong, with the aura of a true leader. Maybe if I get him into the council, I can stop this old fox from tightening his grip. If not, I'll lose my position—or worse, my life.
Let's play it smart. I'll go with the flow and propose it when the moment's right. That fat bear Thornek will say yes out of fear. He only knows how to bully the weak and lick the boots of the strong.
I won't let the old fox win again.
Back to Evander's POV:
"Yes, I agree, Lord Evander. We have no reason to be enemies," Kaelir said.
"We'll be neighbors from now on. Just call me Evander—no need for formality."
"Excellent, Evander. We shou—"
At that moment, Fenrik interrupted him.
"Sir Evander, as an influential person on this island, I believe it would be perfect to see you as a council member."
He turned to his companions. "Don't you agree?"
I noticed the tension in their expressions. Is there internal conflict?
"Wh—" the old fox tried to speak, but I cut him off.
"Do you really think so, Fenrik? It would be an honor. But… do the others agree?"
"Wa—" Kaelir tried again.
But this time, the fat bear didn't even wait.
"Amazing idea, Fenrik! I would love to see you as a council member, Sir Evander. Someone strong like you could surely help our small Varess."
With every word, Kaelir's face grew redder. Hah… these three are entertaining.
"My friends, if you think so, I would gladly accept the role."
I stood and shook hands with each of them—holding Kaelir's handshake a few seconds longer with a smile.
Yes… I'll conquer them from the inside.
Thornek spoke up. "Sir Evander, I heard your people know magic. Is that true?" Bootlicker confirmed.
I held out my hand and summoned a small fireball, then extinguished it with a sphere of water.
"Yes. I can use magic, as can some of my people."
They all looked astonished.
"Sir Evander, it's incredibly rare to see a mage—especially among beastkin. In all of Varess's 120-year history, we've never had one."
"Yes, this is our first time seeing real magic."
Good info, boys. Keep going.
"Hmm. Thanks for clearing that up."
"It's what friends do," Fenrik said.
"That's right. Fenrik, you're unusually wise today," Thornek joked.
Haha. This bear is amusing. I didn't laugh aloud, but a smile slipped out.
Kaelir finally calmed down.
"Kaelir, what are the council's responsibilities? As you might expect, Spartans are excellent fighters. Maybe we could help."
"It would be a great help if you supported the defense of Whispering Town—that's the forest settlement."
"Is it that dangerous? Why even build a town in the middle of a forest with no food source?"
"Every year, there are monster attacks. Goblin and orc tribes often raid it."
"Then why not abandon it? Monster corpses aren't worth that much."
"You're right, Evander. But the mountains there are rich in minerals. We discovered it not long ago."
"After we tried to secure the area, we lost even the mine we opened last winter."
"So basically… you want me to clean it out so you can resume mining. What do I get in return?"
"Well… do you have anything in mind?"
I do, thank you for asking.
I put a hand on my chin, pretending to think for a moment.
"Our salt reserves are running low. If you give me ownership of a nearby village—or at least tax rights—and a place to trade our harvest, that would be a fair exchange."
"That's acceptable to me. What do you two think?"
"Yes. We can give you ownership of the nearest village, Sir Evander."
"I agree as well."
"Then it's settled. We should return before it gets too dark. Let's end today's meeting here, Evander. We can send letters to discuss further."
"Very well. My men and I will take care of the mountains. Just send me the village location, and I'll send someone to confirm it."
"Then it's decided."
We stood, I mounted my horse, and we rode off.
"Let's ride faster."
"Yes, my lord."
We returned not long after and saw Drata waiting for us. He looked relieved—he must've been standing there for a while.
He really looks like an abandoned puppy sometimes.
"Drata, you can learn the situation from the guards. Make sure to inform the villagers as well. I'm going to get some rest."
Ugh, this blood stinks. Even goblin blood smells awful. What kind of creature are you, seriously? I need to clean my spear too, or it'll start rusting.
I'm such an idiot. I should've brought a rag or something to wipe it off.