Chapter 81 Discussing Cooperation Aren't these traitors on this continent a bit...?
When Easter returned to the meeting room, he calmly sat back in his original position, without the slightest embarrassment or discomfort.
Many people wanted to approach and chat, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore. His seating position, Derek's special treatment of him, the surname "Felix"... one mystery after another made up East a mysterious and fascinating person. Yet, everyone shared the same concern, an unspoken rule that no matter how curious they were, no one dared to approach him recklessly.
Assan didn't leave early. East sat back down next to him, but he didn't even glance at him. His expression was dark and unfathomable, lost in his own world, lonely and lifeless, without any light.
With no one to disturb him, Easter gained a brief moment of peace and was able to carefully consider and review the chaos that had just occurred.
Strangely enough, sometimes the answers he gives "instinctively" are more reliable and thought-provoking than those he gives after rational consideration.
Thick eyelashes obscured his bright, crystal-like eyes. "This is troublesome," he complained inwardly.
"King Felix, may we speak?" Derek did not come alone this time; he was accompanied by three others, envoys from three other empires.
The three women have very distinct personal characteristics, which fit the stereotypes of the three empires in the public eye. Timothy Karen, with her scholarly temperament, is elegant, tall, and well-dressed. She is the only woman among the four, which shows her excellence.
Jasper Leroy gives off a wild and untamed vibe at first glance. He is tall and strong, nearly two meters tall, and dressed casually and unrestrainedly.
Doyle Campbell, who seemed the most amiable and approachable of the four, was slightly overweight, with a friendly smile that seemed to say "harmony brings wealth."
With such a grand display, there was no room for East to refuse.
"Shall we talk here, or somewhere else?" Easter asked.
“If you don’t mind, let’s talk in the waiting room,” Derek said.
East agreed, instructing Matsushita Yuki and Himena to stay and wait for him, before heading with the four of them toward the nearby reception room.
Assan stared at the backs of the five people, anxiously counting on his fingers, and finally slumped into his chair in despair, a strand of black thread quietly wrapping around Esther's wrist.
Ester sensed something and lowered his eyes as he entered the reception room, but merely smoothed his sleeves and did nothing else.
The five people sat on opposite sides, with steaming tea in front of them. They observed, scrutinized, and pondered silently, each lost in their own thoughts, and for a moment fell into an eerie silence.
“Derek, you’re here to discuss things with us, not to just stare at each other, right?” Jasper was the most impatient of all, utterly fed up with this kind of intellectual exchange.
"King Felix, what do you think of my proposal?" Derek asked. "Your summoned creatures are all magical, as if they came specifically for this disaster."
East remained noncommittal. "Your Highness, aren't your words somewhat biased?"
“I don’t deny that they are indeed very good and excellent, but when it comes to strength,” he said with a helpless smile, “the gap between them and the best soldiers from other countries is still very large.”
“Being humble isn’t like this. Look at what this continent has become, why are you still hiding things? Would it kill you to be more honest and open?” Jasper said bluntly. “Your little things are very interesting, growing at a rapid pace, and fighting bravely and fearlessly. You should be proud of them, not belittle them for things that shouldn’t be taken seriously.”
East, "..."
Is this all bark and no bite? It's precisely because the mainland is in this state that he should hide even more; otherwise, who can feel at ease? Don't let internal strife arise instead of dealing with the demons; concentrate your firepower and take him down first.
"What's with that look on your face? Am I wrong?" Jasper asked. "I approved your summoned creatures being able to register as mercenaries. Their excellence makes me feel that your softness doesn't do justice to them."
Upon entering the reception room, Easter gave a rare, genuine smile. "You're right." He didn't offer any rebuttal or denial; instead, he seemed to agree wholeheartedly.
Jasper looked at East with a strange expression. "You really have no temper?"
“You’re telling the truth, why should I be angry?” Easter asked, puzzled.
"Ahem...you can continue." Doyle covered his mouth with his hand, trying hard to suppress his laughter. This King Felix's personality was more interesting than he had imagined. No wonder his unconventional uncle was willing to make a deal with him. He would have been willing too.
“King Felix, if you truly didn’t want to discuss cooperation with us, you wouldn’t have come here with us. So, what are your demands?” Timothy, who had been silent all along, asked in a calm and even voice, a stark contrast to her gaze that seemed to want to see right into people’s hearts.
East raised his eyebrows and said, "That's more like it. We're talking about cooperation, so let's show what you can offer and then state your demands. That's how we have a back-and-forth, instead of making it seem like I'm committing a huge mistake if I don't contribute."
It's hard to say what the four people present were thinking, but their facial expressions all seemed quite normal.
“Just tell me what you want,” Derek asked bluntly.
East said, "What I said earlier is true. Even though they have many amazing characteristics, one fact is undeniable: their current strength is still too weak. Even the lowest-level monster can wipe out a ten-person team. I'm not belittling or being modest; I'm just stating the facts..."
"What are you trying to say?" Derek asked patiently.
Easter looked at Jasper. "Mr. Leroy, does what you just said prove that my summoned creatures are doing a good job as mercenaries?"
The four people present probably understood what Easter meant.
East explained in more detail, "It's like hiring someone. You can post a task with me, specifying the number of summons needed, the tasks to be done, the time limit, and the reward you can offer. It's all based on mutual benefit, so everyone can accept it more easily."
“I suppose you wouldn’t accept every assignment?” Derek asked.
East looked surprised, as if wondering why he would ask such a stupid question.
“Your Highness, you can ask Mr. Leroy if every mercenary mission they undertake is accepted. I remember there’s a famous one that’s been dead for almost a hundred years, isn’t it?” His tone remained as gentle as ever, but the meaning behind his words was unmistakably sarcastic.
Derek had a deadpan expression, completely ignoring East's sarcasm. He knew he had made a mistake as soon as he spoke; he wondered what was wrong with him today that made his thoughts less calm than usual.
“I have no objection to that,” Jasper said to himself. “After all, compared to other countries, Leroy is doing alright right now, and with your summoned creatures, you should be able to handle the chaos that’s about to unfold better.”
The Leroy Empire, as a nation where the entire empire values martial prowess, possesses formidable fighting strength.
“If we’re just talking about a deal, I have no objection. That’s what we do best.” This time it was Doyle who spoke. As a businessman, he was very comfortable with the proposal proposed by Easter.
“King Felix, if it were that simple, why would we need to have this conversation?” Timothy said.
"Otherwise what? You can't threaten me into giving it all away for free, can you?" Ister chuckled. "Don't be fooled by the fact that my summoned creatures seem like they can grow up easily with just a little care. The truth is, I have to prepare equipment and weapons for them, potions and magic crystals, delicious food, and comfortable housing... They are intelligent beings, they have their own needs. I'm not running a charity. I'm spending all my own resources and still not getting a word of thanks. So why wouldn't I choose to protect myself?"
“You don’t dare. You’re a smart man. The fact that you didn’t completely refuse this conversation only means that you’re not powerful enough to break ties with us. You’re trying to defuse this unwarranted disaster in a tactful way,” Timothy said.
Easter let out a soft "Ah," and asked with a smile, "And then?"
Timothy stared intently at East's expression. "Are you very confused and dissatisfied with today's arrangements? Why are you being put in such a spotlight? Why are you being so fixated on your summoned creature?"
East didn't shy away from saying, "Yeah~" He really wanted to rub the system rabbit. This situation was extremely uncomfortable, filled with suffocating awkwardness, and he felt uncomfortable and uneasy all over. "Someone once told me that my specialness is not really special in the context of the current continent. There are countless people with outstanding talents, so why focus on me?"
"Who said that? They don't even have basic judgment..."
East's unchanging expression changed noticeably. "Alright, I understand what you mean. Just say what you want to say. There's no need to beat around the bush."
“It’s nothing, I’m just curious about you,” Timothy said, slightly toning down his tone. “King Felix, you are more interesting than anyone expected, but you are still too young and impatient. Is that person really that special?”
“Ms. Karen, please state your request directly?” Easter said with slight annoyance.
“You’re too special. They’re all just strong individuals, which might not be enough to turn the tide. But you’re different. You have too many summons, too much potential for growth, and your immortality is terrifying. Given time, you’ll be a huge threat. But the timing of your appearance is too perfect, making it difficult to nip you in the bud,” Timothy said regretfully. Noticing Esther’s impatience, she quickened her pace. “Little one, you’re still too naive. You need to understand that your foundation is too weak and your identity is too special. If you don’t show your value, you know the consequences.”
"Are you threatening me?" Easter asked sincerely.
“No, I’m just trying to be helpful,” Timothy said.
After looking at the remaining three, a question arose in his mind: were their attitudes too friendly?
“I don’t know how to tell you this,” Timothy said. “The four of us are all a bit rebellious, and we don’t have much fear or apprehension. We’re mostly just curious about you, not to the point where we’d go to great lengths to extract every last drop of value from you.”
East was puzzled. Weren't there a lot of traitors on this continent? And they kept crowding around him.
"Thank you," the traitor was a good thing for him, as he didn't have to worry about dealing with potential dangers. "Tomorrow I will bring a more detailed plan, not limited to the four empires, nor just to dealing with monsters. My summoned creatures are not all born for battle."
“Alright, it’s about time. I have some things to take care of. Make yourself at home.” Derek left first.
Jasper stroked his chin and looked at East. "King Felix, I thought you were a gentle person with no temper."
"How could you think that? Did you lose your mind fighting Caius?" Timothy said with a smile. "Don't forget, this little king has only conquered twelve countries."
“No matter how mild-tempered you are, you can’t just hand over your territory, can you?” East meant that he was acting in self-defense and that he did not want to start a war.
"Whatever, I don't want to deal with people who aren't honest." Jasper waved his hand and left.
Easter smiled and said to the remaining two, "Then I'll be going too, otherwise my summoned creatures will be worried."
Doyle said amicably, "We can talk privately sometime, just to do business and not discuss politics."
“I’d be happy to, whatever your schedule.” Easter replied with a smile.
Once outside, Easter thought about the banquet that was tonight and felt like dying. The continent was in such a state, why did they still love holding banquets? But he was also looking forward to it; he hadn't yet seen the person he wanted to see.
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