He was tall and, though not as muscular as those charging soldiers, he appeared exceptionally lean and sturdy, with a steady and powerful gait.
He had typical fox-like features—thick, dark brown hair like a mane and a full beard, but meticulously combed; his amber eyes were sharp and shrewd, carrying a worldly-wise composure.
He wore a dark brown leather armor made of exquisite materials and with fine workmanship, covered by a dark green cloak embroidered with intricate tribal patterns, symbolizing his identity as an envoy. Hanging at his waist was a ceremonial short knife inlaid with gemstones and with an ancient design.
He exudes a low-key and reserved dignity, and is a typical strategist who excels at planning and strategizing.
"Lord Lind, Miss Nazra." Murad placed his right hand on his chest, performing a standard orc salute. His voice was loud and clear, with a hint of orc guttural in Common, but very fluent.
"By order of Elder Hussein Adan, Murad has come to pay his respects, wishing that the friendship between Blackrock Territory and the Fox Clan may be as strong as Blackrock."
"Welcome, Envoy Murad. Please have a seat."
Linde nodded slightly and gestured to the seat opposite him.
“I have received Elder Hussein’s kind intentions. I wish our talks a success.”
His gaze calmly fell on Murad, capturing the subtle changes in the other man's emotions—composed, cautious, and with a hint of assessment.
Nazla poured Murad a cup of fragrant tea with graceful movements.
"Your Excellency Murad, you must be tired from your journey."
The title "Your Excellency" indicates that this envoy holds a relatively high position within the pro-peace faction.
"It's my duty."
Murad took the teacup, his gaze sweeping between Lind and Nazra before finally settling on Lind's face, and he got straight to the point:
"Lord Linde, the Elders have repeatedly verified the 'crystal remains' sample that Miss Nazra brought back. Its power is pure and strong, far exceeding most of the natural crystal remains we have obtained before, and its stability is unparalleled."
Elder Hussein attaches great importance to this and has authorized me to be fully responsible for the transaction with you. I wonder, sir, what is the quantity of these crystal fragments you possess, and... what is the possibility of a long-term supply?
He went straight to the core issues, demonstrating a pragmatic and efficient style.
Linde picked up his teacup, gently blew on the steam, and didn't rush to answer.
He needs to control the pace of the negotiations.
"Quantity depends on demand."
Linde put down his teacup, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.
"As for long-term supply... Envoy Murad should understand that the source and production of crystal fragments of this quality are not easy. Each acquisition is accompanied by enormous risks and investments."
Murad's eyes narrowed slightly; he understood the unspoken meaning:
With tight supply and high costs, a significant price needs to be paid to achieve a long-term, stable supply.
"Risk and value are always equal, Lord Linde."
Murad calmly replied, "The Orcish Kingdom, especially our pro-peace faction, is well aware of its strategic significance. We are willing to pay a price commensurate with it. Whether it's gold, mithril, magic cores, rare herbs, or... resources or intelligence unique to certain kingdoms and difficult for outsiders to obtain."
He offered a wide range of options, testing Lind's interests.
A very faint smile appeared at the corner of Linde's lips:
“Gold is good, but Blackrock Territory craves ‘power’ itself. I’ve heard that some special metals have been found in the Orc Kingdom? Their properties… are quite peculiar.”
He didn't explicitly mention "god-slaying metal," but the implication in his words was very clear.
Murad's pupils suddenly contracted! His fingers, resting on his knees, tightened unconsciously.
The "strange metal" mentioned by Lind instantly reminded him of certain legends and taboos of the kingdom's top secrets!
His gaze toward Lind was instantly filled with unprecedented shock and scrutiny.
This young human lord not only possesses the source of high-quality crystal remains, but has also touched upon a taboo subject that is kept secret even among the orcs.
Nazla added at the opportune moment, her tone carrying a perfectly timed sigh:
"Your Excellency Murad, Lord Lind's 'insight' far surpasses our imagination. Some things may not be top secret in his eyes."
Murad took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart.
He realized that the negotiating partner before him might be far more sophisticated and possess more secrets than the peacemakers had initially estimated.
This is no longer a simple crystal transaction, but a collaboration involving deeper and more dangerous areas.
"The 'strange metal' that Lord Linde was referring to..."
Murad's voice lowered, carrying an unprecedented solemnity.
“It does exist, but it is extremely rare. The difficulty of mining and refining it is no less than obtaining the reverse scale of a legendary dragon. Its properties... are also full of uncertainty. The kingdom has extremely strict control over it, and even I have very limited authority.”
He did not deny it, but emphasized the difficulty and limitations of obtaining it, which was both a fact and a negotiation tactic.
"I understand."
Linde nodded, seemingly unsurprised. He stopped examining the metal itself and instead said:
"The transaction of crystal remains can be done in batches. For the first batch, I can provide 'finished products' equivalent to the energy of ten standard high-grade natural crystal remains. As for the price..."
He picked up a list that had been prepared on the table and pushed it over, saying, "I need these materials. Just pay the market price."
The list contained rare magical metals and catalysts that Alice urgently needed to manufacture the replica core and magic armor, and which Blackrock Territory could not produce on its own. The required quantities were considerable, but all within a reasonable range.
Murad took the list, glanced at it quickly, and began to calculate rapidly in his mind.
While the value of this list is considerable, it is entirely within acceptable limits compared to the strategic significance of high-quality, stable crystal remains; in fact, one could say that Linde's asking price is quite "fair."
His previous probing with "god-slaying metal" was more like a strategy to demonstrate his strength and leave room for negotiation.
"There is no problem with the materials. We will procure them as soon as possible and ensure quality."
Murad put down the list and made a commitment. He understood that this was the first step in building long-term trust. "So, regarding subsequent supplies..."
"We can discuss the subsequent supply volume and frequency based on the results of the first transaction and your needs."
Linde offered some flexibility, "but I hope our trading channels will be discreet and efficient. Miss Nazra will be our most trusted contact in the Orc Kingdom." He reiterated Nazra's importance.
“That’s natural. The elders have no doubt about Miss Nazra’s abilities and loyalty.”
Murad glanced at Nazla and nodded in agreement.
He stood up, bowed again with his hand on his chest, and said, "I will arrange for the shipment of the first batch of transaction materials as soon as possible. I look forward to long-term cooperation with Blackrock Territory."
At the first meeting, the core framework was already finalized.
Both sides obtained the information they wanted and established initial mutual trust (or rather, a basis for cooperation under mutual deterrence).
Crystal Skeleton's stable source of income is opening up, and a secret and powerful channel has been officially established with the orc peace faction.
Linde's chips had become even more substantial.
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