Chapter 188: The Emissary's Requests
Some time later, the emissary arrived with a small entourage of guards at the place where Elton and company had been staying. With a slight bow, she greeted them.
"Greetings, people from another land. I have come on behalf of the governor to go over the plans once more for the incoming battle we are about to face."
The emissary was a beautiful yellow-skinned woman with dark green hair. Her rugged skin-revealing armor made her look more like a warrior than a diplomat, though her smile softened her demeanor.
"We are pleased to once again meet your acquaintance, Ms. Obianuju," Elton said, offering a slight bow. Christy and the others followed suit with light bows of their own. "Let's head inside."
The group entered the house—once a plain Umankan structure, now transformed by Shayleaf into something far grander.
"My, my… this house has truly evolved since I last saw it six days ago," Obianuju said in wonder. "It's become something like a forest palace, complete with formations and nature décor. Remarkable."
Her guards were equally stunned. Umankans were not known for refinement in architecture, their buildings usually crude but durable.
"Hehehe, I'm glad you like it! With all our travels, I've become fascinated with nature creation magics, and I found I'm actually very talented at it!" Shayleaf said proudly, puffing out her chest.
"Talented doesn't even begin to cover it," Christy muttered, her gaze sharp but intrigued. "Though perhaps that's just who she is."
"No matter," Obianuju said, shaking her head. "It certainly is interesting. In fact… I would like to make a separate request. No, actually—two requests."
"Alright," Elton nodded. "We'll hear them after we finish the war talks."
The war plans were laid out in detail. Another fierce conflict was about to erupt involving two sea kingdoms, the Umankan nation, and the Daemonorc nation. The Serpent Shark Kingdom had unexpectedly allied itself with the Daemonorcs, aiming to crush the Red Flounder Kingdom and its vassals. Secret battles had already begun some days ago, spreading until they could no longer be hidden.
Elton's group had become the talk of the five nations. Their clash with the Umankans had first marked them as a force of few but frightening strength. At first, the other nations had dismissed them. But once it was confirmed that these "new Umankan-like outsiders" had aligned themselves with the Umankans, alarm bells rang. Rumors spread that the disappearance of a certain Sea Lord had sparked this escalation.
In response, envoys from the Red Flounder Kingdom had rushed to form an alliance with the Umankans, preparing to fight against the Daemonorc Nation and the Serpent Shark Kingdom. The Aethalgard Ducal, the largest and arguably most powerful nation in the region, maintained its usual stance of waiting, watching, and plotting. Its fractured demihuman fishman dukedom held ties to other nations outside of this region, making its role dangerously unpredictable.
For Elton and company, the plan was simple: assist in crippling the Daemonorcs, then prepare to counter Aethalgard's likely opportunistic strike. They weren't interested in becoming embroiled too deeply in this war, but opportunities for training, resources, and experimentation made it worth their time.
"Now then," Obianuju said with a firm nod once the talks concluded, "it's time I share my two requests."
"Go on," Elton replied, watching her carefully.
The emissary hesitated for a moment, her eyes settling on Shayleaf.
"Ms. Shayleaf, on behalf of the Umankan people, I ask if you would be willing to build new housing for our towns, and also restructure the main city residences?" Obianuju asked with hope in her voice.
Elton and Christy exchanged looks but left the decision to Shayleaf.
"Eh? Hmm, sure, I don't mind," Shayleaf said, tilting her head. "But only if Brother Elly is okay with it?"
"Of course, Shay. Do it if you'd like," Elton said with a small smile.
"Alright then! I'll help build the housing, Ms. Obianuju!" Shayleaf said, beaming.
"Thank you, Ms. Shayleaf. Thank you, Mr. Elton. We will make sure you are paid handsomely," Obianuju said gratefully.
"Hehe, it's no big deal," Shayleaf waved it off, though her pride was obvious.
Christy leaned forward slightly. "And your second request?"
"This one is… more personal," Obianuju admitted, her voice softening as she gathered her courage.
Elton's brows furrowed. "Something serious?"
"I hope it isn't too outrageous," Christy added with a faint frown.
Obianuju took a deep breath, then spoke with resolve.
"Sir Elton… my request is simple. After the battles end, I want to follow you. Not just me, but a group of ten of my people as well. Please, allow us to leave this land with you."
The room froze. Elton and his companions stared in shock, while Obianuju's guards blinked at her in disbelief.
"You… want to follow us?" Elton asked carefully.
"Yes," Obianuju said firmly. "Our people have lived trapped here for centuries. There are truths and complications even we dare not speak aloud. But if you will allow it, I and a few others wish to leave this cycle behind."
Elton studied her for a moment, then sighed. "We'll revisit this after the war. But… I'll keep it in mind."
"Mm. If Gege agrees, then so be it," Christy said reluctantly.
Obianuju bowed deeply, more respectful than ever. "That is enough for now. Thank you."
Shayleaf tilted her head, curious. "But how would you even travel with us? Elchris is big, yes, but carrying too many people would weaken his speed and fighting ability."
Obianuju smiled confidently. "No need to worry. I have a contracted beast. We'll be able to follow smoothly."
With that, the emissary and her guards departed. Yet as she left, Elton suddenly felt a faint message enter his mind telepathically—unseen and unheard by anyone else.