Chapter 320 - Making Yourself at Home in Someone Else's House
The key is to take the lead in any negotiation or situation. It's crucial to disrupt the other party's rhythm and guide the conversation in the direction you want.
"Kingdom of Brenark... the Duke, is it?"
Claiming to be the Duke's representative seemed to have a significant impact. Our effortless defense against their magical attacks and the fact that a woman could be so formidable must have made them realize we weren't easy to dismiss. They likely understood that we were a troublesome opponent.
Siegrune didn't respond to their probing questions and instead entered the room as if it were nothing, acting as if she were visiting a casual eatery. Normally, such a situation would be tense, with both sides hesitant to move, but she acted as if there were no danger at all. It was almost pitiful to see their confusion.
The General's guards, who seemed to be his protectors, hesitated to launch another attack. They appeared to be waiting for orders from their boss.
We didn't overlook their hesitation. Mary and the others followed half a step behind, positioning themselves around Siegrune. Finally, Rosabel-san and I entered the room, taking up positions to protect her. The relaxed attitude of our group contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere of the General's faction. It was now unclear who were the hosts and who were the guests.
Just as the General seemed to regain his composure and was about to speak, a distant rumble and vibration echoed through the room. We reacted to it.
"What a commotion... What's going on here?"
The question was almost laughable, but we had to maintain the pretense of just arriving.
We know nothing about your situation, not a thing.
"Answer me! You said the Kingdom of Brenark? What do you want?"
The General was clearly anxious. In a disadvantageous situation against Colonel, he wouldn't have the luxury of dealing with unexpected visitors. Of course, he was on edge.
Despite this, Siegrune remained unperturbed, showing no signs of concern.
"First, I must ask. Are you the former commander of the Retnark Navy and the base commander here? I assume there is no mistake?"
We were here to recruit these naval officers, not to recruit them as pirates. We were treating them as military personnel, maintaining the pretense that we knew nothing about their pirate activities.
"Indeed. And I have a question for you. What does the Duke of Brenark want with us?"
The General and his people weren't fools. They understood the pretense and acted accordingly. However, they didn't think we were mere messengers. Our brief display of power, combined with our high-quality black and moon-white cloaks and black berets, and the weapons we carried, suggested we were a formidable military group. They realized we weren't to be underestimated, especially since we were women.
Siegrune pulled out a letter from her pocket and showed it to them. This letter was prepared by Rosmerta.
Of course, we couldn't expect them to believe our offer just based on our words. We needed to provide some evidence. This letter was for that purpose.
While the General might not recognize the coat of arms of the Brenark nobility, it was unlikely that a former military officer and noble's son would be unfamiliar with such documents. Even if they suspected it was a forgery, it would be hard to ignore.
"To be frank, Duke Oversta wishes to welcome you as the commander of the Brenark Navy."
"…What did you say?"
The shock was evident, not just in the General but in his subordinates as well.
We had successfully taken control of the situation, regardless of the reasons for their shock.
"Sir, would you like to sit down and talk? I would like you to read this letter as well."
Another distant rumble and vibration interrupted the moment, deepening the General's anxiety.
"Siegrune, it seems there's trouble. We might need to address that first."
"Indeed, Rosabel-san. It seems so. Sir, if there's anything we can assist with, please let us know."
Rosabel-san stepped forward, capitalizing on their confusion, and Siegrune deliberately mentioned her name.
The most skilled healer of our time, known by both name and face, significantly boosted our credibility. Her presence alone elevated us from a suspicious group to a respected delegation.
The effect was immediate.
To the beleaguered General and his men, she was like an angel in hell, a welcome presence.
"Is that really Rosabel-sama? Please help us! We have many injured—"
One of the General's subordinates spoke up with urgency. The General, who didn't want to show weakness, had no choice but to let him finish.
"Indeed. I would like to help, but could you tell me what's happening? You seem to be in a hurry, so please be brief."
Her usual mischievous expression was replaced with a kind and compassionate one, making her seem like the legendary healer she was. The contrast was almost comical to those who knew her well.
To those who didn't, she exuded an undeniable charisma. The former military men and current pirates, who were usually rough, were now completely subdued in her presence.
Living legends are not just for show; the effect was even more powerful than I had anticipated.
Their desire to save their comrades made them look to the General with hopeful eyes, urging him to explain the situation and seek help.
A mutiny among the subordinates would be a source of shame for the General. How would he respond?
Another significant vibration shook the room, and the General's face showed resignation.
"It seems we can no longer hide anything. I will speak, Rosabel-san. Please lend us your assistance."
He had lowered his guard! The Rosabel effect was formidable.
He must have realized that he would lose if he continued to resist. In the presence of Rosabel-san, he softened his stance and explained the situation, omitting personal details and focusing on the rebellion over rewards. We knew about the murder of a woman and her child, but if he didn't mention it, we would pretend to be unaware.
Rosabel-san, representing us, listened attentively, nodding occasionally.
"Understood. I didn't expect a mutiny. I'll do what I can for the injured. Siegrune, why don't you help capture the traitors while you're at it?"
"Sir, if you allow us, we can handle it."
"But it won't be easy—"
"There's no need to hesitate. We are here to welcome you and your men. Resolving the problem aligns with our goals. Mary, go ahead."
She pushed the conversation forward, and Mary and the others, using Physical Enhancement Magic to display their power, silenced the room. They demonstrated that we were more than capable of handling the situation.
Their sudden combat readiness further disoriented the General's men, clouding their judgment.
"We don't know how to distinguish the traitors or the layout of the facility. Could someone guide us?"
"I'll heal the critically injured. Lead the way."
With the initiative firmly in our hands, we proceeded on our terms.
Mary and the suppression team left, creating a tense atmosphere, while Rosabel-san and Siegrune moved to the injured. I and another member accompanied them as guards.
A short walk down the corridor led us to a large room filled with the critically injured, resembling a field hospital. The air was thick with the smell of blood and other foul odors, and some had already succumbed to their injuries.
The General's faction's healer had collapsed from magical exhaustion, and the medical supplies had been seized. We were their only hope.
"Rosabel-san, could you start with the most critical cases?"
"There are quite a few. Wait a moment."
The greatest healer of our time, she must have seen far worse. She walked to the center of the room with a calm demeanor, raised her hands in a prayer-like gesture, and channeled her magic.
"O Eir-Eigre, Goddess of Healing, grant cool winds, hidden light, and a compassionate smile to the fierce warriors!"
Her solemn, low voice created a sacred atmosphere. To me, it seemed overly dramatic, but she was a natural performer.
A white, glowing mist spread from her, enveloping the room. This technique, which I had developed, was highly effective for creating a sense of wonder. While its healing power was only third-tier, it was enough to save those on the brink of death.
When the short casting time ended, the glowing mist dissipated.
"I'm done. I've healed those who could be saved, but I couldn't bring back the dead. If there are more, I can heal the lightly injured as well."
Her casual statement was met with awe as the men hurried to check the injured.
"…Oh, oh, oh, their wounds, their wounds are healing!"
"Amazing, the same here. All the wounds are gone."
"What a miracle… No, this must be the work of the legendary healer, blessed by the Goddess of Healing."
Simultaneously healing multiple critically injured individuals was a miraculous feat. They must have expected her to heal each person individually. The fact that she could heal so many and still have magic to spare was truly impressive.
Even the pragmatic military men were moved by the sight of a living legend and her skills. Gratitude for saving their comrades further solidified their trust in us.
"Sir, could we have a moment while the healing continues?"
"Indeed, we shouldn't just stand around. I'll send someone to guide you."
With the mood set, we moved to advance the negotiation.
Initially, the General needed to observe the healing, but now it was unnecessary. We were fully capable of handling the situation.
However, the General needed time to reassess his strategy with the revived forces.
"I apologize, but I need to reassess our strategy quickly—"
"General, we can handle the situation and reassess the plan. It shouldn't be a problem."
His subordinates supported us, providing a helpful assist.
"…Very well. Messenger, I apologize, but given the situation, I need to be brief."
"We don't intend to take up too much of your time."
Rosabel-san, accompanied by a guide and a combat team, left to heal the other injured. I stayed with Siegrune.
It was a two-on-two meeting, with the General and his adjutant.
Entering what appeared to be the General's office, we sat down without unnecessary formalities. I and the adjutant stood behind our respective leaders, maintaining a cautious stance, though I didn't expect any trouble.
Siegrune handed over the letter prepared by Rosmerta, leaving it to the General to verify its authenticity. The quality of the paper and the content would add to its credibility.
We knew the content of the letter. It was vague, stating only the intention to welcome them as legitimate military personnel.
The assumption that the Kingdom of Brenark would control the former Retnark territory was a given for those familiar with the situation. It was only a matter of time.
"Messenger, one question. This is an invitation from Duke Oversta, but what is the Kingdom of Brenark's stance?"
"The Duke has significant influence over the royal family. His agreement will be applied, and you will be formally welcomed by the kingdom. Your status will be guaranteed, and your subordinates will receive appropriate treatment. It's a good deal."
A good deal often has a catch, and our words were unverified. We only had a convincing letter. Rosabel-san's presence would reinforce our credibility.
However, for the General, there were no real downsides.
If the Kingdom of Brenark controlled the former Retnark territory, the pirates would be eliminated. Accepting a favorable offer beforehand was the logical choice.
The only question was whether the offer was genuine. Rejecting it would mean a short-lived pirate career or fleeing to an uncertain future.
Especially given the current situation, where they were losing to Colonel, and we had healed their injured, the offer was too good to refuse.
Considering the possibility of a trap was futile. If we intended to kill them, we would have done so immediately. We were restoring their fighting strength, so there was no reason to be hostile. Our approach was overtly friendly.
The General and his adjutant examined the letter, showing signs of hesitation and doubt.
Were they trying to prolong the negotiation to demand better terms, or were they skeptical of the letter's authenticity?
After a long silence, there was a development within the base. Someone was running toward the room.
I, secretly monitoring the situation with my magic, already knew what had happened.
The door was knocked on hurriedly. The adjutant answered and received a whispered report, frowning.
"What is it?"
"…The messenger's companion has returned with the prisoner. The traitors have surrendered."
"What? It hasn't been that long. Are you sure?"
The General, confused by the rapid turn of events, tried to maintain his composure in front of us, speaking with a stern expression.
Siegrune and I exchanged a secret smile, watching the scene unfold.
We had marked Colonel's position and knew the situation. Officially, we had asked for a guide, but Mary had likely continued the fight and subtly moved toward the target.
The negotiation was reaching its climax. As a final gesture, we would present Colonel to them.
If they were still unsatisfied, our attitude would change drastically.