No matter which angle she tried to look at it from, the High Elf Queen could see that the deal weighed heavily in her favour. In actuality, it might as well be completely in her favour, as Luca wanted to prove his story of time travel by having his mind opened by a legendary figure. The only thing the young Dragonborn would get out of this, aside from the extremely invasive experience, would be the acknowledgement of his experiences being legit. Plus, the Dreamwalker was gifted by the Goddess of Dreams, so she could see through falsified memories. Based on what she'd heard so far, Luca likely knew this fact and still offered to have his mind opened.
"Allow me to also add that he and his familiar are of species that are considered extremely important to the Dragon Clan. Luca also needs to make contact with the Dragon Clan, and your kinfolk are the only ones that the Dragon Clan find worth speaking to on occasion due to your incredible intellect and magic prowess. I'm also certain that he is willing to share more information that you'd like to know. He mentioned having a lot of such information, but he chose the expedition team's because of the severity of the matter, along with the artifact and the identities of the team members." Arthur was a master of words, an excellent skill developed over years of experience as both a general and a king. As he spoke, he pressed a button under his desk for the tunnels.
At the other end, as Luca had just started to exit the tunnels into the gallery, he heard a soft click, akin to the one he heard to enter. When he heard this, he stopped and stared at the tunnel with a mix of confusion and surprise. Exiting the tunnels was a silent design, so as to not draw attention. Hearing this sound meant that the king had unlocked the gallery entrance again. According to what he remembered, the old Nightwatcher said that, rarely, the king may call them back to his study. Depending on the location, the summons would be different. The gallery's summons was the same as the unlocking sequence's required starting sound, the click from an alcove, but from inside the tunnel. When he heard this, the boy and his partner re-entered the tunnels and started walking back. When asked, Luca told Arcturus, "I thought it would be some time before anything happened... I'm guessing His Majesty is negotiating right now. He must want us to return for it."
As the duo walked unbeknownst to the elven ambassador or the queen back to the king's study, Nesine sighed, "I honestly can't come up with any objections after thinking it all over. I'm not losing anything by taking this deal, something that confuses me to no end." She pinched the bridge of her nose in contemplation, sighing as she tried to find any reason to reject the deal. After a few minutes of silence, she spoke again, "The only possible reason for me to decline is our saintess's opinion. Just because I agree doesn't mean she will." She was about to continue when Arthur held up a hand with a small smile. Before she could ask what he meant, the three people heard a soft whoosh as the Nightwalker tunnel in the pillar opened. Out from it came the same pair as earlier, except Luca had learned from his first attempt and properly tucked and rolled to his feet. Arcturus, however, did not do as well, as he tucked and rolled... into another pillar.
Arthur chuckled a little at the entry, "Welcome back, Luca, Arcturus. I see you've improved your opening act." He couldn't resist making a small joke at the duo, who could only awkwardly blush. Nesine was surprised at this development, as Arthur was rarely humorous with anyone other than close friends and family. Then again, he was also a father of seven kids, most of which were prone to acts of comedic entertainment for adults nearby. Maybe he was subconsciously thinking of his own children. After that thought formed, and she thought of her own children, she came to an understanding rather quickly.
"It would have been nice of you to warn me, Arthur. Unexpected guests aren't considered to be welcome during important meetings." Nesine was only half-joking, of course, as she had thought to meet the guests in question before accepting the deal. Knowing Arthur as she did, however, she reckoned that he foresaw such a request and reacted accordingly. "Mother was right, you're uncanny at being a ruler."
After a small chuckle, the first that Arthur had uttered since the start of the negotiations, the king grinned, "Always a pleasure to be complimented by her. Receiving the good graces of the Queen of Druids, if only a compliment, remains one of the achievements I am most proud of."