The diplomat gave a slight nod and then began again. "Now then," he said, "let's return to the matter of the road itself. I don't have to explain to you, Lord Eland, just how crucial this project is—not only to Ashvale, but to the broader strategy of Elandria."
Eland gave a slow nod.
"This town," the diplomat continued, "is situated as close to the border with Durtharak as any settlement of its size. That alone makes it a strategic point. With this road, we can establish a direct trade route with the dwarves—shortening supply chains, creating safer passage through the region, and generating traffic that can uplift this entire territory."
He paused to let the words settle, then added, "But beyond economics, this road will bring something far simpler—and more important—to your people. Comfort. Stability. Access."
Eland exhaled slowly, nodding again. "Indeed. A road like that would mean faster deliveries of medicine. Easier travel for healers. Even just the ability to bring in new goods, tools… hope."
The diplomat leaned forward slightly. "Exactly. And because of the significance of this—because it's not just about Ashvale, but about the country as a whole—the king has personally signed off on extensive funding for this project."
Jinrai's brow lifted slightly, and Tharion folded his arms in thought as the diplomat continued.
"All necessary construction materials will be provided. Stone, timber, metals for reinforcement—everything. The crown will supply protection for the transport of those materials, and we will also send experts where needed—engineers, planners, and surveyors."
He held Eland's gaze. "But in return, we expect labor."
Eland narrowed his eyes slightly, curious.
The diplomat clarified, "We need your people who know this land, who know the paths, the terrain, the dangers. They must be the ones to build it, at least through the most dangerous regions. If we send men from the softer provinces, they'll die to monsters or accidents before the road even reaches halfway."
Eland nodded solemnly. "That much is true. This land doesn't favor the soft-handed."
"Precisely," the diplomat replied. "It will remain your project in that sense. The backbone of it will be forged by your people. That also means the credit will go to Ashvale when it succeeds."
Eland looked at the diplomat for a moment and then answered. "This sounds… almost too generous. Too clean. We're being given materials, protection, support—and all you ask is sweat and callouses?"
The diplomat smiled faintly. "I understand your caution. But it's the truth. The king has made it his mission to stabilize the region. Since the death of the previous monarch during the Orc Wars, he's put everything into avoiding further conflict. This—" he gestured toward the drawings on the table, "—is part of that mission."
Jinrai shifted slightly. He glanced at Tharion, who met his gaze briefly, then turned back toward Eland and the diplomat.
The diplomat continued, "We are already in talks with Durtharak about future cooperation. This road—this connection—will give us an undeniable advantage in building that relationship. As you know, peace does not form in meetings. It forms in the quiet, mundane places. In trade carts. In merchants shaking hands. In shared tools and meals."
Eland chuckled softly. "You sound like a poet, for a diplomat."
"I'll take that as a compliment," the diplomat replied with a slight bow.
Then Eland said, "But we've never been hostile with the dwarves. Not since the borders were drawn and the great nations settled."
"True," the diplomat agreed, "but we've never been allies either. And I believe you'll agree—it is better to have an ally on your doorstep than just a neighbor."
Eland smiled at that. He glanced briefly toward Tui, who gave a nod without saying a word.
"I can't disagree with that," Eland said at last.
The diplomat reached forward, gently laying a scroll on the wide table in front of Lord Eland. He unrolled it smoothly, pressing the corners down with the weight of a small bronze seal and a smooth stone taken from his satchel.
"This," the diplomat said, "is the formal contract, complete with all terms and provisions as agreed. You'll find the finer details toward the middle and the tax structure on the second page. Please read it at your own pace. When ready, sign on the bottom line and stamp below your signature with your personal seal. Once returned, the king will sign it himself, and the contract will be ratified."
Lord Eland nodded slowly. He lifted the first page, reading line by line. It was quiet in the room aside from the rustle of paper and the low hum of the light spell still radiating from Tui's hands.
"Two percent levy on all trade passing through Ashvale," Eland muttered. "But ten percent on outbound trade between Ashvale and other cities connected by the road."
He raised an eyebrow, tapping the margin of the page.
"Ten percent is high, but with better roads, higher supply flow, and fewer risks on the way, prices should drop anyway. We'll take a loss in margin, but move more goods. That may be a fair trade."
The diplomat nodded. "That was the thinking. And with Ashvale positioned where it is, your town will become a nexus—merchants will have to pass through here. More people means more business. In time, you could lower the tax and still bring in more revenue than you ever have."
Eland continued reading as he spoke, flipping the page and running his finger down a column of provisions.
"And any settlements founded along the road," the diplomat added, "will fall under joint jurisdiction for the first five years. The crown will oversee their development, but after that, each will fall under the closest ruling body—most likely, Ashvale's governance. If this project succeeds, it could transform this entire strip of the borderlands."
Eland nodded slowly. "It would bring stability… and legitimacy to the region. Too long we've been seen as a margin of Elandria."
"That's precisely what the king hopes to change," the diplomat said, allowing a rare smile. "In the long run, this isn't just about a road. It's about drawing our scattered frontier into the heart of the kingdom."
Eland set the parchment down and gave a single, decisive nod. "I have no objections."
He reached for a quill placed at the edge of the table, already inked and ready. With a careful hand, he signed his name in a slow, practiced script: Eland Greyreach. Then he leaned back and turned toward one of the younger maids.
"Leta," he said gently, "would you be kind enough to bring my seal from the office? It should be in the second drawer. And bring a flame to melt the wax."
She gave a small bow. "Right away, my lord."
As they waited, the diplomat tilted his head slightly, observing the room. "You put a great deal of trust in your maids," he said. "They manage your home, assist with state affairs, handle your correspondence… and now access your seal. That's a rare kind of loyalty."
Eland gave a tired but genuine laugh. "Without them, I wouldn't last a week. Tui manages my health better than most healers, Leta's memory is better than my scribes', and the others ensure the house doesn't fall apart around me. Trust? Yes. But not blind trust. I've raised them, in a way. I know where their loyalties lie."
A few minutes later, Leta returned, carrying a small iron box and a lit taper. She set both on the table and opened the box to reveal a bronze-cast stamp etched with Eland's personal crest: a mountain wreathed by laurel, its peak crowned with a small flame. She dipped the wax stick to the flame, letting it melt into a bright red puddle beneath Eland's signature.
With a slight grunt, Eland pressed the seal into the warm wax and held it there for a few seconds before pulling it away cleanly. A perfect imprint remained.
He exhaled and pushed the contract toward the diplomat. "There. That should be everything."
The diplomat picked up the parchment with care, inspecting the seal and signature, then rolled it tightly and slipped it into a secure scroll case. "With this, I can report success to the crown."
He turned to the merchant who had accompanied them. "You'll be responsible for transporting us—and this—safely back to the capital. We'll take a fast route, and I'll have my men ride ahead to notify the king's court of our approach."
Then he looked back to Eland. "Once the king signs it, construction will begin. I expect you'll receive word within the month."
Eland leaned back in his chair. "Good. May it go smoothly. But we must remain cautious. These lands are not merciful, and someone went through great lengths to delay this."
The diplomat nodded solemnly. "I agree. And we will stay vigilant."
He gave one last respectful bow. "Thank you, Lord Eland. You've done your people a great service today."
Eland raised a hand lightly. "It's not just my service. It's my duty."
With that, the diplomat, the merchant, the surveyor, Jinrai, and Tharion, turned to leave.