Andrew and his ladies had no idea what was going on around them, focusing all their attention on the incoming armada and hoping that the enemy would not try to open too many portals at once.
-What are your plans?
Andrew asked Teleren after they received the news of the Kinokian fleet mobilizing.
-Your fleet came here to learn and gain experience, but now things are different, since the enemy is sending their real fleet.
-It does not matter.
The elf said while shaking his head.
-Actually, this is even better, since we will be able to see the performance of my empire's standard ships against an enemy of similar advancement levels.
Additionally, the experience from such an engagement should be even better than what my fleet has experienced so far.
So we are not going anywhere, and besides, what kind of allies would we be if we left you alone, only because the enemy is sending better ships?
-I'm glad to hear that, but truth be told, I would not blame you if you wanted to pull your forces back in this situation.
-We have another portal opening in the system.
Lanarine said before the two of them could continue this discussion.
-Is it the enemy?
Andrew asked immediately.
-No, the energy signature indicates that it's the Moon elf empire.
The geologist said once she scanned the new portal.
-Are you expecting anyone?
The emperor asked the elf, who was as surprised as the rest of them.
-No, as far as I know, there should not be another portal opened until we are ready to leave.
Teleren denied.
-We are being hailed.
Saril stated as soon as the elf finished speaking.
-On screen.
Andrew said, hoping to learn what was going on.
-Greetings, your majesty.
My name is Lemis, and I'm an envoy of the Moon elf star empire.
Our King Emperor Reluvethel Daezorwyn wishes to open formal diplomatic relations between our empires, which is why His Majesty has dispatched me to begin negotiations.
Additionally, envoys from other elven empires and kingdoms wish to do the same.
-It was my impression that I was invited to the Gathering of the Monarchs for exactly this reason.
Andrew said, a bit surprised at this development.
-Then I can only say that you were mistaken, your majesty.
You were indeed invited to the gathering, but the diplomatic relations won't be on the agenda.
The diplomat explained patiently and without any judgment, as it was not hard to mistake the purpose of the gathering.
-Alright, thank you for explaining this, Envoy, and you have my permission to come through the portal, and the same goes for the other envoys as well.
However, let me warn you that this system is an active war zone, so you might want to bring something more powerful than a diplomatic vessel, just in case.
-I am aware of that, your majesty, and so are the other envoys.
All of us are on board the cruiser-class ships, so your majesty can expect nine cruisers coming through the portal.
Lemis said with a smile.
She only exchanged a few sentences with the human and already had a favorable impression of him, since he was worried about their safety and didn't even try to hide the fact that his empire was under attack.
-That's great, and the escort fleet is already on its way, so you can come through the portal at your convenience.
The human also smiled.
-Thank you, your majesty. We will arrive shortly.
The envoy said and ended the call.
-Alright, the two of you need to spill the beans on the elven star nations immediately, and I want all the information the guild has on them as well, and right now.
Tarina said to both elves the moment the call ended.
-Calm down, I have everything you need right here.
Teleren said, taking out a data storage device that looked like a pen drive.
The diplomat grabbed the device and started reading the data as soon as possible.
-Tarina, calm down.
Tanera said, seeing how frantic the diplomat was.
-How can I calm down?
The Areni asked, not even lifting her head from the hole-screen.
-There are eight diplomats of elven star nations coming here to negotiate with us, and I have no clue about any of their nations or their way of conducting diplomacy.
-The first thing you need to know is that the envoys are always the first to be sent and begin the diplomatic relations.
They have the authority to negotiate the basic diplomatic agreements, such as opening trade channels, basic non-aggression pacts, and so on.
So you don't need to worry about this too much.
The merchant explained.
-As for what comes later?
It depends on the results of preliminary negotiations.
If everything goes well, then they might suggest sending an ambassador to stay in your empire and negotiate higher-level agreements.
However, this usually takes some time to arrange, since an ambassador is usually chosen from the nobility.
She added.
-What my sister is trying to say is that you have more than enough time to read through these materials, and the envoys are basically the messengers, so you can stop freaking out over this.
Teleren said with a sigh.
-I hope you are right, or I might make a fool of myself.
The diplomat said, seeing as eight different cruisers emerged from the portal that had just opened.
-You won't.
I saw you conduct negotiations before, and if you go about it the same way as usual, you will be alright.
Tanera said with a confident smile.
-Just remember that honesty and patience can go a long way with these guys, and you'll be fine.
She added.
-I'll remember, and now I need to get ready to greet our guests.
The diplomat said after taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.
She negotiated deals between territories so far, but this would be her first negotiations in the Battleverse, and with eight star nations no less.
Seeing such a challenge set before her, Tarina felt nervous but also excited and, lastly, terrified, as the stakes were incomparably higher than any negotiations she had taken part in before.