Whether the Mother Tree of Desire of Desire was genuinely negotiating with Alaric was unclear, but Alaric had no intention of entertaining such talks from the start.
To him, Outer Deities, whose motives were painfully transparent, were far too dull. They paled in comparison to the vibrant, diverse beings of Earth.
With negotiations broken, the facade of peace between the two sides naturally gave way to conflict.
There was no doubt that Tolzna, under the Mother Tree of Desire's possession, was formidable. Even an ordinary Sequence 0 might struggle to defeat this King of Angel. If one of the Seven Gods stood here, they might not lose, but capturing Tolzna would be no easy feat.
Bethel, still only an King of Angel, could temporarily trap the Mother Tree of Desire-controlled Chained God Tolzna. But over time, it was uncertain whether the Mother Tree of Desire, an Great Old One, could break the seal and escape.
Fortunately, the Mother Tree of Desire faced The Ancient Sun God... a being not yet a God Almighty but so close that his strength rivaled the Mother Tree of Desire's true form. Subduing a mere possessed Chained God Tolzna was no challenge for him.
Soon enough, Tolzna was defeated, suppressed by The Ancient Sun God and sealed by Bethel.
"This time, I've lost," The Mother Tree of Desire's will, still lingering in Tolzna's body, said. It looked at Alaric, its gaze carrying an indescribable emotion before it broke into a sudden smile.
"But I'm curious," it continued. "In the future, when this world no longer needs you, how will they treat you?"
"Such a low-grade attempt at sowing discord," Alaric replied, raising an eyebrow and delivering his verdict.
"It's discord, but it's also the truth, isn't it? Hahahaha!" The Mother Tree of Desire laughed, its eyes... through Tolzna's body... shifting to The Ancient Sun God and Bethel. Its tone dripped with malice and anticipation. "They need you. They fear you. They see you as a friend, yet also as an enemy. Isn't that fascinating?"
"Perhaps, once you've dealt with us for them, their blades will turn on you." The Mother Tree of Desire's gaze returned to Alaric, its malice almost tangible. "When that time comes, will you regret today's choice?"
Alaric fell silent, staring at the Mother Tree of Desire, his thoughts unreadable.
The atmosphere grew heavy, and a faint smirk curled the Mother Tree of Desire's lips.
"…How about you tell me something I don't already know?" Alaric finally spoke, his expression earnest as he looked at the Mother Tree of Desire. "Is it possible you're saying things I'm already aware of and, frankly, quite enjoy?"
The Mother Tree of Desire's smile froze.
"You're a strange one. Don't you know the best kind of bond between people is one where they're both friends and potential enemies?" Alaric said, casting a look of disdain at the Mother Tree of Desire. He shook his head. "No taste at all. Hopeless. Might as well bury you."
Alaric meant every word. While others might shy away from such dynamics, his unconventional worldview made him not only unbothered but delighted by it.
How fascinating it was... a perfect reflection of his sense of human aesthetics.
"And…" Alaric's expression turned puzzled as he looked at the Mother Tree of Desire, asking earnestly, "Wouldn't you also be wary of me, fear me, and turn your blades on me when the time comes?"
The Mother Tree of Desire's expression faltered, then it said, "We could sign a contract…"
"Contracts can be signed and broken," Alaric interrupted, flashing a radiant smile. "Admit it... you're far less trustworthy and far more dangerous than humans. Since betrayal's a risk either way, why wouldn't I choose the side I like more and poses less of a threat?"
The Mother Tree of Desire had no retort.
Alaric turned to The Ancient Sun God and Bethel with a grin. "Well, you two? I've so firmly chosen your side... got anything to say?"
The Ancient Sun God's smile was warm but tinged with resignation. He spread his hands. "My Sasrir already belongs to you. You've poached Medici, half-bought Amon, and you know Adam's stance. Ouroboros would never follow you… I've got nothing left to offer."
"Fair point!" Alaric nodded, rubbing his chin. Then, with a sympathetic look, he said, "Poor Grisha, you're practically a lonely old Sun God now!"
"So…" Alaric's tone shifted, righteous and firm. "I really am a great boss. Everyone wants to work for me!"
The Ancient Sun God's smile grew more helpless. He shook his head and said diplomatically, "You're a fine boss, but maybe giving your employees a bit more time off would make you even better?"
"Look at you, talking like that! We've just been too busy lately. Once this is over, I'll definitely let them rest," Alaric replied. Then, as if struck by a thought, he turned to Bethel. "What about you, Bethel? Grisha's on his way to being a lonely old Sun God. Where do you stand?"
Bethel met Alaric's golden eyes, placed a hand on his chest, and gave a slight bow, smiling as he spoke. "I have long pledged my loyalty to you. Everything I am is yours, Your Majesty."
"Whoa!" Alaric sucked in a breath, clearly thrilled by Bethel's ceremonial declaration. He looked at him, unable to hold back his admiration. "Bethel, you truly are my right-hand man. My faith in you wasn't misplaced!"
Alaric was starting to understand how kings and emperors felt when their loyal vassals swore allegiance... especially when it came from someone as distinguished as Bethel. That feeling... wow!
Life really needed a touch of ceremony.
"No way, I've got to figure out a way to get Lil' Red to do this too…" Alaric's thoughts wandered. Others were one thing, but if the great Red Angel could be convinced to perform even a simplified version of this loyalty oath, Alaric would find it immensely satisfying.
No particular reason... just the kind of thing you do to mess with a close friend, like claiming to be the "dad" of a roommate.
"It seems I've overstepped," The Mother Tree of Desire's voice cut in abruptly, snapping Alaric back to reality.
He turned to the Mother Tree of Desire and began walking toward it.
As he reached it, Alaric flashed a smile, his tone impeccably polite. "Enough of these trivial topics, my lady. Let's move on to serious matters."
As he spoke, he gently placed a hand on Tolzna's head. "For instance, could you kindly vacate my subordinate's body?"
***
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