Even before the meeting began, it was clear that this matter was no minor issue. Benimaru seemed to be nursing a headache that could rival the trials of the battlefield. Whatever this was, it surpassed the dangers he had faced since joining Eterna—he claimed it was scarier than our first encounter with hostile Demon Lords, though I could not determine whether he spoke in jest or truth.
Even Alvis, formidable as she was, had been subdued in earlier discussions. That was fortunate—provoking her would have led to chaos.
No, I reminded myself, this was not about her. The real problem was far more unexpected. Hakurou had a daughter. That alone complicated everything. Resolving this would not fall to Benimaru or me alone. Hakurou's counsel would be essential.
At the time, summoning him was inconvenient, so we decided to postpone the discussion. But now, as events unfolded, the tension had only grown. Last night, Hakurou returned from the Kingdom of Farmus, allowing us to discuss matters directly. Still, the nature of the tengu tribe's demands remained uncertain. We could not predict how the negotiations might escalate, so we resolved to receive them on the final day of the ceremony.
Even with Hakurou present, the core problem remained unresolved. Whether Benimaru would marry Momiji or not—those were now matters between them. And though it mattered little to me, the potential for chaos could not be ignored.
"I have my own considerations," Benimaru began hesitantly. "Or perhaps I must assert my stance—"
"What are you saying? Do you doubt my daughter's worth?" Hakurou interjected, voice firm, yet tinged with emotion.
"I never said that! But you've never even seen her—never knew she existed—don't act as if you hold authority over this!"
"Because I know the truth, I will assume responsibility," Hakurou countered, leaving Benimaru stunned and indecisive. The discussion had spiraled beyond simple negotiation.
The table was set in the reception hall, and across from me sat a girl of striking presence. Momiji, the representative of the tengu tribe, radiated both confidence and pride. Her hair shimmered from white to a vibrant crimson, her sharp eyes surveying me like a blade.
"Demon Lord Atem, it is an honor. I am here on behalf of the Tengu tribe. I am Momiji, and I look forward to our future interaction," she declared, her voice both commanding and respectful.
I observed her with measured authority. "You are too kind. I am Atem, Sovereign of Eterna. Yet know that I will not tolerate deception or betrayal. Speak freely, and I will judge accordingly."
Her gaze hardened. "Your achievements are impressive. Uniting Jura Great Forest in so short a time… you have proven your capability as a ruler. I acknowledge your power. However, do not interfere with our people or our lands."
Shion trembled slightly at the declaration, but she restrained herself. I did not need to intervene—her restraint was voluntary. It seems she had matured beyond reacting to every slight. That was reassuring… yet a small unease lingered.
Momiji, outwardly composed, exuded tension beneath the surface. Though she attempted to appear casual, I could sense her inner unease. A leader's pride does not permit submission before uncertainty. I understood her sentiment; her loyalty and that of her warriors were bound to her, and rightly so.
"I understand," I replied calmly, my voice steady and commanding. "We have no intent to impose upon you. Benimaru has likely explained, but I will clarify: we intend only to construct a road at the base of Coscia Mountain. Additionally, I wish to confirm that the high orcs may remain in the lower mountain settlements they have established."
Momiji's expression softened slightly, though her posture remained proud. "Very well. All of these are acceptable. The mountain's resources and the surrounding forests have never been fully claimed by us. They may utilize what they need, so long as they do not interfere with our people."
I inclined my head, acknowledging her words.
"Good. Then let it be understood: cooperation without interference. This will ensure that our respective domains flourish in harmony."
Momiji's eyes flickered, a hint of respect breaking through the pride. It was a start. But the true test had only just begun. The meeting was not merely about roads or settlements—it was a contest of will, of judgment, and of authority. I would see how far the tengu tribe's resolve extended, and whether they would meet my presence with wisdom or defiance.
About that… the lower mountain region technically belonged to the Jura Great Forest, so I had braced myself for complaints. Yet, to my surprise, Momiji and the tengu tribe did not raise objections.
If that was the case, what truly kept them on guard? Alvis had expressed deep disdain for them—was there perhaps lingering conflict with Beast King Karion? I needed clarity, so I decided to confront the issue directly.
"About that," I began, my voice firm yet calm, "I am uncertain why you feel wary of us. We have no intention of hostility against your tribe."
Momiji's eyes narrowed. "Why should I believe you?"
I leaned slightly forward, meeting her gaze with unyielding authority. "Even if you suspect us of wanting to expand our territory, do you possess any evidence to justify such suspicion?"
Her stance stiffened. She turned sharply, trying to read my intent. "Aren't you aligned with that sly bird lady, Frey? Her desire to seize our lands proves your threat!"
I raised a hand, motioning for pause. "Hold on. Time out."
"Time out? What do you mean?" she shot back, clearly irritated.
"Stop. We must discuss facts before assumptions. Come, let us clarify this misunderstanding," I declared.
I signaled for the executives to join in, and they quickly gathered in a circle. Momiji muttered under her breath but followed suit, her body tense as she observed.
"Right," I began, addressing the group, "what do we know?"
Souei spoke first, his voice measured. "Ex-Demon Lord Frey's territory touches Coscia Mountain. It is plausible she might have clashed with the tengu tribe."
I visualized the map in my mind. The tengu's domain lay outside the protective bounds of any demon lord's agreement. They were vulnerable to incursions from others.
"But why target them?" I asked, frowning.
Benimaru interjected, "There's no resource worth invading. I've been to the area—nothing of value exists."
Hakurou raised his brow. "Frey has a tendency to relocate to high-altitude regions. Perhaps she seeks height itself, as her nickname 'Sky Queen' suggests."
I frowned further. According to Benimaru, the cave atop Coscia Mountain led to a hidden arcadia—a tiny, alternate dimension housing the tengu. That was hardly a location Frey could utilize for her ambitions.
Silence fell. Everyone contemplated the tangled situation. Then—
"You people—stop treating me like air!"
I startled. Momiji had approached, frustration evident in her voice. I returned to my seat, meeting her gaze directly. "Answer me honestly. Has Frey ever attempted to scheme against your domain to seize territory?"
Momiji blinked. "Ah? What nonsense…"
Seeing the seriousness in my expression, her voice softened, muttering reluctantly, "You must be joking…"
I pressed further. "Explain fully. I need to understand your position."
She took a deep breath, eyes narrowing. "Frey's goal was not land. She targeted the capital of the Sorcerer's Dynasty, Sarion, the 'City Embraced by the Divine Tree, Elmin Sarion.' Height was her objective—not territory. She moves with precision, never frivolously."
I listened intently. Sarion was formidable, its military might sufficient to dominate conventional armies. Yet Frey, capable of flight, could bypass geographic disadvantages. She had not abandoned her goal of the divine tree.
Momiji continued. "That is why she approached us. The tengu tribe is powerful—we could augment her aerial forces against Sarion. But the tengu are proud. We do not follow commands lightly."
She paused, her gaze unwavering. "Sarion anticipated our pride. They observed, waiting for Frey and us to exhaust ourselves. We did not need to intervene—they calculated, patiently, for the profit of the outcome. Frey, cautious as ever, made no sudden move. Thus, a twisted triangle formed."
I nodded slightly, absorbing the intricacies. Frey's ambitions, Sarion's patience, the tengu's pride—it was a delicate web of calculated tension.
"And then," Momiji added quietly, "the war between Atem and Clayman erupted. Soon after, Karion and Frey became subjects of Demon Lord Milim. A force beyond our defense was born. Since then, we have debated how best to secure our future."
I remained silent, letting her words settle. Each statement was deliberate, each pause meaningful. The history and strategies of these factions were a complex puzzle—and I, Atem, would ensure clarity and resolution.