6 Diplomatic… Something – 2 (2/2)
He smiled nervously, trying to make a friendly face.
(Wolf): ”It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Vladmir. I came here to stablish a friend relationship as neighbors.”
A friendly approach… it seems that he telling me a half truth, I can partially read his mind. However, his objective is more to assess the situation and grant that I won't do a hostile invasion. It's quite transparent. Even so, I don't want a hostile relationship, but I still need to keep a strong fist over them.
(Vladmir): ”It's an interesting concept, mister Wolf. Indeed, although I'm a military commander, I'd prefer a peaceful relationship.”
Wolf smiled, and his followers as well. Ok, Vladmir, first the carrot.
(Vladmir): ”Well then Mister Wolf. I'd like to discuss trading.”
He smiled and we talked for a while about goods and trading. What I have to offer is simple technology, such as lighters, pens and other paraphernalia that makes the live of the beastman easier, as well metal.
What they have to trade is small amounts of food, some money that they can produce with the metals that we provide, since I can produce basically any kind of metal at my factories, as well monster cores that will be their main trading stuff.
Of course, the discussion took at least four hours. Not only that, since the start I had one of our medics, out of her armor, to write down the contract with several clauses where our trading terms are stablished. However, that was the carrot… and the stick follows.
I ominously lean my elbows on the table, crossing my fingers and hiding my face behind my hands, creating a serious atmosphere.
(Vladmir): ”Mister Wolf, although I do have the impression that you are a good natured person, I'm still a military commander.”
His face paled visibly.
(Wolf): ”M-mister Vladmir… I can assure that the beastman village will be a great business partner!”
(Vladmir): ”Don't misunderstand. I have no prejudice against your race. Much the contrary, I could not care less about it actually. However, as I said previously, I'm a military commander. My nature is to distrust, and I wouldn't like to jump in a agreement without a guarantee.”
Wolf swallowed dry, his face serious. After hesitating for a few moments, he said:
(Wolf): ”What kind of guarantee?”
I held back a smile and kept my serious countenance. Even if I'm a child and his companions don't seem to take my seriously, I can't show myself a cruel dictator that delights in their suffering.
(Vladmir): ”A long time ago, when my kind still dwelled in castles, we had an costume in the lack of better word.”
Wolf just stared at me, his face filled with determination. Still serious, I said:
(Vladmir): ”normally, as guarantee the offering party would send a youngling of importance to the other party to be raised as part of their family, and trusted as one.”
Even though it doesn't seem that much, as his face clearly showed, he slowly got the meaning. Because that means giving off a child of your own family to another house. And if the relations get sour all of the sudden…
(Wolf): ”A hostage…”
(Vladmir): ”It's a point of view, really. After all, you have no intentions of betraying my army, right?”
He and his companions paled considerably. Before they could say anything, I made my follow up.
(Vladmir): ”Although I believe that having under my wing the child of only one clan wouldn't be considered a diplomatic consent from the whole village…”
Wolf looked at me shocked.
(Wolf): ”I never mentioned other clans…”
(Vladmir): ”That's my condition, Mister Wolf. Send me one child per clan of your town and we will seal our trade and friendly relationship for the years to come. I just hope we can maintain a friendly relationship in the future… if you wish to consider carefully, I'll give you one month.”
I said, raising one finger, still with a serious face. Wolf's face contorted with conflicted feelings. Now, show me. Are you a father or a leader first?