Villard was thin and had a serious face—so serious that Marcos, who stood in front of him, thought he might be the most prestigious man in Belmar's army. But even a pure soldier like him could not command a weak army against the Delos. He sat in an armchair carved out of black wood, his legs stretched out towards the stove, by which two dogs lay out. Beside him stood a young knight in full armor, and it was Gold.

"Find a place to sit down. Villard spoke, his voice making the atmosphere in the room much heavier.

Marcos and Carl didn't care about those things, so they each found a comfortable place to sit down. If it weren't for the courtesy, Marcos would have even wanted to praise the workmanship of the dark wood chairs in this room, which were a pleasure to sit on.

"I think you two should know why you were called, and I know a little bit about what you've done. So I don't want this conversation to take too much time anyway, because I still have a lot of things to deal with. Villard said.

"We try our best, General. Marcos whispered.

Villard lowered his head slightly, looking at the furnace that splashed sparks from time to time. "I don't want to waste time, so I'll make a short story. The Bantu have crossed the snowy mountains and invaded the Duchy's borders, but it is currently the main battle ground between us and the Delos army. So, the barbarians attacked the flanks of the Delos army, cutting off their supplies. But it is clear that we cannot guarantee that the Bantu will not attack us. One thing is certain, they are hostile. Considering that we cannot withstand the pressure of the other side, we must negotiate with them. ”

Marcos pondered for a moment and nodded. "It might be easier to push the Bantu people back to a point where they have no choice but to attack the Delos army. ”

The young knight standing behind Villard spoke, "Unfortunately, we don't have the spare forces to force those barbarians back to that situation. Moreover, the Belmar people are not suitable for fighting in cold regions. Our army is in a very weak state at the moment, and we will be defeated if the Delos catch their breath and launch a major assault, so we can't gamble. ”

"So what are you going to do? to make peace with the Bantus, and then let them help you against the Delos? I'm afraid it won't be that simple. Marcos said.

Gold smiled, "Of course, everyone here understands the character of the Bantu people, and they don't easily ally with a certain force. But now that they are facing the threat of the Ice Dragon, I believe that for you adventurers, slaying monsters should be something you want to do, right? ”

Marcos looked at Gold and asked in a low voice. "Ice Dragon?

Villard reached out and touched the fur of a dog lying in front of the fire, "It's a creature that has always threatened the northern snowy tribes, and it is said to have been created by some powerful lifeform. ”

"Powerful lifeforms?" Marcus and Carl looked at each other, talking about how powerful lifeforms always reminded them of the Apostles' existence. Well, although that's not something to be aware of at the moment. Marcos already knew that the request, no, to be precise, the order could not be refused. But he didn't want to be led by the nose by the principality. "I can't promise you. ”

"Everyone knows this, but there will be other willing adventurers involved in this commission, you just have to do your best. The corners of Villard's mouth curled.

Gold coughed lightly and added. "I wish you success, warriors. His words borered Marcos, who did not like this knight, and who believed that all knightly virtues would not stop at this man. But he did not doubt his combat ability, as well as a loyal heart to the principality.

The two left the room under the leadership of Boken, and the brief conversation was clearly unpleasant. Marcos knew that once he had won the trust of the Bantus, real negotiations would follow. Gold didn't lie to him, but the conversation that was bound to come was much delayed. Because any negotiation is meaningless without building trust.

But Marcos had no intention of making contact with the Bantus, nor did he want to negotiate a war they would surely lose for the principality. Actually, his interest was on the Dark Elves' side. This is only because he made a deal with Krent, he promised to help Krent find the source of Neupera, and Krent would tell Marcos about the Shadow Swordsman, who he would love to fight against the Shadow Swordsman who guarded the labyrinth of the Dark City. But now, it seems like he's going to have to test his level of lying.

"Fucking like this every time. After leaving the town hall, Marcos scolded immediately.

"It's a tough thing. Carl lit a cigarette.

"Winning the trust of the Bantu, getting rid of the ice dragons, that's enough, I don't want to do such boring things. ”

Karl glanced at Marcos, "Do you find it annoying? I think it would be a good ride if it was just to get rid of the ice dragon, or even a lot of fun." ”

"I thought so, too, but it would be unhelpful to get rid of the Ice Dragons with the aim of gaining the trust of the Bantu so that we could negotiate with them. Marcos muttered discontentedly.

"That's right, I'm not interested in politics either. Carl spat on.

"Listen. Marcos paused and said solemnly to Carl. "I made a deal with that dark elf Krent, and I had to help him find the source of the plague in Noypera. I don't want to cheat him, so there's no way I'm going to fulfill this damn commission anyway. But it is clear that if we choose not to accept this commission, we may invite more trouble. ”

"I have a suggestion. Carl lowered his cowboy hat and leaned closer. "Let the guy who is willing to go solve this commission, and then you settle the commission with that dark elf. ”

Marcos replied suspiciously, "I don't think anyone would want to take this commission from the Duchy." ”

"Not necessarily. Carl had a rare look of confidence on his face. "If it was Mirna and Uma, they might be interested in the Ice Dragon. Furthermore, Frederick had always wanted to prove himself by killing a large monster, and if he did, then Maffeo would definitely follow him to the snowy lands. ”

"You conspirator, let's go back and ask for everyone's opinions. Marcos gave a wicked smile and gently poked Carl.

"Let's go. ”[.]