Chapter 280: Who will be the next envoy?
The night was cold, stars scattered like shards of glass across the sky. Elias’s airship cut through the clouds, its silver hull gleaming faintly in the moonlight. He stood by a window near the deck, rubbing his hands, the stolen amber fruits in a lacquered box at his side. He was still in awe of how his wife had arranged the theft and how Geo had successfully smuggled the fruit out under the watch of palace agents and royal guards. It seemed he would need to remind the king to tighten his security.
Suddenly, the ship came to a stop, like it had arrived at its final destination. But that was not the case. A shadow loomed before them: another vessel that was blocking their path. A door slid open in his ship, and in walked a lion beast man whose eyes were already gleaming with amusement.
"Lenard." Elias sighed.
"Well, well," Lenard drawled. "Is this a coincidence? I was sent by His Royal Highness to retrieve the amber fruit. Word is that a certain wife of the fox lord is enjoying her politically given freedom a little too much. Taking things she shouldn’t be taking. In simple terms, she is stealing. Quite the scandal. I never thought that the mighty fox lord Elias Veythar would be reduced to cleaning up after a thief."
Elias’s ears flicked, but his expression remained cool. He gestured, and his guards lifted the box. "Misplaced property that was abandoned on our property. A cat ate one fruit." He said evenly. "Perhaps the king forgot it at our home when he was making room for all the things he took from our storage. Anyway, since I found his property, I have returned it."
Lenard barked a laugh. "Misplaced? That’s a fine story. You make it sound the the royal family’s prized fruit wandered off like a lost cub. Is that what I should tell the king?"
Elias shrugged. "You may tell him whatever you wish,"he replied, voice like frost. "But the truth is simple: it was misplaced. And now it is returned."
Lenard’s grin widened, but he accepted the box. "You are one stubborn fox. Even when the evidence screams theft, you cling to your tale. Admirable, in a way."
Elias’s eyes narrowed. "I do not cling.I stand."
Lenard leaned against the wall, watching his team examining the fruits and take a physical count. "Since we are here, we night as well discuss some politics. The king is restless. He wants a new Prime Envoy named tomorrow, before people start whispering about the true reasons behind his sudden resignation. He was fine yesterday, the excuse of retiring due to sickness is so sudden. The king told me to ask you if you have any candidates in mind to fill the gap."
Elias’s tail flicked. "Tell me who he has in mind first."
Lenard raised a finger, "First: Edward Blackstone. He is from the Phoenix tribe, a seasoned diplomat, smooth tongue and good looks. He can flatter royals and the people at the same time."
Elias snorted. "Edward Blackstone? The man can flatter a stone, yes, but he cannot stand against a storm. He folds faster than paper in an argument. Next."
Lenard raised two fingers. "Second: Marriott Hayes. She is from the alligator tribe. She has a sharp mind. She is ruthless, and she is respected in the courts."
"Respected?" Elias’s lips curled. "She terrifies her servants and bribes her opponents. Ruthless, yes. But she would sell the empire for a handful of jewels. Rejected."
Lenard chuckled. "You are difficult to please. Third: Benjamin Reed. Jaguar beast man. Military man. Strong, decisive, loyal."
Elias’s laugh was sudden, cold and amused. "Benjamin Reed? The man cannot read a map without turning it upside down. He has no sense of direction. His loyalty is admirable, but his brain is a sieve. He would march the army into the river by mistake. No."
Lenard shook his head, mane rippling. "Fourth: Jelena Carter. She is the first human scholar. She is beloved by humans and respected by beast men. Every academy has a portrait and the king respects her opinion. He called her as soon as he left your compound today to handle the Risser mess."
"She is eighty!!" Elias gasped. "One roar from the king when he is in a bad mood and she would drop dead." He echoed dryly. "Besides, she is beloved by academies for her work on ancient poems and literature which has no relation to the position of Prime Envoy. If she were given the position, she would spend her tenure debating the language used in court and the color of the silks worn by courtiers while the empire burns. No."
Lenard raised his brows. "You have reasons to reject everyone. Last one: Jerry Hernandez. Cat beast man. Very handsome and popular for his looks. Wealthy businessman. Influential and generous."
Elias’s eyes gleamed. "Generous with other people’s money. He buys loyalty like candy, but when the treasury runs dry, he will vanish faster than smoke. No."
Lenard laughed, deep and booming. "You have rejected them all! Who is left?"
Elias yawned. "Keep looking for someone more suitable. This position is meant for someone who can do their duty honestly. They can’t play favorites between tribes or humans and beast men. They have to advise the king honestly, not flatter him or anyone else in power. Tell the king not to rush to fill the position only to end up with someone much worse than Risser."
"You are blaming the king, aren’t you? For Risser." Lenard pushed himself off the wall, raising his brows.
Elias could not even hide it, and he shrugged. "Names were brought to me just like this, back then. Brice Risser’s was at the top and I said no. I told the king that Brice was a scumbag who played fast and loose with his morals. If someone’s personal life is dirty, they will bring it to their work. That is exactly what he went on to do."
Lenard walked closer to Elias, voice dropping. "That was then and now is now. Perhaps you are better suited for the job. It has been offered before and you refused it. It is being offered again. The king wants stability. The people want strength. You have both. Why not take the position yourself?"
The room fell silent. Even the humming of the ship seemed to pause. The fox guards exchanged uneasy glances, but their master did not flinch. He stood tall, gaze fixed on the lion.
"I am no envoy," Elias said at last. "I am lord. My duty is to bettering my tribe and my family. I do not sit in gilded halls and argue who needs to kiss the king’s ass harder."
Lenard’s grin softened into something almost respectful. "You are already an envoy, Elias. You defend the weak, your wife confronts justice and you return stolen fruit with a straight face. You reject corruption, incompetence, and greed. Tell me, isn’t that what an envoy should be?"
"No. And goodnight." Elias shoved Lenard back. "I am the king’s subject. I will not be his puppet."
Comments