Levi and Bain exchanged a brief nod of acknowledgement before shifting his attention back to the soldier, "Let's talk." Levi said, his voice filled with caution.
The soldier cleared his throat, laying out the terms of the negotiation. "We want a safe passage to return to our homeland," he began, his voice laced with a mixture of desperation and hope. "And we request a guarantee that our lives won't be in any danger from the Ryntum forces until we reach our country in the north."
Levi's brow furrowed as he considered the request. He turned to Bain, silently communicating their shared scepticism.
"Why should we grant you safe passage?" Bain asked, his tone firm and unwavering. "You have been our enemy, and your actions have caused suffering and death."
The soldier's eyes pleaded for understanding. "Our people are exhausted, worn down by the relentless battles and hardships," he explained. "We realize this is a futile war."
"After all that has happened, how easy...," Levi murmurs in a low voice.
He studied the soldier's face, searching for any signs of deceit. "What guarantee can you offer in return?" he questioned, his voice betraying a glimmer of hope.
The soldier's gaze met Levi's, his expression was earnest. "We can provide valuable information about the inner workings of our forces, their strategies, and weaknesses," he offered.
Levi and Bain exchanged a brief yet intense discussion, weighing the risks and potential benefits of the soldier's proposal.
"What do you think?" Levi asked, "If this soldier can provide us with valuable insights into their forces, it could greatly impact our strategy and help us bring an end to this war faster."
Bain remained sceptical, his brow furrowing as he voiced his doubts. "What valuable information could a mere soldier possess?" he questioned, his voice laced with scepticism. "We need to verify the credibility and relevance of the information before we consider it."
Levi turned back to the soldier, his gaze steady. "Before we proceed any further," he began, "You must provide us with a sample of the information you possess. If it proves to be genuine and useful, then we can discuss the terms of our agreement."
The soldier nodded, understanding the cautious approach. "I will need some time to gather the necessary information," he replied, "Once I have it, I will present it to you for your evaluation."
Bain's impatience grew evident as he spoke with an edge of threat in his voice. "You better make it quick, we don't have much time. If not, I believe attacking the city might prove to be faster," he pressed, his tone intimidating.
The soldier's eyes widened, panic flickering across his face. "P-Please wait for a moment," he stammered, realizing the urgency of the situation. "I will make it quick, I promise."
With a sense of haste, the soldier hurried back to the city, disappearing momentarily from Levi and Bain's sight.
A short while later, the soldier emerged, holding a bundle of papers tightly in his hands. The hastily written words on the pages indicated the urgency with which the information was compiled.
Levi and Bain took the papers, scanning through them quickly, their eyes absorbing the content.
The information presented a detailed account of the enemy's stronghold, weaknesses in their defences, and potential gaps in their strategy.
Though hastily written, the insights seemed credible and relevant. Levi and Bain exchanged a nod of acknowledgement, recognizing the value of the soldier's efforts.
"This will do," Levi stated firmly, his voice resonating with a newfound sense of determination. "We will use this to our advantage. Your assistance will not be forgotten."
The soldier's expression shifted from panic to relief as he heard Levi's words. "T-Then, about our request..."
Levi turned to the soldier, his voice firm and authoritative. "We agree to your terms," he declared.
The soldier's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with gratitude.
"However, we too have our own condition," Bain interjected.
"W-What is it?" The soldier cautiously asked.
"There are conditions that must be met. Barlia and Inverloch must surrender all the firearms you guys possess to us. Furthermore, only five thousand men from each side will be allowed to move at the same time. This is to maintain order and prevent any potential deceit." Bain explained.
The soldier nodded, acknowledging the conditions. "We understand," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and acceptance.
"Also," Bain continued, "You must help rebuild the city. We will ensure that food flows into Mezorin once again. The people here have suffered enough."
The soldier listened attentively to Bain's additional conditions, his expression solemn as he absorbed the weight of the responsibility. "Understood," he responded, his voice now tinged with determination. "We will do our part to aid in the city's reconstruction."
With the agreement sealed, a sense of cautious hope settled over the city. The inhabitants of Mezorin finally have room to breathe. The surrender brought a mixed wave of relief and trepidation throughout the city.
The streets of Mezorin began to bustle with activity once more. People emerged from their hiding places and makeshift shelters, cautiously stepping into the sunlight that now filtered through the city.
Rnytum forces begin to enter the city and take control of its defences, ensuring the city was truly within their grasp.
After the order in the city was restored, Levi and Bain now turned their attention to the larger task at hand.
They would prepare the necessary ships to facilitate the safe passage of the Barlian soldiers and escort the Inverloch forces back to their homeland.
However, they were well aware that they lacked the authority to make such arrangements on their own.
To do so, they need to send a letter to the king in the capital, informing him what has transpired here.
Levi and Bain drafted a detailed letter outlining the terms of the agreement and the logistics required for the transport of the soldiers.
The letter was concise and persuasive, emphasizing the possibility of ending the war earlier than expected.
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