Moraxor, his voice shaking with emotion, continued to address Rowena, defiance flickering in his eyes, "I won't let my daughter be reduced to a slave," he declared, each word resonating with determination, "We would rather die than have the last vestiges of our dignity crushed underfoot."
His words hung heavily in the air, a testament to the strength that still lay within the defeated king. The crowd fell silent, struck by the raw emotion in his voice. Even those who despised the Umbralfiends couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for the king's unwavering resolve.
Narissara, her gaze fixed on her husband, reached out to grasp his hand, a show of unity and support. Her own expression mirrored Moraxor's, filled with equal parts defiance and fear for their daughter's fate.
But before his words could settle, Isola found her voice and spoke up, her tone desperate and filled with determination.
"No, Father…I…I will do it. Please take back your words. You don't have to worry about me," she pleaded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Isola was prepared to do whatever was necessary to save her people from getting extinct. She can't fail them twice. This was her chance to make up for her mistakes even if she has to sacrifice herself.
Moraxor's heart ached as he looked at his daughter, the weight of her pain and sacrifice etched on her face. He knew all too awell the suffering she had endured her entire life, much of which he had played a part in. He couldn't bear to see her suffer any longer. In his eyes, death would be a mercy compared to the life she would face under such conditions.
"Isola, my child," he said gently, his voice cracking with emotion, "You have already done more than enough. If this is the fate that awaits us, then we must accept it. I cannot – I will not – let you suffer any further because of us," Moraxor's words and gaze was enough to let everyone feel his steely determination.
Narissara didn't say anything, but her silence was her way of agreeing with what her husband said.
Their people also nodded slowly with tears in their eyes, feeling that their princess had done more than enough to save them. They won't sit still and watch their princess get reduced to a slave because of them.
Kookus, realizing the tension his words had stirred, sucked in some air and said, "Oops! Did I say that too loud, Boss?"
Asher, well aware of Kookus's weaselly ways, couldn't help but let out a subtle chuckle at the drama his servant had created.
As much as he was annoyed by Kookus's antics, he had to admit that this time the words that came out of his mouth were useful in a way.
Asher stepped forward, raising his hand, "Calm down," he began, his voice steady and soothing. "There's no need for things to escalate further. I am willing to make a compromise even though none of you have any right to bargain," All eyes turned to him, both curious and wary, "Isola doesn't have to be a lowly slave. Instead, she can serve as the Umbralfiend Emissary under me to represent your people," Moraxor and Isola's expressions suddenly changed upon hearing Asher's proposal.
Asher knew that unlike how he did to Merina, he couldn't forcibly turn someone as powerful as Isola into a slave unless she wanted it.
The stronger a person was, the more complicated and intricate their mana circuit would be, and thus, placing a slave seal against their will was highly difficult. Even if placed, there would be a good chance they could overcome the slave seal on their own within a short time or not even work to its full potential.
Rowena narrowed her eyes, but she didn't say anything and knew it was better to let Asher handle this since he seemed to know what he was doing.
Isola eyed Asher warily, sensing he was up to no good despite how fancy his offer was, while her father skeptically regarded Asher, "How would working under you be any different from being a slave to you?" Moraxor questioned, his tone firm, "I know how people like you treat your underlings like slaves, and I won't be fooled by your words nor will my daughter lower herself."
Asher shook his head, his expression turning serious, "I'm not such an indecent guy," he insisted, "Even my servants and maids enjoy respect and dignity more than anyone else, and you can even ask them."
Ceti, who was nearby, rolled her eyes, wondering how he could even say those words with such a straight face.
Kookus, eager to support his master, readily nodded from behind, "My Boss couldn't have said it better. Have you people seen the robes I wear? Aye, pure silk, they are! It's like being wrapped in a cloud all day. Only the best for the royal consort's loyal servant!" he proclaimed, his voice filled with pride.
Kookus was about to continue heaping flattery upon Asher when Merina quickly covered her son's mouth, not wanting him to embarrass their master further.
Despite hearing Kookus' words, Moraxor's expression remained unconvinced. "How can I trust you or anything your servants say? How can I know you won't try to trample my daughter's dignity the first chance you get?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Moraxor knew that his daughter was the most beautiful woman among his people and no less beautiful than even the Bloodburn Queen.
Even if Asher was married to the Bloodburn Queen, he knew how men, especially those from the Bloodburn Kingdom like Asher would always lust for more.
There would never be an end to the greed of these people.
Asher crossed his arms, his expression stern as he spoke, "I could forcibly make Isola a slave by planting a slave seal which would last for a day or two, and there would be nothing you or any of your people could do about it. You all are technically prisoners of war, and if it was not for my queen being merciful, you all would be begging for death."
His words sent chills down Isola's spine, unable to fathom how her life would become under an enemy's control as a slave, even if it was for just a day.
"You…" Moraxor felt his heart thud against his chest, fully aware of the painful truth in Asher's statement. He didn't have the power to stop them from forcibly ruining his daughter out of spite, and it would be worse if he and all his people died while leaving behind Isola to suffer and die alone.
Just thinking about it made his hands tremble.
However, Asher's expression softened, and he offered a subtle smile, "The fact that I'm choosing not to do that should prove my kind intentions. I have no reason to sugarcoat anything to you people. I want her to be appointed as the Umbralfiend Emissary so that she would be responsible for voicing the concerns and needs of you and your people to me and my queen, helping to ensure that you all integrate into our kingdom without any troubles. And vice versa, our wants and requirements will be relayed to you all through her."
Rowena could see that this role would allow Asher to keep a close eye on her while making sure the Umbralfiends wouldn't be too hostile. This was a good diplomatic move, and she was impressed he was quickly catching up on these things.
Moraxor also felt that it made sense, but he still felt that Asher was doing this for a reason, probably to take advantage of them. And so, taking a deep breath, Moraxor asked, "Then why are you willing to make a compromise?"
Asher's gaze grew solemn, "I'm willing to do it because I respect the strength and will of your people, and I would feel disappointed to see such a race go extinct. Over the thousands of years your people have lived in darkness, you all must have forgotten that your true enemies are the humans. Killing off an entire demon race would only serve to strengthen them."
The people of the Bloodburn Kingdom listened intently to the royal consort's words, and as they processed his intentions, they found themselves in awe of his foresight. They realized that he was thinking of the bigger picture, even to the extent of showing mercy to their enemies.
Whispers ran through the crowd as they discussed the royal consort's wisdom and restraint. It was no small feat to set aside personal grudges and emotions in favor of a broader strategy.
Rowena, too, was impressed by Asher's ability to think beyond the present situation. She had always known Asher to be a man of depth and shrewdness, but his willingness to take a step back for the greater good made her respect for him grow even stronger.
His actions served as a reminder to the people that true strength was not just about conquering one's enemies, but also about understanding and navigating the delicate balance between power, diplomacy, and the welfare of all involved.
Isola listened to Asher's words, her brows raising together in surprise.
She had never expected someone like him, who was the most cunning and devious person she had met, to display concern for the welfare of demons as a whole. It was a side of him she hadn't expected to see, and it left her feeling a bit conflicted.
Still, despite the apparent sincerity in his words, Isola remained skeptical.
She couldn't shake the feeling that there must be some other, more powerful motive driving him to make such a compromise. The idea that Asher would show genuine empathy for her people was difficult to reconcile with the man she knew him to be.
Moraxor was also surprised and couldn't help but find his argument undeniably compelling. He knew since time immemorial their collective mission was to make the humans succumb to them and escape this wretched world.
But they had forgotten about humans since they had been struggling to survive for generations.
This made him see Asher in a different light, But his animosity towards him remained strong, though he couldn't deny that the compromise presented before him was better than the alternatives. With a heavy heart, he weighed the options and his responsibility to his people.
"Then do I have your word that you won't compromise the dignity of my daughter nor cause her any harm?" Moraxor asked, his voice betraying the concern of a loving father.
Asher glanced at Isola, who stood with her arms crossed and a guarded expression on her face. He then looked back at Moraxor, and with a reassuring smile, said, "Of course, as long as she does her duties as expected and doesn't do anything to hurt or betray me or the kingdom."
Moraxor's eyes lingered on Asher for a moment, searching for any hint of deceit. Finally, he let out a slow, resigned breath, and he gave a curt nod, "I accept the consequences."
Isola, on the other hand, was a mix of emotions. She found herself struggling to trust Asher's words, but she knew her father's decision was made in the best interest of their people, and she also knew they wanted the same thing. And they all get to survive another day as well.
With Moraxor's announcement, Rowena stepped forward, her regal bearing commanding the attention of all present. The weight of her gaze fell upon Moraxor and his people as she addressed them.
"You may all rise," she declared, her voice cold but firm, "From this moment on, my consort will be the one keeping an eye on you all and relaying any messages or information between me and your people. The welfare of your daughter," she said, glancing at Moraxor, "depends on your actions and the actions of your people. Never forget that."
As she spoke, the air was heavy with the gravity of her words. The Umbralfiends hesitated, but ultimately, they followed her command and slowly rose to their feet. Each of them wore a solemn expression, acutely aware of the consequences that loomed over them should they fail to meet the Bloodburn Queen's expectations.
Moraxor's eyes met Queen Rowena's, acknowledging her warning, and then shifted to Asher, the man who held his daughter's fate in his hands.
It was a strange feeling, placing his trust in someone he still considers to be an enemy, but he knew that there were no other options. He also had some hope seeing how the Bloodburn Queen was different from her ancestors as far as he had observed.
Isola, too, looked at Asher, her expression pensive, still feeling sad for her people's present fate, especially her father and mother who were no longer king or queen.
But she was determined to fulfill her role as the Umbralfiend Emissary to protect her people, though she could not help but feel wary of the man who seemed to hold all the cards.
She felt that despite all his reassurances and being granted a decent role, her life under him wasn't going to be so simple.
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