Irene and Nate left to do their own thing after we got back, while I went home with the boys. Two of the members of the Ash Guard went to find their companions who stayed behind to inform them of everything that took place, while the other five followed me to the City Lord mansion.

  All five of them would guard the perimeter of the City Lord Mansion.

  I told them to get some rest but apparently, they were fine.

  Anyway, I enjoyed a much needed meal from Mr. Wright and eventually found myself waiting in the conference room. Apparently, all the envoys wanted individual meetings with me to discuss who knows what.

  So, I just waited patiently for Richard to lead them here. One group at a time and in the order of who came first.

  After a few minutes of waiting, the first group came, and the boys led them in the conference room. It was two individuals. They were definitely not human.

  Two women, I think.

  Both of whom had pale blue skin and what I believe are gills on their necks. Their hair was long and flowed down their slender backs, it quite literally looked like flowing water. The cherry on top was the actual scales that covered their forearms.

  Honestly if they told me they could transform their legs to tails and were actually mermaids I’d believe them.

  I stood to greet them.

  “I’m glad you are finally able to meet us City Lord. My given name is Aq-Frayan, daughter of the Marshaawl Family and chosen representative of the Aquatila Empire. This is my attendant, whose given name is Salra.

  “It is an honor to meet you.”

  Both of them gave a slight bow after the greeting was over. I guess that means the Salra person won’t be saying anything.

  Interesting.

  Now I’ve never heard of her family or the empire that represents, but the greeting sounded really formal, so I’ll try to give one too.

  “It’s nice to meet both of you. My name is Raizen, I am the City Lord of Black Cove City, and I happen to be an Infernal as well.”

  Honestly, I don’t think it matched up to her greeting at all so I’ll need to work on that…Oh wait should I introduce myself as a Patriarch as well… but I don’t have an official Clan yet so maybe it’s not a good idea.

  Moving on, it was only after I sat down, did the woman who spoke took a seat as well. Salra instead chose to remain standing.

  At this point it was to be expected, but Mr. Wright was then seen coming entering the room with three teacups. He calmly placed them on the table then left.

  I still don’t know how his timing is always so perfect.

  Anyway, let’s get this meeting underway.

  “So, how I can help you?”

  The woman didn’t respond immediately. Seeming a little taken aback by my question. I don’t get why though, I mean, how else do I start off the conversation?

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “We would like to discuss a potential partnership between the Aquatila Empire and the Infernals. In an effort to ensure this meeting resulted in prosperity we approached the Mavelia Merchant Union for insight in how to best approach this meeting.

  “They shared that it was likely in our favor to approach it in a straightforward manner. My leaders agreed.

  “So, please forgive my bluntness from henceforth.

  “The Aquatila Empire actively seeks out Planets that are not only rich in the purity of their waters but also dominated by it. Our findings indicated that this Planet would meet both those requirements exceedingly so, thus it was our aim to integrate this Planet into the influence of the Empire in the coming decades.

  “That plan is now on hold in light of recent developments. It is our understanding that Infernals have vested interest in this Planet. We do not want to come to conflict with the Infernals and are instead hoping for mutual existence. The exact terms of such an existence are fully open to discussion.

  “It is our hope that you will find this agreeable, and in an effort of good faith, a gift sponsored both by my Marshaawl Family and the Aquatila Empire has been prepared. You will find it in this ring.”

  After giving quite the speech, Aq-Frayan placed a blue ring with ornate designs on the table and a single tap of her finger sent it sliding in my direction where it came to a full stop just before my teacup.

  Not wanting to be distracted too much, I ignored it with the intention of taking a look at it later.

  For now, I need to think about everything she just said.

  Her empire looks for planets with a lot of water and then tried to integrate those planets into their empire. Earth fits because it’s still mostly covered by water I’m guessing. But now that they knew Infernals are here, it kind of threw a wrench in their plans for that and they are instead looking to work something out.

  Though there are a few things that are weird.

  She is speaking as if I own the whole Planet, and it sounds like she’s assuming I speak for the Infernals.

  Neither of them is true.

  So, a few ground rules need to be set.

  “I hear you, but there are a few things you should know before we continue. One, I do not own Earth so If you mean to discuss dividing it up in any way, then I can’t help you very much.

  “Two, despite me saying that. Earth will be ruled by the people of Earth. No one else.

  “Three, I might be an Infernal, but I don’t speak for them all.”

  It was then a voice descended in the room.

  Elder Zal’s.

  “The words he speaks will have the full backing of Planet Infernal.”

  Well…I guess I do speak for them?

  And I wonder why she decided to say that out loud. She could’ve told me that mentally.

  Moving on, I then watched as both women shivered ever so slightly after they heard the voice. It was like a chill crawled up their backs in fear.

  Anyway, silence lingered in the conference room for a few moments since I didn’t know what to say. Thankfully it wasn’t for too long and Aq-Frayan eventually spoke again.

  “I believe we will need some time to rethink our proposal for coexistence. Is it alright if we reschedule this meeting?”

  It got kind of awkward, so I get it.

  “Sure, please feel to seek out Richard when you’re ready.”

  “By your leave City Lord Raizen.”

  After saying that, they both bowed once more and left the conference room. I informed the boys to let Richard know he could lead the next group in, and it didn’t take too long for them to come.

  Two men and a woman.

  They were covered from the neck down in heavy garbs, and only their heads were visible.

  Dark brown skin, pale yellow-ish hair, and pristine white freckle-like dots covered their cheeks.

  Apart from those features they looked strangely human.

  One of the men stepped up to speak.

  “We hail from the Scarian Sands. Our only wish on this Planet is to be allowed to gather and record the history of this Planet after it was wiped clean due to the process of integration.

  “We seek no payment, no lands, no recognition of any sort. Only the freedom to gather and record the past, present, and future of this Planet.

  “We have worked with your people before. We know the lines not to cross. Is this agreeable.”

  Before I could answer him, Elder Zal’s voice resounded in my mind. This time not speaking it aloud.

  ‘His words are true. The Scarians will not seek to harm you or your interests, lest they once again learn what Eternal Flames can do to their holy sands.’

  ‘…Did we burn down some holy site of theirs.’

  ‘Scarians cultivate by stealing the history of their target. They feast on it. Using it to grow in strength and power. They once attempted it on us. They will not attempt it again.’

  That…not even sure what to say to that, but it definitely changed how I viewed these people. I thought they were just really in tune with being historians, but I guess things are never so simple.