Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 698: Blackmail
TL: Rui88
The stalemate at the negotiation table lasted for several days.
The orc Grand Chieftain was a man of resolute attitude, insistent on swallowing the entire northeastern region of the Kingdom of Ordo.
But the leader of the Ordo delegation, Prince Jassim, was equally unyielding, insisting that the orcs withdraw from human lands immediately.
Until one day, Grand Chieftain Abal invited Prince Jassim to go fishing by the river. According to the Grand Chieftain, this was to be a purely private activity, a mental relaxation from the tense negotiations, and would not involve the powers they represented.
Both men brought only their personal guards to the meeting, leaving their high-ranking officials completely aside.
Prince Jassim accepted Abal’s invitation, taking only his personal bodyguard with him.
He certainly did not believe Abal’s so-called “just a private activity” nonsense.
Abal wanting to meet with him alone must mean he had something to say that could not be said on the record.
Perhaps there was a rebellion on the plains, or maybe Gabella or some other power had kicked the orcs’ arse.
Abal must have some problem he had to deal with immediately. He hoped that both sides would make some concessions so that they could both step down gracefully.
Prince Jassim held a relatively optimistic attitude about this private meeting.
In a dense forest clearing, birds sang and flowers bloomed. Several babbling brooks flowed into a small lake. The lake water was very clear, and one could see the fish playing inside, each one plump and beautiful, making one want to cast a line.
This was indeed a very suitable place for leisure and fishing. Prince Jassim was surprised that the brawny and rugged-looking orc leader had such a delicate side to him.
The prince rode his horse onto the soft grass and came to the lake shore. Abal had already cast his line there.
He sat in a deck chair, a small round table with wine utensils next to him, looking at ease.
The prince was somewhat puzzled. There was not a hint of anxiety in the orc Grand Chieftain’s demeanor.
He stood up from his deck chair and welcomed him, “Honorable Prince, I am delighted that you could join me in admiring this beautiful scenery.”
Jassim felt a sense of displeasure. He was clearly an invader, yet he acted as if he were the master of this land.
He smiled faintly. “It is wonderful to be able to relax like this amidst the tension.”
The prince took the fishing rod Abal handed him, glanced into the water, and skillfully cast the hook into the lake.
The two of them sat by the lake, sipping fine wine and chatting idly.
After talking about some interesting stories from the plains and Crystal Shine, Jassim finally heard what Abal really wanted to say to him.
“Your Royal Highness, you should agree to my terms. It is for your own good.”
Jassim was somewhat amused. “I find it hard to agree. If I were to agree, I would become the target of public criticism.”
Abal sighed. “Alright, actually, I have invited another guest here.”
Jassim looked at Abal in confusion as he beckoned to the distance. Soon, a figure emerged from the shadows of the forest and slowly walked towards them.
“This is…”
His face first showed confusion, then slowly turned to shock.
“Merciful Heavenly Father!” the prince prayed in his heart.
Seeing the change in his expression, Abal smiled. “I believe this is also an old acquaintance of yours.”
The newcomer was a man in a black robe. From his appearance, he seemed to be a Gabellan.
“Your Royal Highness, it has been a long time,” the man greeted him calmly.
“Who are you? I do not know you,” Jassim’s tone remained calm.
“Hehe, it is not good to be so neglectful of old friends,” Abal said, looking like he was enjoying a show. His tone was light, but it pierced Jassim’s heart like a knife.
The man waved his hand indifferently. “It does not matter that you do not wish to see me. I will be leaving soon and will not disturb your good mood. But before I go, I need to convey a small piece of advice from the Arcane Society.”
The words “Arcane Society” finally made Jassim lose his composure.
His face turned red, and he lost his decorum, hissing in a low voice, “What are you doing here? I no longer need your so-called assistance!”
In the distance, the guards noticed the prince’s unusual behavior and started to walk over.
Jassim immediately made a gesture to them, stopping the guards from approaching.
“Rest assured, I am not here to offer you assistance, but rather… to collect a small payment,” the man said with a smile.
“You… and you…”
Jassim pointed at him in exasperation, and then at Abal, who was standing by and smiling without a word. “You two have actually colluded.”
He had never imagined that the “fishing” Abal had spoken of was actually for him.
“Please do not use such unpleasant words,” Abal said in a gentle tone. “Anyone can make a deal with anyone. Didn’t you once do the same?”
The black-robed man said, “Prince, in order not to waste each other’s time, I will be direct. The Arcane Society hopes that you can satisfy some of the Grand Chieftain’s requests.”
“That is impossible!” Jassim was furious.
The black-robed man frowned, his previously beaming face now covered with a layer of frost.
“Then we will have no choice but to reveal some secrets that only we know. For example… concerning the health of the former King of Ordo.”
Jassim narrowed his eyes. “You have no proof!”
“Believe me, Your Royal Highness, if I had no proof, I would not be here by your side, confidently offering you my counsel.”
This was a stern warning. Prince Jassim felt as if he had been plunged into an ice cellar in an instant.
For the crown he had once coveted so desperately, he had once collaborated with the Arcane Society.
Just that once! Just that once!
Jassim roared inwardly.
Just that one damned time!
What evidence could they possibly have?
His brain worked at high speed. When dealing with an unpopular group like wizards, he had been extremely careful with every contact. He would not even write a letter himself. How could he have left any damned evidence!
But he did not dare to gamble. If they really produced something, his reputation would be ruined instantly.
Seeing that he was still struggling, the man slowly unfurled a piece of parchment.
Jassim was struck as if by lightning.
Indeed, it was a letter written in his own hand, and it involved a transaction with the Arcane Society.
But this letter was clearly for another confidant. How did it end up in the hands of the Arcane Society?
“You need not doubt, Your Highness. The holder of the letter is very loyal to you. He was before, he is now, and he may well be in the future.”
The black-robed man said slowly, “But he could not resist the great power of the arcane arts. In the memories of his mind, he even believes that this letter has already been destroyed.”
Jassim fell into despair. Indeed, these accursed fellows had strange and mysterious abilities.
“Alright!”
The prince let out a heavy breath, trying to calm himself down.
“We can make concessions, but we still need to talk about the details.”
It worked!
Abal and the black-robed man exchanged a look.
‘A pleasure doing business with you,’ they said to each other with their eyes.
