Soleah and Lucia moved through the palace halls toward the temporary residence given to the Golden Rose mercenaries. The same people who were responsible for kidnapping her daughter were supposed to work for them.
It was not something she would have ever agreed to; however, it was not the time to hold back, even if they were unworthy of life for laying their hands on Sheira.
She passed a pair of guards and gestured for them to follow. While they would be useless if it came to blows, it was more a symbol of power. If she appeared weak in front of the so-called Golden Fang, then she would have lost all leverage she had.
The Queen strode forward to the residence of Golden Fang.
She turned her head to the Guard and gestured for him to open the door for her.
The door creaked open, and she stepped in. The Fang had apparently expected her as he sat in a proportionally very small chair. She held in her chuckle as her guard moved the seat for her.
"An Honor to meet you, Sir Fang. I heard much about you." She made a false smile.
However, he merely observed her. Despite being in her presence, he felt no danger nor rush to answer. It was a power play that would establish that he would not be ordered around by anyone.
"Queen Soleah, I presume. I suppose you came to me to ask for help?"
How perceptive. "I am not here for help, Sir Fang. I merely visited to discuss a way for your mercenary band to earn the right to live within our nation."
"Is it not why we were asked to train your… Do not take this as an insult, pathetic troops?" He adjusted his shoulders while leaning back into the chair.
The comment made Soleah reel back in surprise. Nobody had ever called her nation's soldiers pathetic, and she could tell that her guards were ready to fight.
However, Fang radiated power; it was not someone to anger, and what was worst of all was that he spoke the truth; her troops were far too weak even compared to the Savage tribes.
"I would request you to refrain from insulting them, Sir Fang. However, while it is true that we asked for your assistance with training, we still need to understand how trustworthy you are to live within the palace."
The Fang stared at her with his one good eye. The silence reigned for a solid minute before he leaned back.
"I like you. Let's cut to the chase, as I usually say. Time is money, and royal negotiations are a waste of time. Tell me, why are you here, truly?" He leaned forward, not in a threatening manner, but someone who was truly curious. "I have dealt with royals many times in my life; there is no need for flowery language in an attempt to sway me."
Soleah chuckled, "Your behavior really speaks volumes about your past."
"Your majesty, I am an old man by human standards. I have more experience than not even someone long-lived like yourself could imagine."
She nodded along as Fang spoke. He seemed not to be as closed off as she had expected.
"Now, tell me the true purpose of your visit."
"There are some things I want to learn. First is anything you can share about Red Dawn. I would prefer if we started from there."
"Hmmm, my temporary home… information of that kind is beyond our agreement. I would like to know what you are offering in return."
Soleah frowned. His words were what one would expect of a mercenary, and thus were not surprising. "Oh my, you would demand compensation for something so minor?"
"My Lady, when someone comes to request something, it means they find value in it, do they not? Thus, you asking me about Red Dawn tells me that you need me, and my services are never free. I agreed to train your troops for the chance to get an heir for my techniques, but anything beyond that will require fair payment."
"Payment, you say…" Soleah leaned forward. "What would you ask for the information?"
"Usually, gold, when it comes to most nations or in the case of Red Dawn, crowns." He scratched his chin.
The silence fell upon them.
"But, I am willing to extend the acceptable compensation methods for you."
"Tell me, what is it that you wish for?" Soleah's lips stretched into a line.
"Information for information. Tell me about Aqua. Even while clearly blessed, your champion is weak; however, that girl is far too powerful for an elf. I need to know, for the safety of both me and my band."
"Oh?" She tilted her head. The man seemed to have the same goal as she did. "Why are you curious?"
"Because I have never had someone beat me in a duel with such ease, I do not like having unknowns around me. I am sure you understand that, as a ruler."
"I am aware, and the biggest unknown for me is Red Dawn. I need to know about it."
"We needn't rush." He leaned back. The elven queen before him was clearly experienced, but she loved her people far too much. It would lead her to make decisions that were too hasty and thus would lead to worse outcomes than possible.
"I can tell you are terrified of her. I could tell her that you were looking for a way to defeat her. Do you think she would stand for it?" She threatened while crossing her arms.
Fang blinked.
His body shook, and his hand covered his mouth.
His facade cracked, and he exploded in laughter. "Hahahahahahaha! You got guts, I will give it to you!"
He got his laughter under control before speaking. "Do you realise that I could snap your neck before you even blink?"
"I can assure you, sir Fang. That would end badly for you."
"Is that so…? You seem to be sure of that." He analyzed her posture and expression. She showed no fear, as if she were in no danger at all.
"We have an agreement. Tell me what you can about Aqua, and I will return the favor and tell you about Red Dawn."
"Excellent, however, I urge you to go first. I must gauge the worth of your information." Soleah smiled wryly.
"That hardly seems fair, but I would be a poor sport indeed if I didn't indulge you. Tell me, what is it that you want to know?"
"Their power structure, and general technology state in comparison to us."
"That's some valuable information. What if I lied?"
"Then your new employers won't live long enough for you to get your worth."
He nodded in satisfaction. He liked the queen; she was a woman who knew what she wanted. "You remind me of Laura in many ways, Queen Soleah." He smiled. "First, let me start with their ruling class."
Soleah nodded.
"The kingdom is ruled by a God in flesh. They only call him by the moniker 'God King', there is nothing else that is known about him other than that he was the reason the Age of Frost had ended."
"I see…"
"However, it is not he who makes most decisions. His will is the law, of course, but the thirteen inquisitors make the vast majority of decisions."
"The kingdom consists of the following duchies: Razul, Oria, Malrom, Iris, Veris, and Estos."
She nodded along. Behind her, Lucia had brought out a piece of parchment while quickly noting down anything important.
"I do not know much about their military; however, their technology is rather impressive. It puts any other kingdom to shame. They have ships that soar through skies, and machines of war that can flatten rows of infantry."
Soleah stared in surprise. She had not realized that her nation was so far behind. Lira told us that they were equal to us.
"I would tell you more, but I think it's right for you to tell me something about Aqua."
"I suppose it's fair. I personally do not know much as she just recently appeared." She stopped for a moment.
"However, I know that her power eclipses anything I have ever sensed, human or monster."
"Umu, I am aware. Do you know her goals or desires?"
She shook her head. While she had an inkling, it would be ill-advised to reveal anything about Aqua. However, she could lie.
"Unfortunately, not much. However, I know she calls this kingdom her home. This is a reason we are not overly worried about our situation."
Fang chuckled, "So you want to tell me, you rely on one powerful entity to keep your kingdom on the map? That frankly sounds stupid, and I do not consider you stupid, your majesty."
He caught on so quickly. Her smile faded; she had to be careful when speaking with Fang, he was not someone she could afford to underestimate.
"Unfortunately, we had no choice. She and Azure are the strongest soldiers we have control over. It is the reason we hired you despite your crimes."
"You have someone like that under control? Or is it perhaps her tolerance that keeps her here? It matters not." He leaned back into his seat and tapped his fingers against the table.
"It would be ill-advised to underestimate elves, Sir Fang. We are full of surprises. Now, there is one more thing I would like to know." She decided to keep her best poker face that she could muster.
"Umu. I am willing to extend my service, but do not abuse my goodwill."
"I want you to investigate something for us."
"Now, now… Your majesty, that's far beyond—"
"It's about an attack on the Temple of the 7th Moon."
His eyes widened, and his composure cracked. Fang's fists clenched before he slammed his hands on the table and leaned toward Soleah. "What?! Are you certain about this?!"
There was one crucial information she had learned about the leader of the mercenary band. It was so crucial that it would allow her to gain immediate control over the Golden Rose.
"The information is that there was an ambush at the temple of the 7th moon, where we lost many troops. I suspect that everyone in the temple is dead, too."
The information visibly shook Golden Fang. The Temples of Moon were his true home. It was where he learned.
And now someone dared attack them.
It was personal.
"You needn't convince me. Attacking the temple of Lady Len is a heresy. I will not stand for it, it goes beyond my mercenary nature." If anyone had dared besmirch the legacy of Lady Ilya and Lady Len, they would face his full force.
A barely noticeable smirk played on Soleah's lips. The information Sheira had given her was true. He was affiliated with the seventh moon. One has to love how easy it is to convince the faithful to bend over backwards if it concerns their god.
"Your majesty, tell me everything. I will not stand for anyone to defile my Lady's temples." His voice cracked for the first time. It was an expression he had not made in decades.
She nodded and raised her hand. "Lucia, bring me the documents."
With a slight curtsey, Lucia strutted forward and handed Soleah three pieces of parchment.
"I have made sure to procure everything I could. While I cannot assure you that the information was truthful in its entirety, it is your task to find what really happened."
"I can assure you, your majesty… The truth will be uncovered, not for anyone but my Lady." His hands shook as he accepted the documents.
"Excellent, I expect. Prompt results, after all, I heard many good things about you. Sir Fang."
He stretched his hand forward, "When it comes to our work, you won't find anyone better. I must thank you for bringing this dire news to me."
Soleah stretched her hand forward and shook his hand. "I look forward to your band's results."