Ever since the war,the military forces of glowing valley had gone low. Few equipment and morale.
Gaining allies that would help in military equipment,traps and armour...is no easy feat.
But he just got one without stressing himself out on a search.
Looking at the contract before him,he finds the other party's request in exchange for warfare equipment very suspicious.
They only want silk clothes, fruits and local produce on the context that they don't have that in their land.
He can't just believe them just like that...
Yet he's desperate.
"General!"... Sebastian came in with somewhat good news
"Speak!"...
"They're the most useful allies we can get sire. They're warrior community. Every family there are top warriors and skilled in combat, fire weapons, swords and tactics. The man, Roman Vikings is their leader,the top dog!"
Yet...
"But they're a powerful fration of the Rock Empire!"
The Rock Empire... deadly and cunning people. Their king is a cold blooded murderer. He kills anything and anyone. His coveting power is as strong and he gets what he wants
"Yet,the old king had passed away. The current king is his son, king Lucien! From what I gathered there certain reforms going on. Legitimate slave trading with benefits, making killing unnecessary unless required,women freedom and many more!"
It was clear
If Glowing valley allies with them they'll have a big back up against their enemies...yet they should be wise about it....tight with military secrets and cautious of what is been exported and careful of their entry into this kingdom.
Granting them too much immunity could cause their own fold up
He was caught between the benefits and the risks...
He just have to do what's best for the kingdom with enough guard against them. It will be strictly business. No sharing secrets or dinning.
But bring your friends close but your enemies closer. He won't give them a chance to exploit them.....
...
Like a hungry chipmunk, Isabella left every ounce of dignity to munch on the sweet treats before her
"This is so good Salvador!" She kept giggling and smiling. Salvador was beyond excited he just didn't show it. Derick on the other hand maintained it stiff post yet he was dancing inside. Feeling so proud of making something she love
"This is the best milk pudding I've ever tasted. It used to me my childhood meal. But I got tired of it"
Salvador was waiting... waiting to hear one statement that might make his entire day worth it even more
"This taste so familiar...yet so unrea! You should give me the recipe sometime!"
Yes...! The familiarity was what he was waiting for and he finally got it. His girl had always been a sweet tooth and a foodie
She hasn't changed a bit
"Your highness...!" Ronald finally decided to come by
"Hey Ronald!"....She childish smile won him over. His anger and jealously melted away
But... Salvador's eyes were cold and calculating.
He didn't trust this man one bit. He looked to his shoulder, Derrick nodded, feeling the same way as well.
His face was somewhat familiar... Salvador thought if Ronald tries to harm his girl... he'll make him bathe in his own blood!
"Permit me to leave shortly,your highness!" Derrick finally spoke
"You've been standing for hours. You have such a nice voice and yet you haven't said one thing to me."
Isabella pouted like a child...denied from eating sweet
"You can leave!"...she waved her hand. Tugging Salvador's shirt to bring more pudding. Luckily,they got too excited and made many!
"You seem to be enjoying yourself!"... Ronald could definitely watch her eat without blinking. She's just so beautiful and she should belong to her
"I heard...you and the general!"
Isabella stopped eating,and Salvador was ready to snap Ronald in place
"Well.... yes. It looks complicated but it's simple!" She continued eating with no worry. If any mess should come up, Alex would clean it up. After all it his job as the man in this relationship.
"I thought we were something Bella!"....
Salvador thought in him mind to check this man's head later
"No!" Isabella said flatly " Not in the way you want it to be!"
Gulping down some honey water... " You are a good friend to me Ronald. Let's just be like that!"
She could see how pained and confused he is. Wasn't she plain from the onset?
Now she realized they haven't talk about this at all, neither has she made things clear to him
"It was never my intention to lead you on! You just fit being my friend!"
Ronald didn't say a word. He just mentally scolded himself and strip himself bare for all to see for thinking she would love him or at least like him.
It's day time and yet he's dreaming
"It's fine... I'll take my leave now your highness!" He didn't bother like he would. Just walked away.
Isabella felt pained for hurting him...she stuffed another food into her mouth "oh my... I've hurt him so bad!"
She begin to shed inexistent tears while devouring each snacks with a smile then tears
Salvador tried not to laugh. He was ecstatic for see this part of the princess... it's like she doesn't care about what just happened as long as there's food around!