Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 495: Politicking with Trantor

Both Freele and Trenk sighed as Trantor walked to the other side of the table. He stepped into the silent formation, asking, “Am I allowed to know what sort of group, organization, or area of influence you represent, Oliver?”

“Yes and no... Before we talk about that, I want to know a bit more about you. What’s your standing like in your family?” Oli replied with his own question.

“I assume you’re wanting to know more than my general position as family heir?” Trantor jested while taking his seat. “As the family heir, I’m destined to replace my father. Whether that comes from me surpassing him or for him to grow strong enough to claim a region, we’ll find out with time. But he’s recently become a high-perennial and personally doubts that he’ll manage to reach the king realm. For that reason, he’s throwing everything he can at me, and quite a lot at Trenk as well. In fact, he’s currently preparing an interesting proposition for another territory in hopes of becoming allies.”

Oli mulled over that last sentence for a moment. “... What territory is that?”

“Iron Territory,” Trantor answered without hesitation. “Iron Territory has become renowned across the province. Its influence is the highest of any nearby territory and more comparable to a small region. So we’re uncertain if they’ll agree to such an alliance given Forell Territory’s two-year existence, as well as the massive difference in power between us and Iron Territory.”

“Then how do you plan to make them an intriguing proposition? Your father must be fairly confident if he’s planning it regardless,” inferred Oli.

“True... My father is determined to become their ally. It’s crucial in order to solidify our existence and thwart any potential challenges against my father for the territory,” Trantor reasoned. “That’s why Trenk will be included in that proposition as an official offering to Iron Territory.”

.....

“Oh... It’s that serious?” Fulkar asked, startled to hear that.

Nodding, Trantor continued, “We’re also determined to find a way to make things work without including the Libarn Family. No offense, Fulkar, but we know that your reclusive father is already an ally to the Practor Family in Iron Territory. It’s a bond that threatens to pull Libarn away, and we can do nothing to blame them for such a migration. So we have to find our own ways to secure our position as the territory leaders.”

Oli asked again, “But you still haven’t said what the proposition is. Despite Trenk’s potential, I doubt sending him alone is enough to sway a territory like Iron.”

“That’s correct. For that reason, Trenk is just part of the deal. The real proposition is something else. As for what that is, I can only discuss it with representatives of Iron Territory.”

“Fair...” Oli chuckled while finishing his breakfast.

Seeing the pause, Trantor asked, “So, what’s the arrangement between you two? And may I be informed of who you represent, Oliver?”

‘You can be honest. The plan of the Forell Family is of great benefit to Iron Territory.’

Oli nodded at Eeole’s comment and smiled. “... If I told you that I represent Iron Territory, would you believe me?”

The casual expression on Trantor’s face became pensive and covered in deep thought. “... Do you have any way to prove this?”

“I’m proof,” Fulkar spoke up with a light laugh. “In fact, Libarn recently agreed to join Iron Territory, just as you suspected.”

Sighing, Trantor nodded slowly, “I see. So it’s already happened... My father said it was inevitable, but I didn’t want to believe him. That will make things much more unstable in Forell City, and the entire territory.”

“We’re not taking everyone. We’ll be leaving quite a few people behind in Forell City. They’ll be left all of the local businesses and will be able to form their own noble family, including my lazy elder brother,” Fulkar added. “But my father and the majority of the main family will be relocating to Iron Town after my return from the Provincial Qualifier. By now, your father has probably been informed of the imminent move.”

“So it wouldn’t help to ask Master Zelsh to take me home?” Since Fulkar shook his head, Trantor thought of what to ask next. “... What has Oliver and Iron Territory offered Libarn?”

“We’ll be a patrician clan on the same level as the Practor Family, only we’ll be in charge of monitoring the market and the city’s enterprises.”

“Which will help Iron Town become Iron City sooner than ever anticipated...” Trantor finished Fulkar’s thought.

Oli chimed in, “By the way, I’m sure you already understand this but I’ll say it outright. Revealing me or my origin will result in backlash you and your family don’t want to face by any means. Do I need to make myself more clear?”

“No. That’s completely understandable,” Trantor agreed while rerouting all of his brainpower in an attempt to gather his thoughts and present them properly. “... Is there... I can’t believe I’m siding with my father’s opinion, but is there any way for the Forell Family to become allies with Iron without leaving our territory?”

It was Oli’s and Fulkar’s turn to be surprised.

But Trantor continued to elaborate, “Within the past two years, my father’s been challenged nearly a dozen times, and he’s still dealing with the injuries of the last few challenges. We don’t know when or from where the next challenge will come, so we’re more desperate for stability than we let on to the public.

“That’s why my father will be sending Iron Territory a proposition along with Trenk after this qualifier ends. Because despite my father becoming a high-perennial, we still have fewer perennials than the average territory. That makes accepting challenges difficult for us. And without something changing, such as gaining a powerful ally, not only would Forell Territory fall but our Forell Family would be in danger as a whole.”

“Ahh... So that’s why he’s sending Trenk away. Not to exile him but to guarantee that the family lives on,” inferred Oli, getting a regretful and disappointed nod from Trantor.