Chapter 216 Seeking New Allies

In the dimly lit room, Hermit stood beside Valerius, a pitiful creature, looking even more wretched and mistreated than Suzuka remembered. His tiny body seemed to tremble with fear, scars, and bruises evidence of the torment he had endured. 

However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly as Hermit caught sight of Larry. His eyes widened in a mix of shock and delight. The goblin, recognizing his friend, underwent a drastic transformation. His demeanor, once that of a frightened and tortured soul, suddenly burst into unrestrained joy.

Tears and snot of sheer delight squirted from Hermit's face as he rushed toward Larry, his frail limbs barely able to contain his excitement. The once pitiful goblin now radiated gleeful energy, a stark contrast to the broken creature he had been just moments before.

Hermit bounced up and down on his spindly legs, his oversized ears flapping like makeshift wings as he squealed with joy and leaped into Larry's embrace, "Larry! Larry! You come for Hermit! Me so happy! Finally, you came for Hermit! Please! Not leave me alone! Not alone! Not again!"

Hermit, in a voice that was more squeaks and squawks than coherent words, cried, "Larry! I knew you'd come! Oh, oh, look at me! I'm not a mess anymore! Well, kinda still a mess, but a happy mess!"

Larry, chuckling at the goblin's infectious enthusiasm, replied, "Hermit, you little rascal! What have they done to you? I leave you alone for a little while, and you end up looking like a chewed-up piece of gum. What's the deal, buddy?"

Hermit, still bouncing with joy, attempted a half-coherent response, "Oh, Larry! They wanted secrets, but I didn't give them anything. No secrets for them! Or at least I tried... But, oh, it was bad. So bad. But now you're here, and it's not bad anymore! See? See? I'm smiling!"

Suzuka, observing the scene, interrupted, "Larry, Hemit, you two can go kiss on the couch. I need a word with Valerius, alone. I'm here for a reason. Valerius, we have some matters to discuss."

Valerius, regaining control of the situation, gestured for Suzuka to proceed to his study. While they moved, Hermit clung to Larry like an overjoyed child, chanting, "Larry is a friend! No more bad, only good! Happy, happy Hermit!"

Larry, playing along, patted Hermit's head, saying, "That's right, Hermit. No more bad. We'll figure things out together."

As they entered Valerius's study, leaving Larry and Hermit behind, the atmosphere shifted once again, the delicate balance of power and fellowship playing out in unexpected ways. 

After sitting in his chair, Valerius finally spoke up, his tone stern, "Well then, Lady Helen, take a seat. We are alone now; state your business. But I must remind you, I am a very busy elf. This better be important."

Suzuka turned to Valerius with a coy smile and said, "Business, indeed. I couldn't help but notice the 'fun times' you had with the goblin. But that's unimportant to me. I bring you an offer you won't want to refuse, and it involves that little bundle of joy you had your hands on. Now, are you ready to listen, or shall I take my business elsewhere?"

Valerius, with an air of refined arrogance, addressed Suzuka in his elven cadence, "Ah, Lady Helen, you've witnessed the aftermath of necessary measures. Our friend Hermit here... how should I put it... ah, yes! Spilled the beans. And all it took was a needle poke on the tip of his finger. As for your business, please go on; I am listening. By all means, enlighten me with the details of your proposition."

Suzuka, with an air of audacious flair, cut straight to the heart of the matter, her words echoing with determination, "I want to build a town, and I need funding. Picture this: a haven for all the goblins we rescue from those horrendous breeding farms. I'll give them a place to live, far away from the prying eyes of townsfolk who might not appreciate the charm of goblins strolling their precious streets. But that's just the tip of the magical iceberg. In the expansive territory, I've recently acquired, not one, not two, but three magic boxes stand, ready for the smart minds of the MIS to unlock their secrets. Free and safe access at any time and within town boundaries. And, just to sweeten the deal a tad more, if my town thrives, you, Valerius, could be basking in the glory of a top executive role and head of the MIS branch in my flourishing domain."

Valerius, initially wearing an expression laced with mockery, found himself unable to entirely conceal the flicker of serious consideration that crossed his elven features when Suzuka dropped the bombshell about the magic boxes. After a few moments of profound contemplation, he responded in a voice that resonated with elven grace, "So it would seem that the goblin was telling the truth about you building the town and here I thought he was talking gibberish. Lady Helen, your proposal is not only audacious but intriguing. The promise of access to magic boxes adds a layer of intricacy to the negotiations. However, what guarantees do I have that your ambitious venture will indeed prosper? A top executive position of MIS and safe access to magic boxes is undoubtedly enticing, but assurances, my dear, are the currency I deal in."

Suzuka leaned in, her eyes sparkling with conviction, "Valerius, guarantees are for those who fear failure. I'm offering you an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary, to witness the birth of a thriving community, and to revel in the enchantment those magic boxes hold. Success, my friend, is a venture for the bold. Are you ready to seize it, or will you be left behind in the mundane shadows of missed opportunities?"

Valerius, intrigued by Suzuka's audacious proposal, leaned back in his ornate chair, a contemplative expression playing on his sharp elven features. The grandiosity of Suzuka's vision had injected a dose of excitement into the otherwise unadorned atmosphere of his study.

However, Valerius, being naturally skeptical and accustomed to navigating the intricate dance of elven politics, couldn't fully embrace the fantastical promises Suzuka presented. With an arched eyebrow, he countered, "Lady Helen, your words weave a captivating tale, but in the realm of business, tales alone rarely secure success. You speak of thriving communities, magic boxes, and executive positions, but I require more concrete assurances. What safeguards can you offer to ensure my investment bears fruit?"

Suzuka leaned in, her eyes focused as she spoke with a persuasive intensity, "Look, I've got big plans for those goblins. They'll be the backbone of our labor force, churning out resources and, with a bit of training, evolving into a formidable construction force for the town. I'm not stopping there; as the town grows, it won't just be a haven for goblins but a gathering place for all races in this world. Goblins are just a stepping stone toward something greater. I've already got Hermit to join me, and he'll convince his fellow goblin slaves to the cause. I've even managed to secure a discount on the town blueprint - only funds are missing to set the wheels in motion. I'm not offering mere assurances; I'm offering you a slice of the pie. Picture this: a portion of the resources produced by those goblins as collateral, and in return, you get a front-row seat to witness the magic unfold. Think of it as a dance with fate, a gamble that could elevate both our fortunes."

Valerius, sensing the boldness in Suzuka's proposition, considered the offer. The prospect of goblins generating resources and the shelter under the umbrella of Suzuka's ambitious project intrigued him. He well knew that Suzuka was a powerful person, and her protecting goblins would solve his current problem of housing the slaves. After a pause, he finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of elven wisdom, "Lady Helen, your proposal is daring, to say the least, and the allure of the unknown is undeniable. I shall entertain this venture, but the terms must be refined, and the collateral must be substantial."

Suzuka's joy at Valerius's apparent agreement with her grand vision was short-lived as he delivered a sobering reality check. The weight of his words hung in the air, casting a shadow over her ambitious plans.

Valerius stated with a firm voice, "I will join you on your grand vision, but I can't help you financially. However, I will contribute to your town in a different capacity. I'll take care of all the paperwork necessary and secure all the required approvals and permissions for construction."

Valerius continued, his tone carrying the weight of experience, "Building a town involves more than just owning the land and having a workforce. It's a dance of politics, intricate negotiations with town rulers, and delicate maneuvering through bureaucratic hurdles. And let's not forget the MIS; they won't stand idly by while you capitalize on three of the magic boxes. Negotiating with them alone will be a challenging task. One wrong move and things may end very badly. This is not child's play; we're talking about the birth of a whole new town, a feat that hasn't occurred in centuries."

Suzuka, though momentarily deflated, absorbed Valerius's words with a thoughtful nod. The gravity of the situation settled upon her, and she realized that the path to realizing her vision was way more complex than she had thought. The challenges ahead loomed large, the intricacies of politics and bureaucracy demanding a level of finesse she had not fully considered.

Valerius, with a hint of mentorship in his voice, continued, "But fear not, Helen. I may not provide financial support but consider me your guide through the labyrinth of town-building intricacies. With my expertise, we'll navigate the challenges. The birth of a new town requires a unique blend of vision and strategic acumen. Together, we'll make history, but be prepared for a journey that tests your mettle in ways you haven't yet imagined."