Chrysalis Chapter 1742 - Making the Sale

Merchant perched there, flicking away nonexistent specks from her most elegant jacket, a sleek black satin piece threaded with an intriguing and scarce golden-silk. Exclusive to a tiny zone in the first stratum, the moths spinning those cocoons were monsters deliberately bred by the Toothoo nomads controlling that territory.

The threads held merely a hint of fire mana, yet they shimmered independently, capturing the light in a truly mesmerizing manner.

Of course, she had obtained some and passed it along to the Colony's top embroiderers, who delivered beyond expectations. The design formed a detailed wonder that drew the gaze, while also depicting the saga of previous Champions, featuring sections for Vibrant, Brilliant, and Solant.

Facing her across the table was the visibly displeased Alice Erry, Green Mountain's lead negotiator and Merchant's present opponent.

Ms. Erry remained far too composed to reveal her feelings openly, yet detecting her mood was simple. Fury emanated from her like intense warmth. Merchant didn't require emotional mutations to figure it out; simple observation sufficed.

“It's regrettable we must convene again amid such unfortunate conditions,” Merchant remarked, her head shaking with sorrow. “I genuinely wished our prior encounter had sparked instant and enduring harmony between our groups.”

“Back then, your scheme to snatch our citizens from their sleep in their beds was already underway, so I'm not apt to trust you.”

Alice's gaze was stern and seething with fury, as one might anticipate. Indeed, plans for abducting delvers from their beds had been in motion at that point.

“Kidnapping?” Merchant echoed, pressing a leg to her abdomen in astonishment. “What a harsh word. I've been told no children were involved. Just delvers. Specifically, delvers who'd ventured into the tunnels beyond our nest… intent on slaying my siblings or seizing them for profit.”

Merchant clucked her tongue, her head shaking mournfully.

“What a brutal realm, where the refined commit such deeds against the reluctant. Truly lamentable.”

Alice raised an eyebrow at the ant before her.

“Are you asserting your own civility now?”

“Are you denying ours?” Merchant retorted sharply. “Should we lack civilization, then drop your ethical complaints, as you couldn't demand moral conduct from us. If we possess it, cease acting like you didn't back the seizure and trafficking of aware, autonomous creatures into something worse than demise. I know humans enjoy holding a cake while devouring it too, but here, a decision is required.”

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Typically, she avoided such firm stances in talks, but Green Mountain's stance was truly wearing on Merchant's patience. Contradictory, baseless, and apparently aimless. Simply… detrimental to trade.

“Does that decision impact these talks' results?” Ms. Erry replied directly. “Civilized or otherwise, you've taken our folks and now seek payment for their release. How can we see this as anything but a push toward war?”

Merchant drew a calming draw from her cigar and shifted the monocle on her right eye.

“Recall the four thousand troops we sent back post the Dungeon's underground clash. Does that resemble an instigator's move to spark strife?”

“So what do you desire?” Green Mountain's envoy pressed. “You promised to leave our people be, yet broke that vow. Why should we believe you now?”

Both understood the reality: options were nil. Refusing to save the delvers would cripple Green Mountain's economy. Delving drove their core business, and the ants gripped it tightly.

“Previously, you neglected any written agreement,” Merchant noted cheerfully. “Today, we'll avoid that basic oversight.”

With that, she extended a leg downward, drew a ornate scroll from the bag near her chair, and offered it to her foe. Ms. Erry grabbed the paper and skimmed it swiftly, her eyes tightening as she progressed.

Finished, she set it on the table and locked eyes with Merchant's compound gaze.

“This is… intriguing,” she commented.

“It's outright magnanimous, that's what,” Merchant replied with a chuckle. “Allow me to recap the origins. We cautioned you. We met with you. We proposed to compensate you. Whatever it took to halt the delvers pursuing us, and you refused.

“Here we stand now, in altered times and a whole different setting. To end it, just sign and compensate us. Upon doing so, we'll honor your boundaries, avoid interfering with your businesses or commerce. Actually, your delvers can pursue deals at our Delving Outpost—plenty of centipedes abound, after all. Harmony and wealth for everyone. So long as you pay.”

Alice Erry's jaw muscles tightened briefly, but Merchant spotted the teeth grinding. Yes, feel the ire. You ignited this, ignoring our attempts at amicable ties.

“Why demand payment whatsoever? Your message is clear. Even if the Church doubles the reward, no one would accept it.”

“Since the fault lies with Green Mountain. Your judgment erred badly, so a penalty is due.”

Merchant delved into her coat pocket and pulled out a tiny folded note. She laid it on the table, then pushed it over.

“That price, precisely.”

Alice flinched at the figure but held her tone steady, confirming to Merchant that she'd chosen wisely from the eleven figures stashed in her pockets.

Hurt them enough, but not excessively. From now on, they'd make fine, cordial neighbors.