Chapter 353: Plans [4]
"I will include you among the commanders of our forces... and in return let’s keep cooperating like business partners. A give-and-take relationship of sorts."
Hm?
The offer was too good to be true.
"You won’t be forced to follow the orders... just an official entry into House Black would be enough to let the world know of our alliance, which in itself is good enough to achieve several objectives."
Leon gave a satisfied smirk at the end, however faint it might have been.
So the Blacks desired to create a psychological advantage over the other major powers by showing that they had already secured me in their forces.
Given that the vampires were going to engage in a war against humanity, which included House Frost... they weren’t really doing me any sort of favour, as it was a predetermined decision on their part.
So I had no obligation to repay them for any of it.
Considering all these things... the offer put forth by Leon was indeed a tempting one, with the mutual benefit of both parties ensured within its perimeter, without having to excessively contribute to the partnership.
Such cooperation was the best way to avoid any sort of disagreement or confrontation, as it was simply a symbolic relationship.
Leon still had his hand extended in my direction, waiting for the reciprocation on my part.
"By being a Commander, would I have some control over your forces, or is the post only symbolic in nature?"
My statement earned a smile from Leon—
"The title and the position of the commander can never be symbolic in nature. Giving you the position is a form of goodwill and a token of faith on our part. You would be able to command the forces the same way as the rest of the commanders, the only difference being... you would not be able to initiate a war against someone on your own, and as you know... till the trust is built between us, your powers would be a little limited compared to the commanders of House Black, though there would be no form of disrespect or discrimination against you."
That was fair enough.
"I hope that’s alright with you."
"Being given the control over your forces is more than what I would have expected. Is Lord Black that confident in my abilities?"
My question was genuine, as such tempting conditions were too suspicious to be treated as real, but I knew that the Blacks had their own dignity to maintain and wouldn’t back out from the terms of our agreement in the future.
They could be considered reliable on their part.
"Having your name included in our alliance will itself be enough to fulfill the contributions on your part. As for your abilities... if you indeed decide to put forth your expertise in favour of House Black, then it would be a sort of bonus for us."
It was a little awkward listening to Leon, as the guy still had his hand suspended in the air.
I felt a little bad for him, but I had to be sure of everything before reciprocating the handshake.
"Don’t you fear me misusing your forces, or trying to backstab your house?"
I had to know the psychology of the heir to House Black, as his thoughts were equivalent to the views of the House itself.
Leon observed me for a second longer before finally withdrawing his hand and placing it on the armrest of the sofa.
"There’s no benefit for you in backstabbing us. On the contrary, it would only go on to help your enemies by destroying their rivals. And from what I had read about you in the reports, and seeing you in person, I could say one thing for sure... you aren’t one to back down, even if it meant being destroyed in return."
Silence.
The words echoed in the dead silence of the room, with both of us observing each other in a sort of... acknowledgement.
Though Leon had shown such trust in me, it was a part of common sense that my powers as the commander of their forces would be severely limited despite the former’s politely coated words.
Still, I had to commend the efforts and humility of the Blacks, and their way of handling the deal.
They could indeed become good pawns for me, and well... the hostility that the vampires had against the elves, something that had remained ingrained in their blood throughout the entire history of the planet, would help me to sort out the matters in the Elven territories as well.
"So when am I being inducted as the commander of your forces?"
My words made Leon get up from his seat, with a broad smile plastered over his face.
"How about after the academic visit to the Levaith Duchy?"
"Works fine with me."
Saying the words, I too stood up from my seat before extending my hand towards Leon.
"So what are we now... partners?"
"Partners, indeed."
Leon reciprocated my handshake with a firm grip on his part.
"And yes, what should I write in that report of mine?"
Ending the handshake, I asked the question, as Zenur had instructed me to submit some report.
"I will have it submitted... nothing for you to worry about."
Leon shrugged his shoulders while responding.
Well... I would be a fool to refuse such a privilege.
With the discussion having come to an end, there wasn’t much for the two of us to speak about.
"I will take my leave then... President."
Giving a short nod of my head, I turned around before walking out of the room.
"Are you supporting Ashlyn in the coming elections?"
Just as I was about to open the door, Leon asked from behind.
"I am."
Without turning back, I responded in kind, prompting a brief chuckle from the student council president.
"Your sister won’t be happy with it."
Leon’s statement made me give him a side glance, while at the same time my lips stretched into a small yet genuine smile.
"Well... the more she loses, the better for you."
"Hm?"
Leon frowned in return, making me turn around to meet his gaze.
The warmth from my face had disappeared, replaced by an indifference that was the most natural form of emotion to me.
"The more helpless she is... the better the control you would enjoy over her."
The words remained suspended in the air, with Leon’s face having turned to one of complete indifference as well.
"Maybe... you are the right person in the wrong race. Humanity doesn’t suit you."
Sigh.
"Maybe."
At the end, the Frosts had never been my family, and neither had this world been mine.