The warm sun cast its bright rays down to the world below, thawing the frozen ground and promising spring's imminent arrival, despite the cold breeze coming from the east. It was a welcome warmth, though not a single person paid attention to it.

From atop the Outer Walls of Onigas, the defenders watched as the Demons stepped forward, away from the bulk of their army, and began to set up a table and a few chairs in between the army and the city, and well in range of arrows and spells from either side.

The soldiers could not believe it. Throughout their lives, Demons were just a myth. Something used to scare children into behaving. Now, they could see them. Multiple types of Demons.

The myths had become reality.

And reality had brought an army.

With not a cloud in sight, Alaster's Shadows were struggling to get close. The Argalon Mages had some way to spot them even in the darkest of nights, but in the middle of the day, with no cover, on flat terrain, even the most average of soldier, Demon or Human, would be able to spot the Shadow Assassin.

This problem left Alaster slightly less blind than the rest of the men and women on the wall. Though with his Master Tiered eyes, he could still see that one of the two Devils carrying a table had a button undone on his gambeson vest.

The meeting area was small and without anything to obscure vision from either side. The Devils had rolled out a rug and set a small table and half a dozen chairs on it. After it was set up, the Devils returned to the army.

A few minutes later, a small group of Devils and two Argalon stepped forward, headed towards the meeting area.

Keylan looked over at Alaster and Lord Siphas, "Are you ready to see another species? One hell bent on eradicating all of Humanity?"

"My Lord, please don't joke about that, least of all in public."

None of the soldiers atop the wall were close enough to hear their City Lord, but the warning was understood.

Together Alaster and the two Lords descended the stairs and mounted the horses that stood waiting for them. The soldiers opened the gate for them, immediately closing it after the trio had left the city.

Archers stood atop the battlements, arrows on their strings. Mages prepared their Mana for spells, both defensive and offensive. Warriors checked their armor and weapons.

If something did happen during the meeting, there was nothing they would be able to do to assist their Lords, but they would ensure the same was true for the Demon counterparts.

The short ride out was slow, casual, but serious. The air between the three was heavy enough to strangle a dog.

The Demons patiently waited for them to arrive. The Two Argalon stood behind the seated Devils, much too large for the ordinary chairs. This gave Alaster the impression that they were just guards. Though it did strike him strangely that the Argalon, despite being the ruling race of Demons, would let the Devils speak on their behalf so frequently.

Though Alaster only had the short conversation he had with one during the initial Invasion of Zolis, and had yet to begin these negotiations. The first time had been impromptu, so it could have been a rushed decision, but now? The Demons had initiated these negotiations, and all current evidence pointed to the Devils once more doing the talking.

'Any ideas Bel?'

Belgroth thought for a moment, 'None that come to mind. The Devils were always subservient to us Argalon, not as slaves, mind you, but their species respects and follows the strong, and we were the strongest. We also treated them well. I can't imagine they violently took over, or if they even could.

Though, now that I think of it, Devils breed much faster than us Argalon, it is possible that these envoys are disposable. I can't imagine my people being ok with that line of thought, but I also can't imagine them slaughtering an entire city of innocent children.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Its been too long. I can't help you here.'

'Will you still be able to translate?'

'Of course, the language has not changed.'

Alaster silently thanked his mentor hitchhiker and turned his mind to his surroundings. They had arrived.

They stopped the horses a dozen meters away from the meeting place and continued on foot.

As they neared, Alaster could feel the gazes of thousands watching his every move. It was a strange feeling. One that he did not like.

Once they reached the rug, the Devils calmly stood up and motioned for the three chairs across the table from them. As the Humans sat, so too did they.

But before any words were spoken, the Devil sitting in the middle of their delegation waved his hand forward. A Devil, dressed as a servant, quickly stepped forward, setting down a tea pot with steam coming out of the spout.

With elegance betraying their purpose on this continent, the Devil poured out six cups of tea. The Devils each took a cup and pointedly looked at the three in front of the Humans, waiting for them all to take the first sip together.

The two Human Lords glanced at each other with hesitation and caution. It would be to the Demons' great advantage if they could poison the leaders of the Human city. Alaster certainly would have been tempted, though he would have never allowed himself to be put in a situation where he was seated across his known enemy while also not attempting to kill them.

Duke Redmond had not known he was Alaster's enemy. The Devils across from Alaster knew perfectly well.

While Alaster understood their caution, he had never been the most patient when it came to politics, whether it was politics that effected a nation, to politics between coworkers or friends.

Alaster grabbed a cup, lifting it up slightly to the Devil before swallowing it one gulp.

Alaster recognized the taste. It was the same tea he had served the Devil Envoy in Zolis.

'A bit rushed, but it is a war. Now, your turn.' Belgroth tutored Alaster.

With false grace, Alaster conjured six pastries from his Ring of Holding. The pastries themselves were ordinary by Noble expectations, but amazing to a Commoner. Now that Alaster was richer than he had any idea what to do with, he could not help himself from indulging on treats while he was reading or creating more Undead.

A habit that had served him well at this moment.

Nudging City Lord Keylan under the table, Alaster lifted one of the pastries and took a bite. The two Lords followed Alaster's example, drinking the tea before taking a bite of the pastry.

By action alone, it appeared that the six individuals were merely have an afternoon tea break, but no one would dare to confuse it as something so ordinary. The air was so thick Alaster suspected he could cut it with a spoon.

Seemingly satisfied, the Devils similarly took a pastry each and ate it. From their surprised expressions, Alaster could tell they liked it.

Once the pastries were eaten, the servant once more stepped forward, removing the tea pot and cups with his little tray.

The Argalon behind the Devils continued to watch emotionlessly as they towered over the table.

"I thank you for agreeing to meet with us today, and I must say, those treats were quite good. May I ask what they are called?" The Lead Devil spoke the first words of the negotiations, addressing Keylan.

The City Lord hesitated, "Sweetrolls. They are simply bread with some cinnamon and sugar on top as a glaze. There are various types, sometimes the bakers will put fruits on top or add a syrup, but the one shared here today is the standard, at least here in Onigas."

"Wonderful, I do hope we can get to a peaceful conclusion. I would so hate to destroy a city that created such delicious desserts."

Somehow, the air grew heavier.

"Now then, I have been asked to speak on behalf of the War Masters. There are a few matters we must discuss. Firstly, as to the matter brought up by Lord Ashborn last time he spoke to one of our Envoys," The Devil glanced at Alaster, but quickly turned his full focus on Keylan.

"I personally wish to inform you that that particular Envoy was quite vocal about agreeing to Lord Ashborn's suggestion."

"Apologizes, however, Lord Ashborn has suggested a great deal, and as he is not technically under the jurisdiction of Onigas, could you specify the suggestion you are addressing?" Lord Siphas interrupted politely.

The Devil nodded, "Of course. Let me add some context, as I am not aware of your prior knowledge of this matter." He paused until both Lords nodded before continuing, "The plan for the Invasion was never to completely eradicate Humanity. There is too much support for peace for such a thing to be considered.

Instead, the plan was to reserve a sizable portion of land for the Humans while we retook the rest of our home. These reserved lands happened to cover much of what you Humans know as the Independent Lands. We initially offered the King of Lissuria a short time to relocate his people to these reserved lands, but he refused. What happened next is the result.

Regardless, your city of Onigas fell just outside these reserved lands, leaving it fair game to eradicate. Lord Ashborn suggested expanding the reserved lands to cover the city. In exchange, he offered your city's neutrality.

He pointed out how such an act would greatly carry favor among those supporting peace. Which is true. And despite our current actions, we are not a mindlessly violent people. We do not wish to throw away lives when it can otherwise be prevented."

Lord Keylan felt his heart rise, feeling the weight upon his shoulders responsible for the lives of each person withing the city walls lessen.

"Unfortunately, sometimes it can not. As a ruler of your own people, you should understand this well.

This war was always going to happen.

And your city will crumble."

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