When this thought entered Orion's mind, he inwardly shook his head. There was no reason for him to entertain such thoughts because he wouldn't allow himself to be placed in such a situation.
"Yes, that's everything," the Village Chief responded.
Since Patriarch Rylan had already confirmed that everything Captain Seig said was correct, he no longer doubted the validity of the information he had received.
Orion nodded, shifting his attention towards Patriarch Rylan before refocusing on the Village Chief. "And what about Captain Seig and his Lieutenant?" he asked.
"They are still at the Left Stronghold Main Headquarters. I believe they will be ready to talk after spending a few days in the cells without food or water," the Village Chief replied.
Orion raised his brow. "And what if they don't?" he asked.
"If they don't say anything within a few days, then we have no use keeping them alive," the Village Chief replied. "Also, considering that we still don't know the limits of their strength, we have to be careful until then in case something goes wrong," he added.
Orion nodded. "How about their offers? What do you think about them?" Orion asked curiously.
The Village Chief furrowed his brows in response. "I've already thought about it. However, it's too dangerous because we still can't trust their words despite what they've said. Also, as I've said before, considering that we still don't know the limits of their strength, it would be dangerous to let them roam freely within the Cities," he responded.
Orion nodded in understanding as he sighed inwardly at the Chief's words. He knew that the Village Chief was very wary of Captain Seig and his Lieutenant because they did not hesitate to attack the City upon their arrival, regardless of their reasons.
Nonetheless, considering how exclusive the Village was, Orion understood that the Village Chief and the Stronghold Leaders would instead eliminate any threats they encountered as quickly as possible if they were left without a choice. He also realized that the reason the Four-eared elves were always welcomed to the Village might have been for the opposite reason.
Also, Orion understood that he would have to intervene to learn more about the Sanctuaries. Besides, he could sense some conspiracy around this issue, so he was more than ready to look into it personally.
Orion cleared his throat and looked at the Village Chief, "Chief, how about I try and speak with them?" he asked.
"Are you sure?" the Village Chief asked.
He was aware that Orion was brilliant enough to negotiate with the attackers. However, he didn't want to risk Orion's safety by having him in the same room with them.
"Yes," Orion nodded confidently. "Don't worry, Chief, I don't plan on going alone. I'm sure Stronghold Leader Zogar and Stronghold Leader Seth will be willing to accompany me," he added.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth sighed inwardly in response. Though they already had their hands full with searching for more potential Four-star Vylkr vines and managing the City's security, it seemed they wouldn't be getting any rest sooner or later.
The Village Chief shifted his focus to both of them.
Stronghold Leader Zogar and Seth noticed his gaze and nodded in agreement with Orion's words.
"If Stronghold Leader Zogar and Stronghold Leader Seth are accompanying you, then I have no worries about your safety," the Village Chief responded with a serious tone.
Orion nodded before redirecting his attention towards Patriarch Rylan. With the previous matter resolved, he now focused on how to handle the issue concerning Patriarch Rylan and the Four-eared elves, particularly after learning about the 'Fruit of Complete Fulfillment,' another name they had given to the Kalna fruit, and the 'Elixir of the Four-ears.'
He understood that the trade was acceptable since both parties had agreed voluntarily and were satisfied. However, he couldn't deny the exploitation, especially now that they knew about the fruit's value and held the most authority in the room.
Moreover, Orion realized that as the leader of a Runaway City, Patriarch Rylan likely possessed something priceless. Therefore, he was prepared to see if Patriarch Rylan would provide fair compensation for their accommodation in the Second Body City.
"Patriarch Rylan, after considering everything the Village Chief has said, I don't think it's unreasonable if we decide to collect payments for the Four-eared elves settlement in the city, don't you agree?" Orion asked seriously, his gaze fixed on Patriarch Rylan.
Sensing Orion's scrutinizing gaze, Patriarch Rylan inwardly exhaled deeply. He had also listened to what the Village Chief had said and understood that the favour extended to the Four-
eared elves was nearing its end.
"You are right, Warrior Orion. I agree with your assessment. It is only fair that we pay the appropriate amount for our accommodation," Patriarch Rylan responded.
He felt a heaviness in his heart, fearing the potential expulsion of the Four-eared elves from the City to survive on their own against the Vylkr vines.
"Ahem! I have already given you my word regarding the Four-
eared elves' accommodation, so you needn't worry about them being expelled from the City and left to fend for themselves against the Vylkr vines. However, once the rest of the key figures are informed about everything that has occurred, if this matter isn't properly addressed today, it could make things even more difficult for you and the rest of the Four-eared elves surviving in the City," the Village Chief said, almost as if he could read Patriarch Rylan's thoughts.
Though the Village Chief had initially intended to speak with Patriarch Rylan personally about this, he observed silently as Orion decided to address Patriarch Rylan directly. After all, Orion was the next in line for Village Chief, so the Village Chief was curious to see how he would handle such a situation.
Orion exhaled deeply upon hearing the Village Chief's words.
The Village Chief appeared adamant about keeping his word and determined to ensure that Patriarch Rylan didn't escape without making a fair payment.
Hearing the Village Chief's words, the weight on Patriarch Rylan's shoulders instantly lifted, and he nodded gratefully toward the Village Chief.
