Talked Him into It

"Say, are you interested in joining me? You won't lose out by working with me! Your elves can migrate onto the War Trees in the future!" Roland's voice was like that of a devil from hell, filled with an inexplicable allure.

"Mhm, mhm..." Valfay was still stunned by the majestic presence of the War Trees, his mind dazed. Whatever anyone said, he agreed to, and so he nodded instinctively.

Smack! Roland clapped his hands excitedly!

"Valfay, kneel and receive your title! From now on, you are the Duke of Lothlórien of the Lagrange Kingdom!" Roland declared without missing a beat.

"...Mhm!" Valfay had yet to react, but Omsk had already turned his stiff neck to stare at Roland with wide, bull-like eyes, his mind stampeding with chaos. What the hell? He was a Duke of Lothlórien just like that?

"No, King Roland, what did you say?" Valfay obligingly dropped to one knee. When he looked up at Roland, he suddenly realized something was wrong with his perspective. Before he could react, Roland swiftly drew the Dragon-slaying Sword and lightly tapped both of his shoulders.

"Hahaha! Rise, my Duke!" Roland sheathed the Dragon-slaying Sword and spread his arms.

"???" Valfay's thoughts whirled. You took advantage of me while I was distracted? You tricked me? You ambushed me? Where was your sense of honor?

"..." Beside him, Omsk covered his face, unable to bear looking at Roland's shameless expression.

"Um, Prince Roland, I think you may have misunderstood..." Valfay stood up, dusted himself off, and revealed a polite rather than awkward smile.

"Hm? You want to betray the kingdom right after swearing allegiance to me?" Roland asked calmly, glancing sideways at him.

"Pfft..." Omsk had long since squatted on the ground to play with ants, as if they were some priceless treasure,