Root Language Forest.
A fine rain drizzled down, and the woods were steeped in the uniquely scorching, stifling dampness of summer. This dreadful weather seemed to foretell that the deal would not go as smoothly as expected.
In Old Bloom's farmhouse, after hearing Arthur's proposed terms, the old undead hurried out into the rain, saying he was going to fetch someone who could make the decision.
Only when the pattering rain gradually subsided was the farmhouse's crude wooden door pushed open again.
The first thing to enter was a broad leaf used to shield against the rain. Then the elf mage Isolde stepped inside.
She lightly shook the droplets from the leaf. Her eyes first swept quickly across the room, paused briefly on the Undead Knight Arthur, then settled on the Slime perched on his shoulder.
She touched her hand to her chest and gave a slight nod. "Greetings, Slime Lord."
The little Slime bobbed up and down once in response.
Only then did Old Bloom hastily pull out a wooden chair with courteous enthusiasm. "Miss Isolde, please sit. The rain hasn't fully stopped yet. Sorry to make you come all this way."
"It is nothing."
Isolde answered calmly, set down the leaf, and sat with flawless poise. Her tranquil gaze fell upon Arthur as she got straight to the point.
"Lord Viola already knows of your territory's needs. She herself is watching this place and following these negotiations."
"Root Language Forest has indeed always sold mushrooms, tubers, and certain specially prepared rations to outsiders. Since an ally is in need, Lord Viola does not object in principle to offering assistance, but..."
Her tone shifted slightly as one finger lightly tapped the wooden table. "To reach a deal, Lord Viola needs to see some... truly interesting goods."
Her eyes swept