Failed Peace Talks (4-in-1)

"Now that this Talman Kingdom... no, Talman Empire, has been taken down."

After Moxie left, Roy shifted his will into the Serpent God incarnation and spoke to Athedia.

"They were lucky enough to become the key pieces that stabilized the situation."

Athedia sighed.

"However, this empire was born from betrayal. If they get a taste of success and betray us again..."

"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Roy spoke calmly.

He needed the Talman Empire's allegiance now.

How to tame them and raise them into loyal hounds was another matter entirely.

There was no time to worry about that now. His conversation with Athedia, which touched on many other matters, concerned the Magic Resurgence project.

He told Athedia about it as well, because he needed the help of this trusted subordinate.

"I let Zoniank escape before...

"If I had known, I would have simply broken my word and killed it!

"But I'm not omniscient or omnipotent. I couldn't have known everything in advance. All I can do now is fix things afterward."

Athedia's heart tightened. "You want me to hunt down Zoniank?"

"No need. Sooner or later, this matter will be exposed once the project begins.

"If something major happens, there's no way to keep it hidden.

"So, if possible, I'd still prefer cooperation."

Athedia asked, "Then what can I do?"

Roy said, "Spread the word that I have a way to resurrect the dead. Even an enemy like Freo can be negotiated with if the price is right.

"This is to keep Zoniank steady and stop it from fantasizing about exchanging this information for the resurrection of its master.

"We need to make it understand that Archinila can no longer accommodate it—or its master."

In truth, even Roy couldn't be sure whether Archinila would agree to Zoniank's request.