The hall suddenly fell silent at the question of King Aryan Tripas.
While King Declan of Alora was wondering why the smart Nardodian King was asking such a question, Zaro Aventine and Emor Tripas somehow understood his intention.
Though General Hanson and Prime Minister Casar were quite worried about Crown Prince Arin deep inside, they won't show anything. They stayed calm just like Arin Helev.
Nevertheless, the Masked Commander was the one who was in the most difficult situation. Until now, she maintained her silence but everyone was waiting for her response.
"King Declan fought against him just a month ago. So, I think he will also agree that the Crown Prince of Qalagon is a formidable opponent, especially in a battlefield," Commander Iria finally replied to the Nardodian King.
King Aryan glanced at Arin Helev who didn't lose his composure the whole time. Then he smiled. "That should be right. Crown Prince Arin Helev has always been amazing." He paused and shifting his gaze to Iria, he added, "Just like you, Commander."
After silence occupied the hall for a few seconds again, Crown Prince Arin finally spoke up.
"We're glad that you show mercy by keeping our officials alive, King Aryan. Do you have anything on mind for the negotiation?"
"I would like to hear out your point first," King Aryan replied. His usual small yet fake smile was still glued to his face.
Crown Prince Arin slightly smiled and rose from his seat. When his gaze landed on several new officials of Nardodia present in the hall, he was somehow glad that King Aryan chose this public event for the negotiation just to show off.
"We're aren't here just for the officials but also to ask you one more thing," he started. "There are still some of my people here in Nardodia. Some of your original subjects are also still in Qalagon. So, I want to propose an exchange too.
"If any of my subjects here in Nardodia wants to return to Qalagon, grant them the permission. If any of your people wish to come back, I will do the same."
Noticing the slight amazement on the Prime Minister of Qalagon's face, King Aryan understood that Prime Minister Casar had no idea about what Arin Helev just said. However, there wasn't a hint of doubt in Casar Mareyi's face!
If the Crown Prince can propose such a big matter on his own, he instantly realized that the rumors were true.
Arin Helev surely was powerful, despite still being just the Crown Prince! It made the King wondered just how powerful would Arin Helev be once he became the King!
"That means you have two proposals, Crown Prince," he said, finally shifting his attention back to Arin Helev. "You should know that it will require quite a price."
Aryan Tripas didn't care much about the Nardodians who were still living in the territory of the Qalagons. His last sentence proved that.
"I know," Arin Helev simply said. "You won't disappoint." Then he takes out one thing from his pocket which seemed to be a ring box. Seeing this, Aryan Tripas looked at him with a mocking smile.
"A jewellery for everything? You must... " His voice trailed off when the Crown Prince opened the ring box, revealing what's inside. Aryan Tripas abruptly stood up as he felt his jaw dropped to the floor!
Looking at the reaction of the Nardodian King, there was a subtle smile on Arin Helev's lips. Then he showed the ring to the officials of Nardodia present in the hall. "I don't think this needs any explanation," he stated.
Once the officials got a clear look at the ring, their eyes grew wide and soon, murmurs covered the huge hall.
"This is the ring which is passed down to the Kings of Nardodia ever since the kingdom was founded. It is considered the most important heirloom of the Nardodia royal family," Arin Helev said. Shifting his gaze to King Aryan Tripas, he added, "It is widely believed that one cannot be regarded as the true King of the Nardodians without having this ring in his possession."
The ring was quite big and the band was made of gold. In the middle of the head, there was a King's seal curved in it and it was surrounded by small cuts of rubies, emeralds and sapphires. It was said that the Nardodian King was bound to use the seal in the head for all official matters.
"Five years ago, the late King Rowan Tripas handed this to me, personally. Since then, I keep it safe as it is such an important heirloom of the Nardodia royal family," Arin Helev continued. With a little smile, he added, "With this ring in my possession, does that make me the King of Nardodia as per the rule?"
"I'll accept your two conditions." Aryan Tripas was very quick to agree, allowing no room for doubts and confusion.
Judging from the King's desperate look, Arin Helev was convinced that he will be granted even if he asked for another condition! However, he decided to play fair and stick to the two conditions.
"Fine. But I want the agreement to be signed now and all these guests will be the witness," Arin Helev uttered. "I hope you can understand my situation, King Aryan." Briefly glancing at Crown Prince Emor, he continued, "I was fooled once, so I'm only being careful not to let it happen twice."
Aryan Tripas intention was to show how he gained the upper hand against the Qalagons but... the tables have turned ever since the King's ring was revealed. Now, he finds himself giving in to every wish and demand of none other than the Qalagon Crown Prince!
"Alright. I accept," he said in defeat.
Then with a satisfying smile, Arin Helev sat down as if nothing happened. Though there were all sorts of luxurious foods and wine before him, he didn't touch a single thing. Anything can happen in the enemy's territory and he was just being careful.
Soon, everything was set and he signed the agreement deal with King Aryan Tripas who could barely keep his anger in check. Though the feast goes on for another while, it was rather quiet than before.
As King Aryan maintained his silence most of the time, no one was that eager to speak up anymore. However, everyone present in the hall won't forget how the young Crown Prince of Qalagon managed to make the infamous King bowed to his every demand.....
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