"Territorial advantage? What do you mean by that?"
The empress narrowed her eyes. She couldn't comprehend Muria's words. This was the greatest challenge in communication between beings of different levels or species. One might understand the words but fail to grasp their deeper implications. Even if they understood, they might never truly accept or agree with them.
"It's simple. The land that gave birth to your species is unique. That's why I'm willing to cooperate with you," Muria explained.
"What's special about the empire?" the empress pressed further.
The Leshine people had explored every inch of their home world and cataloged its features thoroughly. Yet, nothing they had discovered seemed significant enough to attract the interest of a god. She needed to understand what Muria was referring to.
"Haven't you already seen it? The spatial rift that appeared in your territory and the world beyond it. Haven't you investigated that area yet?"
"You came from that spatial rift?" The empress showed no surprise. This merely confirmed her suspicions about his origin.
"Exactly. So, what do you say? Will you cooperate with me?" Muria smiled, his plan evolving from an impulsive idea to a more thought-out proposal.
The Leshine civilization was the most advanced he had encountered thus far. If he could manipulate and eventually control it, many of his future plans would be far easier to execute.
"Before agreeing to any partnership, you haven't clarified the terms of cooperation. How can we proceed without details?"
"What else do you want to know?" Muria asked.
"If we agree to cooperate, what do you stand to gain? Is it faith you seek? If so, I must refuse outright. I will not allow my subjects to become slaves to a god."
"Faith? No, I don't need that. I already told you—I am a god unbound by restrictions. While faith can be a source of power, it is also a chain of dependency."
"If not faith, then what do you want from this partnership? Don't tell me you're offering help out of pure goodwill—I don't believe in such things."
"You'll only trust me if there's mutual benefit involved?"
"Of course. You don't strike me as a selfless saint," the empress replied bluntly.
Hearing her response, Muria touched his face thoughtfully. He wanted to refute her statement but ultimately said nothing. In a foreign land, he saw no need to pretend to be a virtuous figure.
"There are indeed things I want," he admitted.
"Go ahead."
"I want command over your military forces and full access to your intelligence networks."
"Absolutely not!" Remi Locke, who had been quietly observing on the empress' orders, instinctively shouted in protest.
"And what about you?" Muria ignored the minister's reaction, directing his question to the empress. In a monarchic society, he only needed to negotiate with the person holding supreme authority.
"I still don't fully understand your nature. Are you a god-like being with immense power but no restrictions? If that's the case, do you possess the same abilities as the gods?"
"An excellent question," Muria praised her insight. "In direct combat, I can overpower most gods. However, in other areas, gods may excel."
Muria wasn't being modest. It was simply the truth. Most gods weren't specialized in battle. Their domains determined their strengths. In non-combat matters, gods often surpassed epics like Muria. Additionally, gods had unique advantages, such as divine realms where they could grant their followers eternal life—something most epics could not replicate.
"So, I can regard you as a battle-specialized, unbound god?"
"If that helps you understand, then yes," Muria nodded.
"If we form this partnership, besides aiding us in warfare, what other benefits can you offer our civilization?" the empress inquired earnestly. For generations, their leaders had dreamed of collaborating with a god, only to face rejection or hostility. Gods either demanded submission or threatened annihilation—cooperation was never an option.
Now, out of nowhere, an unbound god-like entity appeared and proposed a partnership. Even the most rational leader would feel tempted by such an offer, especially one who knew the terrifying power of gods.
"At this stage, I can only guarantee my support in warfare. As for other areas, I can't say. I don't know enough about your civilization yet. I've barely been here a day," Muria replied with a shrug.
"Only one day? You've spent such a short time observing us, and you already want to form an alliance? Why?" The empress frowned, finding his haste unsettling.
"What's so strange about it?" Muria asked in confusion.
"Why make such a rash decision? Is it because you believe your power is so overwhelming that you can act without caution?" The empress clenched her fists, her voice sharp and deliberate.
"Well, first of all, I did gather some basic information about your civilization. I'm not entirely ignorant. And yes, my presence here is indeed based on my power. I don't believe your military poses any real threat to me," Muria stated matter-of-factly. He saw no need for deception—his strength was his greatest leverage.
"Then why do you need our cooperation and control over our military?" the empress pressed, her tone growing colder. His bluntness reminded her of the arrogance displayed by the gods who had once humiliated their people.
"Because I want to save effort. By leveraging your resources, I can accomplish my goals more efficiently," Muria admitted lazily. Like any dragon, he occasionally indulged in laziness and sought shortcuts.
"Honestly, this partnership is more of a whim for me. Whether it succeeds or fails won't affect me much. If you agree, great—I can take it easy. If not, that's fine too. I have the power to achieve my objectives on my own."
"…I see." The empress leaned back in her chair, slowly unclenching her fists.
"So, what's your decision?"
"If we refuse, you won't resort to violence, correct?"
"Of course not. I'll simply continue with my plans. For example, I'll take your Princess Astia with me."
"Princess Astia?" The empress' expression changed instantly. She recalled the royal family member in question and asked with suspicion, "What is your connection to her?"
"She's the real reason I'm here. Discussing a partnership with you was secondary," Muria revealed without hesitation.
"So... Princess Astia is the true special factor in our civilization," the empress murmured.
"Correct. She is my wife. You're fortunate that my partner was born among your people. That's why you now have the privilege of negotiating with me," Muria stated calmly.
"W-wife?!" The empress' expression shifted rapidly, struggling to process this revelation.
"How is that possible? Princess Astia is already engaged to…" The minister paled, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"I'm aware you plan to marry her to one of your noble leaders. Because of your ignorance, I forgive this offense. But now that I'm here, how do you intend to resolve this matter? Do I need to spell it out for you?"
"Please give us a moment. We'll handle it as quickly as possible," the minister stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"Time?" Muria chuckled. Suddenly, the entire palace—and the vast, floating city of Ptolemy—began to tremble.
"Do you want to test the wrath of an epic? Is that what you desire?" Muria's voice was calm, but the threat was unmistakable.
"Wait! Your Eminence, I'll issue the order immediately to cancel Princess Astia's engagement. Furthermore, I hereby pledge that our empire will forge a mutually beneficial partnership with you," the empress declared decisively. She knew that some within the empire would oppose her decision, but survival came first.
"A wise choice." The trembling ceased as Muria's smile returned. "I'll go meet my wife now. You handle the rest."
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