Chapter 62: Chapter 5.14 - The Dignitaries
The first dignitaries to arrive were from The Grand Wood Alliance. They were met at the gate, at request, by Jasmin, Lelia, and Lisbet. All three were former slaves from the Grand wood alliance that were destined to be the Goblin King's playthings. Serins' timely removal of the goblin king and their rescue from the slavers gave them a new life and purpose. So per request, Serin watched as the dignitaries identified the three guard's previous life when Jasmine and the other two performed the courteous bow of their own country.
Jasmine addressed the Dignitaries, both older males in their 40s. "Good Morning Gentlemen. Please present your letters of good conduct so we can verify and allow you passage through our gates."
The Dignitaries answered, "Are you from one of our Allied States Girl? If so the only reason why you are here is because you are a slave not worth keeping in our nation." Jasmine showed a small sneer and responded, "Gentlemen, my ancestry is of no importance and can be discussed at a later time, but I would kindly request that you show your letters of good conduct."
The Diplomate scoffed, "A throw away failed breeder dares to address me? Out of my way, you trash so i can hurry up and get this charade over with."
Jasmine leveled her spear, fire in her eyes and a dangerous smile on her face. Lelia and Lisbet followed in sync. The 24 members of the Dignitaries entourage leveled their rifles at Jasmine.
A rumble began. Then the outer wall began to change form as stones of the wall themselves seemed to shift as the forms of dozens of homunculi revealed themselves, and pointed rifles at the group. Serin himself was stunned. Jorvik had mentioned completion of the defense system, and Bilol had mentioned a surprise for whomever activated it.
Serin now stared in a confused mix of hilarity and horror. The homunculus had been decorated for intimidation as their face sections had been adorned with the now cleaned and polished skulls of the Desert Sons Mercenary Company.
The two dignitaries turned white as changelings. Jasmine smiled, "Attempting to cross our border without invitation ensures we are not bound by diplomatic rules. As much as I personally wish for you to push the issue, Lord Serin would be saddened he could not meet with other nations' representatives, so I suggest you lower your weapons, and present your letter of good conduct."
Quickly, the dignitaries produced their letters. Jasmine took her copy and as she touched them verified their authenticity, signing the magic of good conduct. Jasmine put away her spear, as did Lisbet and Lelia.
"Thank you gentlemen. Your entourage can wait in the merchants quarter where we have established food, drink, and entertainment. Although the two of you are granted further access into the city, the entourage's access to our city is strictly prohibited. Since they are meant as protection between our lands and yours, I am sure you can agree they can wait at the door."
The dignitaries did not put up any more of a fight. "As you say."
Jasmine smiled a shark's smile, "With that, I will pass you to your personal attendants for your stay here at Haven. Willow and Whisper, please treat our guests well and ensure their every need is met."
The two twin girls, Humans and prior criminal slaves of the Grand Wood alliance, also provided their former nation's customary bow. Their attire was based off the cafe uniforms from the Skygge teahouse, elegant, conservative, and monochromatic.
The dignitaries looked a little stunned, "were you also failed breeders?"
The girls smiled, "No" said Willow, "Murderers." Whisper followed with a wink.
With that the gently and deftly took the arms of their charges and led the dignitaries to the newly built Diplomatic Quarter, a set of buildings that contained individual dwellings and high walls to segregate their guests from the capitol proper.
Serin sighed a relief. He was worried there might be issues with this plan but so far it was working. Their guests were frightened, behaved, and submissive. If this keeps up we might just pull off this event. Serin mused.
***
It was only a few hours later the next group arrived. Shortly before mid-day, Narissa arrived. She was allowed to come by special invitation, as she was already in an economic alliance with Haven, and Serin's invite allowed for them to re-sign their agreements with his Nation's full name. Narissa was met at the gate by Uriel, carrying a silver plate adorned with two glasses of honey wine.
Serin, watching, knew Dana would be proud of her charge, as Uriel was using every trick in the book to be, well, 'diplomatic'.
As Narissa's line of six empty wagons rolled in and parked in the merchant's quarter, An unfamiliar group arrived. A set of four black metal autocarts arrived, riding in silent, letting out no noise.
At the gate Jasmin prepared her greeting, and was met with two tall figures wearing cloaks. And holding staffs. They smiled, but Jasmin still looked on guard, "Crom and Maxwell, we are dignitaries from the Sarween Technocracy."
Their robes were immaculate, and their formal gestures showed absolute decorum. Jasmine smiled, "Ah, the terrorists. I will ask you to park your wagons here at the merchant quarter where the assigned entourage can wait. Then you can follow Lisbet and Lelia, who will escort you to your personal attendants. Please conduct yourselves accordingly this time, Bringing back the dead is quite the expenditure of mana."
The script was stuck to perfectly, and as expected, Jericho's plan had thrown the Sarween off guard. Serin remembered back to their group preparations.
"I have had limited interaction with them, but they are well known for their sly and polite nature. If you can quickly identify and condemn them for their bruteish actions it will throw them off their game. Then by showing a lack of awe by whatever technological marvels they present, it will definitely give us the advantage in negotiations."
Serin watching from his vantage point simply smiled. Dana and Ephraim were continuing their preparations as well.
***
An hour later the third formal guest arrived. Two covered auto-wagons came up. Nothing too pristine. Serin looked and thought they might be simple merchants. Jasmine greeted them. "Halt strangers. Please state your name and business.
A man with salt and pepper hair and a wrinkled smile hopped off the first cart and presented a diplomatic seal. "Greetings Neighbor, My name is Jeffrey Thul, and this is my kin. We come from the Kingdom of Thul. And as the head of the family, I guess I am their king. My eldest daughter will be my fellow diplomat." Then a rough and tumble girl with curly blonde hair and roadworn clothes stepped down from the second wagon.
. Serin listened and saw as fate weaved lines of red and black in his vision connecting Jeffrey and his daughter to multiple targets in the distance. to the whole interaction and messaged Jasmine 'Ensure an extra guard detail is placed on those folks. Give them special quarters.'
Jasmine replied, 'No worries my Lord, they are unarmed and they do not seem combat oriented.'
Serin replied back,'I fear for their safety, not their conduct.'
Jasmine acknowledged the message and proceeded with her discussion. "King Jeffrey of Thul, we have personal attendants for you during your stay in our capital. They will escort you to your lodgings in the diplomatic quarter."
Jeffrey smiled and laughed, "Are you sure? We brought some tents if needed."
Jasmine smiled, "That won't be necessary. Your entourage may stay with the wagons."
Jeffrey laughed, "oh its just the two of us."
Jasmine looked quizzically, "then why the two wagons?"
Jeffry smiled, "We were hoping for a bit of trade while we were here. Never miss an opportunity for business, you know."
Serin could tell at least one of his neighbors might make a valued partner.
***
It wasn't until almost sundown that the final diplomatic retinue arrived. A single carriage arrived. Flanked on both sides was a contingent of 24 soldiers. Although they looked tired, they were still battle ready. Inside the carriage two diplomats could be seen. They elected not to say anything, but instead presented their letter of good conduct, and followed inside.
Serin wasn't expecting the silent treatment from the Northern Kingdoms. Did they not view us worthy of response?
Jasmin still gave the instructions to the diplomats, which although they did not give a response, followed to the letter.
The two attendants, changelings in human disguise, escorted the Northern Kingdoms to their lodging in the diplomatic quarter.
Serin smiled, As the night settled, food and drink was delivered to each lodging, and an invitation to join Serin for a drink and conversation was given. Serin had tables with desserts and wines setup in the center of the diplomatic quarter, and after some time he thought no one would arrive.
Does everyone only wish for violent conflict? Do we have no allies? Serin mused.
"Ah! Sorry we are late!. We had to wash off the road grime and change into something more acceptable for meeting with you. Greetings Serin of Haven, I am Jeffrey of Thul. This is my daughter, Iris."
***
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Srinlife
Srinlife Hello dear Readers!
Another chapter in the book. The next few chapters will be a bit longer than the 1000 word chapters i try to stick to. I just couldnt bring myself to go back and shorten them.
Also, as an effort to make the story flow naturally, other than spelling, grammar, and context accuracy, I do not go back and fix content. If inconsistencies start to form with how the world works, just try to see it as the MC and others adapting better to the System of the world. Certain things will remain true.
1. I will always try to write a story at the English 7th grade level to make it as approachable as possible, even to those who English is not their first Language.
2. I will always make my story free. Should there be a payment model it might be for early release chapters or something like that.
3. You, my dear readers, shape the story. Who knows how the simple ideas you leave weave themselves into a story. Who knew a Nation's first ally could be a despotic monsterous citystate ruled by a dragon. Or that the world's economy could be smashed by the appearance of Bees?
With that, I ask that if you have not already, follow the example of Ale 83, Rayne, Skulp, and a few other brave souls and leave a book review. Who knows how your comment can change the story.
And as always, Stay boundless friends.
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