The sound of marching feet and the clatter of hooves echoed through the bustling streets of the goblin capital. Crowds gathered along the main thoroughfare, their curiosity palpable as the human, elven, and dwarven delegations made their way toward the central area. It was almost as though they have planned everything so they would arrive at the sa ti.
The city itself seed to shine under the midday sun, its organized layout and structures a stark contrast to the stereotypes the visitors held about goblin civilization.
Lance stood at the steps of the main governnt building, dressed in regal black, white, and gold attire, his commanding presence amplified by the flowing crimson cape adorned with the insignia of his kingdom. At his side stood Rusak, Aelyndra, Mira, Lia, Rynne, Zarra, and Kaeli, alongside the heads of the other races within their kingdom, each representing the strength and diversity they boar.
The human delegation was the first to arrive, ridding in luxurious wagons pulled by fine white horses, their banners fluttering in the breeze. Lance noted the air of superiority in their posture as they stepped out, but there was also a flicker of unease in their expressions as they took in the size and sophistication of the capital.
"This... is not what I expected," murmured one of the human knights, his voice barely audible but laced with disbelief.
"Monsters building a place like this?" another whispered. "Unthinkable."
Behind them ca the elven delegates, their lithe figures moving with a natural grace. Their sharp eyes darted around, taking in every detail with cautious curiosity. Just like the humans, they also displayed elegance and fanciness with their arrival.
"Is that a temple to the dragon god?" one of the elves muttered, her tone filled with both awe and wariness, looking back at one of those following behind her. Unexpectedly, lina was not the one representing the elves as Lance had thought.
Behind the elves, the dwarves followed last, their heavy armor clinking with each step. They carried themselves with a mixture of pragmatism and suspicion, their leader's sharp gaze fixed on Lance as they approached.
The delegates couldn't hide their surprise as they observed the citizens lining the streets.
"Look at them," one of the human who looked to be dressed in a lighter fashion compared to the knights whispered to another. "They appear... civilized."
The dwarves, while more stoic, exchanged glances. "They're living better than so of our own," one muttered, almost begrudgingly, sighing at the end.
The delegates were led to the central area where Lance awaited them at the base of what could almost be referred to as the courtyeard leading to the entrance to the main governnt building.
Lance stepped forward, tall, muscular fra radiating a power that was impossible to ignore, his golden eyes steady and unyielding. He greeted them with a calm nod, his commanding presence demanding attention, accompanying everything with a faint smile on his face.
Though sitting in and having the delegates be brought to him was a tempting thought, Lance had decided against it. His own strength aside, these were not guests he was stronger than. In other words, he was not yet at that emperor status.
"Welco to the Monster Nation," Lance said, his voice carrying effortlessly across to his guests. "It's an honor to host you all."
His tone was asured, neither humble nor arrogant, but filled with quiet confidence. The delegates, initially prepared to dismiss him, found themselves reconsidering their assumptions.
The human envoy, a middle-aged noble clad in ornate armor, was the first to speak.
"Lord Lance," he said, bowing slightly, his expression carefully neutral, though the stiffness in his posture betrayed his discomfort. "It is an honor to et the leader of this... remarkable kingdom." He said, looking at those standing with Lance.
The key elven diplomat, a silver-haired woman with piercing green eyes, nodded, thinking in silence to herself, 'his people's discipline and order speak volus. It seems I have underestimated this monster kingdom.'
Inclining her head slightly, the elven envoy spoke in a soft tone. "Thank you for receiving us in person, Lord Lance."
The dwarven leader, a stout dwarf with a braided beard, grunted. "Aye, this is no re tribe. I didn't think I'd live to see such fine buildings and a city in these parts… That old smith wasn't just telling tales after all."
Listening to them, Lance's lips curled into a faint smile. "Recognition isn't why I built this kingdom, but I appreciate your kind words."
The delegates found themselves studying Lance more closely. His towering figure, golden eyes, and aura of power made it clear he was no ordinary man. He carried himself with the grace of a ruler, but there was sothing more, sothing primal, almost feral, in his deanor.
The one leading the humans swallowed hard as he studied Lance, his expression deepening as he spoke in an almost hushed tone. "He commands respect without saying much."
"Or fear," added a human knight standing beside the man without head gear, until the rest accompanying the delegate, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Following a brief mont of introductions, Lance gestured toward the grand hall within the temple. "Please, join us. We have much to discuss." He said, turning to walk in, followed by his elders while the guards ushered the delegates and one or two of their people in, each.
…
Inside, the delegates were seated at a long table. Lance took his place at the head of the table, with everyone else taking their seat.
Lance leaned into his chair a little, his tone conversational almost as he spoke. "I trust the journey here wasn't too arduous."
The human delegate inclined his head. "Your roads are surprisingly well-maintained for a kingdom so young. It speaks of foresight and planning, qualities I must admit I didn't expect."
Lance smiled faintly. "Our people deserve no less. A strong foundation ensures stability."
The noble's gaze sharpened. "Wise words indeed."
The human envoy laughed softly before the dwarf cleared his throat, his deanor more serious and openly cautious. "Everyone, I believe we can get to the point now instead of beating around the bush?"
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