NABC Chapter 59
Chapter 59
Thud!
The heavy entrance door to the Senate’s main meeting hall closed.
“Now that everyone seems to be here, we will begin the emergency strategy meeting.”
The two chairs positioned at the highest seats in the hall.
The elf woman, seated to the left of the two consuls, called the meeting to order.
“I will introduce the agenda. Yesterday, there was an intrusion into the Senate.”
At the words of the Primera family head, the voice of the ruler and head of one of the three major families, all the elves focused their attention.
“The intruders managed to bypass all security and entered the children’s sanctuary within the Senate’s main building. Fortunately, most of the children were not present at the time, but two children were kidnapped. They then identified themselves as Baraklava and sent us a statement.”
Snap!
With a snap of her fingers, a yellowing sheet of paper with scrawled writing appeared on the large screen.
“We have the kidnapped children. If you want their safety, you must meet our demands. First...”
As she read through the demands, the hand of the Primera family head trembled with rage.
“This is outrageous!”
“I went as far as to free them from their slave status, and now they dare behave like this!”
“We must send the army to suppress them immediately!”
“Quiet! The explanation of the agenda is not finished!”
At her shout, the Senate hall fell silent once more.
“Baraklava. They are presumed to be a dark elf group. According to the reports from the trackers, they have fled to the underground city, Darkhood.”
“Darkhood? That slum?”
“Darkhood will be impossible to track.”
“This is becoming a nuisance.”
“The agenda for today is to devise a countermeasure. If any senator has a proposed solution, raise your hand and request to speak.”
The meeting began, and various opinions were put forward.
“First and foremost, the safety of the hostages is the most important. We should pretend to comply with their demands while secretly checking on the condition of the children.”
“How will you locate the hostages?”
“They mentioned Darkhood! The criminal hotbed that doesn’t even show up on the statistics!”
“How about seeking cooperation from the dark elves? Haven’t we implemented a number of policies to support them recently? They may be willing to cooperate with us.”
“Those stupid dark elves?”
“They wouldn’t do that! We’d be stabbed in the back for sure!”
“What if something happens to the hostages? Let’s fulfill a few of their demands while negotiating for a hostage exchange. We don’t need to save both children. One of the children is a dark elf, so there should be no danger.”
“That’s utter nonsense!”
“Accepting demands from criminals! Is that the kind of thing a senator should say?”
Among all the opinions voiced, the one that gained the most support was:
“Send the army and crush them right away!”
“Right! We shouldn’t leave any gaps in security!”
“There’s no guarantee another Baraklava won’t form. We need to nip this in the bud.”
The Primera family head, watching the meeting unfold, was filled with frustration.
“You don’t look happy,”
A green-haired elf sitting next to her spoke.
She was Arcilla Atrie, the head of the Atrie family, another of the three major families and the co-consul.
“You’re worried, aren’t you?”
She asked with a playful smile.
“...No.”
“...?”
“We’ll accept you into our group.”
“...Why would I join you?”
“Because of her.”
“What?”
“If you pass our training and trials, and officially join us, we’ll release her.”
“...How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
They were criminals who had come into the Senate building and kidnapped children.
Even if they were dark elves, there was no way he could trust these complete strangers.
“What will you do if I don’t believe you?”
The leader grabbed the girl’s throat and lifted her.
“Cough!”
The girl struggled to break free, but she couldn’t escape his firm grip.
“Safira!”
“You should know who holds the sword. Don’t forget: never make a bet unless you’re sure.”
“Let Safira go, you villain!”
“Will you accept?”
“I’ll accept! I’ll accept!”
The leader’s grin showed white teeth, contrasting with his dark skin.
Thud!
When the leader released his grip, Safira dropped to the floor, landing with a thud.
“Cough! Cough!”
“Are you okay, Safira?”
“That... stupid Lust. Why would you accept an offer from those criminals?”
“I had no choice. Just wait a moment. I’ll figure something out.”
The boy stood up, a determined expression on his face.
“If I accept, I have one condition.”
“Do you think you’re in a position to make demands?”
“Anyway, it won’t be a bad deal for you. And it’s better if I participate more actively, right?”
“...What do you want?”
“As long as I receive the training and pass the trials, guarantee her safety. Feed her well.”
“You want us to take care of the white one? Why?”
“Didn’t you bring her here as a hostage? The safety of the hostage must be guaranteed. And most importantly, if she’s safe, I can become part of your group properly, right?”
The boy smiled awkwardly and added,
“Don’t forget: never bet unless you’re sure. How about it? Is it a sure win now?”
“...Tch.”
The leader turned and headed toward the door.
“Fine, I’ll follow your conditions. But don’t forget, kid. The condition only applies if you follow through with the training. Whatever it may be.”
Ha ha ha ha
Bang!
With the leader’s boisterous laughter, the heavy door slammed shut.
Click
It was locked.