Chapter 217: Negotiating with the Chiefs

"A phoenix? Fairy tale nonsense!" said the oldest nomad chief as he slammed a cybernetic metal fist onto the table with a loud clang. "You've gone mad, Casimir. We trusted you to handle all our shipments in this area, and now you have nothing. Only enemies.

You expect us to bet on this…this boy!?"

"Technically, that is not fairy tale, but mythology. And you all have trusted my judgement before," said Casimir. "Especially you, Gerald. And luck has always been on my side. You would be wise to bet with me, not against me.""

"Bet?" Another chieftain, a dark skinned man with dreadlocks reaching down to his neck, shook his head as he stared at Casimir with striking golden eyes. "I don't like risk. The biggest one I took was when you approached us twenty years ago with almost nothing to your name, asking for our help to build your empire.

Back then, I was not a chief. I was younger and more ambitious. Now, I have people whose lives hang on every word and decision I make.