Facing Rhode's response, Durelle was completely speechless.
She was mentally prepared. As a matter of fact, when she heard his request, she heaved an inward sigh of relief. Matriarchs were most afraid of not knowing what was going on inside the other negotiator's head. Even though the matriarchs correctly guessed that Rhode was surely plotting something with Carlesodar City, for safety's sake, if the other negotiator said: "I don't want anything. I just dislike dark elves like you", the matriarchs could only head home and weep helplessly.
But now, Durelle felt restless because Rhode mentioned his conditions so effortlessly. It would be within the dark elves' expectations if he overwhelmed them with one aggressive statement or spoke calmly to give them a chance to make decisions. But now, Rhode's tone of voice was entirely as though he were saying: "Since I'm here, it would be a waste if I didn't get my hands on something before heading back."