Bab 283: Chapter 282-Setting Things Up.

Azrail's mind buzzed as he processed the situation, already calculating his next steps. There was always more to these negotiations than what appeared on the surface. The elves were unlikely to hand over full trading rights without trying to bargain for something bigger, and All-Seer's assessment confirmed that. But Azrail wasn't concerned, nor was he rushing. Every piece of this deal would need to fall into place, just as he had planned.

'They won't go for the full deal, will they?' Azrail asked All-Seer through their private link, his voice low and contemplative.

[No, they'll resist that. But they may offer something significant in return. Perhaps a bigger incentive—one that could work in your favour just as well.]