บท 15: Chapter 15
The ogres were in front of me just waiting for Benimaru or in this case, the chief's son, to say something. He may seem to just be looking at me, but I could tell he was making a more in-depth observation. He was trying to assess how dangerous I was.
I'm not blatantly showing off my aura, but by being able to control it so well, it kind of tells how strong I am or at least how much control I have over my power. It's not a bad idea to completely suppress your aura to zero, but that is just telling everyone that you have perfect control over your power and someone who knows their stuff will see beyond that.
I'm only leaking a little, enough to show that I have good control, but also enough to show I'm not to be messed with normally. A sort of sweet spot you could say. Could I suppress it completely? Maybe, I haven't really tried as I've seen no reason to. If I keep my aura small, most people will probably ignore it at first glance thinking it's something completely random. I guess it just depends on the situation or the "feels".
He was still observing before he decided to speak up. "I've heard about what you have said. Your claims, if true, are to be taken seriously, but that's only if they are true. I'm sure someone of your strength will understand that there must be some kind of proof behind such a statement,"
I like this Benimaru. He's not the ogre who's blinded by revenge and hatred. He's acting like someone who will lead the village in the future.
"I have proof, but it would be better to talk to the leader of this village given the circumstances of the evidence you seek. I assume you are someone close to them?"
"I'm the chief's son, that should be enough for a stranger like you coming to our village."
"One question then. How much power do you have when it comes to making decisions for the village as a whole? If you were to order that the whole village needs to evacuate right now, would they listen to your order just cause you're the chief's son, or is that something above your current power given your position? I'd assume that for an order like that it would have to come directly from the chief and with a good explanation."
He looked a little taken off guard by my words and so did the ogres with him. He was thinking about what I said and it made me wonder if the ogres that brought him talked to the chief at all. So far it seems that even the chief's son didn't even tell his own father about this. Kind of a bad move after hearing about someone giving a warning about how your whole village might be destroyed.
It seems he still has some things to learn about being a leader. He probably wants to show that he has what it takes to be the chief of the village. He might have an "I need to do it myself" mentality. He might not be accepting the help and advice that some are giving him cause he probably thinks it will make him look weak and not fit to be a leader of the village. Well, considering that the ogres have a more warrior-oriented society, it would make sense, but at this point, I'm thinking way too much about it and going off on a tangent.
I should focus on the matter at hand. I look at the chief's son and speak to him again.
"I recommend that you come to some kind of decision quickly. Time is the biggest enemy you have right now. Every day that is spent trying to make a decision is less time for the village to evacuate."
I've put him in a tough situation here. If he chooses to believe my words, he'll put himself in a spot where he will be pressured to make a decision based on the assumption that there is a time limit or he can choose not to believe me and risk if what I say is true or not and take the time he most likely won't have to discuss this.
He finally looked back at me after spending some time thinking. He had a reluctant look on his face. "Wait here, I'll talk to my father about this."
He left with some of the ogres once again leaving me with an ogre to watch me. It seems he made the better choice. Now I just have to wait again.
/\\//\\//\
He came back again with the same group of ogres. He was walking a little bit faster.
"My father wants to meet you. He wants to talk in more detail and depth about what you told us."
"When will this meeting happen? I assume you stressed the importance of time?"
"It will take place tomorrow, given that it is getting late. He has allowed you to stay in our village for the night until the meeting next morning."
"That's acceptable. Is it ok if my mount also goes with me?"
"Yes that's fine. It won't be a problem."
"Alright then lead the way."
I got off Dun Stallion and we followed the ogres to where they would let me stay.
While following them I noticed that the village some pathways and that there were some fields that were plowed for farming. They didn't seem to grow much variety, but it was enough give the very small population.
There were many ogre villagers just living their lives. Men, women, and children from many ages were either working or relaxing. There were also those practicing their fighting skills.
I gathered some attention, but it mostly went away once they saw me following the chief's son. They probably assumed I was some important guest or visitor.
We walked for a few minutes before they showed me to a house that was smaller than the rest, but it had a fairly large field relative to its size.
"It might not be the biggest, but this is the only spare we had. You'll have to make the most of the situation."
"Don't worry about it. It's good knowing that I will have a shelter to rest in."
"We'll leave now. We'll be back in the morning to take you to our chief for the meeting."
The ogres left and I entered the small house. It was a modest place, having the essentials one would need to live on their own.
I went back outside to look at the field and it was good, but I think there's someone who has a better opinion than me.
'Hey, Dun Stallion what do you think about this place? Think you can get a comfortable sleep here?'
'This place will be fine. The grass is more comfortable than the usual in the forest.'
'That's good to hear. Also, just letting you know, you'll be able to sleep in the morning. You don't need to come with me to the meeting so don't worry about having to wake up.'
'That is much appreciated. Thank you master.'
'Are you not a morning person or horse in this case?'
'I wouldn't say that. I just prefer not waking up really early, but if I have to, I won't complain. It's just a personal preference for me.'
'Well, that's something we have in common. I'll see you later Dun Stallion.'
'Have a good rest.'
I entered the house and decided to just sleep until the time of the meeting.
/\\//\\//\
It was time. After waking up, the ogres came by early just like they said they would, and escorted me to the chief's house. It was bigger than all the others and a tiny bit more luxurious, but nothing extravagant or anything like that. Just regular stuff that would stand out in a small village like this.
I was outside waiting to be let in the room where the chief was. I was going over my plan for this meeting. I'm still not letting them know my true intentions for recruiting them, but I need to steer them towards that direction. I have an idea of how to do that.
It was time for the next part of my negotiating plan.
I have to make them play with the cards I give them.
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