บท 636: Disestablishmentarianism

Asgore walks over and sets down a tray of tea and some cream and jam scones to go with it, Ves immediately biting into one and showing a blissful expression.

Roche "Ves, have some propriety, we're supposed to be here for diplomatic purposes."

Reima snorts, "Relax and eat one Roche, if I were to treat you properly as the Kaedweni King I'd probably have you executed if I didn't like what I heard."

...

Roche slowly nods, takes a scone and bites into it, retraining himself as his face contorts into one of pleasure.

Ves elbows him with a smug smirk, Roche immediately regaining his composure with a sour look. "See?" she asks him.

Roche nods a sips the tea, "What kind of tea is this? I've never had something like it before..."

Asgore smiles, "Monster Tea, my own blend. I'm glad you like it. Be sure to add sugar if it's too bitter for your liking."

Ves shakes her head, "It's perfect."

....

Reima "Right, enough about tea, we should probably get on topic as to why you're here."

Roche puts down the cup and nods, "I am here on behalf of Kaedwen to negotiate peace."

Reima grins, "You do know that it was Kaedwen that attacked us first right?"

Roche has a bitter expression, "I do... For our part in such a traitorous and unfounded attack I think some terms are needed. As your friend, I want to give you terms as the former King was mad and never should have attacked you... As the King of Kaedwen the terms would act to reassure the people that another conflict is incredibly unlikely." he reasons.

Reima nods and gestures towards Asgore, "Any idea's on what'd be useful to us?" he asks, wishing to hear but his Priminster has to say first.

Asgore sips his tea and thinks for a moment, "I believe roads would be the first request, built by us of-course, the craftsmanship of this world has made me question the capabilities of humans altogether. Road's would only be a start, something that would benefit both our countries would be trade... I know the Dwarf Zoltan has already begun his own company in preparation for such an occurrence, we have many commodities not seen before in the outside world... Monster food that heals the body and soul, Acromentula silk that is stronger than steel, legendary weaponry, technology and much, much more."

Reima "I think we'll hold off on trading technology and weapons for now, though, I can see large profits in the sale of Acromentula silk and possibly even limited potions." he says while nodding in agreement... "One thing that'd be a problem though is the value of our own currency, the Sola and Reima... The coins are almost pure gold, when compared to Crowns, Ducat's, and Florens it isn't even comparable due to them lowering the purity by adding copper, zinc, and other metals. We'd need to exchange goods for goods if we were to begin trading, or simply not bring our currency out from the valley walls."

Roche nods, "I think we can both agree on that, I suspect people would begin to melt your coins down as soon as they got into circulation. I'm also not opposed to having trade relations with you, these simple confections being proof enough to the quality of what you can produce." he says.

Reima "So we are in agreement on this... I'd also like to mention that we'd have to patrol the road to prevent bandits, or event organised groups from stealing from us... Our goods would likely gain a quick reputation for their expense and quality, something that most bandits would salivate at procuring."

Roche nods, "I think I can agree to that, our own forces not really being a match to your own in mobility, strength or indeed, speed."

Reima "There is one vital term that you would have to accept for any relations to be made at all though..."

Roche "What are you referring to?" he asks.

Reima "The disbanding of the Eternal Fire from your cities, the integration of disestablishmentarianism as well as the creation of laws to prevent hate crimes against other races. With the large variety of races within Ichor, it is essential that my people would not be persecuted in your cities." he states, Asgore nodding.

Ves "Er, what is dis-is-tablish-ment-anism?" she asks, incredibly confused at what he's referring to, Roche looking at him with a similar quandary.

Reima "The separation of church and state... Right now, the Eternal Fire has a firm grip on your populace, nobles, and even your courts. I suspect if Zoltan even entered Ard Carraigh he'd be tied to a pyre and set ablaze."

Roche "That... That's a big ask Reima..."

Reima nods, "It is, but I will state this clearly, just so Radovid understands your dilemma... Ichor will never be at peace with Kaedwen as long as the Eternal Fire is a prominent faction within it. Indeed, the war will continue if the Church of the Eternal Fire remains, I swear to you Roche, if you do not disband that cult of pyromaniacs then I will cleanse them from Kaedwen for you." he states, with no indication that he's bluffing.

...

Roche downs his tea and thinks for a moment, "I-I don't think I can agree to that term... Without proposing some of my own." he says, waiting for a reaction from Reima but continuing when he gives none, "I will need a non-aggressive pact, as well as a promise not to aid Nilfgaard or any enemies of the North. It is no well known but Radovid only keeps the Eternal Fire around because it is useful, he wouldn't blink an eye to your terms if you agreed to not interfere in his war... Indeed, he'd probably consider it a victory due to relations being made with you."