My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 220: Not So Simple

"Grugda"

A tense silence descended within the room when that name was spoken. Every representative was staring at the Eljein with a cold, calculating look. However, Kace's had gone so far beyond anger at someone trying to separate Grugda from his group. The outcome was an aura that seemed like a black hole. Ready to swallow up the Eljein at any minute.

"Yarsma, Grugda's power is needed elsewhere. Kace may need to set off somewhere else before the matters in the North are settled. I suggest you choose someone else." Shagrat growled towards the Eljein representative.

Shagrat had clearly seen through Yarsma's intentions. Technically he could propose Grugda since he was a member of their race. However, his status as a pillar made that choice somewhat unreasonable. Unless Yarsma's intentions were to draw in the aid of Kace. If Kace were to join the battles and succeeded, all the merits would belong to Grugda, since he would be the commander.

That, in turn, would greatly benefit his status in their council. He was surely aware that the others would feel a need to gift more troops to Grugda with Kace's presence in the area. After all, each one wanted to build stronger ties with the Chimera. He was simply exploiting an opening to seize as many gains as he could for his own race. 

"No. None of you has the right to dictate to me who will represent our race. There is no evidence that the pillars must strictly stay with Lord Kace at all times. As far as I am aware they should only be needed to be all together once every one of them has been found." Yarsma flashed a cunning smile at the other members around the table.

Each of them fell into deep thought about how to oppose his argument. However, they could find none. It was completely logical, and each of them knew that Grugda was the strongest of their race. In fact, Grugda should have become their leader, but his status as a pillar prevented that. Since he could not always be around to rule over them. So it was only natural for Yarsma to choose the strongest amongst them.

Kace struggled to contain his hostile aura when Shagrat threw a warning glance towards him. It was clear from that look that he would gain nothing from such open hostility. Kace felt a soft touch on his forearm, Sophia had placed her hand there to divert his attention. Distracting him enough for the overbearing presence to disappear.

Elderbeard did not fail to notice that subtle gesture while everyone else was focused on Yarsma. His ancient mind quickly pieced a few things together. 'Either they are extremely close friends. Or something more will come from it. Unless something is done about it, then the vampires look to be the ones to gain the most in the end.' Elderbeard studied the other representatives carefully. Noticing that no one dared to put forward someone else for the position.

"I have someone in mind that I would like to put forward. I think everyone will agree that they are more fitting." Elderbeard's wooden figure groaned as he shifted his weight, "Why don't we use this chance to test the capabilities of our new partner? Since we have established that it does not matter if the position is taken by a pillar, this is a good chance for her to prove their worth."

Yarsma's face became pale as he glared at the Treant with particular sharpness. Elderbeard simply smiled, stretching the bark around his mouth. The other representatives took a moment to realise what was behind that suggestion. The vampires had gained no merits so far since they had just joined. So a victory in Sophia's name would cost them far less than if it were Grugda. 

She would not have her own troops, meaning that fewer merits could be gained by her race! So only the merits as the commander and those gained by the two vampires on the field would go to them! This would limit what they would lose, so the other representatives quickly agreed. Elderbeard had another thought about it in his mind.

Since the vampires seemed to be ahead in gaining Kace's favour, it would not hurt to build some bridges with them. Especially after he attempted to exclude them from the council. He was hoping that Kace would realise that Elderbeard had given Sophia the chance to increase her weak position in the council. This, in turn, would hopefully build stronger connections between Kace, the vampires and the Treants.

There was another seated at that table that realised Elderbeard's intentions. The old goblin beside Shagrat silently groaned in his mind as he realised their initiative was being lost. Kace, on the other hand, glared at Elderbeard. His mind still had not settled from the shock of potentially losing Grugda. Now, another entity was trying to do the same with another of his friends.

"I accept." Sophia confidently stated, shocking Kace from his thoughts. "I have one request to make first. Lord Kace, would you mind loaning me your power for the duration of my newly appointed position?"

Kace stared at her with his mouth hanging slightly open. The acceptance of the position then the sudden request put his mind through a rollercoaster. It took several moments for his thoughts to settle. He began to consider what was behind each of these actions that had happened during the talks just now. Eventually, enlightenment came to him. 'It's all about me!'

'Sophia is used to political struggles and negotiations due to her position as a princess. Whereas I could only see what was on the surface. These guys could have easily toyed with me!' His anger settled as he thought about the words that each one of them had said. At this point, he thought that Elderbeard had actually provided one of his friends with a good opportunity. 

He gave the ancient being a complicated yet grateful expression. He noticed how the Treant seemed ecstatic at that response. 'So, there must be something in it for him then.' Kace knew that he would have to pay more attention to these matters in the future. If he wanted to avoid being used anyway. Things were no longer as simple as the single goblin tribe that wanted for nothing.

"I'll gladly accompany you, Princess Sophia"