"In the game of alliances, words are both weapons and shields.

  Some seek to bargain with promises, others with power.

  But few understand the cost of what is given, and lesser, the price of what is lost."

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  Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part-III)

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  The Protest and the Guild Master's Intervention

  The Guild Master of the Hunter's Eye guild, a man known for his charisma and authority, strode into the scene, clapping his hands to get the crowd's attention.

  "What's all this noise about? You're disturbing the others," he said firmly.

  One protestor snapped, shouting, "You don't care about us! To you powerful guild members with your fancy affinities, we're nothing but peasants!"

  Raising his hands, the Guild Master motioned for calm. "Alright, alright, settle down. That's not true, and you know it. Now, weren't we talking about the merchants? Where is this conversation going?"

  Another protestor stepped forward, their face flushed with frustration. "We've heard promises before! Words don't mean anything if the merchants aren't released. We're tired of being ignored."

  Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd.

  "I understand your frustration," the Guild Master replied evenly. "But no one is keeping the merchants imprisoned. They're being questioned by order of the Royal Capital, regarding the recent tax protest and the increased magical beast activity. Once the investigation is over, they'll be freed."

  Some protestors hesitated, glancing at one another uncertainly. One voice in the back muttered, "That's what they always say..."

  The Guild Master's expression grew serious, but his voice remained calm. "Do you think causing chaos here will help your cause? If you really care about the merchants, let us do our job and uncover the truth. Your actions will only make things worse."

  The crowd began to waver, their anger slowly cooling. Reluctantly, they started to disperse, though some still muttered their discontent. As the scene quieted, the Guild Master's eyes landed on Lia. Their gazes locked, and a tense silence filled the air. He could feel an overwhelming pressure emanating from her—a presence that demanded attention without even trying. It was as if the atmosphere itself thickened in her presence.

  The Guild Master's Suspicion

  The Guild Master watched Lia as she turned to leave with her attendant. Her golden hair contrasted with the worn clothes she wore—an odd mix of a noble's appearance and a weary traveler's attire. But it was her aura that caught his attention. It was a power, refined and controlled, that rivaled even the strongest of elemental mages.

  Unable to contain his curiosity, he called out, "Excuse me, miss. Can I have a moment of your time?"

  Lia halted and glanced over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of an edge. "What could the Guild Master himself want with someone like me?"

  He smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Let's just say you're not 'just someone.' The power you carry isn't just strength. It's controlled, refined... commanding."

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  Lia let out a dismissive sigh. "If that's what you think, then you've got the wrong person. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

  She turned to leave, but the Guild Master wasn't finished. "You can't hide your presence from those like me. Someone with your power doesn't walk unnoticed. Once you meet with the King, come to the guild hall. If it's worth your time, I won't bother you again."

  Lia paused, her sharp gaze studying him. "Fine, I'll stop by. But only out of curiosity. How do you know I'm meeting the King?"

  The Guild Master chuckled. "I have my ways. Don't forget this conversation." He turned and walked away, leaving Lia with more questions than answers.

  The Royal Negotiation

  The next day, Lia prepared for the royal conference. Dressed simply, she carried important documents and a gift from her country's minister for the King. As she walked through the bustling streets, she noticed the joy and prosperity around her—children playing, people laughing— A glimpse of her memory layered before her eyes, she didn't felt anything . The emptiness inside her remained, her mind focused solely on the task ahead.

  At the castle gates, guards checked her permit before escorting her to the audience. The castle was magnificent, with well-kept gardens and towering statues. Inside the hall, eight grand statues and ten intricately carved pillars decorated the space. The King sat on an elevated throne, flanked by his advisors.

  The guard announced her arrival. "Presenting Lia, the Wanderer of the Northern Plains."

  Lia knelt respectfully before the King. "Your Majesty, I come representing Euratia, a land ravaged by drought, and land ravaged by magic beasts. We seek your aid in rebuilding."

  The King studied her carefully. "Your country's plight is well known. But if we provide resources and trade routes, what can Euratia offer in return?"

  Lia's voice was steady as she replied, "Euratia may be struggling, but it remains the heart of northern trade. My people once fed half the continent with our harvests. Even now, traders whisper of the riches our soil could yield, if only given the chance to heal. Your support would not just rebuild Euratia—it would secure Eryndor's name as a savior to the North."

  An advisor interrupted, "How can we trust Euratia won't crumble again? The North has been unstable for years with those consistent attacks."

  Lia's gaze remained steady. "Instability comes from external factors—border raids, war. With Eryndor's help, we can strengthen our defenses and repay every debt. Doubt us if you must, but consider this— Euratia's trade network has always been the envy of neighboring lands. Help us, and that network becomes yours."

  She leaned forward slightly, her voice soft but persuasive. "This isn't just aid; it's an investment in shared prosperity."

  The King raised a hand, signaling silence. "Repayment is a nice promise, but I deal in guarantees. What assurances can you provide?"

  Lia's jaw tightened, but she held her ground. "Exclusive trade rights for Euratia. Once the famine lifts, no other country will rival your access."

  The King leaned forward, intrigued. "Exclusive trade rights are tempting, but risky. What of your mines? Surely Euratia has more to offer."

  "Our mines are pledged to another ally. Grains and trade rights are all we can offer. But isn't Eryndor also facing food shortages after the recent droughts?"

  The King's gaze softened, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Very perceptive. You've done your homework. Suppose I agree, what if you fail to deliver?"

  Lia's voice was firm. "Reject me, and I'll find another way. But if you accept, you'll gain a valuable ally ."

  The King chuckled, a rare smile crossing his face. "You are certainly an interesting negotiator. Very well. Deliver the first shipment within two seasons, and our alliance stands. Fail, and there will be consequences."

  Lia bowed. "You will have your shipment, Your Majesty."

  The Guild Invitation

  After the successful negotiation, Lia made her way out of the castle. The grandeur of the royal halls still echoed in her mind, the weight of the King's terms pressing down on her. She had secured an agreement, but the stakes were high. As she walked through the gates of the castle, her thoughts wandered back to the Guild Master's words. "Come to the guild hall". She couldn't shake off the feeling that he knew more than he let on.

  The road ahead was unclear, and the unknown pulled at her— was it worth the risk to involve herself with the Hunter's Eye guild? What was he after? She had long been used to walking alone, but now, she faced a decision. Her hand gripped the parchment in her pocket—the documents she had brought for the King—and she wondered if stepping into the guild hall would bring new challenges, or if it would just be another distraction.

  As she stood in front of the guild hall, the stone structure looming before her, doubt crept into her mind. The invitation felt more like a test than an offer of aid. Was the Guild Master truly interested in her, or was he just looking for leverage in case of another stampede?

  Lia's eyes narrowed as she glanced up at the large wooden doors. She had no time for games, but something in her gut told her that whatever waited inside could either be an ally or a threat.

  Shaking off the thoughts that weighed heavily on her, she pushed the door open. The moment she stepped inside, the bustling of adventurers around her seemed to pause. Every eye turned to her, recognizing her presence. She didn't speak anything, just moved forward. She enquired the attendant for the Guild Master's chamber...

  Upon reaching the Guild Master's chambers, he greeted her with a warmth that didn't quite match the intensity in his eyes. "Welcome, Lia. Or should I say... Wanderer? It seems your reputation is not so easily forgotten."

  Lia didn't respond immediately, allowing the silence to stretch between them. She could feel the eyes of the other guild members on her, sensing the weight of their curiosity. For now, she chose to remain quiet—she had come to the guild only to hear what the Guild Master had to say, and not to indulge herself in unnecessary banters (Guild problems). The conversation ahead would determine her next steps.

  Chapter End

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  End-of-Chapter Note

  If you enjoyed this chapter or have any thoughts, I’d love to hear them! Whether it’s something you liked, something that felt off, or any suggestions, feel free to share. I’m always open to feedback, criticism, and discussions to make the story even better.

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