55. Alliance with the Doma Empire

"The ruler of the Doma Empire is unwilling to destroy the efforts he has invested for so many years, nor does he wish for his people to be plunged into war. That is why he delivered a national letter to us..."

"In that case, he truly is a rare and capable monarch. But why would he send the national letter to us? Shouldn't it have gone to the imperial capital of the empire?" Mo Fei found it rather odd.

"Eternal Rock Empire cannot offer them protection," Elder Off explained, "The sovereign himself stated in the letter that he wishes for the territory of Death City to expand and encompass their lands, making their realm part of Death City."

"So that's it," Mo Fei suddenly understood, "What are your thoughts?"

"Accept it," Elder Off said decisively. "Their Doma Empire is by the sea, which is highly beneficial for Death City's external trade. If we take control of their shipbuilding techniques, with our dwarven skills, we can build larger and better vessels. Even the transport of goods will increase severalfold."

"Is that the only reason?" Mo Fei hesitated, feeling pity for the ruler who was so beloved by his people.

"I know, Lord City Master, your heart is too kind. You don't wish to annex their empire, do you?" Elder Off was well acquainted with Mo Fei's nature.

"Just a little," Mo Fei admitted with a sheepish smile. "We could form an alliance. We promise to protect them, and naturally, they must offer something in return. For instance, granting us free access and opening up their shipbuilding to us. Whatever you want, old man, isn't it easy to obtain? The ruler has managed his empire so well—if it fell into our hands, could we guarantee we'd do better?"

"I agree with the City Master's proposal," Cain stood and declared. "We don't have the strength to expand into their empire right now. Alliance is the best solution. I'm certain they'll accept all our terms."

After all, if they're willing to give up their country, what secrets could they possibly keep?

"You're quite right. I was being foolish, haha!" Elder Off chuckled.

"Let us settle this matter first! Cain, invite their envoy in."

"Yes, young master."

"Brother, I want to visit the Doma Empire," Elaine suddenly chimed in. "Their country is beautiful. I went once, but never saw the sea. I heard the ocean is magnificent and breathtaking."

"Alright, next time we're free, I'll take you. We'll go together," Mo Fei said with a smile.

"Brother is always making empty promises. You said we'd visit the Flying Dragon Empire, but we've tried twice and never made it," Elaine pouted adorably.

"This time we'll really go, alright? It's just that things happened," Mo Fei replied, somewhat embarrassed.

"Promise me, or I'll tell mother next time you lie!"

Sweat...

"Young master, the envoy of the Doma Empire has arrived," Cain announced, leading the head of the Doma Empire's envoy into the room.

The envoy chief entered, saw Mo Fei seated at the center, recognized him as the master, and knelt before him—treating his empire as if it were already a vassal of Mo Fei's.

"Greetings, Lord City Master."

Mo Fei was stunned, quickly stepped down to help him up, and said, "Envoy, there's no need for such ceremony. Let's speak freely. I have read your sovereign's letter, proposing the annexation of your beautiful country into the territory of Death City. We just discussed it and feel it is not quite appropriate..."

"City Master..." The envoy thought Mo Fei's refusal meant he was unwilling to protect them.

Mo Fei waved his hand to halt the envoy and said, "Your sovereign is a wise ruler. Under his governance, your empire enjoys prosperity, though the military strength is somewhat lacking. But that is not truly an issue."

Mo Fei paused, then continued, "We have just decided not to annex your empire into Death City, as that would be disrespectful to your nation. Instead, we propose an alliance. If your empire is invaded, Death City will send troops to help you, just as we do with the Elven Kingdom."

The envoy was astonished. When he received the order from his sovereign, he felt much the same, but eventually was convinced and sent to Death City. Now, he was deeply moved by Mo Fei's words—this City Master of Death City would be a strong ally for his empire.

"Of course, our alliance is not unconditional. Our elder has a fondness for some aspects of your empire," Mo Fei said, without hesitation betraying Elder Off's intentions. "Thus, you must fully open whatever we desire to Death City. The details can be discussed between you and our elder. How does that sound?"

Luckily, Elder Off's beard concealed his face—otherwise, the embarrassment would have been overwhelming.

"Absolutely no problem, Lord City Master. There is nothing to negotiate. I can represent our sovereign and agree to all your requirements," the envoy replied with delight. "From now on, our Doma Empire will be completely open to Death City. Your army may enter and leave as they wish. As for our possessions, they will be entirely accessible to Death City—Lord City Master may send people over at any time."

"Very well. Since the envoy has said so, there's nothing more to add. Before you return, I will dispatch military instructors to train your empire's forces. Would you agree?"

"Thank you, Lord City Master, thank you..." The envoy had not expected that opening their empire to Death City would bring so many benefits.

"Cain, I'll leave the selection of personnel to you. Discuss with the envoy how many should be sent. I will visit the Elven Kingdom and see if Her Majesty the Queen would send some elven crossbowmen as well."

"The Queen arrives..." came a distant call.

Mo Fei had just been thinking of going to the Elven capital, when he heard the guards announce the queen's arrival.

"Quick, let's go greet her."

Everyone present, including the envoy, went out to welcome her.

They had barely left the council hall when they saw the Elven Queen approaching, escorted by a group of dark elves.

"Mother!" Elaine laughed and rushed into the Queen's embrace.

"Elaine, weren't you with..." She turned and saw Mo Fei. "Weren't you both heading to..."

"We happened to encounter some trouble on the way, so we hurried back this morning," Mo Fei replied.

"This morning I heard your alarm for enemy attack. Is everything alright?" The Queen was concerned for Death City. She had waited all morning, but couldn't resist coming to see for herself. Her son-in-law was absent, and her own capital had benefited from Death City's help—she had sent thirty thousand troops but still felt uneasy, so came in person.

"Mother, we're fine. Just some minor issues, all resolved now," Mo Fei said, moved by her care.

"As long as you're alright. But since I'm here, shouldn't you, as City Master, treat me to some hospitality?" The Queen smiled.

"Mother, you aren't a guest—you only need to give an order and they'll run faster than rabbits," Mo Fei laughed.

"Indeed. Death City is also the Queen's home now. Returning to one's own house, it's only natural to give orders," Elder Off said with a smile.

"True, I was being too formal. Well then, everyone, let's go inside," Her Majesty said, leading the way.

Helping the Queen to her seat, Mo Fei stood beside her and said, "I was just planning to visit the capital to see you, and now you've come."

"Is there something on your mind?" The Queen smiled. "You don't usually come to see me."

Mo Fei smiled sheepishly and recounted the matter of the Doma Empire. The envoy, hearing the City Master call the Elven Queen 'mother,' hurried forward to pay his respects.

"But our elven archers have only just been trained, is it wise to send them?" The Queen hesitated.

"Elves are born archers. Our dwarven archers have trained for so long to reach their current level, while your elves, after less than two months, already have such skill. Sending some to teach archery will grant them valuable combat experience," Mo Fei hinted that deployment might mean warfare.

The Queen, wise beyond her years, though her appearance had hardly changed, caught Mo Fei's meaning.

"I have no objection. Do as you see fit. Send as many as you wish," she said.

...

In the bustle of Death City, the selection of military instructors bound for the Doma Empire was finalized. Over two hundred berserkers and fifty dwarven warriors formed the infantry instructor corps. Since most of the border between Doma and Nars Empire was plains, and to facilitate a future decisive strike against Nars, a force of three thousand heavy-armored Death Knights would accompany the instructors. Due to coordination issues, elven warriors would remain in Death City for the time being.