There are signs of turmoil in my personal life.
In the midst of all this, a messenger came from the Dog people.
The messenger was a mature dogman.
He has a dignified aura, and he seemed to be more than just a messenger.
I was surprised that he came alone.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Alfredo. I’m Abraham Allston.”
“Then, let us hear what you’re here for.”
“Your offer of emigration. I’d like to take you up on your offer.”
Wow …… That was fast.
I thought it would be more complicated than that.
I guess my intuition can’t be relied on.
“I understand. We welcome you all. You will need an escort for the mass migration. Please specify the date and time and we will make arrangements. How many people do you have there?”
“We have about 350 people. As soon as you are ready to receive them, we will come to you.”
There was no hesitation in his answer.
“We can come to you at any time. However, it will take time to prepare individual houses. We do have a temporary building where many people can live together. I will show you later, so please check if it is suitable for your purpose.”
Abraham must have been somewhat relieved by my answer.
Abraham nodded in satisfaction.
Then his expression changed as if he’s probing around.
“I will bring some food, of course. But will we have enough food after the migration?”
You make a good point.
I’m enjoying this exchange.
“If it’s 350 people, it’s not a problem.”
His expression became even more serious.
Apparently, this is where the real story begins.
“There’s one thing I’d like to ask you before we move here.”
“You can ask whatever you want.”
Abraham looked at me as if he was trying to evaluate me.
“We’ve had run-ins with wolf people before. Do you think the wolf people will accept us? If we migrate, and disputes happen, there will be casualties. If that happens, the problem will grow.”
It’s a natural question.
“I see …… You are right to be concerned. But there’s have no problem with that.”
Abraham’s eyes narrowed at my quick answer.
“Can I ask why you are so sure?”
“I’ve discussed it with the wolf people beforehand. And moreover, the wolf people has attacked us first before. And yet, here we are.”
Apparently, this was new to Abraham, and he was surprised to hear it.
“I didn’t know such a thing happened ……”
“And when you emigrate, you will be welcomed as a citizen. I promised those conditions and they were kept. I believe so, and I believe the wolf people believe so too. I’ve also confirmed with the wolf people’s side regarding this matter, and they’ve given their consent.”
I asserted in a crisp tone.
If you can eliminate the concerns of the other party, there is nothing better than to do so.
“I see…”
If he’s not a mere messenger, there is no need to keep my cards in my hand.
In fact, it would be more credible if I let them all out.
“I’ll tell you in advance that the wolf people are in charge of the immigration. A representative of the dog people will also be joining them. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, you may appeal directly to me. I have no grudges with you people. So, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”
Still, Abraham remained cautious.
His eyes remained narrowed.
“I’m sorry if I’m being presumptuous in asking you to accept this. I dare to ask you.”
“No, you’re here to negotiate as a representative. If you have any concerns, it’s only natural to ask.”
“Then let me ask you this. What is your reason for not supporting the wolf people?”
Just like I thought, here it is… I need a polite explanation.
“I’m going to make Ravenna a city of people who follow the rules regardless of race. This means that there will be no difference in race and all will be equal. If we treat immigrants unfairly, there will be no more immigrants in the future or we will be distrusted. Worst of all, they will even be hostile to us ……. That’s not in my best interest.”
Abraham was taken aback by what I said.
“Regardless of race …… huh. I’ve heard of it up and down. It’s rather normal. But, I never thought of it as equality ……”
All I see around me are smirking faces as I do it again.
“Yes. I think it’s the quickest way to make the town bigger and stronger, after all …… If you have people to join, you should join them. And if you’re going to join them, they should be equal.”
Abraham nodded his head in agreement.
“I understand. …… We, the beastmen, have always cooperated with each other. Let’s go back to that.”
“When you are ready, we will send an army to receive you. Do you have enough wagons for your transportation?”
Abraham opened his mouth without hesitation.
“If possible, about forty wagons.”
You may have answered immediately, or you may have prepared in advance.
He’s indeed excellent …… I may be able to rely on him.
I felt a little happy.
“I understand. I will arrange 45 carriages for you …… I will also guarantee your safety in my name.”
A little more would be better than a little less.
It can’t be too little, and it can’t be too exact.
Too much will make them think you don’t trust them.
Forty-one would be too obvious.
This kind of negotiation is also a tedious thing to do.
“Thank you very much.”
“Then, when you are ready, please contact me. We will send a carriage to pick you up.”
After that, Abraham left to check on the temporary housing.
When he left, I arranged for an escort to accompany him.
It’s because I had one concern.
◆◇◆◇◆
After Abraham returned, Kiara looked disappointed.
“Somehow, It’s so easy.”
“It really is. But, it made the conversation easier, which was very helpful.”
Mil looked impressed, as if she didn’t think it was just a messenger.
“Somehow …… He seems like a very smart person.”
Charles looked at me with a questioning look.
“I’ll have to make arrangements for the Knights soon. I’m sure it’ll be fine if we leave the defense to Sir Oracio. Speaking of which …… why did you arrange for a return escort? You didn’t do it for the cat people, did you?”
Oh …… you’re not aware of what happens next.
“Well, that’s because it would be bad if the dog person chief or equivalent were to be attacked along the way.”
And everyone is surprised.
Just as everyone was about to ask me a question, the door opened violently.
The unpopular woman Silvana came running in.
(T/N: I changed the mourning part of silvana’s title to unpopular, because that seems to fit her more. She isn’t really mourning anyone, after all. Also, I’m terribly sorry for the wrong translation.)
“Al! Do something!”
It’s really one thing after another ……
There are signs of turmoil in my personal life.
In the midst of all this, a messenger came from the Dog people.
The messenger was a mature dogman.
He has a dignified aura, and he seemed to be more than just a messenger.
I was surprised that he came alone.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Alfredo. I’m Abraham Allston.”
“Then, let us hear what you’re here for.”
“Your offer of emigration. I’d like to take you up on your offer.”
Wow …… That was fast.
I thought it would be more complicated than that.
I guess my intuition can’t be relied on.
“I understand. We welcome you all. You will need an escort for the mass migration. Please specify the date and time and we will make arrangements. How many people do you have there?”
“We have about 350 people. As soon as you are ready to receive them, we will come to you.”
There was no hesitation in his answer.
“We can come to you at any time. However, it will take time to prepare individual houses. We do have a temporary building where many people can live together. I will show you later, so please check if it is suitable for your purpose.”
Abraham must have been somewhat relieved by my answer.
Abraham nodded in satisfaction.
Then his expression changed as if he’s probing around.
“I will bring some food, of course. But will we have enough food after the migration?”
You make a good point.
I’m enjoying this exchange.
“If it’s 350 people, it’s not a problem.”
His expression became even more serious.
Apparently, this is where the real story begins.
“There’s one thing I’d like to ask you before we move here.”
“You can ask whatever you want.”
Abraham looked at me as if he was trying to evaluate me.
“We’ve had run-ins with wolf people before. Do you think the wolf people will accept us? If we migrate, and disputes happen, there will be casualties. If that happens, the problem will grow.”
It’s a natural question.
“I see …… You are right to be concerned. But there’s have no problem with that.”
Abraham’s eyes narrowed at my quick answer.
“Can I ask why you are so sure?”
“I’ve discussed it with the wolf people beforehand. And moreover, the wolf people has attacked us first before. And yet, here we are.”
Apparently, this was new to Abraham, and he was surprised to hear it.
“I didn’t know such a thing happened ……”
“And when you emigrate, you will be welcomed as a citizen. I promised those conditions and they were kept. I believe so, and I believe the wolf people believe so too. I’ve also confirmed with the wolf people’s side regarding this matter, and they’ve given their consent.”
I asserted in a crisp tone.
If you can eliminate the concerns of the other party, there is nothing better than to do so.
“I see…”
If he’s not a mere messenger, there is no need to keep my cards in my hand.
In fact, it would be more credible if I let them all out.
“I’ll tell you in advance that the wolf people are in charge of the immigration. A representative of the dog people will also be joining them. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, you may appeal directly to me. I have no grudges with you people. So, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”
Still, Abraham remained cautious.
His eyes remained narrowed.
“I’m sorry if I’m being presumptuous in asking you to accept this. I dare to ask you.”
“No, you’re here to negotiate as a representative. If you have any concerns, it’s only natural to ask.”
“Then let me ask you this. What is your reason for not supporting the wolf people?”
Just like I thought, here it is… I need a polite explanation.
“I’m going to make Ravenna a city of people who follow the rules regardless of race. This means that there will be no difference in race and all will be equal. If we treat immigrants unfairly, there will be no more immigrants in the future or we will be distrusted. Worst of all, they will even be hostile to us ……. That’s not in my best interest.”
Abraham was taken aback by what I said.
“Regardless of race …… huh. I’ve heard of it up and down. It’s rather normal. But, I never thought of it as equality ……”
All I see around me are smirking faces as I do it again.
“Yes. I think it’s the quickest way to make the town bigger and stronger, after all …… If you have people to join, you should join them. And if you’re going to join them, they should be equal.”
Abraham nodded his head in agreement.
“I understand. …… We, the beastmen, have always cooperated with each other. Let’s go back to that.”
“When you are ready, we will send an army to receive you. Do you have enough wagons for your transportation?”
Abraham opened his mouth without hesitation.
“If possible, about forty wagons.”
You may have answered immediately, or you may have prepared in advance.
He’s indeed excellent …… I may be able to rely on him.
I felt a little happy.
“I understand. I will arrange 45 carriages for you …… I will also guarantee your safety in my name.”
A little more would be better than a little less.
It can’t be too little, and it can’t be too exact.
Too much will make them think you don’t trust them.
Forty-one would be too obvious.
This kind of negotiation is also a tedious thing to do.
“Thank you very much.”
“Then, when you are ready, please contact me. We will send a carriage to pick you up.”
After that, Abraham left to check on the temporary housing.
When he left, I arranged for an escort to accompany him.
It’s because I had one concern.
◆◇◆◇◆
After Abraham returned, Kiara looked disappointed.
“Somehow, It’s so easy.”
“It really is. But, it made the conversation easier, which was very helpful.”
Mil looked impressed, as if she didn’t think it was just a messenger.
“Somehow …… He seems like a very smart person.”
Charles looked at me with a questioning look.
“I’ll have to make arrangements for the Knights soon. I’m sure it’ll be fine if we leave the defense to Sir Oracio. Speaking of which …… why did you arrange for a return escort? You didn’t do it for the cat people, did you?”
Oh …… you’re not aware of what happens next.
“Well, that’s because it would be bad if the dog person chief or equivalent were to be attacked along the way.”
And everyone is surprised.
Just as everyone was about to ask me a question, the door opened violently.
The unpopular woman Silvana came running in.
(T/N: I changed the mourning part of silvana’s title to unpopular, because that seems to fit her more. She isn’t really mourning anyone, after all. Also, I’m terribly sorry for the wrong translation.)
“Al! Do something!”
It’s really one thing after another ……
