Chapter 4: Caught in A Lie
We were able to get three clans to join our side today. Hindi ako nahirapang makipag-usap dahil nagbigay muna kami ng ilang araw na palugit para magdesisyon sila kung aanib sa amin o kailangan pang pag-isipan. I never forced them to join us. I just invited them and they willingly accepted it.
I've long abandoned the idea of forcing clans to join forces with us. If you get your allies by force, I don't think you are allies at all. That's how betrayal usually comes. This is also, I believe, one of the reasons why Lord Reggar always looks down on me. I am no longer following in my father's footsteps.
Now, we are down to the last recruitment for today. Triaga Clan is known for its abundant crops and tasteful wine. If we agree on the same terms, they will share their harvest with us, and we will provide them full support in everything, including protection against anyone who threatens them.
"It's really a pleasure to have you here, Lord Oscar," Lord Tree of Triaga Clan said for the third time since we sat down and discussed our alliance. "You are the youngest ever to become a leader. I'm sure it comes with a lot of pressure, making it even more impressive."
He did talk about everything everything except the topic we were supposed to be discussing. Sa tingin ko ay hindi pa sila handang umanib sa amin.
"Sa una lang nahirapan si Lord Oscar. I know I will be boastful to say this, but I will say it anyway." Lord Wenson tapped my shoulder. "He first learned things from me."
"There's no doubt about that Lord Wenson!" Humalakhak si Lord Tree bago binulungan ang katabing lalaki para kumuha pa ng alak.
I looked at Lord Reggar who had been quiet. Napansin kong mahigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa babasagin na baso. I usually do the recruitment on my own if I am not with Lord Wenson, but Lord Reggar came to join us today. He was a big help, but it seemed like he was running out of patience this time.
"I think I've had enough wine today," Lord Wenson stated, rubbing his palms on his belly. "Pero kung gusto mong mag-uwi kami ng alak ay wala akong reklamo."
"Enough now!" Lord Reggar interrupted.
I knew it. He couldn't hold it back this time.
"Lord Reggar..." I tried calling him, but his attention was fixed at Lord Tree. Mabilis na bumaling ako kay Lord Wenson at sinenyasan siya. "Will you escort Lord Reggar outside?"
"I've had enough of this conversation. Not to mention that the wine already greatly disappointed me. It didn't justify all the rumors that it was the best wine in the country." Madiin niyang tiningnan si Lord Tree. "Say it, Lord Tree. We just wasted our time here, right?"
Lord Tree cleared his throat. Sa kabila ng pagbabanta sa boses ni Lord Reggar, alam niyang hindi niya dapat ito sabayan. He knew better than to trigger one of the Seniors of Nightfall Clan.
"The truth is—"
"You decided to join Caligo Clan instead, right?" putol sa kanya ni Lord Reggar.
Lord Wenson cleared his throat. Tumayo siya saka nilapitan si Lord Reggar. Sinubukan niya itong hikayatin na sumama sa kanya pero nanatiling nakaupo ito.
"Hindi pa kami nakakapag desisyon," sagot ni Lord Tree. "Yes. To be invited by Nightfall Clan for an alliance is the greatest pleasure, but we are still studying the pros and cons. If you could give us more time—"
"You should have studied the pros and cons if you declined us," Lord Reggar smirked.
"Is that a threat?" Lord Tree asked.
"The deal is closed. Triaga Clan is now under Nightfall Clan," Lord Reggar announced with a sigh, putting an end to this conversation.
"Please—"
