I'm Reborn as A Villian in A Otome Sim

Chapter Ten: Negotiations And Trouble at the Duranne Duchy.

After a few days...

A negotiation meeting was arranged between the Jandeva and Rosembal Empires in a secluded location far from prying eyes. Representatives from Jandeva included Duke Elijah Miliriin and Countess Elenore Haroldson, both seasoned diplomats known for their intelligent negotiation skills and from Rosembal, Duke Azrael Duranne, Duke Nicholas Belfast, Marquis Klein Malner, and Grand Magician Xavier Morrison attended. The atmosphere was tense, thick with unspoken grievances and underlying distrust.
Elijah had bright orange hair and green eyes. He was on the young side because his father died before age 18; he overtook the duchy after ridding it of traitors. He's currently 22 years old.
Elenore is a countess with long purple hair and golden eyes. She carried a fan in her hand. Her husband married into a non-noble household, and she owns her territory while her husband deals with internal affairs. She is still a prime negotiator for her territory.

The meeting occurred in an opulent yet secretive chamber, dimly lit by chandeliers that cast long shadows on the polished marble floors. The room's grandeur contrasted starkly with the gravity of the situation. The seating was around a circular table. Azrael was in the center; to his left was Xavier, and to his right was Nicholas. Next to Nicholas sat Klein. Elenore was to Nicholas's right, Elijah was to Elijah's left, and Elijah was to Xavier's left.

"Beautiful, Blue eyes and pure silver hair. His face is so feminine. Wait, he's a guy. Why am I staring him down so hard?" Elijah thought as he stared at the silver-haired Xavier.

Azrael, his demeanor calm yet alert, began the discussion. "Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice. Given the recent attacks by the demon lord, we understand the situation's urgency."

"Indeed. The attacks have caused significant unrest in our territories. We need to understand the extent of this threat and how we can cooperate to counter it," Elijah asked while regaining his focus.

Elenore, the sharp-eyed woman with an air of authority, added, "Our main concern is the demon lord's interest in the ancient artifact. We need to ensure its safety."

Klein Malner leaned forward, his expression serious. "We have confirmed that the artifact is a key target. If harnessed by the demon lord, its power could be catastrophic."

Nicholas Belfast, ever the strategist, spoke next. "We propose a joint effort to secure the artifact and fortify our defenses. The recent attack on the border fort highlights our vulnerability."

"The demon lord's intentions are clear. He seeks to use the artifact to break the curse that binds his power. We must prevent this at all costs," Xavier added.

Elijah's eyes narrowed slightly. "We moved the artifact to a more secure location within our empire. Its whereabouts are known only to a select few."

Elenore glanced at Azrael. "We need assurance that your empire will not attempt to claim the artifact for your use. Trust must be established for any cooperation to succeed."

Azrael met her gaze steadily. "Our only aim is to prevent the demon lord from gaining power. We have no interest in the artifact beyond that. Also, to protect many civilians and my family from this threat."

There was a moment of silence, the weight of centuries-old mistrust hanging in the air. Finally, Elijah spoke. "We will take you at your word, Duke Duranne. Our empires must work together if we are to stand a chance against the demon lord."

Klein nodded in agreement. "We propose establishing a joint task force to monitor the artifact's security and coordinate our efforts against the demon threat."

Nicholas added, "Furthermore, we must share intelligence and resources to strengthen our borders and ensure rapid response capabilities."

Elenore seemed to consider this, then nodded. "Agreed. But we must also establish clear protocols to ensure mutual transparency and cooperation."