The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 74: The Time of Reckoning (5)

That evening, Martin held a special meeting with some important individuals. His guests were none other than a High Elf and a Highsmith, both of whom served as elders in their respective communities.

‘I need to persuade them well.’

Both elders held considerable influence in their villages, making the conversation they were about to have crucial. Their future stance would determine much about what was to come.

“I am Martin Adalbert,” he introduced himself.

“I’m Armand,” one of the elders replied.

“And I am Paolo. I have much to say, but first, let me express my gratitude. Thanks to you, Young Master, the cursed slave market was destroyed, and our people were rescued. I know you probably have your own motives for calling us here.”

“Joining hands for mutual benefit is only natural, don’t you agree, Elder Armand?”

At Martin’s words, Armand nodded calmly.

“I agree. Whatever intentions you may have, the fact that you burned down the slave market, which was the symbol of our people’s resentment and hatred, and rescued those who were oppressed is what truly matters. And it’s encouraging to see that our biggest concern has been eliminated.”

“Our biggest concern… So, the elves were indeed preparing for war.”

“We had no choice. The kidnapping of High Elf Solenne was a great blow to our people’s pride.”

Solenne was akin to a princess in human terms. When news spread that she had been captured by humans while leading a scouting mission, every elf, regardless of their region, was enraged.

The elves of the southern regions, who had been close to Solenne, had even been on the verge of declaring war on the Altaria Empire. Fortunately, Martin had rescued her, temporarily defusing the situation.

“However, it’s still too early to feel relieved, Young Master. Many among the elves and dwarves still harbor deep hatred for humans. In fact, hardliners hold sway in most regions.”

“That’s why the upcoming trial is so important. If the mayor and those involved in the slave market aren’t properly punished, the hardliners will once again call for war.”

“Don’t worry, Elder Paolo. The executions are scheduled for tomorrow morning, just as planned.”

“I’ve heard there’s been quite a bit of pressure surrounding that.”

“How did you find out about that, Elder Paolo? I tried to keep it under wraps,” Martin replied with a smirk.

“Those who walk on the ground can never escape my eyes and ears,” Paolo answered, his face stern.

Martin chuckled. It was true—he had been pestered by several nobles and officials in Akela City just earlier.

Their arguments were mostly the same: Jerome Metzelder, they claimed, knew nothing about the slave market, and the blame should fall on his subordinates.

Some had even resorted to threats, warning that if Jerome was punished, the nobility would censure Martin through the aristocratic council.

Naturally, Martin had dismissed them all. The opinions of those who had accepted bribes and indulgences were of no consequence to him.

“The imperial family and the other three great noble houses haven’t intervened yet. But if they apply direct pressure, what will you do then?”

“I am an Adalbert,” Martin replied, his smile remaining, but his eyes now glinted with determination.

Paolo and Armand, recognizing the resolve in his gaze, nodded in acknowledgment.

“Well then, let’s set aside these gloomy matters and move on to more constructive discussions, shall we? Like the future of the North, for example.”

“You have something in mind, Young Master?” Armand asked.

“I’ve always had just one goal, Elder Armand: the stability of the North.”

The unification of the North—bringing all the northern factions either under the Adalbert banner or into alliances. This was the key to establishing stability in the region.

“How has it gone so far?”

“It’s been smooth so far. Though, of course, there are still plenty of enemies left to deal with.”

“It seems your vision for the North includes both elves and dwarves.”

“I won’t deny that. However, I have no intention of interfering in your villages. Nor do I seek to incite any wars.”

“Neither of us were concerned about that. If you had intended to harm us, you wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to rescue our people. That’s why I’m even more curious—what do you truly desire, Young Master?”

“Exchange.”

Martin looked both elders in the eye as he answered.

“Elves and dwarves are far too isolated. Humans tend to romanticize what they cannot experience firsthand, and that often leads to desire. That’s why, despite the brutal killings of slave traders, they continue to hunt for slaves.”

“You’re saying that direct interaction would change that?” Paolo questioned.

Martin shook his head.

“Not immediately. But it could plant the seeds of change.”

“And how exactly do you propose we engage in this exchange?”

“I want to establish markets in the Altair Forest and the Ranens Mountains. A place where we can trade goods. Of course, we’ll need to discuss the specifics further.”

“Is that really necessary? Elves and dwarves don’t need human goods to survive,” Paolo said skeptically.

Unlike humans, elves and dwarves didn’t operate markets. When they did trade, it was mostly through barter within their own communities.

This was largely because they could meet most of their needs through self-sufficiency, and their populations were much smaller than that of humans.

Given this, it was no surprise that Paolo and Armand were hesitant.

“I won’t bother debating the limitations of self-sufficiency or individual desires. What I’m focusing on is the market itself. For it to function smoothly, there must be mutual trust.”

“It’s an interesting argument, but what if human greed grows even more, and they try to enslave us all again?” Paolo pressed.

“I’m not saying there won’t be any such people. That’s why I plan to give elves and dwarves the opportunity to grow stronger.”

“Grow stronger… Do you mean?!”

Paolo shot to his feet, while Armand’s eyes widened in shock. Martin, still smiling brightly, nodded.

“I’m going to allow elves and dwarves to enter the dungeons. Of course, we’ll need to negotiate with the Adventurer’s Guild, but with the fallout from the Dark King’s actions, they won’t be able to object too much.”

Since the founding of the Altaria Empire around a thousand years ago, when it took control of the four dungeon entrances, only humans had been allowed to reap the benefits of dungeons. Elves and dwarves had been pushed into the wilderness, despite their efforts to negotiate for access.

Now, Martin was promising them that chance.

“I will inform the Great Elder immediately!” Paolo exclaimed.

“And I’ll do the same,” Armand added.

Their eyes burned with excitement.

“I hope the discussion goes well,” Martin said with a calm smile, watching as both men nodded enthusiastically.

Though the proposal was a good one, Martin knew it wouldn’t be easy to build true trust with the elves and dwarves.

‘It’s a solid offer, but it won’t resolve everything right away.’

The majority of elves and dwarves were hardliners, deeply distrustful of humans. Even with the opportunity to access the dungeons, it was unlikely they would be quick to embrace cooperation with humans.

While Armand and Paolo might be in favor, they were not strong enough to immediately sway the opposition.

But Martin wasn’t worried. This was only the first step in his plan.

‘I’ll handle it in time. After all, I’m the only one who can.’

Content to wait and take things one step at a time, Martin watched as Armand and Paolo left the room.

Just as he was about to get up himself, he was stopped.

“May we speak for a moment?”

“It won’t take long.”

It was High Elf Solenne and the dwarf Andrea.

Martin turned to them.

“Of course,” he replied, accepting their request without hesitation.

—

“I wanted to personally thank you again.”

“I feel the same. I still hate humans, but I can’t treat my savior that way.”

Andrea and Solenne bowed their heads to Martin.

Not only had he rescued them, but he had also destroyed the slave market that had caused their people so much pain. It was a debt they would never forget.

“Hmm. I did it because I had my own reasons, so this feels a bit embarrassing…”

“Whatever your reasons were, you saved many of my people, including me. I’ll be staying in the Altair Forest for a while, and while I’m there, I’ll do my best to spread word about you and Sien as good humans. Even though I’m not originally from that area, as the daughter of the Great Elder, my words will carry some weight.”

“I appreciate that, but weren’t you planning to return home right away?”

“I’ve been too physically and mentally drained. I decided to rest in the Altair Forest for a while.”

“I see. Well, I appreciate your efforts.”

“I’ll do my best. Though I’m young, I hope my words will make an impact.”

“Your support alone is a great help.”

Solenne smiled faintly at Martin’s response.

Then Andrea spoke up.

“I’ll be returning home to the Ranens Mountains soon, so it’ll be difficult to convince my people right away. But I’ll make sure they know that there are humans like you—humans who aren’t all evil.”

“That’s more than enough. While we’re having this conversation, I’ll make a promise as well. In the northern regions of the Empire, at least, no elf or dwarf will ever be enslaved again. If I find anyone attempting such things, I’ll wipe them out immediately.”

“I believe you.”

“I agree.”

Solenne and Andrea smiled

brightly, and Martin smiled back.

Even though his words were sincere, there was one more thing he aimed to achieve.

‘I’ll make the North a paradise for elves and dwarves.’

If they gathered in the Altair Forest and the Ranens Mountains, and if he later formed an alliance with them, it would greatly strengthen his forces.

Moreover, it would help mitigate one of the Adalbert family’s biggest weaknesses: the lack of a 9th-circle mage or higher.

Every elder at the peak of their village was a 9th-circle mage or above.

“Well then, we’ll be off. I’m sure you have other matters to attend to.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

After exchanging final words of gratitude, Solenne and Andrea departed.

But Martin’s night wasn’t over yet.

There was still one more person he needed to meet.

Former Mayor of Akela, Jerome Metzelder.

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