From Slave To Ruler

King Mendebal has a strong point which is hard to challenge, especially by someone who didn't expect such a strong comeback. "How could a fool who plays with maids all day, say something this intelligent?" The Chapel Master thought. The rumours about King Mendebal's fancy towards the maids are quite well known, spread wide. Furthermore, the Chapel officials simply described King Mendebal Griffin as a fool with a crown. So negotiation would be no doubt easy. At least that's what they thought. So how could the King exactly, from the looks of it, have a sudden change of intelligence?

The history between the Zamerians and the Iron boot Alliance is rather complex, yet again very short. The revolutionary Alliance looks down on People with Powers, they have been conquering Kastem Domains ever since they started a War 1,500 years ago. But here is the thing, although the Iron Boot Alliance is simply newly established around 50 years ago, they still don't like the Kastems even though the Zamerian influence in this domain isn't as heavy. 

Reason behind it, is the 1,500 year long war. Bale Kingdom even used to belong to the Kastems. But it was attacked from two sides, Hawk Kingdom and Lumber Kingdom. The war led to a huge population loss 62 years ago, leaving Bale Kingdom with a very scarce population, which now is just above 13,000. The whole alliance suffers under population due to the war with Bale Kingdom, specifically, with the Zamerians. Just imagine it, the Revolutionary Alliance has 238,000 people spread out in their 7 big Domains. While the Iron Boot Alliance has roughly 49,000 spread in 4 domains, the gap is rather large.

Summing it up, the Iron Boot Alliance doesn't favour neither the Dragon's Tongue Alliance or the Revolutionary Alliance. The situation is the same with the Dragon's Tongue Alliance or the Revolutionary Alliance. They don't like either of the opposing Alliances. 

Of course there are villages who are in the Alliance's land and radius, who can likely help solve under population at least a bit. But the talk is about the big main domains. Heck, even the most oppressed, Dragon's Tongue Alliance has a population of 60,000 people. 60% of them however, are Kasteremas who stand with the Kastems due to their different mindset and overall complete lack of Zamerian influence in those two Domains. They aid the three  Kingdoms containing what is certain as the last of the Kastems(around 22,000 people), Kastem filled villages however are highly uncommon with the Revolutionary Alliance running lose, the Kastems are all piled up in the three Big domains up the Rocky Mountains. The war is rather complex, but the enemies are certain.

"Mendebal, your ignorance is giving me a rather large headache. We share the same enemies. Our enemies are the Demons. Be it from Kasterema or Makemis, if they have these Demonic Powers, they are our enemies." Perhaps common Zamerian quotes will change his mind? The Chapel Master thought, but no.

"I don't love the Bear Bloods either, my goal is Gold. And with the word of mouth spreading about the Bear Bloods fighting in the Arena, even the underpopulation can be solved at a faster pace. The tax towards the Zamerians can even be doubled if everything goes right!" Well King Mendebal surrounded the Chapel Master at each corner of the conversation. Action speaks louder than words and gold speaks louder than action. If the tax doubles, the Chapel here in Hawk Kingdom will receive 28,000 Gold Coins a year. With such free and clear profit, only a fool would refuse it.

Now the Chapel Master is stuck in a deep hole. If he insists for the Bear Bloods to be killed, he could be losing this amazingly profitable opportunity. But if he accepts the opportunity, the consequences would be unpredictably dangerous. Be it from the Bear Bloods, from the Zamerians of upper ranks or from King Mendebal himself.

Although Mendebal's goal was made very certain. It is not what the Chapel Master wanted to hear. If Hawk Kingdom is to be part of the Revolutionary Alliance one day, a chance to have a stronger military build up thanks to the increase of population this project could bring,  will only make Country Dominance harder.

Although, Gold sounds great as well. Especially if some went "missing" due to sudden increase of overall income and poor gold management which the Chapel is currently facing. Until the Chapel adjusted to the bigger profit in the first few months, a lot of gold can go missing without ever being noticed. The Chapel Master only earns a Gold Coin each month after all. It would be amazing if he made 100 salaries in a day. But still, he decided to give a last fight towards this topic, So the fault wouldn't be upon him. "That's not the case, you violated countless rules when you first brought Makemis Slaves in Hawk Kingdom, and transferred them to your other Domains. You will plague our land."

When Makemis was brought into the conversation, King Mendebal came to the point he needed, to completely refuse this "request." Because the topic would be more s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e."If anything, I should be demanding a 6,000 Gold Coin Compensation due to those fleabags in Hay Kingdom sinking one of my sh.i.p.s. I lost 40 experienced men and 100 Slaves from that ship sink sir Andonil! Do you really think that i will take your thoughts into consideration now? After you caused the Kingdom so much damage?"

"I..."

Taking another sip of ale from his Silver Goblet, King Mendebal placed it on the table once more, gave out a half smile asserting confidence and added. "To replace the Human resources, ship, and cover the travelling expenses for that 3 month project. I would need at least 4,500 Gold Coins. To barely break even. Is the Chapel willing to pay for the Damages plus an additional 1,500 Gold Coin bonus?"

"No." Swiftly replied the Chapel Master, making his answer clear.

"Then I'm not willing to listen to the Chapel's demands until the damage is paid. I will continue paying the monthly tax, but the damage compensation will increase 500 Gold Coins by each month, until you pay that. The Slaves stay."