Suzuka quickly stands up and walks out of the room as the tension in the air grows heavy over the question.
Abbán, after gathering his thoughts, says, "It will not be an issue, I assure you that we beastkin have no intention of causing any trouble. We just wish to walk with our new allies in Niflheim, to achieve what's best for the country."
"I think you misheard me. Beastkin, are, hated. Even more so than Nightmares. You have seen all the chaos and strife caused to our people by our very existence, and understand compared to what people think of you, this is extremely kind. If you were to look upon the average Knightmares who have faced discrimination and persecution all their life, and ask them what they think of Beastkin, you'd have to remove all children from the vicinity due to the toxic sludge that would emanate from every word they speak. And in truth, who could blame them?"
Abbán says, "I have heard of the stories the humans tell, where they write our entire race off as demons and constantly use us as the villains in their stories, but still, mere illusions like that can't stop humans and beastkin from forming a genuine connection with each other."
Stiprais says, "Writing them off as mere illusions is rather short-sighted. The mere illusions you speak of are part of a long list of tales originating from King Charles Animus. Humanity was shaken to its core after the Beastkin gained power, and the man who reunited everything into one was Charles Animus, who bravely slaughtered the evil oppressors of humanity into nothingness and founded the united human world that we all live in. Hatred of the Beastkin and seeing them as the ultimate enemy isn't just a quirk or an illness of our society; it is the uniting factor. During great eras of change, do you know how people have united others? From the era of Levav, till the founding of the Rinastcean union, to the creation of Gevurah, to the legendary Dá Dynasty, and even the efforts of the Children Of The Future. They have all united different groups of people using the Beastkin as a scapegoat."
Maple, confused, says, "Scapegoat?"
Stiprais says, "Did you all think that no Beastkin has been born outside of your settlement in the last 2000 years? Pure Beastkin, like the ones found in Nialathrú, are all but extinct across the globe, but many half breeds exist. Sometimes, a random human child will have their long-since-forgotten Beastkin blood resurface and become one. These children face persecution far more violent than even us Nightmares, but unlike us, they didn't have the power to fight back. There were periods where many manifested at the same time and sought to protect each other from the world, but they just became a scapegoat for any group that needed some form of legitimacy to gain power. That's the problem we bring up today. People have been calling us demons ever since the Beastkin were crushed and King Charles' new world order began. If they were to find out we were colluding with a race of people even lower on the ladder than us, it would risk not only damaging Blestemate but the reputation of Nightmares worldwide. But more than that, it makes you all a target. A country equipped with the Beastkin, carrying incredibly fertile land, is a perfect target for all those with greedy eyes. How do you all plan to deal with this? Because regardless of whatever benefit you have, we don't need some opportunistic, greedy bastard trying to unite the world around your very destruction."
Abbán says, "We have a series of plans to increase the Beastkin's reputation. Such as aid services to war-torn areas, which include rescuing the innocent and bringing them clothes. We have also discussed the idea of sending in the Fabhtire company to rebuild destroyed infrastructure within countries using their highly efficient construction capabilities. Not to mention, through the use of the druids, we aim to create and release a series of medicines to the general public at lower prices for the sake of building our reputation."
"Stop. Please stop speaking if all you have to say is nonsense like that. As I said, do you truly even understand the depths of the hatred that will be sent towards you? It's the type of hatred in which someone would sooner let their family fall off a cliff than take your hand to pull them up. The most used fighting style on the planet is one made specifically for the sake of killing your people. That is the reality of your situation, and you neither know nor are prepared to deal with that all."
Dumnorix says, "Have either of you three seen war in your lifetime?"
Veekeeris says, "Is that some kind of joke. We have surived multiple battles with invaders into our land."
"Shhh, little child. I am asking have any of you three been in the midst of war? No, from behind your soldiers, not with an escort of guards, but right in the middle of bloody battlefields where no matter the place you look, the only place to rest your head is the flesh of your people?"
They all fall silent, and Abbán says, "We have experienced such horror; in fact, most of the Beastkin still alive have experienced such horrors. I am not underestimating any aspect of the hate humans might have for us, but I want you to know the hatred in Beastkin hearts is far deeper, and far more intense for one another. Did you think we have spent the last 2000 years getting along and holding hands with each other? No, it's been conflict after conflict, yet we have persevered. We have made it through it all, and now all of us stand united for a common goal. We have seen hatred, we have seen conflict, we have seen the hopelessness embedded in our hearts, and we will fight through it all. Do not think a single Beastkin or Fanalis in Nialathrú is so weak-minded that the hatred of a couple billion people could scare us even for a moment."
Stiprais says, "I apologise for doubting your resolve to journey on this path with us, and regardless of the danger faced, the resolve you lot have shown in helping our people is beyond what we could have asked for."
Veekeeris, looking at Dumnorix, says, "Little child, eh?"
"A problem with that, my good sir?"
Veekeeris breaks into laughter and says, "It seems that all of you hailing from Niflheim are all just as brave as I thought. If only our kids could have half the spunk you do, we wouldn't be having as much civil unrest as we do."
Avram, with his finger against his cheek like he is a child, says, "Why does Dumnorix get a pass but I get threats?"
"BECAUSE YOUR DISRESPECT IS CONSISTENT AND OVERBEARING!"
"Ahh, do I need to get the little baby his favourite toy?"
"You keep talking as if I can't rip your head off in a single blow!"
"If you kill me, I win."
Veekeeris grabs his fist, as Maple looks at both of them, trying to grasp the stupidity in front of her.
Vėja says, "Now, I can say you have given us answers to our three main questions we have suitable answers. So I think all three of us can agree to the deal you have proposed."
Abbán relaxes, as Willow, Dumnorix, Avram, Ivana, Iancu, Gheorghe and Wadim smile. Maple then jumps up and says, "REALLY!" Before quickly sitting herself down, and saying, "Sorry."
"No need to apologise, I know our attitude wasn't the kindest throughout this conversation, but we wished to see how you would all handle a stressful situation, and I can say you handled it with pride and intellect, the kind that anyone would look for in their children. Though we are not all lucky enough to have."
Maple, controlling her anger, says, "We thank you for the acceptance, and if that's all, we would like to excuse ourselves for the night."
The three idiots' faces light up with happiness, though they all soon crash right into the pits of hell as Vėja says, "No. Not yet, we would like to work out some of the finer details, and just bounce off ideas. We are busy people and all, we don't have as much free time as you would think."
As Willow holds her hand under the table, Maple says, "I see, then let's continue."
Vėja says, "Now, how would you all feel about us inviting some of our court officials to your country. We have a vested interest in getting your country started and would like to help you get your systems up and running."
Dumnorix says, "We already have enough. Nialathrú was a functioning government with a parliamentary democracy, with the grand druid Senán serving as the prime minister and head of state, though his role was mostly ceremonial; he vetoed most of his power to five elected ministers who ran the state."
"Oh, how fascinating? I am surprised that people who lived underground for so many years have such a system?"
"We should all know by now that many different types of civilisation existed during the first cycle of history, and despite our methods, the Beastkin did once have a monopoly on all the transcripts the world had on the First cycle."
Vėja says, "I apologise, that is right. Many of the systems our society is built on are only due to the Beastkin's discoveries. Though you still lack knowledge our how the world in general is run."
Willow says, "We have people from Skydust with us."
Veekeeris says, "Most of them are only knowledgeable enough about the world in terms of commerce, specifically from the perspective of people who have high resources and trust that can do business with anyone. I doubt they would be able to help you through all socioeconomic and geopolitical issues you may face, but our minister, who constantly deals with humans who look down on us, can."
Abbán says, "I think it is a good deal, but loyalty would be an issue. You know how precarious our situation is, and depending on the situation, I wouldn't be scared if you were to jump ship and use these officials against us in the future."
Stiprais says, "Are you saying that we are untrustworthy?"
"No, that you are smart people who put your own people's being first. I trust I know what you'd do if such a situation arrived where those goals weren't balanced with helping us."
Wadim, sticking his head up, says, "You know, I am pretty familiar with a lot of the ways this country is run from a socioeconomic angle, maybe I could he-."
Cutting him off, Vėja says, "This is a key matter for the sake our both our countries, a quitter shouldn't speak. For this matter, you all can bring that mind-reading girl with you, and spend some time going through our list of officials till you find some you can trust."
Wadim lowers his head, and Cyrus, moving his tail over to him, rubs his back. Maple, trying to control her anger, looks over to Willow, who has a smile that holds back the flood of emotions he wishes to release onto Vėja.
Stiprais says, "I think there will also need to be some teaching of manners to you all."
Abbán says, "Beastkin are very polite as a policy when discussing important matters."
Stiprais says, "Politeness is derived from culture. You simply lack the knowledge that can only come from interacting with people. We can teach you some etiquette before you go off, so you won't be a disgraceful, chasteless slob with messy hair."
Ivana quickly takes out a mirror and looks over herself, and Gheorghe, under his breath, says, "This is why she left home, you ass."
Veekeeris screams, "HEY, BIG LIZARD, IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY SPEAK UP!"
Gheorghe stays quite and Veekeeris says, "Please discipline your workers, Avram, this is official business, and I don't want them messing it u-."
A plate flies directly towards Veekeeris's face, smashing his head backwards, and as everyone's eyes move to the point of origin, they see Iancu standing on the table with an infuriated look in his eyes.