Chapter 832, You Like Hairy Ones?
The Minister of Administration suddenly stood up, pressing both hands on the table, his face furious.
The Second Prince represented the leader on their side.
Sending their leader over—how was that any different from losing the war?
Facing the minister's anger, Hartel remained composed and said softly, "The Second Prince intends to use us to restrain the First Prince. Once we're both worn down, you'll step in and finish the job?"
After she spoke, everyone from Rentam City turned to look, anger in their eyes.
Couldn't win against either side, yet still playing mind games.
The minister quickly clarified, "We have absolutely no such intentions. We genuinely want to restore peace between us."
"Verbal peace has no weight." Hartel adjusted her glasses. "This war wasn't started by Rentam City."
Silence fell again.
Say it nicely, and it's a peace negotiation. Be blunt, and the Second Prince's faction needs Rentam City's help.
They lacked the moral high ground and were asking for a favor.
The negotiation was completely passive.
It had turned into bargaining—to minimize their losses and preserve some dignity.
Thinking quickly, the minister said, "If His Highness goes to Rentam City, it would affect troop morale and the overall situation. How about sending another royal family member instead—someone who can represent the royal house and maintain mutual trust?"
Hartel looked puzzled. "Who?"
"Princess Natalia, His Highness's lawful wife," the minister said seriously.
Hartel raised an eyebrow.
In her communication with Wu Heng, this person was never mentioned.
But from the sound of it, she seemed important in the Second Prince's faction.
Still, the original plan didn't include her, which meant she either wasn't needed or wasn't that important.
Hartel shook her head. "She might be important in your kingdom, but what we need is for the Second Prince to settle in Rentam City."
The minister's face remained gloomy, but he said nothing.
Hartel continued, "You want us to protect the Second Prince? How exactly? Assign him a few 18th-level Professionals? Have a skeleton army surround him?"
"Placing him in Rentam City is the best option. Or do you care more about appearances than his life?"
"The threat from the capital isn't something we can handle with just talk—you know that better than I do."
Hartel spoke calmly. A few times, the others tried to speak but had no valid counter.
It was all true, and they couldn't argue otherwise.
"How do you guarantee His Highness's safety?" the minister asked again.
Hartel said, "We're willing to negotiate. If we really meant harm, contacting the First Prince directly would've been a better move."
"You wouldn't do that. The Church leader is based in the capital. Any major move from you would get their attention."
Sensing an opening, the minister spoke up immediately.
"And then what? You think they'll side with you?" Hartel chuckled. "Our conditions are twofold—joint governance over the territories, and the Second Prince residing in Rentam City. If you don't agree, then this negotiation is over."
The minister took a deep breath and said loudly, "Miss Hartel, gentlemen, please stay at the tavern for two days. I will report this to His Highness and we can resume discussions then."
"Fine. I doubt you want to drag this out either," Hartel said coldly.
"Of course," the minister nodded.
Hartel and her delegation didn't linger—they rose and left.
......
The negotiation hall fell silent again.
The other accompanying ministers looked grim.
Whether by choice or coercion, they were now tied to the Second Prince.
From the negotiation just now, it was clear the Second Prince had reached his limit—he needed a deal with Rentam City to counter the First Prince.
That made everyone uneasy.
Some even began contemplating ways to save themselves.
No one wanted to die, much less die for the Second Prince.
After a pause, an official asked, "Lord Edwin, what is His Highness's plan?"
The rest all looked to the Minister.
He hesitated but finally said, "After the last attack, we lost some top fighters. His Highness intends to cooperate with Rentam City to hold back the First Prince."
Everyone frowned—they clearly weren't happy with that answer.
"Just be honest, my lord. How many 18th-level Professionals do we have left? How many troops can we still mobilize?" another official asked.
The minister looked at him. "I can't give exact numbers, but we still have enough to stabilize the situation."
"And the troops?"
"Enough for defense, but not for offense."
Even with that reply, many still looked skeptical.
If they were talking about joint governance already, how could they still claim to be able to defend themselves?
An official from farther down the hall asked, "Will His Highness agree to go to Rentam City?"
Another official said, "If we send him to Rentam City, doesn't that make him a..."
He didn't finish the word "hostage," but everyone understood.
The room fell into silence.
If cooperation with Rentam City went well, there might be a turnaround. If not, they'd all need a backup plan.
The minister immediately said, "There's no need to worry too much. I'll write to His Highness and inform him of the situation. We'll wait a few days for his response."
The others nodded in agreement.
The minister took out paper and pen, writing down the negotiation contents and the officials' reactions.
Then handed it to a servant nearby. "Have this delivered."
"Yes, sir." The servant took the letter and left.
......
Royal Consort's Estate.
Wu Heng came downstairs. A lavish dinner had already been set on the table.
Compared to the last two days, today's meals had been grand since morning.
The Princess wore a beige embroidered dress, her hair tied behind her head, with fair, slender calves visible below the hem.
"Your Highness." The Princess saluted with the servants.
"Mm, let's eat," Wu Heng said.
The Princess sat down again and told the maids, "Go have your meals. I'll call if I need you."
The maids bowed and left.
Only the two of them remained in the dining hall.
After a few bites, the Princess put down her utensils and looked at him. "Do people on your side always eat with two wooden sticks?"
"Chopsticks. Don't you think they're convenient?" Wu Heng skillfully picked up a slice of meat.
"You're the only one I've seen using them." The Princess continued, "My lord, are you married?"
Wu Heng glanced at her. "I have a few maids. One of them gave me a daughter."
"A few?" The Princess looked curious.
"Including you, seven."
The Princess's eyelashes fluttered and her cheeks reddened, but she didn't protest.
With the slave contract signed, calling her a maid sounded better than saying "slave."
"So you're a mage—and a strong one," she said bluntly.
Signing slave contracts limited the slave, but also burdened the mage's soul.
Everyone could only sign a limited number.
For Wu Heng to have seven, he had to be a high-level Professional.
Wu Heng didn't respond.
The Princess continued, "Your daughter must be adorable."
"Very. I'll take you to meet her someday," Wu Heng said.
The Princess hummed in response. "What about the others? Do you only like that one maid?"
Seemed like she was genuinely curious about him.
"I have more beastkin maids."
The Princess's eyes widened. "So you like strong women."
Wu Heng rolled his eyes. "Some are close to human—just with a few beast traits."
"You like them hairy?"