Arcane: Winds of Change

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Chapter 37: The Meeting

"Graves? Who's that? I don't know any man by that name," Tobias shrugged, indicating his unfamiliarity. "I've got other matters to attend to, sir. It was a pleasure meeting you," he said, lowering his hat and vanishing into the night. "Let's go, Jinx. We've had quite a haul today," Phil said, unconcerned by Tobias's departure as he patted Jinx on the shoulder. According to his information, Bilgewater was currently in an era of shared control rather than dominated by any one force. Though Gangplank was notorious, he was clearly not the supreme ruler of the seas yet. From this, it seemed Sarah might still be a little girl or recently bereaved, Illaoi was still the young woman who had captivated Gangplank, Graves hadn't yet been captured, and Tobias hadn't become Twisted Fate.

The two returned to the ship under the cover of darkness, giving the dozing lookout a nudge to wake him before heading back to their own cabin. This ship, infused with the unique characteristics of Zaun, was interesting. Although it was a sailing ship, it was also equipped with Zaun's alchemical power system, which made the vessel predominantly green, casting an eerie atmosphere at night. Phil yawned as he tossed the gold he'd carried back into a chest in the corner of the room. Heavy as it was, gold remained the currency of choice in this world.

---- Piltover ----

"Who let Jayce go to Zaun on his own?" Mel, usually calm, now felt uneasy. That morning, someone had delivered a letter—or rather, an invitation—to each council member's home, prompting an emergency council meeting at dawn.

"Dear Council Members, I regret having to communicate in this manner, but last night a shocking crime occurred. A group of criminals impersonated Piltover's enforcers and even councilors, obstructing our enterprises and attempting to incite conflict between our cities. The two centuries of deep friendship between Piltover and Zaun have made us inseparable parts of each other, bound by a strong bond. Therefore, I offer my deepest respect and trust to my neighbors. We've now captured over thirty of these disguised enforcers and a young man claiming to be Councilor Talis. In the spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit, I choose to extend a sincere invitation for us to jointly address this matter. Thus, I have decided to host a meeting at the conference hall on the border between Zaun and Piltover. It will take place tomorrow at 9 a.m., where we will discuss the detainment of these prisoners and the cooperation between our two cities. Looking forward to meeting you." 

— Alchemical Baron Silco.

Upon reaching the end of the letter, the bald-headed elder angrily tossed the letter to the ground. "What?! Go to Zaun? In their dreams. These sewer rats must be insane; do they know how many deals I've lost because of them?" "However, it can't be completely ignored. We've failed to communicate after the first set of enforcers was captured, and now, with two more teams taken, we owe our people an explanation," the cyborg with the large cogwheel on his neck voiced his opinion. "I agree with his perspective; we can't keep ignoring this," Mel spoke up, beginning to exert a faint authority over the council. "Since they've invited us, we should indeed make a trip. Not all of us, however. We must maintain the dignity of the upper city managers. Thus, on a voluntary basis, those willing can join me for negotiations. The remaining council members should prepare for the worst-case scenario. Arm our forces to the teeth and set all rooftop weapons systems to standby mode."

With each order from Mel, Piltover swiftly entered a state of readiness for conflict. All trade ports were temporarily shut down, and even the Hextech gates ceased operation. The typically profit-driven bald councilor also stopped fretting over his gains, as the air of war enveloped the city, causing even the prosperous streets to appear somewhat desolate. 

The next day, at Zaun Conference Hall, Silco was seated at the head of the table, with Sevika in her Mecha Kingdom Wolf armor standing behind him. Despite their dissatisfaction, the councilors found themselves compelled to comply under the circumstances, pulling out chairs to sit at the table. Seeing that most had arrived, Silco took the lead, saying, "Councilors, I must say I'm impressed with your bravery. After all, here is Zaun—a place quite suitable for an ambush." 

Silco's words instantly put the councilors on edge. Mel, however, smiled and spoke in her discerning voice, "Such a result would not be the best outcome for either of us, would it? As you mentioned, our cities have shared over two centuries of friendship." 

"But the people of this city seem to have short memories," Silco smirked, igniting a cigar and taking a deep draw. "It's all in the name of progress." 

"I don't stand in the way of that," Silco spread his hands nonchalantly. Suppressing the discomfort of being in a room with Zaunites, the mechanically enhanced councilor cut in, "Let's skip the small talk and get straight to what you want." 

"Quite the straightforward councilor. Alright, let me list my conditions," Silco said, producing a notebook filled with his detailed notes. "Free trade routes, unrestricted use of Hextech gates. Special consideration for undercity prisoners; Zaun will be autonomous, with no further disposal of sewage or pollutants into the undercity, and enforcers will be prohibited from entering the undercity at will," Silco outlined his demands. 

As he laid out each condition, Councilor Kiramman furrowed her brows deeply, "Do you truly believe you're in a position to make so many demands? Bear in mind, our armed forces are fully prepared, and we don't mind appointing a new leader." 

"Do you think you can afford to reject these terms? Your two squads of enforcers, along with one councilor wielding Hextech weapons, were no match for even one of my subordinates," Silco confidently retorted. "When you came here to negotiate, your intentions were evident. Are you scared? Or does that boy hold significant value to you? Perhaps the enforcers' families forced you into this? Who can say?" 

"Yes, that's right. We do not wish to initiate a war," Mel suddenly interjected. "We are all aware of the consequences of warfare, but you have no chance of victory. We're not interested in dragging this out any longer; the future of Zaun, whether it thrives or perishes, hinges on this negotiation."