4 Negotiations

"Will I help save your Kingdom? You ask that as if you are leaving me a choice" Mikax stated as he lifted his pant legs showing off his matching <Slave Bracelets>. A few of the members of the court gasped, clearly they were not in the loop on how things were being done.

Stepping forward Rammir began to speak, " I would like to apologize personally for those accessories that you currently are wearing", the Arch-Mage continued to walk towards Mikax without a care in the world. "I also was the one in charge of the group of mages that had summoned you. I am the Court Arch-mage Rammir." He tilted his head slightly showing just a tinge of respect while still petting his ego.

Smiling Mikax returned the head tilt and asked "Would it be possible to have them removed? It makes it uncomfortable to take a nap, and when I don't get my beauty sleep I can be quite moody." However politely he intended to sound it was clear that he was annoyed, in his mind he had already called Rammir 'out' as all three strikes came in quick succession.

"Of course we can dear Hero, if you're willing to help the Azran Kingdom that is only one of the many benefits that you will be granted," Rammir stated as he returned to his place by the King's side.

"And what other benefits will the Azran Kingdom be offering me?" Mikax asked feigning genuine interest.

"We can offer you enough gold to live the rest of your life comfortably for starters" Rammir quickly stated.

Knowing that this was finally the time to start to shine Mikax removed one of his pouches from his waist and held it over his other hand. As soon as the pouch began to tilt a stream of gold coins started to emerge. Using some wind magic Mikax created a pocket of air that kept the coins from ever reaching his hand. Once it was the size of a watermelon he finally reattached the pouch to his waist.

"As you can see gold doesn't interest me. I have enough inside that pouch to buy every blade of grass inside your Kingdom." Stepping forward just a single step closer leaving the ball of coins circulating where he stood before.

After Mikax had planted his feet the Guardian Knight took this opportunity to step forward. "I am the Knight Captain Rotnam, you are wealthy to have such a splendid storage space, never mind the fact you say it's filled with gold. Would you be interested in maybe some items from our Royal Armory? There are plenty of amazing pieces that even I am unable to wield." This was Rotnam's attempt to undermine the Arch-mage that he was always butting heads with.

"Quiet an interesting offer, however, I will once again have to decline. I too have plenty of equipment that is gathering dust." Removing another one of his pouches from his waist he placed 2 fingers inside of the pouch as if he was pinching some spices to add to a delicious meal he was preparing. A moment later he removed a tower shield that he had acquired a decade ago during a raid.

Seeing this many people gasped at what seemed like a magic trick, he laid it flat on the ground and used his heel to kick the shield, sliding it across the room. Once it had come to a screeching halt at the base of the throne, Rotnam stepped down to retrieve it.

His eyes were as wide as they could get and his mouth hung slack. This shield was easily two times better than the one he was currently using. The material and runes inscribed on it were well beyond anything he had ever seen. Looking back at Mikax he had a newfound respect for the man and he seemed to be even more impressive than he originally had guessed. "Sir your shield here is truly a wonder. If this is gathering dust for you, I can't imagine how strong the pieces you choose to use are."

Mikax didn't dislike this man. He was a very straightforward person who didn't enjoy the politics of the court. "I have a question then good Knight, were you present when they decided to place these ugly anklets upon me?" Mikax had asked as a final test of his character.

"No Sir Mikax, if I had been I would have voiced my disagreement." The Knight began to approach him holding out the shield.

Not one to let a good opportunity slide Mikax had taken another two steps forward away from swirling ball of coins. Right as the shield was within arms reach he said "I appreciate you're honesty, keep the shield as a gift from me. Hopefully you don't die." There was an awkward pause before Mikax added "Because of it."

Everyone in the court's opinion, except for Rammir, had instantly improved of the Hero before them. To have given such a gift away for a man's honest opinion spoke volumes. Rotnam bowed deeply and expressed his thanks before returning beside the King his new shield by his side. Rotnam felt something was off about the way he had spoken but felt no malice from the hero, he did his best to inspect the shield for any traps or curses quickly and without being noticed to not offend the man who had given him it.

The King could feel that Mikax had a remuneration in mind. He hadn't spent the last 35 years of his life as a royal for nothing. "Please speak your mind Sir Mikax, if it is within my power then I will gladly trade it for my Kingdom's safety."

"Please don't regret your words then Dear King" Mikax had seen everyone in the room and knew the 3 children in the room belonged to him, 2 sons and a daughter. "You see I have just about everything a man could ever ask for inside of my pouches, yet, I can't seem to produce a wife for myself. Since you drug me all the way here and I am so very alone, I believe that I should be given a noble offer." While he spoke these words he slowly turned towards the corner of the room where his kids were.

The king's stomach was in knots. As soon as Mikax had begun talking he knew that he had been backed into a corner. In the world of Bedel people who had appraisal skills that worked on others and not just items were extremely rare. In the Azran kingdom, it could be counted on a single hand and 3 of them were currently in this room. He had never imagined that Mikax would have not only wealth, equipment, and physical power but also one of the rarest abilities in the world.

He could deny what Mikax was implying and simply command him with the <Slave Bracelets> that they had chosen to use as a last resort. This option would mean they could never release him though. Keeping him as a warrior on their side against his will wasn't the worst option but it would leave him with a terrible feeling of dread constantly looming over him.

With a heavy sigh, King Jearr motioned to the corner where his kids stood. "Come up here, all of you, and meet our Kingdoms hero." Without waiting to be told twice all 3 children approached the king and stood at the bottom of the podium steps and turned towards Mikax.

"These three are my pride and joy. On the left is my oldest, the Crown Prince Vinn, in the middle is my daughter Princess Hesa, and my youngest Prince Itol." The three each bowed or curtsied at the mention of their name.

"Is this your wish in exchange for saving our Kingdom? Would marrying my daughter Hesa be enough for you?" The King asked hoping that Mikax would not agree and ask for another noble daughter.

"She's pretty enough but a bit young for me I think," Mikax said dismissing the King's offer while leaving the King some wiggle room.

"Then how about once you have completed the task of saving my Kingdom from the demons we revisit the topic? She is but a year away from being a full-grown woman. By that time you should have made considerable headway in repealing the demon threat." The King was gracious that Mikax hadn't jumped at the opportunity. Buying himself some time would help him understand this hero and his motives.

"I think we can agree to revisit the topic in the future." Mikax walked the rest of the way to the podium until he was directly in front of Hesa. She was fairly short for a woman of Earth probably only reaching the 5' mark. Being a few inches over 6 foot tall himself he towered over her. He kneeled in front of her and put his hand out in front of him. Understanding his meaning the princess placed her hand on top of his.

"I hope you can forgive me, young lady. I would try and stay down if I were you." As those words left Mikax's mouth he pulled her hand jerking her towards the ground before sliding her towards one of the corners of the room. Everyone's eyes followed her as they watched how fast she was traveling towards the stone wall. Luckily for her one of the court bystanders was gentlemanly enough to dive in her way to slow down her movement.

Once everyone had seen that the Princess was going to make it out unscathed they returned their eyes to Mikax. To their surprise, he had drawn one of his daggers and was walking up the podium steps toward the King. When he was only a few steps away and was preparing to swing a voice rang out, "DO NOT MOVE!" It had come from the Court Arch-mage Rammir.

In that instance, Mikax's movements had stopped as if he was frozen in time. A collective sigh of relief was released from everyone present in the court.

"You see Your highness, giving ourselves a security measure against such an unknown person was a necessity just like I told you" Rammir we feeling very proud of himself currently for being the only person to see things as they were. "Come your Highness let's leave him stand there for a day to think about his choices and get you somewhere safer."

Rammir had grabbed the kings arm and begun to drag him towards the main entrance of the room. Rotnam had offered to retrieve Princess Hesa while the King and Rammir grabbed his sons. As the Arch-mage and the King and his sons began to pass the swirling ball of coins another voice quietly spoke out.

"Do not move."

Everyone's eyes snapped back to the frozen Mikax. How could he speak without moving. The orders from the <Slave Bracelets> were absolute, it should be a struggle to even breathe while being ordered not to move.

While all eyes were on Mikax he slowly moved his body into a casual position before taking the final few steps and sitting on the throne.

"How about we start the real negotiations King Jearr," Mikax had a sinister grin on his face as he lounged on the King's throne.