Chapter 808 Give And Take  

"My Great Ratholos Empire has hunted and eaten these sea monsters for centuries. I can assure you that they are quite safe to eat, Empress Astoria. Moreover, they provide plenty of health benefits as well," Emperor Varan replied before adding, "But of course, we do make adequate preparations to ensure that stays the case."

"I, myself, have dissected countless sea monsters during my active hunting days, so I'm quite knowledgeable about sea monsters. You see, these sea monsters, regardless of their species, all have a special organ for storing all the toxins in their bodies."

"As long as this toxin-storing organ is carefully removed without spillage, the sea monster's inner layer of meat will be safe to consume as is. The outer meat, on the other hand, requires a strict cleansing and cooking process before it reaches our safe standards for consumption."

"If you are not reassured, I can show our usual procedure for prepping the sea monsters before we discuss this business further," Emperor Varan suggested.

"Alright, let's do that, but later," Henrietta nodded before seriously mentioning, "Besides trading and cooperation, there's something else we should also discuss, Emperor Varan."

"Oh?" Emperor Varan was mildly surprised for a moment. But after seeing Henrietta's solemn expression, his mood also shifted.

"You want to discuss potential joint strategies to guard our countries against the movements of other countries, Queen Henrietta?"

"So you are aware of the issue, Emperor Varan. That's right," Henrietta nodded before saying, "When Great Devil Abaddon completed his ritual and plunged your imperial capital into chaos with his vampiric forces, only our Black Rose Empire and Holy Knight Empire mobilized our armies to aid your country."

"On the other hand, the Divine League and Nine Kingdoms Alliance, the closest countries to your Great Ratholos Empire, did nothing but strengthen their borders and cut off trade routes, according to the Red Dragon Clan's scout reports in the past three days."

"By now, the rest of the world has learned of Great Devil Abaddon's descent and that we were the only countries to come to your aid. They will subconsciously lump us together even if they don't know about your recently sworn allegiance to Lord Vaan."

"I don't think I need to stress what this entails, right?" Henrietta asked.

"Right," Emperor Varan calmly nodded and said, "The combined territory and military might of two empires and seven witch kingdoms would be quite alarming to the other countries."

"It isn't farfetched to say that our unified alliance occupies the entire northern continent. I'm afraid the Divine League or the Nine Kingdoms Alliance wouldn't like this."

"Thus, there's a high possibility of them either seeking to expand their own alliances to match ours or secretly act to sabotage our relationship and break up our alliance," Emperor Varan speculated.

"I'm glad you know the situation well, Emperor Varan," Henrietta seemingly praised him before continuing, "It won't be easy for the Divine League and the Nine Kingdoms Alliance to expand their influence just because they want to. On the other hand, plotting against your Great Ratholos Empire would be simpler."

"So, for everyone's benefit, let us hope that you don't stumble and fall for their trickery, then start blaming us for other people's schemes," Henrietta coolly stated.

"I'm of the same thought as Henrietta," Astoria chimed.

Emperor Varan smiled ruefully before replying, "You both seem quite sure I will fall for their schemes and start blaming you two, Queen Henrietta and Empress Astoria."

"What can I say? Your country practically has zero defenses against magic. If the Divine League or the Nine Kingdoms Alliance are adept in magic, it would be quite easy to mislead your people and create tension between our countries," Henrietta nonchalantly shrugged.

Emperor Varan smiled even more ruefully before saying, "Isn't that why I am seeking magic scholars and teachers from your countries to develop our magic faculty in a bid to catch up?"

"I didn't deny your efforts towards that working direction, Emperor Varan," Henrietta shook her head and said, "I'm simply saying that it will take time to realize that."

"Were you planning to leave your country in such a magic-

vulnerable state until your defense against magic espionage and sabotage caught up to standard?" "You mean…"

"My Black Rose Army is available for hire if you also need battle witches to guard your borders and cities, Emperor Varan," Henrietta casually mentioned.

In that instant, Emperor Varan immediately understood Henrietta's intention and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

The suggestion itself wasn't a bad idea. After all, national security was quite important in ensuring the country's stability from exterior threats. However, Emperor Varan already had too many things on his plate.

He wasn't sure where he would find the funds to support them all.

"Mana stones aren't the only thing we are interested in, Emperor Varan. We are not that greedy for your country's mana stones. We are also interested in your country's body-refining methods and martial arts knowledge," Astoria mentioned.

"If we can learn your country's body-refining methods and martial arts knowledge, both my Holy Knight Empire and Henrietta's Black Rose Empire will benefit from it. Thus, if you are willing to trade, we can exchange mana stones for them."

"This should provide you with additional funds to invest in other areas you found short. What do you think of this, Emperor Varan?" Astoria asked shortly after.

Emperor Varan wore a thoughtful look.

Although it didn't seem like a good idea to sell his country's body-refining methods and martial arts knowledge to other countries, that was in the past.

Now that they were on the same side, it was good to exchange what they had in excess and take what they needed. It was a give-and-take relationship; there was no loss and only gains.

More importantly, it was true that his country needed additional security in magical forces. His country would be at the mercy of the Divine League and the Nine Kingdoms Alliance if they had secretly developed advanced magic units.

Furthermore, the Divine League and Nine Kingdoms Alliance weren't the only concerns.

With the shift in power dynamics, the Freedom Federation and other forces might also act to restore the balance.