Dragon King's Harem Chapter 328. Skepticism II

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 328. Skepticism II

Viperax attempted to salvage his pride, asserting, “That baron, he was very cunning, so I fell into his trap,” as if this lapse in judgment was an exception rather than a reflection of his usual discernment.

I seized the moment to challenge his decision-making. “But for a king who fell for a baron’s words without investigation and immediately sent a letter demanding responsibility to another king. Isn't that too much? Who knows how many people have betrayed you behind your back?” I probed, underscoring the gravity of his oversight.

Once again, his response faltered into silence. The weight of my words lingered in the air, exposing the vulnerability of a leader who had been outmaneuvered by cunning deception. The dynamics of our encounter shifted, and I could sense the subtle erosion of his confidence.

'Yup, that's another checkmate,' I thought, savoring the taste of victory while concealing my smirk. His visible panic fueled my satisfaction, a testament to the intensity of his internal struggle as he scrambled for a way out.

“I will investigate it then,” he conceded, his tone betraying a hint of resignation. While his words promised an inquiry, the skepticism lingered, signaling his reluctance to delve into the tangled web of deceit. I knew he wouldn't genuinely investigate, but I anticipated the cunning plan he might concoct to deceive me.

“A month. I hope I get some news within a month,” I asserted firmly, setting a deadline for accountability.

“That's--- I can't be sure. We're busy, I'm busy. There are many things that need to be handled in my tribe," he offered his excuse, attempting to dilute the urgency of my timeline.

I maintained my unwavering gaze, unyielding in my demand for prompt action. The subtle power play between us continued, each word and gesture a move on the chessboard of negotiation. The unspoken challenge hung in the air.

But this time, I wouldn't just let it slip. My determination cut through the air. "Then I had an idea. What if our tribes collaborated to solve this problem? Let's start with the factory first," I proposed, laying my cards on the table.

Once again, he furrowed his brow. "Collaborate? Explain what you mean by collaborating. If it will only hinder the investigation, I will refuse," he responded, a trace of displeasure coloring his words.

"Let me clarify—I'll send one or two people whom I genuinely trust to assist you in resolving the factory issue. How's that?” I offered, a subtle smile playing on my lips. It was a seemingly harmless proposition, designed to appear cooperative. Yet, beneath the surface, I harbored a more intricate plan.

"Someone you really trust? You mean you want to put this person as the leader of my investigation team?" he questioned, his discontent evident.

I leaned back, maintaining my calm facade. "I can't say that. They'll simply assist you in the investigation and help untangle the hostages issue. How does that sound?” I posed the question, watching the intricate dance of thoughts play across his face.

Silence settled between us, a charged pause pregnant with the weight of decision. His lizard eyes scrutinized me, probing for any hidden motives or traps within my offer. In that moment, I could almost hear the internal debate raging within him—weighing the potential benefits against the risks.

Viperax's skepticism lingered in the air, palpable as he continued probing the details of our arrangement.

"What if they disappeared without a word?" he pressed, his gaze scrutinizing my every reaction.

I maintained my composure, meeting his questioning eyes with unwavering certainty. "They won’t disappear without a word," I asserted, injecting an air of finality into my response.

His suspicion persisted. "What if they lie?" he posed another scenario, attempting to unearth potential pitfalls.

A confident smile played on my lips. "They also couldn't possibly lie," I replied, emphasizing the assurance in my words.

The furrow in his brow deepened as he sought to unravel the source of my confidence. "How can you be so sure about that?" he questioned, his tone laced with suspicion.

Leaning forward slightly, I met his gaze with a steady look. "I'm sure because I know that won't happen," I stated firmly, underlining my conviction with a sense of authority.

Viperax's eyes narrowed, observing me intently. "You are very confident, Argod," he remarked, his skepticism still lingering in the atmosphere.

I didn't waver, returning his gaze with a calm assurance. "Yes," I affirmed, the simplicity of my response carrying the weight of certainty.

"Fine. But like I said, if they disappear without a word, don't blame me," Viperax agreed, his tone carrying an undertone of suspicion that wasn't lost on me. It was evident he was already contemplating his own moves, a chess player considering the possibilities.

"Deal," I affirmed, acknowledging the unspoken chess game we were entering. "Instead, if they find evidence and you agree, they will also take action. Let's say they will destroy the factory," I proposed, each word carefully chosen. I made it clear that the collaboration wasn't a one-sided affair. "Of course, with your permission," I added, emphasizing the respect for his authority. "They will also release the hostages and have the authority to take them home. Do you agree?" I sought his confirmation, anchoring our deal in mutually beneficial terms.

"Deal," he responded in a nonchalant tone, as if sealing the pact with a casual nod.

"Great. Then we have to do this as quickly as possible. You know I hate everything slow," I declared, my impatience evident in the way I rose from my seat. With a snap of my fingers, Al approached. His confusion, a constant companion in these negotiations, was etched on his face once again.

I stood up, the subtle scrape of my chair against the ground echoing the gravity of the moment. A snap echoed through the tent, sharp and decisive. It cut through the tension. Al responded instantly. He moved with a fluid grace, navigating the room until he stood before me.

Viperax wore a frown of confusion. His reptilian eyes flickered with uncertainty, caught off guard by the sudden orchestration.