Lucifer was the first to break the silence, “soon the Magedom will invade”

Arthus’ gaze sharpened as he replied “for you I presume, do you know when”

Slightly surprised and happy that his opponent wasn’t an idiot he replied, “I don’t know when, however, it has been months since the duchy attacked this city with knowledge of my existence, so it won’t be much longer before the Magedom sends its armies”

Arthus frowned as he guessed “probably before winter, the only pass in the north of Swadia that cuts through to the Magedom becomes almost impassable during winter, a small elite group could manage, but sending an army through would be impossible once the snow starts falling”

“I’ve heard you became a King based on your battle experience” added Lucifer.

Arthus nodded “war is my specialty which is good because I rule such a target rich country”, the underlying threat didn’t escape Lucifer.

Lucifer proposed “an alliance would be beneficial for both of us”

Arthus countered “so you’re trying to drag me into your fight, why would I get involved in a fight I can’t win when the enemy would simply leave after taking you”

Lucifer grinned slightly as he rebutted, “riches for a start, I had Ahri show you around the dungeon to get that point across, but it seems you’re not that greedy, perhaps you are interested in whether your country will remain yours”

“is that a threat” growled Arthus.

Lucifer chuckled “no, a threat is something you do to someone who you want to act a certain way, I’m simply telling you the course of events that will occur, first they will come with armies capable of reaching from the north side of your kingdom to the south where I am.

I don’t think I need to remind you what happens to land that armies tread upon, Second, do you think that the Magedom will miss this opportunity to take your kingdom on the way--”

Arthus interrupted “Swadia is not something you can take “on your way”

Lucifer was amused and continued “well perhaps they don’t use this opportunity to take the kingdom, how long will it take before they defeat the warrior kingdom with my capture and turn their gaze to you”

…

Lucifer paused for effect then added “I’ve also heard that it was an assassin from the Magedom that crippled you”

Arthus grimaced at the word “crippled”, he wasn’t completely sure the Magedom sent the assassin, but it seemed likely.

While Arthus contemplated Lucifer casually said “its quite genius, cripple the King with a divine body to prevent him from reunifying his lands, then set the splintered duchies after each-other to further reduce the national power. If this guess is true then the Magedom likely has a few tricks to deal with the warrior kingdom too”

By now Arthus’ face was grim and his hatred for his older brother burned a few times hotter, if he just handed the throne to Arthus then the kingdom would be whole and the Magedom wouldn’t be a threat, then he could defend his sentient dungeon and bring about a second golden age.

After sighing deeply Arthus said “even if we form an alliance it means nothing if we aren’t powerful enough to stop their armies”

Lucifer was pleased the negotiation was moving along as planned, he happily replied “then we just need to take the duchies back”

“how” asked Arthus.

“I’m a dungeon, so naturally I have underground paths that would prove useful to your armies” replied Lucifer.

Arthus abruptly stood up and almost shouted “where do these tunnels go and when did you make them”, causing the woman and Ahri to both draw blades from the abrupt movement.

Lucifer chuckled and waved the two women down before replying “well I’ve been making tunnels since I first learned to dig if you must know, and as for the tunnels exits, well most you don’t need to know about, but the one you should be most interested in would be the one that goes directly into the eleven Forrest”

Selenia’s head whipped towards Lucifer at the mention of her homeland, but she remained quiet and decided to ask about it later.

HAHAHA “Arthus began laughing madly, he never imagined he would be able to take back the duchies this soon.

Lucifer watched the kings antics for a while before dumping cold water on his ideas, “access to those tunnels isn’t free!”, immediately sobering up Arthus.

Arthus calmed down and directly asked “what do you want in exchange”

Lucifer smiled genuinely this time as he replied “First, if I am attacked your armies will assist in full force as if you yourself are being attacked. Second, this city above me is mine, you can keep your pawn Albus D’ellinoris if I remember correctly, as the noble in charge, however, I will set my own laws for the city itself as I deem fit. Third, you will send all your kingdoms prisoners here who are sentenced to death, I will deal with them”

The longer Lucifer talked the more alarming Arthus found his smile. Arthus ignored the shiver sent down his spine and started negotiating, “The first one is not difficult, allies should defend each-other, the third is also easy enough although slightly costly to move them, but asking a King for a separate state inside his territory”

Lucifer interrupted, “would you allow your allies to have their own personal armies inside your castle”

“that’s not the same thing”

Lucifer rebutted, “then I will make a dungeon underneath your castle and you will have no complaints”

…

Arthus’ expression looked as if someone kicked his dog, but he conceded “fine, you can have the city, but you cannot create any pathways or dungeons near my capital cities”

Lucifer chuckled “I agree”

Arthus then sat forward and asked “so when can we use the tunnels to attack”

“patience Arthus, I happen to know that the duchies are fighting each-other for the right to take your brothers weakened duchy, so get your armies ready and discreetly get them to this city, I have a tunnel that passes a weeks march or so north of your city they can use to get here”

Although this sounded like a trap Arthus’ instincts told him that it was okay and most importantly of all, he didn’t really have a choice.