As all of this unfolded in Avaloria, the monarchs of the other nations were still seated around the obsidian table, deep in discussion—refining the joint strategy Alex had laid out to support one another's fronts.

Thalion's gaze shifted toward Alex. "Alex," he said, "the Elven Empire needs the cure for Abyssal Corruption."

He folded his hands. "The dark elves attacking our northern front are using forbidden dark arts that inflict abyssal corruption. We suspect the Cult of the Abyss is aiding them. The corruption is becoming a real problem for us."

Damon nodded. "Same problem on our side."

One after another, the other rulers spoke.

"Same here."

"Our forces are suffering from it as well."

Selvic grunted. "I tried to replicate that antidote using the most advanced technology in the dwarven empire. No success so far."

Evelyn stepped forward slightly. "We know. And I am ready to supply—but the price will be three times—"

"The price will be five times the usual rate from before," Alex cut in smoothly.

Evelyn blinked, surprised, turning her head toward him.

Around the table, several jaws dropped.

Sylphoria raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that daylight robbery, Alex?"

Alex met her gaze without flinching. "So what if it is? My nation's economy is on the brink of collapse. Right now is the time for you all to support it… since you failed to do so before."

The room went quiet.

Thalion was the first to break the silence. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Alright. I agree. I'll pay five times the usual amount."

One by one, the others followed.

"So will I."

"Fine."

"If that's the price, then so be it."

Only Cian spoke with a different tone. "Don't forget our deal from before, Alex. We agreed that you'd supply the cure to us for free, in exchange for me returning those shares to you."

Alex nodded. "Don't worry. I'll keep my promise. It's just… there's a little problem."

Cian's eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?"

"The trade route we established before isn't safe anymore," Alex said. "So, for the risk we're taking, you'll at least pay us three times the usual price. Isn't that fair?"

A vein popped on Cian's forehead. His mouth twitched. "You scamming bastard. We made a deal, remember?"

"That's the thing," Alex replied calmly. "You made that deal in front of Edward Evans Avaloria. The previous king. He's dead now. You made the promise to him, to force *me* to keep it. Remember, I didn't sign any mana contract for that deal."

Cian's face turned red with anger. He stood up sharply. "You little—"

Saintess Liana placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and whispered something in his ear.

Cian clenched his jaw, then slowly sat down again. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll pay you three times. But this time, I want a written mana contract."

Alex smiled.

He reached into his coat and pulled out a stack of documents. "Already prepared," he said, passing one to each monarch.

As they scanned the contracts, several of them froze.

Then Damon suddenly burst into laughter. Selvic followed with a low chuckle.

Damon glanced at Alex. "You already had these contracts prepared. That means you *knew* we'd agree to sign them, didn't you?"

Selvic shook his head. "The kid is starting to scare me."

Alex smirked. "It's always a pleasure sca— I mean, doing business with good people like you."

One after another, the rulers sighed and signed their copies, accepting the terms.

Now, all of them understood something very clearly about Alex Dragonheart.

He was not someone you wanted as an enemy—if you were wise.

---

The system's voice rang in Alex's head. [ Host, correct me if I'm imagining things… but you first "allowed" information to leak so they'd all take heavy damage and desperately need the antidote. And now you're selling it at five times the normal price. Are you… evil incarnate? ]

'How dare you accuse me of such a thing,' Alex thought back. 'As the beloved king of my nation, I'm doing everything I can to support my people. Do you think I'm a selfish, greedy bastard who just loves money?'

There was a brief pause.

[ I do. ]

Alex's eye twitched. 'I'm done talking to useless voices. Keep your mouth shut.'

---

His gaze drifted toward Elaria, the elven princess.

She was standing behind Thalion, but unlike before, she looked unusually tense. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them in front of her, amber eyes repeatedly sneaking glances in Alex's direction.

Alex frowned. 'That's odd…'

"So you noticed too, huh," Alicia murmured quietly behind him. "She's been looking this way for a while. Like she wants to say something. But every time, the Elven King shuts her down."

"Oh?" Alex whispered back. "Why is that?"

Before Alicia could answer, Elaria leaned toward Thalion, whispering something urgently.

Thalion's jaw tightened. He whispered back—too quietly for most to hear.

Suddenly, Elaria snapped.

"Are you going to sacrifice her just like that?!" she shouted, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You have to at least ask *him*!"

The entire hall's attention shifted to them.

Thalion's expression darkened as he spoke in a low voice only she and a few nearby could hear. "Baby, I know what you're going through. But for one person, I cannot enslave our entire race."

Tears welled in Elaria's eyes.

She stepped away from her father and walked toward Alex, her footsteps unsteady but determined.

Alex straightened. "Uh… hello to you too," he said, a little nervous under her intense stare.

Up close, her beauty was undeniable.

Her long blond hair shimmered like spun gold, falling in soft waves down her back. Her amber eyes were bright yet clouded with worry, like embers barely held together by resolve. Her features were delicately sculpted, her skin pale and smooth, and she wore an elegant elven dress woven from forest-green and silver threads, hugging her form with effortless grace.

Elaria's amber eyes met his ocean-blue ones.

"Alex," she said, voice trembling but clear,

"please… save my mother."

------

A/N:

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