Huh? There's a magic school here.

"My esteemed sirs, I actually only stayed in their camp for a few days. Although I wasn't mistreated or harmed, I wasn't free either. I was only allowed a few hours of free time each day, and the rest of the time I was in my own quarters. However, through my interactions with them, they were quite friendly to me..."

"Oh, by the way, I was given a drug during my first interrogation. I don't remember what happened after the drug took effect."

Everyone fell into deep thought again, no one daring to speak. Luna Moonlight looked at the human archmage Gandalf, who immediately understood and shook his head. This meant that Gandalf had examined Claude and found nothing wrong; if the other party was so skilled that even Gandalf couldn't detect it, then any struggle would be futile.

Just as everyone was silent, a voice rang out.

"In any case, they are outsiders! Why should we believe that outsiders can coexist peacefully with us, especially when we are weak!"

"As you said, we are already so weak, what's the point of deceiving us? To say something you may not like to hear, we are powerless to reverse the situation. The Orc Empire and the outsiders from other worlds are both stronger than us, we can't really influence anything!"

“There is a difference. If the orcs win the final victory, we will be slaves for eternity! If the outsiders win, we may still have a place to stand!”

"The orcs also promised to leave us a place in the new world!"

"Can you convince everyone to leave the continent of Karen and move to another world? And how can you guarantee the orcs won't go back on their word? You have to understand that we've gotten to this point because of the orcs' betrayal and sneak attack. We have too many blood debts to settle with them!"

These words seemed to solidify the resolve of everyone present. Yes, we have too many blood debts to settle with the orcs. Clearly, the harm the orcs have inflicted on other races is indelible, to the point that people would rather believe in outsiders from another world than in the orcs themselves.

"I think we should meet with their envoy tomorrow! Since they have sent an envoy, it means there is room for negotiation. If their offer is satisfactory, I personally am unwilling to leave the Karen Continent!"

In the end, their attachment to the continent of Karen overcame their suspicions about the alien humans from another world, and everyone decided to talk and see what would happen!

The next morning, Andres and his group ate breakfast delivered by the Magic Alliance. Breakfast on the Karen Continent was indeed quite different; the bread here seemed to be made with special wheat, making it taste even better.

There was also delicious fried fish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, which really suited everyone's taste. Just as they were enjoying their meal, Claude pushed open the door and entered.

"Good morning, Mr. Andres! How is our breakfast? Isn't it better than the one at your camp? I have to complain, the main dishes at your camp are really not very tasty!"

"Haha, I'll find a way to report this to my superiors when I get back! You know this isn't an easy thing!"

“Of course, I understand. It’s the same in the City of Rest. We had a meeting last night and the elders decided to meet with you first before making a decision! After all, compared to the orcs, you are outsiders and we have more doubts!”

"That's understandable. In fact, we've never had contact with creatures from other worlds! This is the first time for you, Karen Continent!"

"Oh? You haven't encountered a portal before?"

"You call it a spatial gate? We call it a spatial rift, because to us it seems to tear space apart! Of course, that's not important. What's important is that the orcs of the Karen Continent don't seem friendly!"

Claude didn't refute this, but simply shrugged in agreement, then found a seat, poured himself a glass of juice, and began chatting with the wizards at the table.

“That’s right, Annie’s Potions Shop is now the most popular potions shop in Rest City. I’ve never been there; I can brew the potions I need myself. I’ve only heard about it. It seems that the shop was founded by a group of mage apprentices. I heard they only sell basic potions, but the price is cheap!”

"What? You want to bring some gifts back for your girlfriend? No problem, I've got your hands on it! Women all love sparkly gems, and I'm sure women from other worlds are no exception. There's a jewelry store run by elves that would definitely suit you; it's not far from here, just a bit inconspicuous!"

Claude chatted with the wizards for almost an hour before turning to Andres and reiterating the elders' request for a face-to-face meeting. Andres, who had come to negotiate, readily agreed to the request.

After having breakfast, Andres and his party arrived at the City Hall of Rest.

Upon entering the city hall, Andres was allowed to bring two people with him into the Senate; the rest had to wait outside. Andres agreed to this request and randomly selected two people to accompany him inside, while the others rested outside.

As Andres and his entourage entered the Senate, the gates slowly closed. Then, torches were lit one by one to illuminate the Senate, which was supported by four massive stone pillars, with a red carpet stretching from the entrance to the steps.

A dozen or so stone seats were arranged in a fan shape on the steps. This layout of the Senate greatly displeased Andres; it felt like being judged by those above! Sensing this show of force, Andres naturally wanted to find a way to turn the tables, otherwise he would be bullied to death in this negotiation!

Andres was right; he had been invited to the Senate because the elders wanted to put him in a superior position. This was proposed by Willen Phillips, who believed that negotiations relied on momentum, and the City of Rest couldn't afford to lose in that regard.

Iron Hammer·Fire didn't have as many thoughts, so it was the first to speak.

"Outsider, state your purpose!"

"We came with good intentions, but it seems you are not so friendly!"

"what do you mean?"

"Am I, as an envoy, supposed to just stand here and negotiate with you?"

"We are very sorry that this was our oversight, but only the elders have seats in the Senate! There are no extra seats for you, and we apologize for that!"

"It's okay, please allow us to find a solution ourselves."

After speaking, Andres drew his wand and pointed it at the ground. The ground beneath Andres' feet instantly rose until it was level with the top of the steps. Then, three sofas appeared out of thin air behind Andres, and the three of them sat down.