NOVPUB
Chapter 362: 362
Zephyr studied him, his silence more intimidating than any words. Finally, he spoke, his voice like ice. "And what amends could possibly satisfy Terra’s wrath? What could prevent him from flattening this city with a mountain?"
Nwadiebube’s mind raced. This was the moment he had dreaded and prepared for in equal measure. "I will offer reparations to Terra’s clan," he said firmly. "Gold, resources—whatever it takes to show that my kingdom takes full accountability. And more than that, I will make it clear to all who seek refuge here that their actions must not endanger the balance of power on this continent."
Zephyr raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Gold and resources? Do you think Terra as an apeling cares about trinkets and trade goods? Have our limited contact with your people made you forget about us to think treasures and what not will look enticing to us. Terra is not a man who values wealth, Boy. He values respect. And right now, you have very little of it."
"I will go further," Nwadiebube said, his voice hardening. "If Terra will accept it, I will send my finest builders and magi to aid his clan in repairing the damage caused by the priest. They will work under his command, for as long as he deems necessary. It won’t undo the past, but it will show my kingdom’s commitment to righting this wrong."
Zephyr looked at Nwadiebube like he was stupid "You think after all this, that I or my brother will let humans or your people step foot into our home and territory? Need i remind you kid that you’re not dealing with your fellow human so be careful with the words and offer that comes out of your mouth"
Nwadiebube’s jaw tightened, but he kept his expression calm, even as Zephyr’s words bit into him. The reminder of the vast gap between their worlds—the apelings’ pride, their power, their disdain for human ways—was one he could not afford to forget.
"My apologies," Nwadiebube said, his voice steady though he felt the heat rising in his chest. "I misspoke. My intention wasn’t to insult your brother or your people. My goal is to find a path forward that doesn’t escalate this further."
Zephyr folded his arms, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Then speak plainly, boy. If you’re hoping to salvage what little goodwill remains, tread carefully. My patience is not infinite." 𝘯𝑜𝘷𝘱𝘶𝘣.𝘤𝘰𝑚
Nwadiebube took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully this time. "I understand that my actions—or lack of foresight—have led us here. I will not insult Terra, or you, with half-measures or empty promises. If there is a way to prove my respect and commitment without crossing boundaries, I am willing to hear it."
Zephyr leaned back slightly, his gaze still sharp but less overtly hostile. "At least you’re learning to listen. Good. But respect isn’t something you can hand over like a gift. It’s earned. And after what’s happened, you have a mountain to climb."
Nwadiebube nodded, accepting the rebuke. "Then guide me, Zephyr. I know I cannot erase the past, but I can shape what comes next. What would Terra see as a true act of reparations? What would show him that my people are not his enemies?"
For the first time, Zephyr’s expression softened—though only slightly. "You ask for guidance, but you’ll find none from me. Terra is not a simple man, and his forgiveness is not mine to offer. However..." He paused, as if weighing his words. "If you truly wish to begin earning his respect, you will not grovel. You will not offer trinkets or hollow gestures. You will prove your worth through action, not words."
"And what kind of action?" Nwadiebube pressed, his brow furrowing.
Zephyr’s lips curled into a faint, almost predatory smile. "That’s for you to decide. But know this: Terra respects strength—not the kind that comes from brute force or gold, but the strength of character, of resolve. Show him that you’re not just another arrogant human scrambling for favor. Show him you understand the weight of what’s happened and are willing to bear it without complaint."
The room fell into silence, the tension thick in the air. Nwadiebube met Zephyr’s gaze, a flicker of determination sparking in his eyes. "I will find a way," he said quietly but firmly. "Not to appease, but to prove that I can stand as an equal, not a threat."
Zephyr’s smile faded, replaced by an expression of faint intrigue. "We’ll see, boy. For your sake, I hope you mean that."
"Now, i have another question for you, What happened to the branch stolen by the priest?"
Nwadiebube did his best to keep his composure as Zephyr continued "Our information states that there was a second party that made an appearance at the attack and their goal for for the branch, do you have any idea who those second party are"
Nwadiebube knows the most challenging part has come but he knows that no matter what happens he was never going to tell the truth on this, the branch was in his hand and turned out to be a very important treasure.
He even may have angered a god because of the branch which he had come to terms with, the only issue now was how to get past this currently.
Nwadiebube inhaled deeply, steadying himself. Zephyr’s sharp gaze bore into him, demanding answers. Lying outright to someone as perceptive as Zephyr was dangerous, but the truth was far worse. He had to tread carefully.
"Second party?" Nwadiebube echoed, his tone calm but measured. "I never heard whispers of a third group, yes. But details were scarce. If you should know the priest’s zealotry had earned him no shortage of enemies who might have seen his action as an opportunity to please your people"
Zephyr’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "A convenient vagueness. Are you certain that’s all you know?"
"That is all i truly know, I rather should ask your majesty if you had gotten the branch back but instead want to defame me and my people because of your suspicion" Nwadiebube said as he stared at Zephyr.
Zephry raised a brow as Nwadiebube continued "The priest might have had people keeping an eye on him and looking for opportunity to catch him off guard and offer him up to your people, it’s people that such people could be the third party involved"
"And if this branch is from your people, I have no doubt it would be an artifact that will arouse greed on those who lay their bare eyes on it"
Zephyr stared at Nwadiebube as he brought up his hypothesis before laughing out loud, Zephyr tried controlling it but he couldn’t so he let himself go on for a while before calming down.
Nwadiebube meanwhile clenched his fist as he picked up that Zephyr didn’t believe the words coming from his mouth.
Zephyr had a look of pity in his eyes as he stared at Nwadiebube "You boy don’t strike me as someone bright, just from our few conversation just now you strike as someone impulsive, ambitious and with illusion of grandeur"
"I looked at you as someone smart because of the great kingdom you led but now I question if it truly was done by you or the one hiding in the pillar over there" Zephyr said as he looked to the side.
An armoured female figure stepped out from the shadow, Princess Nwadimma bowed toward Zephyr as she found herself a place to sit.
"I thought I had hidden well" She said as she smiled at Zephyr.
Zephyr shook his head "You did well but there is no hiding from me"
The princess nodded as she said "To your previous words, your majesty. It was the hard work of My brother and I that led us to leading one of the greatest human kingdom in this continent"
Zephyr nodded as he said "That i understand but your brother words and action makes me have doubt of his capabilities"
Nwadiebube’s composure wavered momentarily, his fists clenched tighter as he shot a quick glance at Nwadimma. The sight of her calm demeanour only fuelled his frustration.
"Your Majesty," Nwadimma began, her voice smooth and diplomatic, "my brother has always been one to rely on his instincts and strength. But as you know, sometimes the heart can outpace the mind. He means well, but his methods are... unconventional."
Zephyr tilted his head, studying her with a faint smirk. "Unconventional is putting it kindly, Princess. I expected a more convincing web of deceit, not one so riddled with holes."
Nwadiebube, no longer able to hold back, spoke up. "You may think little of me, Zephyr, but don’t mistake my boldness for incompetence. My kingdom didn’t rise to greatness by accident, nor by chance." His voice was firm, though tinged with defiance.
Zephyr’s gaze shifted back to him, unimpressed. "Bold words for someone who dances on the edge of destruction. Do you believe deflecting with bravado will save you from my brother’s wrath or mine?"
