The Bralfam was different to many of the other clan chiefs, that much was clear from the first moment that Eisen met him. He had expected to be doubted by most of them, and someone like the Cloud Giant chieftain that simply believed him would most likely not appear again either. But the Bralfam was able to ignore his own doubts, and realized that if a king visited, then it had to be a serious situation. Generally, if it was anyone beside Eisen, then the Grandour's reaction would have led to a war pretty quickly.
Glad that the Bralfam was so open to listen to him, he started to explain, "You heard of the Artificial people created in the central continent?"
"I have indeed. Though I wasn't sure whether to believe this or not. Absolute control over life – that is something that not even the great Jyuuk achieved in his entire lifetime, so it's ludicrous to imagine for this to change suddenly," the Bralfam pointed out, but Eisen just returned a smile, "Believe it or not, but the five of us are actually involved in this."
"The five of you? Ah, so this is related to your claims, after all? I apologize, but while I am trying to be respectful, it is still hard for me to believe you so quickly..." as if he was actually and genuinely sorry for not being ale to believe in Eisen's words, the Bralfam put down the cup that he was drinking from.
"Don't worry, your approach to this still makes a lot of sense. I can't really blame anyone for not believing me right away either, it is a rather ridiculous claim, after all," Eisen pointed out with a smile, still glad that he was able to have a civilized exchange about this sort of thing instead of having to immediately prove himself somehow, "In that case, just listen to me and my explanation for now. It's not like you need to believe in me right away; as long as you're on our side during the council meeting, that's all that matters. And by then, I'll have prepared enough proof to a.s.sure you that I am who I am. Until then, simply think about what I tell you, and what it would mean if I am indeed telling the truth."
The Bralfam considered Eisen's words carefully, slowly nodding his head after a few moments, "Let's try it that way. Then please, tell me."
Eisen smiled and crossed his legs, "In the heavens, there exists a man that found himself above the G.o.ds, as though he is their ruler. He's called the 'Administrator'," the old man started, and then continued to tell the Bralfam about Samuel and the control that he had not only over the G.o.ds, but over all the beings in this world. Of course, he also focused on the fact that Samuel was able to possess certain beings of this world, mostly without any hindrance.
"He can simply take over one's body? If that's the case, why isn't he taking over yours?" the Bralfam asked; it was a logical question to come up, but sadly, Eisen didn't really have an answer for that, "My only guess is that... there are certain rules that prevent him from doing so, even if I obviously don't really know the specifics. Any magic has its limitations and strengths."
"That… does make sense," with a deep sigh, the Bralfam leaned back in his seat. Until now, Eisen hadn't really given him any reason to believe what he was saying; rather, it all sounded like the rambling of a senile old man. Sure, the Bralfam had lived long enough to know that there were certain things in this world that were hard, if not nigh impossible, to explain. But that didn't mean that he believed in anything and everything that he was told. The only reason why he was even considering any of this as a potential truth was because this man in front of him was a king; and the king of the country that the five that peaked had led in the past at that.
"I can see that you're doubtful, so again, just keep this all in mind in the future," Eisen told the Bralfam once more, but the Giant chieftain slowly dove into contemplation for a few moments, before finally speaking again, "This Administrator... I a.s.sume that he doesn't just do these things for fun."
A little surprised that the Bralfam was taking this information in with such a serious mindset, Eisen nodded, "You're right, he doesn't. Basically... the 'Experience' that us five that peaked had acc.u.mulated throughout our lifetimes has been taken from us, and was used to create the Artificials. These Artificials are people who treat this world as a game... and the Administrator is trying to make sure they have fun playing it."
The Bralfam's calm expression from before, although it may not have changed much, suddenly seemed much more tense. The metal cup in the Bralfam's hand was beginning to let out cries as it bent under the pressure of the enraged giant's grasp, "The Administrator is possessing people to turn this world into one that is entertaining to those things?"
"...That's right. And one of the things that he is trying to cause is-"
"That d.a.m.ned war. n.o.body truly wanted it – until not too long ago, it seemed as though the countries of the central continent did not either, but then, as if out of nowhere, things changed. Trading routes dried up, the borders closed... but even then, their people came and and attacked ours... The officials denied it, of course, saying that bandits fled their countries to come to ours, but I simply never believed that..." Eisen watched as the air around the Bralfam continued to change, growing more tense by the second. It was as if the wind itself was turning to stone the moment it touched the giant's body.
However, Eisen was confused, "I'm surprised... what made you suddenly believe me after all?"
"I always a.s.sumed that there was foul play involved. While your story may sound impossible at first, it fills in many gaps," the Bralfam explained, before locking eyes with Eisen, "Though, you must be aware that I am only speaking of the fact that an outward force manipulated the countries of the central continent into starting a war. It does not mean that I believe you to be the who you claim."
Slightly disappointed, even if he hadn't expected much to begin with, Eisen smiled, "That's more than I had hoped for. Either way, you don't seem to want this war – neither does Asgard. At the coming council meeting, I will propose a cooperative relations.h.i.+p between us. Effectively, this only means a trading treaty, and if it comes to a war between the giant country and the countries of the central continent after all, Asgard will stand by your side. It's nothing negative for this country in the slightest."
The Bralfam looked at Eisen with a suspicious glance, "And what do you want in return for this treaty?"
"Hm?" Eisen raised his brow, "Sorry, there was a misunderstanding, just with this, Asgard gains a lot. You're not trading with the central continent anymore, so with that trading treaty, we would gain a monopoly on goods from the giant country. Furthermore... Asgard is directly inbetween this country and the central continent. We'd be dragged into this war one way or another; standing by your side in case it comes down to it is obviously only favorable."
"...Your proposal won't just stop there, I a.s.sume. If nothing changes, then this war will happen, though I doubt you want this."
"...With us by your side, this country will be the clear winner in this war. Not just because of the prowess of our own military, but because we can considerably change the opinions of the artificials if we want to. Plenty of them will end up joining this side as well. Winning this war would change plenty of problems – it would allow us to take control of certain political sectors of the central continent, in one way or another. More importantly, it would p.i.s.s off the Administrator more than anything," Eisen pointed out, looking to the side over toward the town, "However, war is the worst outcome in the first place. The ones that will suffer will be the people – the artificials can't die, they'll simply enjoy it. But the people of this world will die, and be lost forever. Especially... because Giants are, by the rules of this world... 'Monsters'."
"...We are different from beasts in the wild. On the battlefield, this won't make a difference."
"You say that, but from the view of the Artificials, killing a Giant may as well be one of the greatest achievements possible, just after slaying a dragon."