I raised my hand, waiting for an answer.

  The orc leader watched me for a moment before accepting my gesture. His hands were rough, calloused by the weight of battle and time, but his grip was firm. This simple contact sealed our agreement.

  - Miss Satouma, count on me. - Starko'gus said, his tone laced with seriousness. - As for the outcome of this, it may sound long-term, but with your support it will be easier to get the resources I need to fulfill my part of the bargain.

  I nodded, understanding his words. This wasn't a problem that would be solved overnight, but an initial step had been taken.

  - “But I must say,” he continued, letting out a heavy sigh, “don't expect too much from such an old and wounded dwarf.

  I tilted my head slightly and gave him an appraising look.

  - Of course... If I'm going to count on your support, it can't go on like this, can it?

  - I beg your pardon?

  The confusion on his face was evident.

  Without answering immediately, I took a step forward, shortening the distance between us.

  Without any ceremony, I touched the wound on her stomach. His skin was warm under my fingers, the flesh scarred by the effort of a lifetime of battles. I had healed this wound before, but its condition was still not ideal.

  - It might hurt a bit... or not...

  My power flowed once again, this time with more intensity.

  A familiar current of energy ran through my arms, and I felt the immediate effect of the magic. The scar tissue regenerated quickly, but beyond that, I could see something deeper.

  Whenever I heal someone, I end up feeling the traumas that have been imprinted on their bodies.

  Orcs, for example, often experience extreme muscle fatigue after a battle. Warrior ants, on the other hand, are incredibly sensitive in the joints and suffer from continuous fatigue due to their protective crust.

  But in the case of Lord Starko'gus... his condition was specific.

  In addition to his blind eye, his body bore the marks of old wounds. A weakness in one of his legs caught my eye - as if it had been broken a long time ago and had never fully healed.

  But now, like the cut on his belly, it was no longer a problem.

  - “Right,” I muttered. - “I can't count on someone who's injured to go ahead with my plans. Consider this a small payment for our conversation.

  Silence fell between us.

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  He blinked a few times, bringing his hand to the spot where his wound used to be. His fingers groped the now smooth, unscarred skin. Then, before he could even formulate a sentence, he suddenly stood up.

  And that's when something unexpected happened.

  He rubbed his blind eye, his fingers trembling.

  - How's the vision? - I asked, watching his reaction carefully.

  - That's... How are you...?

  He seemed speechless, his expression brimming with incredulity.

  I crossed my arms and let out a small sigh.

  - To be honest, it was just a bet. I didn't know my sight would be restored... I thought it might, at most, relieve the exhaustion.

  It was fascinating.

  My healing had already proved powerful enough to restore ligaments and mend broken bones. But to recover something as delicate as sight? That, ironically, was like taking a shot in the dark.

  Starko'gus still seemed to be absorbing what had happened. His eyes were wide, his breathing slightly rapid.

  - Not even the most refined healing potions with the perfect synthesis are capable of accomplishing such a feat... - he muttered, almost to himself. - This power... If I'm not mistaken, it's similar to that of someone with the talent to be a [Healer]!

  I smiled, tilting my head slightly.

  - So, Mr. Starko'gus... I'd like to change my question.

  He stared at me, still dazed.

  - Can I count on your support?

  The silence stretched on for a moment, but this time it wasn't hesitation. It was reflection. He wasn't a man of empty promises and, by accepting that, I knew he was really committed to me.

  Then, after a few seconds, his expression firmed up.

  - It would be a pleasure to help you. Who knows? this could be the start of a potential partnership.

  - Excellent.

  I turned back slightly, my eyes meeting a familiar silhouette in the shadow of the tent.

  - Anthalia!

  The figure immediately stepped forward, her posture impeccable and her gaze as sharp as ever.

  - Yes, Your Majesty.

  - Call Gashdo. We'll have a lot to talk about now.

  The evening had only just begun.

  ***

  Meeting with the leaders of each species, we had an objective conversation. There were many questions to be addressed, but time was a luxury we couldn't afford to waste.

  Although they were conscious creatures, using extremely elaborate terms could be a problem. Fortunately, Starko'gus seemed used to this kind of discussion and managed to summarize the situation efficiently.

  In a nutshell, we were about to embark on an expedition to the Kingdom of the Dwarves.

  To do this, we would need the support of those who were familiar with the region's trivial problems. After all, entering that territory and dealing with its internal politics would require knowledge that we didn't have.

  - An expedition to the Kingdom of the Dwarves... that's something I haven't considered for a long time. - Gashdo broke the silence, his tone laden with hesitation.

  - Are you afraid we won't be welcome? - I asked, watching his reaction.

  He pondered for a moment before answering:

  - Indeed. Passing through the kingdom's gates could be a problem. But I wouldn't worry too much about that. Orcs are uncommon there, but not exactly rare. I think we can make a good impression with this appearance. - Starko'gus intervened with the calmness of someone who had already planned everything.

  It made sense. Despite what he said, I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Every step had to be calculated.

  - Starko'gus offered to be our guide. All we have to do is go according to plan and avoid any suspicious behavior. As for the negotiations... well, it might be a bit tricky for us. - I crossed my arms, reflecting on the challenge that awaited us.

  And complicated was not enough. We had no financial resources. Dealing with the dwarves would require a lot of coins, something we didn't have. Orcs and ants had a primitive but efficient system based on communal cooperation. Monetary exchanges were not part of their structure.

  - If I may comment, Miss Satouma... I'm afraid that won't be a problem. You can leave that part to me. I just need to ask you to be as convincing with them as you were with me just now. - Starko'gus smiled, as if he was about to test my skills.

  I raised an eyebrow, but ended up smiling too.

  - I'll try my best. What do you think, Gashdo?

  He took a deep breath before answering.

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