CIVERSTEIN AND CLAIRE CROOK

Civerstein is a small town located on the easternmost border of Civerdell with the great pillars of the misty valley that have marked the sovereignty of the Troll kingdom. This city is inhabited by non-magical humans—they prefer to be called anti-magic warriors. This human group is more closed from the outside world. They even dared not to take part in the great war of the Nefertyland that killed Lord Aaron. In fact, at that time the Lord himself visited there to offer an oath of alliance.

Not being good at spells, these warriors—as the name suggests—battling with swords and shields. Others prefer spears or bows for fighting from a distance. What is clear, they are the most mediocre race in terms of social and appearance. However, when it comes to spirit, these humans deserve to be reckoned with.

There have been over two hundred outsider attacks on Civerstein, and their win graph has never dropped an inch. The Civersteins were born into a harsh and disciplined environment. They love swords, archery, spears, but hate war very much. Their first mayor, Hamspere Crook I was called the "Peace Father of Civerdell" for his services in reconciling the war of the dwarves II that nearly turned Civerdell's fertile fields into weapons pits.

Unfortunately, the peace-loving people of Civerstein are often used as a granary for greed by some. One of them is the kingdom of elephant trunk Trolls who dredge their city's wealth under the threat of war trumpets. The 15th mayor at that time was forced to agree on a profit-sharing agreement in order to maintain the image of their people. Until now, Civerstein has officially become the cash cow of the uncivilized Trolls.

"A new mayor has been chosen. That means the agreement won't go into effect until the next deal is made."

"Then I'd like to speak to the new mayor."

"Speak, please. I'm listening."

"What? You're the new mayor!?"

"Just won the election two days ago."

"So you're the daughter of Hamspere Crook XII?"

"Exactly."

"Forgive my impudence, Honorable Mayor of Civerstein. My Kingdom is offering the same agreement as the one that was offered to your predecessors. The Elephant Trunk Troll Kingdom will provide security guarantees to Civerstein on condition that half of your territory is designated as land for the management of the food and necessities of the Trolls. "

"What's the risk if we don't agree?"

"Aggression. Legion of Trolls will invade this city with giant catapults and boulders. I'm sure that's enough to answer your curiosity, O mayor of non-magical people"

"I already know. I just want to know if your old threat is still the same or there are some new dictions to enjoy. Apparently, trolls are too lazy to think."

"What sign am I hearing, The daughter of Hamspere Crook XII?"

"A sign that I reject your rotten agreement. With half the land that was once devoted to the trolls, we can even build a strong army that can conquer the misty valley."

"This is the first time I've met a mayor as brave as you. If I may know, what is the name of this warrior I'm talking to?"

"Claire Crook. Remember that name, and get out of town immediately. Civerstein has officially cut ties with the Elephant Trunk Troll Kingdom."

"I'm warning you, Claire Crook. Your decision is threatening many lives. Hopefully three days will be enough to fix your crazy mind. The Troll legion will attack on day four if we can't find an agreement."

Claire Crook's inaugural talks ended in a big decision. Contingents from both sides both exited the grand pavilion. The difference is, the big long-haired man approached the herd with a sour face, while Claire greeted her people who were waiting outside with a big smile.

Today is the time for the termination of the cooperation agreement between Civerstein and the elephant trunk troll kingdom. Troll diplomats who turned into humans—they were skilled users of transfiguration magic—are sent to the city of anti-magic warriors to continue the existing agreement. Unfortunately, this time the mayor firmly rejected their intentions, just like slaves who dared to spit in their master's face (just waiting for the worst grapevine from the master's face that was drenched in saliva).

The troll diplomats withdrew from Civerstein with harsh grunts. They kept cursing the city, saying that troll aggression would make things worse. However, Claire didn't care anymore. He looked at all his people with enthusiasm, then went up to the pulpit.

"O warriors of Civerstein, I, your mayor, announce that our city has cut ties with the trolls. No more people tilling the fields day and night but not enjoying the fruits. No more poor fishermen netting hundreds of fresh mackerel but only may eat the tail. There are no more craftsmen, blacksmiths, weavers, miners whose skills are devoted to the sovereignty of others, while the city itself is in dire need."

Claire echoed her excited words throughout Civerstein, facing the crowd which in the last second had begun to react. Their tense faces became gloomy, although there were also deep lines that were visible—which were more pronounced on the faces of those who were struggling in the field that Claire had just presented.

They were grateful for the first time to be free from the traps of the trolls. However, the rumors spread quickly, still in the same place, in the town hall. Several groups of city residents began to question the next steps their mayor would take. Cut ties with trolls is like suicide, a stereotype that is deeply rooted in their frontal lobes .

"After this, I command all young men and women throughout Civerstein to join the training camp. Only the elderly and people with illnesses are allowed to stay at home," said Claire. "We only have three days to prepare. The fourth day is the battle. The elephant trunk troll kingdom is coming to this city." His sensitive sentence immediately provoked chaos in the crowd.

Now the sad look on the faces of the farmers and fishermen turned pale and restless. It was better for them to eat dirt and drink salt water than to have to deal with trolls. Those creatures are slaughterers, inhumane, savage, eaters of all, ruthless! Death is not the only thing that cuts the hearts of the people of Civerstein. Their fear is also dwelling on the invasion of the trolls may be the last day for this city known for its peace.

"I'd rather lick the calves of those trolls than have to mess with them!" cried a resident.

"Our reputation as peacemakers will be ruined if trolls come here."

"Foolish with half of that cursed land! I still want to live, I still want to see my children and grandchildren!"

"The decision is absolute," said Claire. "I'm sorry, but this mayor of yours is sick with being enslaved by ugly and dirty creatures. As my order, all the young men and women head to the training camp!"

Ear plugging at the protests of others was Claire's life principle. He does not care about the opinion of person A or person B, if it is contrary to his understanding. Claire is known as a stubborn girl, but quite smart in governance. His late father was a charismatic mayor (who liked to cheat) and his late mother was a famous yarn weaver, at least before being sequestered as "Honorable Mayor's Wife". Claire inherits her father's charismatic character, but doesn't have the talent of her mother. Instead, the girl had an complicated ego, like the famous woven motif in Civerstein

The townspeople dispersed after realizing that they were dealing with a mayor who couldn't be discussed. From the gradually deserted crowd, there remained a maroon-haired and anxious-eyed youth. He looked at Claire even more worriedly. Her lips turned pale red.

"Trolls, huh?" he said. "I don't know why I'm more worried about a coup or something because of your sudden decision."

"Calm down, Dean. Where have I ever made a random decision. You know that." Claire came down from the pulpit, approached the young man she called Dean.

"Explain to me then."

"While walking, okay?"

"Sure. I'll go to the camp as well, just as you ordered."

"Those trolls wouldn't dare attack this town. They're just bluffing, that's for sure." Claire was talking about things Dean didn't understand. Indeed, they sometimes became disconnected because Claire's mind was often a thousand steps ahead of Dean.

"So the trolls suddenly became cowardly chickens?" he guessed.

"Funny." Claire laughed. "I mean, Dean, they must have considered other aspects before destroying this place. Why do you think they would prefer to apply for a cooperation agreement instead of directly invading Civerstein and building a new town? Wouldn't that mean they got all the land?"

"You're right. Now I'm curious." Dean glanced at Claire who was walking next to him, then turned to look at the houses of the residents, some of whom were starting to leave for the training camp.

"The trolls need people outside of their race to manage the land. Instead of scooping up a huge vacant lot, they'd rather just half of it with guaranteed supplies of finished goods without the hassle of taking care of it," Claire explained.

"Interesting," commented Dean.

"Now imagine what would happen if they attacked this town and we were all slaughtered?"

"Chaos, riots?"

"I'd like an answer from a different angle. If we're all finished, then no one will work the land. The trolls will lose their granaries, and they won't be able to do that." Claire replied triumphantly. "I think they will try to find a new agreement. And that's when we raise the price."

"You're so optimistic." Dean cocked his lips and raised eyebrow uncomfortably. "What if the trolls didn't even think about it? Even me as a human didn't think so, let alone that stupid creature."

"For an normal troll, maybe. But what we're dealing with is the elephant trunk troll, Dean. Their king, Arog, is a historical figure in the line of the trolls."

"For successfully outsmarting a Lord?"

"One of them. Arog's cunning has allowed him to rule the kingdom with an iron fist for almost three centuries. If he is stupid, how can he survive."

"Makes sense." Dean looked at his interlocutor with a faint smile. "As your cousin and best friend since childhood, I can only hope that your decision is not wrong, Claire."

"You can count on me." Claire smiled back while patting her partner's shoulder.

"Dean! Your father is looking for you." A young soldier came to them.

"Is that true?"

"He said he had important business to discuss. I think it's a matter of the Mayor's decision today." The soldier gave a forced smile.

"He's an advisory board, what other topic do you want to discuss besides that?" said Claire unconcerned.

"Okay, I'll go first. See you later, Claire." Dean moved towards his house.

Claire watched the man leave with a disappointed look. Dean Souville is a good man, very nice in fact. Unfortunately, the people around him carry a lot of bad influences. His father, Craig Souville, was Claire's uncle, as well as her father's arch-rival in the mayoral election. Craig lost and was asked to serve on the advisory board.

A few days ago, five hundred and forty-five days after the death of her mother, Claire's father—the former mayor of Civerstein—died of poisoning. No one knows the culprit, but they believe it was the result of the malice of those closest to the mayor.

According to Civerstein's regulations, if a mayor dies before his term of office expires, his relatives will immediately take his place without going through a general election process. At that time there were two candidates touted, Claire and Dean. Both candidates are both seventeen years old, where their maturity is considered quite capable. Dean was actually reluctant to come, but two days before the day, he suddenly endorsed his bid for mayor.

Claire and Dean began to be weighed, thinking about which one is more appropriate to head Civerstein by the entire board. Dean had almost won, of course because his father—Claire's uncle—was directly involved in their assessment. However, the young man resigned and automatically let Claire run as the new mayor.

The majority of the townspeople did not like this result. Craig even tried to nominate himself to prevent Claire from taking the throne. Woman being leader is a new thing in Civerstein. And they think it's taboo. Like now, for example. Claire's decision to make a pact with the trolls is arguably the worst move in Civerstein's history, although it's possible that this is the time for a new breakthrough.

(To be continued)