The Martial Unity

Once Sage Dullahan successfully dunked on both of them when it came to the matter of whose parenting philosophy, the Flashing Flier and the Devil shut up and remained silent for the rest of the trip, much to Rui’s relief.

Yet, he couldn’t help but think about their words.

It was indeed true that Fiona had had a really good life her entire life with a warm, loving family and father. She had always been a positive person filled with energy, curiosity, and excitement.

Kane, on the other hand, had had a miserable childhood and used to be a lot darker and serious when he was younger.

However, it was indeed true that he was more driven and made much more progress down his Martial Path, thanks to that. His drive was certainly why he was the second youngest Master in history.

Still, even if he wound up ending up fine, it didn’t change the fact that he had suffered a lot to reach the point he had reached, having been deprived of a happy childhood.

Rui would much rather have a father like Sage Roschem than one like Sage Damian.

He didn’t need suffering in order to build drive.

He already had a very powerful drive.

Regardless, he was glad that they finally shut up; he could finally focus on the mission instead of the drama. He spent most of the day revising and refining his diplomatic approach with the Shionel Confederation. It appeared that while their particular route to the Shionel Confederation was not the shortest, it wasn’t the longest either.

As expected, they didn’t run into any attacks either.

Not only was it too difficult to figure out which carriage they were targeting, but the sheer amount of power it would take to overwhelm three Sages, including the Devil of all people, was too high.

The reports from the Kandria-Sekigahara Battle indicated that Sage Damian was much stronger than previously known to be, according to Sage Shinken of the Sekigahara Confederate. The reason it didn’t make a difference in their fight was that Sage Shinken had consumed fruit from the Tree of Healings, temporarily giving him extraordinary healing.

Thus, as Rui had predicted and hoped, they had avoided being attacked or ambushed the entire journey.

Soon enough, they arrived at the Shionel Confederation.

THUD…

The flying carriage landed on the ground and rolled up before an ostentatious official port of entry was constructed specifically to allow the Shionel Confederation to welcome important guests of the nations and other distinguished dignitaries.

“We have arrived, Your Highness,” a butler opened the door, allowing Rui to step out upon an ostentatious red carpet.

Outside were a series of dignitaries that had been waiting upon the arrival of the Dawnbringer. They were garbed in extravagant attire, stiffening up while also relieved that the true carriage of the Void Prince had finally arrived. The air grew jubilant as they beheld one of the most powerful men in East Panama, growing more electric as the three Martial Sages stood protectively behind him. “Welcome to the Shionel Confederation, Prince Rui Quarrier Silas Kandria of the Kandrian Empire,” a man with Senior bodyguards shook Rui’s hand vigorously. “I am the Secretary of State, Mein Lamport. I am honored to receive the famed Dawnbringer in person and look forward to speaking to you in person.”

Rui smiled perfunctorily. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am grateful and pleased by your warm welcome. I look forward to my stay in the Shionel Confederation.”

“We hope that you come to enjoy your time in our fine nation. Come, Your Highness, let us speak more inside. It would be remiss of us to keep you waiting outside.”

“Why, certainly.”

The two exchanged courteous words as they made their way inside the extravagant building complex meant to welcome important dignitaries.

None of the Martial Sages minded being acknowledged despite the fact that they possessed political power that was similar to that of Rui himself. There was a golden rule in diplomatic etiquette that said that bodyguards were invisible.

They were not a part of the conversation, and their personal identity was not relevant unless specifically mentioned by the charge they were guarding. They were also exempt from all etiquette and protocol. They were to be treated as background objects with no bearing on the discussion that was taking place between the two of them. This was because all these things got in the way of their duty of protecting their charge. They needed to stay alert and maintain broad environmental awareness. They could not afford to be consumed by important political matters due to this.

Thus, as prickling as stressful as their extraordinary and heavy presence was, they were promptly ignored.

The hapless Senior bodyguards of the other side who found themselves face-to-face with the Sages had regretted their decision to be bodyguards. It took every ounce of willpower not to urinate their extravagant Martial attire and humiliate their entire nation in one of the most important diplomatic ventures in recent history!

“The Shionel Confederation is grateful and honored by the consideration shown by the Emperor of Harmony in the many offers that His Majesty has made to us,” the secretary of state remarked once they settled down opposite each other in a fancy and posh conference room. “We have been extremely enthused by the prospects of allying with the Kandrian Empire. I hope that the Empire does not mistake our delay for dissatisfaction. It is not that we do not value our relationship with the Empire deeply. It is just that we have found ourselves in extenuating circumstances that have complicated our considerations in this matter.”

Rui smiled at the man knowingly. “Let us dispense with the diplomatic talk, Secretary Mein. I am well aware of the considerations of the Shionel Confederation under the circumstances in which it finds itself. I am here because I am confident that I can chart a future where the Shionel Confederation and the Kandrian Empire. I wish to speak with Guildmaster Bradt Patrick as soon as possible.”

The secretary of state hesitated before heaving a sigh. “I’m afraid that the guildmaster is speaking with Prime Minister Edward in person in his office at the moment. He is unable to speak with you at the moment.”

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