Miyako was wearing a new set of clothes, she made herself look as proper as possible. She couldn't have done it without Satomi's help. Today was the assembly of lords. As she was to face the actual leaders of the islands at one table, she felt incredibly nervous. If she appeared weak, they would devour her like a predator to a prey.

"Remember, milady, hold your head up high," Satomi said.

Miyako nodded as she took a deep breath. "I'm ready."

With a firm expression, she left her room and headed for the meeting chamber. A servant was sent to guide them there. This time though, they left their weapons. It was a rule that during the meeting, there should be no weapons on any parties for the sake of safety and fairness.

Every step she took felt heavy, she didn't know what to expect once she sat in that room. She hoped she wouldn't mess it all up for everyone back home.

A short while later, they arrived at a large chamber. Inside, it was only the Lord of Hokunoa. Behind him stood two men. One was a person Miyako didn't recognize, but at a glance she was certain that he was strong. And the way he stared at Miyako was scrutinizing, observing her every movement.

The other man was the son of the lord, Yuki. The young man Miyako met. Yuki smiled briefly at her. But unlike the friendly greeting he gave, Miyako maintained a stoic expression. She had to maintain the behavior and dignity fitting of a representative of her island. And being friendly to a lord's son right now was not proper.

In the center of the room was a wide, round wooden table. Miyako sat down at her designated seat. On her far left side was the Lord of Hokunoa, while Satomi stood behind her.

They waited in silence for the others to arrive.

Shortly after, the lord of Tobunoa Island arrived, followed by three men. One of them was the aide that Satomi seemed to be wary of. And Miyako did notice him glancing directly at her specifically, which was strange. Servants normally didn't stare at a lord for fear of offense.

The lord of Tobunoa casually sat down in his seat with a wide, confident grin. He shifted his gaze towards Miyako. "Hey there, excited for your first serious job?" He chuckled.

Miyako forced a small smile. "I am looking forward to the meeting, Mister Takehiro."

"Is that so? This will be entertaining then."

"I am not here for your amusement. I prefer you to take this matter seriously."

"Heh, I'll take it seriously alright." He leaned back in his chair.

Miyako was already feeling frustrated in dealing with the man. To think this was what her father had to deal with. Was Takehiro perhaps trying to annoy her on purpose? Whatever the case may be, she shouldn't let him provoke her but ignore his attempts to agitate her.

And then, another lord entered the chamber. However, the lord was a woman. The moment Miyako saw her, she resisted the urge to frown in bafflement. She was a woman in her fifties, thin and pale. Both her hair and eyes were dark — her gaze seemed to lack the warmth of life, with round circles under her eyes, a sign of lack of sleep. She seemed depressed, almost looking pitiful.

A pair of servants, both wearing serious expressions, followed her. Miyako narrowed her eyes, trying to read into it. There was something strange going on with the Lord, or rather, Lady, of Minainoa.

Miyako knew her name, it was Oboro Tozawa.

She glanced at Miyako for a moment with disinterest. Seeing her this way, Miyako couldn't think of a proper way to even start interacting with her.

"Then, let us begin." The Lord of Hokunoa rose from his seat.

The representatives immediately followed suit.

"I am the host of this assembly. The Lord of Hokunoa Island, Yoshio Naganori. I am accompanied by my son, Yuki Naganori, and the garrison commander, Katsuo Takauji."

When he was done, it was Miyako's turn.

"I am the representative on behalf of my father, the Lord of Nishinoa Island. I am his daughter, heir to the rule, Miyako Taira. I am accompanied by my personal guard, Satomi Aoki."

Then, it was the next one's turn.

"I'm the Lord of Tobunoa Island, Takehiro Asakura," he said with a wide grin. "I am accompanied by my subordinates whom you do not need to know." He crossed his arms.

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And then the last one.

"I am the Lord of Minainoa," the lady said in a low and tired tone. "Oboro Tozawa. I am accompanied by my trusted aides." She seemed tired already from just speaking.

What's wrong with her?

Once everyone was done with the introductions, they all sat down.

"Now then, who shall go ahead first and initiate their concern?" Yoshio said, scanning his eyes at everyone. "Miss Miyako, perhaps you'd like to explain why you are late in your arrival?"

Miyako nodded. That was an expected topic to get into. "I apologize for my tardiness, and I am thankful for your willingness to wait for my arrival." Takehiro scoffed, but Miyako ignored him. "I will describe what happened. On my way here, my convoy was ambushed. They eliminated my team, and only the two of us survived. The enemies were a group of elites, not that can be seen from mere mercenaries. I believe a state sent them."

"Are you accusing us, little miss?" Takehiro asked as he leaned sideways.

"Am I? Well, it does not matter who did it anymore. In the end, they failed. I survived."

Miyako observed the lords, only Oboro appeared to be uninterested in the discussion. She was just casually looking around. But Miyako realized she shouldn't underestimate such a person. People put on facades, even more so to leaders of nations.

"However…" Miyako continued. "Learning who was behind it would be a delightful bonus."

"I hereby announce that Hokunoa is not involved in the ambush whatsoever," Yoshio said.

Miyako nodded at him.

"Your affairs matter little to me," Oboro said surprisingly.

Takehiro raised an eyebrow, staring at the woman. "Are you sure about that old hag? You've been attacking my ships on the seas lately. It wouldn't be strange if you did something so daring."

Oboro slowly shifted her dark gaze towards him, emotionless. "You are the one who is harassing my boats. We are merely retaliating."

"Don't think I didn't discover you getting slaves from my island. Smuggling them to yours. What is it you need them for? To offer your demon overlords?"

Miyako blinked, surprised that the demons were brought up. Interested, she listened closely.

"What is it you are implying, boy?"

Takehiro chuckled. "You want me to say it out loud? You are nothing but the demons' plaything. A puppet."

Oboro raised an eyebrow. "Puppet? We are all puppets of something. We are never truly free. Freedom is but an illusion granted to us by those above. In the end, we're like beasts on a farm, free to run within bounds designed. Even you, Takehiro, are not truly free."

"Heh, you're a pessimistic old hag. Has your brain rotted from old age?" He found her words unbelievable and ridiculous.

Oboro let out a sigh. "Cease your harassment of my people, and we shall stop the retaliation."

"Yeah, well, stop your smuggling operations, and stop buying all the slaves on my island. Get your fucking own. I know you're also trying to get slaves from the continent on top."

Is this how it's supposed to go?

Trying to negotiate, but still blatantly hostile.

Nishinoa didn't really have a problem with Minainoa. They have ships at their border, but they have done nothing bad to one another. In short, they were keeping within their boundaries. But it would seem it was different for these two.

"Do you know how valuable those people are?" Takehiro added. "What's worse, you're trying to steal supplies from my island and smuggle them into yours."

"... I do not know what you're referring to."

He scoffed. "Ah, don't fucking lie. At least keep control of your people. If you want to do business, do it using the proper channels. Pay the fucking taxes."

"Your export tax rates are absurd. I will enforce strict control over my people, maintain tight security around my border, if you get rid of your export tax."

Takehiro slammed his fist on the table. "Are you fucking serious?"

"You have export taxes on everything. You know what that means? Even your own people will find a way to go around it. So, do not blame my people alone."

Takehiro clicked his tongue. "... I will not remove the export taxes. However, I will reduce it only on some goods."

The lady narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him. It would seem she was having a hard time believing his words. Miyako understood her, even she couldn't find Takehiro trustworthy.

"And stop harassing my fishermen," the lady added.

"Oh?"

"Don't think I do not know that. You're making it difficult to fish. One of the few good sources of food."

"... Fine." He smiled. "Make sure you fulfill your end of the bargain."

"I am the one who should say that to you. I know what kind of person you are."

"I just want to end the annoying conflict with our navy. It is unproductive."

"Then it will benefit us both."

Takehiro tapped his finger on the table. "You know, I've been wondering why you people always go for slaves from another island. Why?" He narrowed his eyes. "Are you having some kind of trouble?"

"..."

"What could it be?"

Miyako pondered it. She was not aware of such a matter. But Miyako decided not to intervene and theorize; it was not her concern.

"... Could there be a shortage of slaves?" Takehiro muttered. "But how…?" His eyes shot open. "Ah, a population problem." He laughed.

"..." The woman did not respond, keeping a straight face.

"Has your population dwindled so much that it has worried you? Heh, this is what happens when you coordinate with demons, people!" He looked at everyone. "They take and take… They don't care."

"... Silence, boy," the lady warned.

"Demons… They find so much pleasure playing with the lives of humans. Are humans entertainment in their lands? That's kind of fucked up. And they used your people for that? Fucking monsters."

Miyako noticed both of Oboro's aides glanced at Takehiro with slightly narrowed eyes.

If the demons have control over Minainoa…

Feeling a slight chill, Miyako couldn't help but glance back at Satomi. Even Satomi felt anxious. Miyako grasped her hands tightly, keeping composure. She was reminded of the demon they faced that pretended to be a human bandit. Was it so far-fetched that these demons would try to infiltrate the government itself?

Even reaching here, right here in this room. That said, even if that was the case, there was no way they could handle that. Therefore, Miyako ignored it all for now and let it be.

There was no point in agitating or trying to expose the most dangerous of monsters here.

"Enough, we have discussed what we needed."

"Oh, come on, there's more to talk about. More to negotiate."

"Hmph."

Yoshio then raised his hand. "I think it's time to move on for now and give others a chance to speak."

Miyako raised her hand. "Then I shall be next to express my concern." She turned towards Yoshio. "It involves you, Mister Yoshio."

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