“Then, I’ll start,” Councillor Viscera proposed. “I’d like to increase trading activities with the Soren kingdom. Considering the ongoing war happening inside Marusthala, our supply of their imports are getting low.”

“Furthermore, the harsh wind brought by the Marusthala Region made farming in Venezia quite a challenge, our canals are filled with sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating, it gets everywhere.” He continued.

The Duke then replied, “What kind of imports?”

“The usual, fresh produce and dried fishes.”

“What’s in?”

“Since the only thing that grows in the climate that Marusthala brought to Venezia are the Elder mangoes and Violet evergarden I’ll offer them. I heard the nobility loves God's signs. I’m sure Violet Evergarden will benefit you more.”

God’s sign was a term in the Solicia region for plants that give people hallucinogenic properties. Most God’s signs used in the regions were poppies and mushrooms- the former was brewed into tea.

“I’ll see, then I’ll consider it.”

The two men talked about various trades and strategies in the hall. The young prince however was more interested in topics of other diplomats. “I heard Svorag’s Tsar Dmitry Dyatlov waged war with a country in Sucrosia.”

“That far? I heard Svorag being in the northernmost country in Lumenia participated in war with other island nations in between the continents. But fighting with other nations in the Sucrosian mainland is a bold move.” Absinthe commented, she was curious about Svorag’s Tsar. Normally, Lumenian politics always stayed inland, so fighting in the other lands for political reasons was unheard of. Then she asked Advisor Schmidt. “Then advisor, do you know anything about this?”

“Of course,” he confirmed. “As one of Svorag’s benefactors, we knew wars waged by the nation. From what I heard from my majesty, the tension between Svorag and that nation had a territorial claim of the Bernin Straits and the islands. However, that’s the only information I had.”

[Tsar Dmitri Dyatlov.

Representative of Svorag Empire and Soyuz Region

Absent.]

“I see, really interesting,” Prince Medley smiled in curiosity. “Then, what about the sultan of Vahaman?”

“He got executed,” said Councillor Viscera. “The rebellion led by Marusthala’s Sovereign Hark succeeded, and overthrew the Vahaman Federation and turned it into a new system he called a ‘Republic.”

“One I’m interested in is the mysterious nation of Ognennaya. Why haven’t they responded to our invites?” Pontiff Mendez asked.

“Hm, that I don’t know. That nation is surrounded by various natural barriers. It is hard to cross it, especially when the aetheric pollution near the southwestern Lumenian sea made the tides larger than houses. That pollution also includes chains of volcanoes surrounding the nation. And as one of the furthermost regions, it bordered near the flaming wall of Terralumn which might scare our birds.” Prince Medley explained.

“Does the Australis archipelago have this issue?” Absinthe asked Han Muhyoui.

“Not at all, we’re that far from Ognennaya. And the southwest magic pollution does not reach us. Compared to them, we got it easy.” Han Muhyoui clarified.

‘Even if it reached Australis, there is no way it’ll get through my -Nihilism-’ Muhyou thought.

[???

Representative of Ognennaya and the Tuimil Region

Absent]

Like a cat behind its prey, Prince Medley smiled and said. “Well, I just can’t believe the man the legend is here. But importantly, with little to no protection, considering your position.”

In a dead tone, akin to an undedicated history teacher. “Not really necessary. This is just easier than what I usually face.”

“How invigorating,” he said in a sarcastic tone. “But, most heads of state will send diplomats. Are you not scared of being assassinated in a foreign land?”

‘I hate this guy, how annoying,’

Prince Medley probed deeper in Han Muhyoui’s psyche. He liked how Han Muhyoui reacted, much like a toy with strings attached to it, he thought Han Muhyoui could be easily influenced. Then he answered.

“Not necessary, I did not become a Sovereign for nothing. I can defend myself.” He deflected Medley’s probing.

Then, Councillor Viscera intervened, “Exactly, don’t take Sovereigns for granted. As a Sovereign myself, I knew the ascension was no joke.”

“Sheesh, don’t need to overreact.” He smiled mockingly. Both Han Muhyoui and Councillor Viscera do not like Medley, for the reason many people do not like children or rich individuals. Because they were hard to understand.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

“But, if someone sends a legion of assassins in your way, would you survive?”

“What kind of foolish question is that? Of course I can,” Han Muhyoui said in a proud tone. “And in fact, they can say hello to the devil while they’re at it.” He smiled, his eyes carried a provoking aura.

‘Tsk, I regret attending now. He’s the reason why I don’t like the summit.’ Muhyoui hissed silently

“Three Sovereigns two showed up, out of eleven head of states, only two showed up.” He flailed his hands to make a point. His amber eyes scrutinized every diplomat in the hall. “Both Han Muhyoui and Empress Xiaoyu. I wished my father would attend these kinds of meetings instead of me. I merely don’t have interest in geopolitics.”

Han Muhyoui crossed his arms, closed his eyes and acted like Medley does not exist. To him all of it was trivial, everyone knew Verona does not need this kind of meet, yet they still deliberately attended it.

The Soren population has been scared lately. Due to the fact that Advisor Schmidt, Empress Xiaoyu, Pontiff Mendez and Her Excellency Absinthe came with an armada of carriages and soldiers. Most thought it was the day of judgment, fallen on the 13th day.

Less flash and ostentatious, Han Muhyoui, Councillor Viscery and Prince Medley came with only their chaperones.

“What are you people talking about?” Absinthe asked, her eyes beamed with confusion.

“Nothing, it’s that we’re talking about Hark.” His tongue was a snake’s full of lies and doubts. Most were aware of this, not Absinthe.

Absinthe was always known as naive. She was an excellent ruler but her naive curiosity was one of her mistakes. To Medley, toying with such people was boring.

‘This woman is too naive for this meeting. While she seems capable, she’s like a child trapped in an adult’s body.’

“Yes, speaking of Hark. What is the war you talk about, Councillor?”

“He... He is fighting the deity of that region.” He said, though he sounded unsure. As if there were some underlying variables many were not aware of.

“The dragon?” Medley asked.

“Yes,” Councillor Viscera confirmed. “She’s the reason for the sudden change of the direction of the sands. The reason most of our canals are filled with sand. But I don’t know why Al-Jahamila became enraged with the current Sovereign of Marusthala.”

“Did he do something to the desert?” Absinthe raised a question.

“Do you remember Marusthala as a bustling rainforest?” Duke Thomas said.

“Three years ago, I do think that forest was not there,” Councillor Viscery confirmed.

Medley suddenly joined the conversation, “Then, we can surmise that forest is Hark’s doing with his Sovereign powers. Yours is similar right?” He gazed at Han Muhyoui. Other diplomats followed Medley’s gaze.

“No, not at all. My Nihilism does not create life or trees for that matter.” Han Muhyoui denied.

“If so, Hark has plant related powers that transformed an arid desert into a rainforest; the desert dragon Jahamila got angry at this change and waged war against Hark.” Absinthe speculated.

“Most likely,” Pontiff Mendez agreed with Absinthe’s speculations.

Nearly everything mentioned in the summit was related to the missing diplomats, and rarely some had problems.

Throughout the discussion, Empress Xiaoyu listened quietly, occasionally breaking her silence with answers.

Nearing the end of the summit, where the sun was ready to retreat from the nighttime sky. Han Muhyoui asked a provoking question.

“Then, my final question for today’s summit. Why has the Solicia Region not produced any Sovereigns?”

Hearing what Muhyoui said, most diplomats were curious about this fact. In the millenia of Solicia Region and by extension the Soren kingdom existed, not a single one managed to ascend to Sovereignty. If one managed to attain the necessary requirements of becoming one, they’ll be found dead the next day. Like an invisible barrier preventing anyone from becoming a natural sovereign. Everyone in Solicia and the surrounding neighbors about this problem, and for Han Muhyoui to point it out, the Duke felt targeted.

“Yeah, I wondered the same,” Absinthe commented.

“I agree with Mademoiselle Absinthe,” followed by Councillor Viscera.

Duke Thomas’s face flinched in irritation as he looked at Han Muhyoui. Then he exclaimed, “You know how hard it is to become Sovereign, you’re a Sovereign yourself. You too Councillor Viscera!”

“Yes, I agree with him. Don’t you think it was a little bit insensitive to ask that?” Medley Verona supported Duke Thomas.

Diplomats looked on, assessing the situation. It seemed tense, like the atmosphere was made with adhesive. “I am sure, sooner or later. The Solicia region will create its Sovereign.” He announced.

As the tension died down, most diplomats left the room. Absinthe and Xiaoyu went out together as an excuse to enjoy and visit Rolsen’s Scentia. The others went to their armada and went home. Councillor Viscera casted [Magic Mirror.] His reflection showed Italya Federation. His body scattered into pieces of light and vanished.

Han Muhyoui excused Katsumi as he went around the mansion. He held his hand in the air and concentrated on his hands. Pitch black aura conjured out of nowhere. It flowed like oil inside a lava lamp. It covered his body like a veil flowing downwards. [Veil of Nihilism] he casted as he muttered as he used his Erudition: ‘Nihilism’ to stay undetected. He moved like the shadows as he alternated rooms within rooms. Han Muhyoui knew something was fishy with the duke. In a room lit by orange candlelight. Prince Medley and Duke Thomas were talking. He positioned himself near the door as he stood under the [Veil of Nihilism].

“Is your preparation ready?” Asked by Medley.

“Of course, I already had almost everything in check. The only thing I need is the skills of high talent mages to force Erudition manifest into my body. And I found him, a commoner with purple eyes. I have my son capture him for me.”

“So we’re 90% done,” he said. “That’s good” followed by a grin as he sat on the sofa, spine straightened.

‘That eye color is hard to forget. The only person I saw in this kingdom with that eye color is that guy in Scientia’ Han Muhyoui.

Medley’s eyes were locked on the side of the door, as he felt something dark pooled into the area. It looked nothing but he could feel something. ‘Ugh, that felt uncomfortable. Why is he looking here? Can he see me?’ His head filled. ‘No, that’s impossible... While under this veil, anything inside is effectively non-existent, he should not see me.’

“If this operation proves to be a success, then Verona and Soren could mass produce Sovereigns. We could dominate the entire Lumenian continent with ease.”

‘That’s probably nothing, I can’t detect any present near that door with my [Aetheric Perception]. But why do I feel uneasy?”

“I agree, Ha ha ha,” laughter escaped the duke’s lips as he agreed with Medley.

‘Mass produce Sovereigns? What are they talking about... That’s impossible, ascending one sovereign is hard enough yet alone multiple ones. What are they planning...’ Han Muhyoui left the room, he felt threatened by their conversation. His stamina was dwindling too with the use of his abilities. But their discussion about Sovereigns proved to be a calamity. If such thing was possible. It would spell disaster for the world.