Trixie's phone rang, and she pulled it out, seeing Sarolta's name and answering.
“I will be attending today's meeting with the world's leaders. I advise you to join in person, see you there.”
“What about Piper?” Trixie asked, but Sarolta hung up before she could get her question in. “Darn it…”
“I'm going to be here in Meteor Corp HQ, connected to the Heracles database on the top floor, Trixie,” Piper answered.
“Oh. But who's going to protect you there?”
“Don’t worry, there are many officers here guarding the building both inside and out, so nothing should happen to me.”
“Hope not…”
“Oi, what's the long face for, Trix?” Svenja asked.
“Ah, nothing, just my boss telling me to be there at the meeting.”
“We're already on our way, aren't we~” Helka said in her velvety voice, her naughty smirk still intact.
“Sheesh, even when you're saying something totally normal, you sound horny as fuck.” Svenja said with a groan.
“Hehe, but why are you talking all proper now without your accent, dear?”
“'Cause, for fuck's sake!”
“Aww, that's not how you talk to a powerful official like yours truly, now is it~?”
“Yada yada yada yada, let's jus’ keep on goin', ‘kay?!”
The group kept moving though the Witch's Circle, a forest surrounding the city. There were countless people ahead, all joining up for the huge event.
“That's a lotta people, eh?” Ahina said.
“Ye said it,” Orla replied.
“I mean, it's the biggest event of the decade, possibly the century.” Trixie joined. “Seeing a bunch of big names all gathered in one place discussing various topics is like a once in a lifetime thing you'll never see again.”
“Well, for a long-lived elf like me,” Helka said in a mock pompous tone. “I've seen many things, and this certainly isn't anything out of the ordinary.”
“As a dwarf, I concur,” Orla added.
“As a gem sprite, I've got both of you beat,” Ahina finished in a triumphant voice.
The women emerged from the forest, the packed city now standing before them. Pearly white buildings painted blue and gold stood tall and glorious, the air chilly and a tad bit dry. With the gathering of elites drawing near, the city was abuzz, and the citizens of the city were filled with excitement. Tourists from around the world had flown in to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event. As the women made it further into the city, the hustle and bustle of the city became more apparent. People of various races and cultures filled the streets, chatting with their friends, visiting landmarks, and enjoying their time in the city. Everywhere they looked, the women were met with sights of splendor and beauty, and it added to the anticipation of the meeting that lay ahead. The sheer number of people from various nations and cultures was overwhelming. The city had become a melting pot of people with unique views, traditions, and ideas. Everywhere they looked, the streets were teeming with different languages, dialects, and accents, creating a beautiful blend of cultures and societies. As the group continued to walk through the city, the variety of people they encountered became a reminder of the diverse and vast world they lived in. Despite the differences, however, all were bonded by the fact that they were all heading towards the same destination: the meeting of the elites.
Upon reaching the northwestern side of the city, where the meeting is set to take place, the group made their way towards the meeting venue. As they walked, the towering structures came into view, casting a shadow over most of the city. They walked up to a line, where people were waiting to take their tickets.
“Now if you'll excuse me…” Helka began, handing the others VIP tickets before breaking away from the group. “I'll be heading forward to prepare for such an impromptu event, hmm~? See you all when it ends~” she ended before going to the VIP entrance and into the building.
The atmosphere was electric as the other women queued in line, surrounded by the excitement and anticipation of the other attendees. People were chatting enthusiastically about the meeting, and the chatter amongst the women continued as they got closer and closer to the entrance. As they reached the front of the line, Trixie flashed her ticket to the officials who were checking them. She had a VIP ticket, allowing her to get into the meeting quicker than the people with regular tickets. The official checked out Trixie's ticket and then pointed to the door, saying, "VIP entrance is that way.”
Trixie and the other ladies headed towards the VIP entrance, a separate door from the regular entrance for the rest of the attending population. As they approached the entrance, the officials standing there looked at their tickets and allowed them through the doors, not even bothering to check the details on the tickets. When they got inside, they were greeted by a large room with ample seating and a few refreshments for the VIPs. The room was already bustling with people, some of whom were important officials, celebrities, and other VIPs.
"Wow, it looks like a bunch of the heads of state are already here," Trixie said, admiring the room. "I wonder if we'll get to talk to them?" Ahina looked at Trixie with a smirk.
"You're thinking about getting some juicy political secrets, aren't you, you sly vixen?"
Trixie chuckled and replied, "Hey, can you blame me? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Besides, how often do a bunch of big names get together and spill their secrets?" As they continued to look around and admire the room, they heard a voice behind them. "I hope you're not talking about any secrets before the meeting."
Trixie turned around and saw Sarolta, the CEO of Meteor Corporation, walking up to them with a sly smile on her face. She was dressed in a business suit, exuding an aura of power and authority.
"Sarolta! It's good to see you," Trixie said as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Sarolta shook Trixie's hand, her expression stern as ever. "Likewise, Trixie," she replied. "I see you've brought a whole entourage with you, with VIP tickets to boot." She glanced at the other ladies, who all gave her warm smiles.
“We actually got them from Miss Helka, funny enough!”
Sarolta's aquamarine eyes narrowed. She rolled them and let out a deep sigh. "Yes, that odd woman...I should've known she'd be involved with this."
She then turned back to Trixie and the rest of the group and composed herself. "I see. Well, I hope you all behave yourselves. This meeting is a serious matter and I'd rather not have any disturbances.”
Trixie chuckled and held up her hands in mock surrender. "We promise, we'll be on our best behavior. No causing trouble, no distractions. We'll be as quiet as a mouse, I swear."
Sarolta raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. But she let out a small laugh and cracked a smile. "Somehow, I doubt that. But I'll hold you all to your word.”
Trixie grinned, knowing that she was probably right. "Trust me, we can behave when we want to."
Ahina chuckled and stepped forward, a playful gleam in her eye. "But where's the fun in that?”
Sarolta chuckled again but shook her head in mock disapproval. "Of course. I should've known better than to expect you all to behave yourselves."
She then gestured to a table with refreshments, the sound of soft music playing in the background. "Well, while you're here, might as well make yourselves comfortable. The meeting will be starting soon, but until then you're all free to relax and mingle with the other VIPs.”
She then walked off, leaving Trixie and the others by themselves amongst the dense crowd of people.
“Huh, so let's see, who's first…” Trixie said, looking around and spotting Aurelia, the beautiful purple-haired young woman possessing glossy pale skin, who rules Mu with an elegant, colorful dress. “Hey, there's Aurelia!”
“Well I mean…we may wanna leave Ahina behind for this one, we know what Aurelia thinks ‘bout dark skin.” Svenja warned.
Trixie paused and grimaced. "Yea, not a bad idea..."
“Ayo, don't you be leaving me behind, I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much!" Ahina protested.
"Are you sure about that, Ahina...?"
"Of course, I'm sure! What, you think I can't handle myself in the presence of a snobby Munese girl? Pah! I've seen a hundred of those in my time!"
Trixie exchanged a skeptical glance with Svenja before shrugging. "Okay, your funeral.”
The four women walked up to Aurelia, each holding a cup of wine as an icebreaker. They approached the regal woman, who was chatting with some other female members of the Munese royalty. They waited patiently for her to finish her conversation before Trixie stepped forward. “Excuse me, Aurelia?”
Aurelia turned around and looked at the women with a curious expression, wincing as she saw Ahina. “Yes? Can I help you?”
Trixie smiled politely and gestured to herself and the others. “We were wondering if we could have a word with you for a second?”
Aurelia’s expression softened slightly and she nodded. “Of course. What is it you wish to speak with me about?”
Trixie took a sip of her wine, thinking about how to phrase her question. “Well, we were just curious about your stance on diversity and inclusion. Given that you’re a leader of a nation, we figured you must have some thoughts on the subject.”
Aurelia’s demeanor immediately hardened and her eyes grew cold. “Ah, that. Well, as the ruler of the Mu continent, I believe we should be proud of our nation and our people. I don’t see any reason why we should be promoting diversity for its own sake. Mu is a strong and independent nation, and we don’t need to dilute ourselves with inferi–” Aurelia coughed awkwardly and continued, “...other ethnicities or cultures.”
Trixie and the other women exchanged uneasy glances at Aurelia's words. Trixie decided to press on, though, hoping to get more insight into Aurelia's mindset.
“I see…I understand that you value the strength and independence of Mu, but don't you think that diversity can actually strengthen a nation, rather than weakening it?” Trixie asked.
Aurelia scoffed and took a delicate sip of her own wine. “That’s a naive perspective if I’ve ever heard one. Diversity can lead to division and conflict. When you bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures, you also bring together their differences and disagreements. It’s a recipe for disaster.”
Trixie couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at Aurelia's words. She had always believed that diversity was a strength, not a weakness. But before she could respond, Ahina spoke up. "Excuse me, I can't help but butt in."
Ahina bristled at Aurelia's tone but held her ground. "My name is Ahina, and I'm from the Alaga region of Frigid. And I just gotta say, your views are extremely narrow-minded."
Aurelia's eyes narrowed and her lips curled into a sneer. "I suppose you're going to tell me that I should promote diversity and inclusion in Mu, aren't you? Well you can kiss my big lily-white ass.”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Ahina's eyes flickered with intensity, but she didn't back down. "And I suppose you think your pale ass is the pinnacle of goodness, do you? Well honey, you're sorely mistaken. Your nation's prosperity is built on the backs of people from different backgrounds and cultures, and to act like you're above them is laughable, and frankly insulting.”
Aurelia's expression went from annoyed to downright hostile at Ahina's words. "How dare you speak to me like that, you impudent little--"
Before she could finish her insult, a young woman with long, flowing white hair, fair pale skin, and sparkling green eyes, and wearing a regal blue dress in the style of the Boreal region of Mu, walked over and gave Aurelia a sharp look.
“Aurelia, mind your manners," she said in a calm but firm voice. “Insulting guests in your presence isn't very ladylike, is it?”
Aurelia paused, her expression faltering. The woman’s words had a sobering effect on her, and she took a moment to compose herself. "I apologize, Zuri. I was merely speaking my mind."
Zuri raised an eyebrow at her friend, a small smirk on her face. "Mhm, I suppose that's what I should expect from you. I should've known you wouldn't be able to hold your tongue for very long."
“Hey Zuri, is that it?” Svenja said. “Get ye friend, she wants us to kiss her arse or somethin'.”
Aurelia's eyes widened in shock at the bluntness of the remark. She sputtered for a moment before regaining her composure and fixing Svenja with a cold glare. “How dare you speak of me that way! I am a queen, and you will address me with respect!”
Zuri stepped in between them, trying to defuse the hostile situation. “Stop it, please. We don’t want any trouble.”
Aurelia huffed in irritation. “Zuri, I can handle this.”
Ahina chuckled again, her gaze locked on Aurelia. “Be honest, your highness. I bet you’re just dyin’ to have us grovel at ya feet, huh?”
Taking a threatening step forward, Aurelia's eyes burned with fury as she stared down at the gem sprite. “You will address your superior with proper respect this instead, you mutt!
The room went silent, and everyone turned to look at Aurelia in shock and disgust. Even Zuri was taken aback by her racially charged insult being hurled here of all places.
“Aurelia…did you just say what I think you just said?” Zuri asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Aurelia realized the gravity of her tongue slip, and her face flushed pink with embarrassment. She had tripped and allowed her true colors to show in front of a room full of individuals from around the world. Zuri glared and grabbed Aurelia by her arm, giving it a harsh tug. “Come, NOW,” she said in an assertive voice, pulling her to a secluded part of the building.
"You can't say that here!" Zuri scolded, her eyes simmering with upset. "We're not in Mu anymore, this is Snowclover City, where saying such things is practically a death sentence!"
Aurelia opened her mouth to respond, but Zuri cut her off. "Your ignorance and xenophobia are dangerous, Aurelia. Your narrow-minded view of the races is damaging, not only to other people, but to yourself.
Zuri continued, her voice calm yet firm. "You need to understand that Mu's prosperity is built on the backs of individuals from different races and backgrounds. Dismissing these contributions and reducing it simply to your own nation is disrespectful and unfair. You need to realize that your words have consequences."
Aurelia huffed, crossing her arms defensively. “Look, Zuri… If that cretin said such obscenities to me in Mu, do you know she would be executed on the spot?! Imagine how angry I felt!
Zuri softened her tone, her gaze still stern but more understanding. "I know you were angry, but that doesn't excuse using language like that. It's not just about offending those present, it's about damaging Mu's reputation and standing here. Your words could have serious political consequences."
Aurelia shrugged, blowing Zuri off. "I'm not going to pretend like I didn't say what I said. And if anyone has an issue with it, that's their problem, not mine.”
Zuri took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose. “You’re missing the point. Your words can have ripple effects that go beyond this room. People here take racial equality seriously, and they won't tolerate that kind of language, no matter who it comes from. We're here as representatives of Mu, and your careless behavior is a direct reflection of our nation.”
Aurelia sniffed dismissively. "They can be as offended as they want, I don't care what they think. Our nation is strong enough to stand on its own without worrying about the feelings of a bunch of foreigners.”
Zuri couldn't take it anymore. She stepped closer to Aurelia, her voice firm. “That's exactly the kind of toxic mindset that will ruin our reputation here. You need to understand that diversity isn't a weakness here, it's a strength. Embracing different cultures and races can only benefit Mu. But if you keep acting like this, nobody will want to do business with us.”
Aurelia scoffed, her stubborn pride still clouding her judgment. “I doubt that. No one is going to refuse to do business with us just because of my personal beliefs. Mu is the most prolific land in the world for international trade due to the continent's strategic location, it'll be their problem to let go of us over what I believe in."
As Zuri and Aurelia argued, the other women waited nearby, waiting patiently for the Munese royals to return.
“I can't believe she said that,” Trixie muttered, her face flushed with agitation.
“Me neither, Trixie,” Piper chimed in a solemn voice. “This city is quite possibly the worst place for discrimination of any kind, but Aurelia said that as if it was nothing.
“Yeah… I mean, they say that Munese women are generally racist and very colorist, but the Zuri girl wasn't like that at all.”
“I noticed that too. Hopefully, Aurelia doesn't perform similarly on the big screen, it would be a huge detriment to Mu's international relations.”
Svenja stood still while looking at the floor, silently fuming. Orla cracked her knuckles, looking expectantly at the corner that Aurelia and Zuri went around. Ahina was seething, her hands clenched into fists.
“Man, if the princess didn't snatch ‘er away so damn quick, I woulda–”
A very loud, harsh slap echoed through the halls from around the corner, making everyone's heads turn in the direction of the sound. Moments later, Zuri returned with a scowl, holding the Munese queen who was now knocked out cold with a red-hot handprint on her left cheek.
"Ugh, that woman is so stubborn. She just doesn't get it.” Zuri moaned.
Trixie chuckled seeing the scene unfold. "Well, that was certainly unexpected.“
Zuri sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, her eyes closed. "You can say that again. She's as stubborn as a mule, always thinking she's above everyone else."
Trixie winced and asked, "Is she out cold? Will she be alright?"
Zuri rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Yes, she'll be fine. Just needed a good smack to put her in her place. Serves her right.”
As they looked at Aurelia's unconscious body, Svenja stepped forward and said, “Hell yeah. I woulda slapped ‘er too for what she said.”
Ahina chuckled darkly, still irked by Aurelia's earlier comment. "Damn straight.” Ahina clenched her fists and said, "I've met plenty of Munese women like her before. Always thinkin' they're better than dark-skinned people cause they're lighter than them. I swear I could-”
“Calm down, Ahina,” Zuri cut in. “Trust me, I understand your frustration, but responding with more anger is just going to make things worse. The Depraved will attack if they sense our strong negative emotions.”
Ahina unraveled her hands, letting out a huff. “Yeah, you're…you're right.”
“And besides, it's not all Munese women that think like her. There are some who are against such bigotry and are fighting back against the current segregationist systems and laws in Mu, so please don't direct your anger at me.”
“I understand, I'd be no better than them at that point. I didn't mean you, just…you have to understand that the Munese women who're like her are the vast majority.”
“It is a majority, but let me and the others who are pushing back such disparity help you and other foreigners find even footing across the Mu continent.”
Svenja nodded, a satisfied smirk on her face. "Glad ta hear ye're fightin' for change.” she said, looking at Aurelia. “Heh, the racist little brat had it comin'.”
Trixie shuddered and shook her head. "Let's try not to get too carried away, girls. We still have the meeting to attend to.“
The women chuckled and nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, ye're right," Svenja sighed. "Let's hope that was ‘nuff to get through ‘er thick head."
Orla let out a sinister sniggle. "Well if it weren't, then the people in the room'll have their turn at teachin’ her a lesson.”
Zuri sighed and crossed her arms, still irritated by Aurelia’s behavior. “I’ll keep her in line, don’t worry. She won’t be able to say or do anything else stupid."
The group nodded, with no one in particular eager to deal with Aurelia any longer. Zuri ushered them towards the main hall, but Svenja couldn't help but look over her shoulder at the unconscious Munese queen.
"I hope she wakes up wit’ a sore arse an’ a massive headache.”
…
Meanwhile, Krystal and Siren walked through a hallway near the opposite side of the building, both women wowed by the diverse crowd full of elves, gem sprites, fairies, and even a few angels and demons who wanted to attend the meeting of the world's elites.
“Oh man, this place is PACKED!” Krystal said, beaming from the liveliness of the event.
“You don't say. Ready to watch the world burn together, Krys?” Siren asked with a smirk.
“Please, that's what I do best,” she replied with a smirk of her own.
“Hey!!” a man said, running around holding a handful of ice cubes in his cupped hands. “There's this hot chick with big boobs selling ice that never melts! Go down this hall, you gotta getcha some!” he recommended, nodding his head in the opposite direction he was going.
“Heh?” Krystal said, raising a brow.
“Get it ‘fore it's gone! She's wearin’ a blue and pink kimono and she has big freakin’ boobs, ya can't miss her! I gotta go find a bag now ‘fore I get frostbite and crap! Peace!” he ended, dashing off with reckless abandon.
“Well…what a way to start the event,” Siren said with a chuckle, rolling her eyes in amusement. “Should we bite?”
“Pshh, why not? Ice that never melts sounds neat as hell, let's go see what the fuss is about.”
Heading in the direction offered by the man, they came across a stand surrounded by sculptures of ice. Behind the stand was a cute, pale, light-blue-haired young woman with, surprise, a sizable bust with a snowflake-shaped cutout on her short kimono, revealing her cleavage. The woman grinned at the two customers, her pastel pink eyes boring through them like a money-hungry whale ready to devour them whole.
“Welcome~! I'm Yuki, Yuki Xerosi! Take a gander at these faaaabulous ice sculptures! Aren't they just breathtaking?? And they never melt, oh no they don't! But they're also selling out fast, so hurry up and fork it over to take home an invaluable prize for yourself~!”
Krystal was still stuck on the Xerosi surname. The Xerosi Clan are a family of the most elite assassins in the world. They've built quite a name for themselves, and are so mysterious that there are some who don't even know they exist. This girl has to be joking, no elite assassin would behave, dress, or conduct themselves in this matter, right? Right?!
“Well, don't just stand there, you two, hurry up~!”
"Uhhh... right, right," Krystal muttered, still staring at the woman in astonishment. "So, these sculptures... they really never melt?" she asked.
Yuki flashed a smile, placing her hands on her hips and leaning forward, accentuating her chest. "That's right, never ever ever! They're totally and completely indestructible, just like me~!"
"Uhhh... right, right," Krystal muttered, still staring at the woman in astonishment. "So, these sculptures... they really never melt?" she asked.
Yuki flashed a smile, placing her hands on her hips and leaning forward, accentuating her chest. "That's right, never ever ever! They're totally and completely indestructible, just like me~!"
…Dayum, those jugs…that guy was right, Siren thought.
Siren chuckled at Yuki's confident remark, exchanging a knowing glance with Krystal. "Indestructible, huh? That's a bold claim. How do we know you're not just saying that to get us to buy?"
Yuki let out a little laugh, her eyes glinting with playful mockery. “Oho~, do my sculptures look cheap and fake to you? Take a look, touch ‘em, do a little test~" she exclaimed, gesturing to her icy masterpieces.
The two women approached the sculptures and carefully examined them. They were, in fact, completely made of ice, with beautiful details that suggested they were not cheaply made.
"Okay, I'll give you that. These are damn good statues. But how do we know they won't melt? I mean, ain't ice supposed to melt eventually?" Krystal asked.
Yuki smirked, her gaze almost challenging. "Ah-ah, patience, my friend. I told you, they're indestructible. You can put them on display in direct sunlight, leave them out in a desert, or even hold them in your hand for days on end – they'll never melt."
Siren raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And how is that possible, exactly...?"
Yuki chuckled, leaning forward even more, practically resting her breasts on the stand. She winked playfully at both women, clearly enjoying their puzzled faces. "It's a secret recipe, my dear. A little magical spice, a dash of mystery, and voila! Ice sculptures that defy the laws of nature~”
Siren chuckled at Yuki's seductive antics, clearly not intimidated. "Damn, your sales pitch is on point. You even got the looks to match, huh?" she teased.
Krystal, on the other hand, was still unconvinced. "Yeah, and this 'magical spice' makes these sculptures immune to melting? Sounds mighty convenient for selling."
"Hehe, I do tend to have that effect on people,” Yuki said, flicking her hair. “And as for the ‘magical spice’... well, you're just gonna have to trust me on that one. Let's just say it requires a bit of...magical talent, that only the best of the best could master. No counterfeits, no lies here~"
Krystal's skepticism only grew, noticing a tall man sitting with an ice sculpture in his lap.
“Hey, guy,” she called out. “Is this ice from this girl the real deal?”
“I dunno,” the man answered. “I just bought it ‘cause she has big boobs.”
Krystal and Siren exchanged a baffled look at the man's response, clearly taken aback by his shamelessly honest admission. They couldn't help but chuckle at the frankness of his comment, a stark contrast to the serious nature of the meeting they were about to attend.
"Well, that answers THAT question," Siren chuckled, rolling her eyes.
Krystal shook her head, trying to suppress a grin. "Guess he was easily distracted by more...physical attributes.”
Yuki watched as the two women shared a laugh over the man's response, her smirk growing wider. It was clear that she wasn't bothered at all by the bluntness of the man's statement. If anything, it seemed to add to her charm.
"Ohohoho~, I can't blame him for being a bit...distracted," she chimed in with a playful shrug. "It's just part of the package, you know~"
"I take it you're a gifted swindler," Siren said with a sneer.
“I prefer the term ‘talented saleswoman’," Yuki purred.
Krystal rolled her eyes playfully at Yuki's remark. "Talented saleswoman, hmm? Or just a master of manipulation?"
Yuki feigned shock, placing a hand over her heart. "Me? Manipulative? I'm simply using my natural abilities to persuade people into buying beautiful, timeless art.”
Siren let out a hearty laugh at that. “Oh please, you’re not just persuading. You’re using your assets to hypnotize them.”
Yuki smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. "Assets, you say? I would call them…tools of the trade.”
Krystal chuckled, leaning against the stand with her arms folded. "Tools of the trade, huh? More like weapons of mass distraction.”
Siren stifled a laugh, her amusement growing as she added, "Yeah, with those, you could probably convince someone to give you their life savings."
Yuki smirked, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "I prefer the term 'financial persuasion.' It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?”
Krystal chuckled again, shaking her head in amusement. "Persuasion, persuasion...seems like a nice way of hiding the fact that you're basically hypnotizing men into buying ice sculptures.”
Siren nodded in agreement. “And what’s even better is that you’re clearly enjoying every second of it.”
Yuki laughed aloud, a light-hearted, melodic sound that perfectly matched her playful demeanor. "Guilty as charged," she admitted shamelessly. "But hey, if it works, why change my methods? Besides, it’s quite entertaining to see men line up and throw money at me.”
"Heh, so did anyone buy your statues that WASN'T a big perv-o?
As if to answer Siren's question, a figure came into her peripheral vision. A young merman with rich brown skin and short black hair with navy blue highlights levitated over to them, wearing a necklace of ice reminiscent of Yuki's creations. His bright blue eyes shone like sunlight dancing on the ocean, looking at the women with curiosity.
"Sebby!!!!" Krystal squealed, running up to him.
"Yo, it's Sebastian himself!" Siren added with a wide grin.
"Oh, hello there," Sebastian greeted, his gaze showing a nature of introversion, yet with a strong sense of ambition beneath the surface.
"I'm so glad to see you in person, you're so cool! You truly rule Atlantis with an iron fist, in a good way!"
"Or should you say…an iron fin!" Krystal joked with a giggle.
Blinking at the joke, a warm smile spread across Sebastian's features. "Um, thanks, I just do the very best I can to aid the people of my nation."
"Oh, Sebastian, I love your necklace! That's one of Yuki's creations, right?" Siren asked.
Sebastian nodded. "Well yes, I'm happy I came across her stand. The sculptures she creates are truly magnificent. But I noticed you have some doubts."
"I'm just not sure about their claim to immunity to melting. It seems too good to be true, you know?" Krystal admitted, giving Yuki a wary look.
"I was hesitant at first too, but I've seen these sculptures survive some crazy conditions," Sebastian chimed in, backing Yuki's claim. "They're truly remarkable."
"You don't say…" Yuki smirked, running a single finger gently along the smooth edge of her sculpture. "I see you have excellent taste, Mr. Sebby~"
"Uh, please, call me Sebastian," he replied, his cheeks blushing a light berry-toned hue against his rich, dark complexion. "Yuki, was it? Your name is beautiful."
Yuki chuckled in amusement, her playful smirk persisting. "Why thank you, Sebastian. Your compliments flatter me. But you know what would be even more flattering? If you were to buy one of my ice sculptures~"
"Uhmm..." Sebastian glanced at the statues, contemplating whether it was worth the risk. But his curiosity got the better of him, especially with the tempting offer of the ice not melting in even the most extreme conditions.
"Hmm, I suppose I could give it a try. How much for one?"
"Oh Sebby, you're in luck! I'm running a special today, just for you. Five-thousand Sunstones, and your ice sculpture is all yours~" Yuki flashed a grin at him, her tone playful and enticing.
His eyes widened for a moment. Five-thousand Sunstones was a steep price, even for a wealthy young man like himself, but the temptation of an indestructible ice sculpture that will never melt was far too tempting to resist.
"Well, ah, that's quite a lot, but I suppose…one won't hurt. I'll buy it," he said, pulling out a small leather pouch filled with Sunstones.
"Yay! You're such a sweetie, Sebby~" Yuki cooed, snatching the pouch from his hand with a mischievous grin. "Take good care of my creation, okay?"
Sebastian chuckled bashfully as Yuki took the Sunstones. "I will."
"You're too wholesome for your own good, Seb," Krystal complimented.
"Yeah, and he's a kickass ruler, not to mention adorable as hell," Siren said, admiring Sebastian's blue and light-blue-striped tail and his shirtless, toned and slender upper body.
"I concur~" Yuki added, giving him a flirty wink.
Sebastian blushed at the compliments and ogling, but recomposed himself. "Well, um, thank you, but…we have more pressing matters ahead," he said, gesturing to the crowd full of diverse people, who were getting increasingly rowdy.
Krystal glanced at the growing crowd and smirked at Sebastian’s remark, her eyes dancing with excitement. "Oh, you're damn right. This is it, folks. Let the show begin!"
Sebastian chuckled at her enthusiasm, his own excitement evident in his eyes, though hidden behind a mask of composure and diplomacy.
They bid Farewell to Yuki, who gave a final flirty wave to them, and walked towards the crowd deeper into the building where people were gathering, eager to witness the spectacle. They weaved their way through, passing by individuals of all walks of life, some dressed in formal attire, others in casual clothing, and a few even in revealing or extravagant outfits. They noticed a few stares and whispers as they walked by, presumably due to their own striking appearances. The room itself was a massive ballroom, its ornate decorations and chandeliers giving it a regal atmosphere. But the tension was thick, like a storm brewing on the horizon. As they finally reached the center of the crowd, they found themselves in a front-row seat for the unfolding drama. They were positioned in a prime spot to observe the major players as they arrived. Krystal couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. After all, she and her friend were in the same room as some of the most powerful figures in the world.
“You ready, Sebby?” Siren asked with a smirk, looking at the leaders standing within their spaces with their nation's flags behind them, standing tall and determined.
“...Ready,” Sebastian replied, heading up to his own corner to represent Atlantis.
“...And let the burning begin…” Krystal quipped.