In the dimly lit chambers of Plago City’s town hall, the air thick with the scent of intrigue and deceit, sat the mayor - or so they thought.
The mayor, a portly man with a benign smile plastered on his face, extended his hand towards Kaito and Zenith. But Karen knew better. ‘That’s no ordinary handshake,’ she mused. ‘That’s the grip of a demon lord, cloaked in the guise of a city official. Oh, the audacity!’
Karen what are you doing? This is important, and you are distracting me.
This is sooo boring… I was trying something new to spice up the adventure.
That’s okay, of course you can entertain yourself, but can you do it quietly?
“Please call me Hor. And of course, Mayor Zenith! I’m intrigued, Mayor Zenith. But let’s dive into specifics. What sort of volume are we talking about here, and what’s the frequency of trade you’re anticipating?”
As the negotiations continued, Kaito’s eyes danced across the lavishly decorated chamber, Kaito noted the ostentatious amber wall hangings and plush crimson cushions that encircled the round mahogany table.—it was worlds apart from their wood-colored walls at their village hall.
“Our primary focus is on bulk procurement of agricultural goods - grain, seeds - along with essential medicinal supplies. We’re also looking at sustainable sourcing for metal alloys, textile fibers, and specialized food items. The frequency would align with our agricultural cycles and infrastructural developments,” said Zenith.
At the opposite end sprawled Mayor Hor Shurkitsk, leaning back casually in his seat, boots crossed and propped up on the table. His stylish blue greatcoat and cunning narrow eyes marked him as a savvy businessman. “Ah, quite a list there! We can certainly provide these. Given these figures, a standard trade discount would typically be around 5%. But considering the volume and variety, I can stretch it to 8% for grain and seeds, and 5% for the other commodities.”
Look at him, with his overly-polished shoes and that sly, knowing smirk. He’s clearly up to no good. Probably planning to ensnare our unsuspecting heroes into a contract that would open the gates to the underworld itself!
They had practiced this scenario. Zenith began her counter-argument. “While we understand the value of your resources, Mayor Shurkitsk, our village is still growing. Let’s not overlook the strategic value of this deal…”
Kaito’s eyes landed on Zenith, and her face lit up when she noticed, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
“… Li—Linking Calmo Village and Plago City could pave the way for stronger ties between the Daiyudura Kingdom and the Ganada Dynasty. We’re talking about a venture that transcends immediate fiscal gains.”
Clearing his throat, Kaito adopted his signature pose—left arm crossed over his chest, right hand stroking his chin as if deep in contemplation. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Zenith trying to stifle a giggle. His chest swelled with masculine satisfaction. “Precisely. What we propose is more than a trade agreement; it’s a foundation for a potentially larger economic alliance. Hence, we suggest a 12% discount on agricultural products and a 7% discount on other commodities, with the understanding that this partnership will open doors for broader diplomatic relations.”
This is it, the moment he reveals his true form and plunges the room into chaos. Any second now, he’ll transform, his horns will sprout, and his wings will unfurl…
Please stop! I don’t want to do it, but I’m gonna have to shut you down until the meeting is over.
[...] Sorry.
“A compelling argument. Alright, let’s make it 10% on agricultural goods and 6% on the rest. We’ll also assist with optimized logistics for transportation. This could indeed mark the beginning of a significant economic and diplomatic alliance,” said Hor.
“We’re in accord, Mayor Hor. This agreement signifies not just economic growth for our regions but also a step towards regional stability and cooperation,” said Zenith.
“Agreed! Let’s finalize the details – specific quantities, delivery schedules, and payment terms. We’re on the brink of an exciting new chapter for both our communities,” said Hor.
“We look forward to this partnership. Thank you, Mayor Hor. Together, we’re paving the way for a prosperous and unified future,” said Kaito.
As Hor grinned and made some flashy gesture, a gold ring flew from his hand, arcing through the air. With lightning reflexes, Kaito snatched the ring mid-flight, balancing it neatly on the tip of his finger.
“A slippery little band, isn’t it Mayor Hor?” Kaito said, allowing a slight smile. Hor let out a barking laugh as Kaito tossed the ring back to him.
Hey Kaito.
What is it?
Is the meeting over?
Yes.
But of course, he’s playing the long game. A demon lord of his caliber wouldn’t reveal his hand so easily. He’s weaving a spell, lulling them into a false sense of security. Clever, clever demon lord…
No cataclysmic showdown, no battle of wits with a supernatural entity. Just another day in the life of Kaito, the hero who refuses to heed the call of adventure. Sigh. Maybe next time, the demon lord will make his move. Until then, I’ll keep my sensors sharp and my narratives ready. Always vigilant. Always watching—
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
It was a beautiful afternoon. The first sun had just sat, and the remaining one hung like a bright apricot that offered the last remnants of warmth before fall truly took hold. If she were an artist, she might have wished to paint it. As it was, she simply cherished being able to share this moment with Kaito.
Who had his tongue stuck out in indecision as he carefully inspected the array of ornate pastries before him. She had brought him to the famous De L’Amour bakery in Plago City, known for its decadent creations.
She picked up a tiny fruit tart, its glazed cherry wobbling precariously. As she bit into the flaky crust, sweet nectar dribbled down her chin. Kaito chuckled, then gently wiped it away with his thumb.
“Here, try this Kaito!” Zenith said, offering him a spoonful of silky chocolate mousse. Kaito leaned forward, savoring the rich sweetness.
“Delicious—What’s funny?”
Zenith gestured to the smudge of chocolate on his nose. She flushed, dabbing at his face with a napkin.
They continued sampling the splendid offerings - fluffy cream puffs bursting with vanilla custard, honey-glazed cakes studded with toasted almonds. Kaito relished the little sounds of pleasure Zenith made with each new taste.
“You must try the chocolate torte,” Zenith urged, holding out a forkful of the mouthwatering cake. As the rich sweetness melted over Kaito’s tongue, he closed his eyes blissfully.
“Incredible,” he murmured. “But not quite as sweet as present company.”
Zenith flushed, her heart quickening. A cool breeze drifted through the open bakery window. Goosebumps raised on her arms, Kaito noticed her shiver slightly in her thin silk dress. Wordlessly, he removed his cloak and draped it around her shoulders. She curled into its warmth, breathing in his comforting scent.
Outside, the setting sun cast a golden glow across Plago. Impulsively, Zenith grasped Kaito’s hand.
“Let’s see the city.”
Hand in hand with Kaito, Zenith strolled through the narrow cobblestone streets. She thrilled at the rare moment of solitude with him away from all their bureaucratic work.
They paused as a weathered old man sat strumming a lute, his soulful ballad echoing off the buildings. Kaito tossed a silver coin into the man’s hat and whispered something that made his eyes crinkle with mirth. Zenith marveled at how effortlessly he connects with people, highborn and common alike.
Up ahead, a tucked-away stall caught Zenith’s eye. A wizened old man sat whittling at a workbench laden with elaborate wind chimes.
One chime in particular captivated her - its delicate metal pieces formed a motif of a dragon devouring a blazing sun. As she reached out to touch it, her fingers brushed against Kaito’s, who had been examining the same one. Zenith quickly withdrew her hand with a shy smile.
“You have a good eye, miss,” rasped the artisan. “I forged that very one just this morning.”
Kaito picked up the wind chime, tilting it back and forth. “We’ll take it,” he declared, pressing coins into the craftsman’s wrinkled hand. The old man grinned, bowing graciously.
Clutching her gift, Zenith gazed up at Kaito with sparkling eyes. “You didn’t have to buy it.”
Kaito gestured to a wooded park nestled between two streets. “Let’s hang it and see how it looks.”
They made their way to a quiet spot with a towering maple, its leaves just tinged with autumn’s approach.
Zenith steadied Kaito as he tiptoed. Reaching high, he fastened the wind chime to a slender branch.
The dragon chimed melodically as a gentle breeze stirred, its notes pure and resonant. Bathed in the remnants of the afternoon sunshine, Kaito and Zenith sat beneath the tree and the chime’s peaceful tones.
She only fully grasped what had truly happened when she felt the unexpected warmth of his lips.
She also now fully understood what the flutters on her stomach were.
Angelina was certain it was bound to happen, but Portia had bet against it.
Daiyudura—her original goal still stood, but it wouldn’t do any harm that she enjoyed how pleasant his lips were.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
A burly, bald man sporting a gray eye-patch over his right eye and a thinner man, with a sly grin and leaning on a crudely fashioned club, blocked her path.
“I’m looking for a man with neatly groomed black hair. Did he cross this bridge?
“Information’s not free, lady—you’re an Orc. You’re a lady right? Forty silver for what you want to know. Another forty to cross,” said Blarloc.
Shagal’s hand moved to the hilt of her blade.
‘whoosh’
A sudden gust of wind spread from Shagal. Then blood sprayed out of the man with the eye-patch’s neck and he collapsed to the ground.
“I don’t pay criminals for lies or passage,”
“You little…” the thin man hurled his club towards her.
But Shagal caught it with one hand without flinching. “Now, tell me about the man with black hair.”
Blarloc tried to jank the club free, but it wouldn’t budge. His hands shook
“Y-you’re the Broken-Chain Berserker!” he stammered. “Y-yes, he was here, but... he turned back. He didn’t cross the bridge.”
The man’s club shattered under the orc’s grip. “Don’t lie to me.”
“It’s true! He left!” the man gasped, his face covered in tears and snot. “Please don't—”
“Kaito, I’m coming for you.”
In the dimly lit chambers of Plago City’s town hall, the air thick with the scent of intrigue and deceit, sat the mayor - or so they thought.
The mayor, a portly man with a benign smile plastered on his face, extended his hand towards Kaito and Zenith. But Karen knew better. ‘That’s no ordinary handshake,’ she mused. ‘That’s the grip of a demon lord, cloaked in the guise of a city official. Oh, the audacity!’
Karen what are you doing? This is important, and you are distracting me.
This is sooo boring… I was trying something new to spice up the adventure.
That’s okay, of course you can entertain yourself, but can you do it quietly?
“Please call me Hor. And of course, Mayor Zenith! I’m intrigued, Mayor Zenith. But let’s dive into specifics. What sort of volume are we talking about here, and what’s the frequency of trade you’re anticipating?”
As the negotiations continued, Kaito’s eyes danced across the lavishly decorated chamber, Kaito noted the ostentatious amber wall hangings and plush crimson cushions that encircled the round mahogany table.—it was worlds apart from their wood-colored walls at their village hall.
“Our primary focus is on bulk procurement of agricultural goods - grain, seeds - along with essential medicinal supplies. We’re also looking at sustainable sourcing for metal alloys, textile fibers, and specialized food items. The frequency would align with our agricultural cycles and infrastructural developments,” said Zenith.
At the opposite end sprawled Mayor Hor Shurkitsk, leaning back casually in his seat, boots crossed and propped up on the table. His stylish blue greatcoat and cunning narrow eyes marked him as a savvy businessman. “Ah, quite a list there! We can certainly provide these. Given these figures, a standard trade discount would typically be around 5%. But considering the volume and variety, I can stretch it to 8% for grain and seeds, and 5% for the other commodities.”
Look at him, with his overly-polished shoes and that sly, knowing smirk. He’s clearly up to no good. Probably planning to ensnare our unsuspecting heroes into a contract that would open the gates to the underworld itself!
They had practiced this scenario. Zenith began her counter-argument. “While we understand the value of your resources, Mayor Shurkitsk, our village is still growing. Let’s not overlook the strategic value of this deal…”
Kaito’s eyes landed on Zenith, and her face lit up when she noticed, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
“… Li—Linking Calmo Village and Plago City could pave the way for stronger ties between the Daiyudura Kingdom and the Ganada Dynasty. We’re talking about a venture that transcends immediate fiscal gains.”
Clearing his throat, Kaito adopted his signature pose—left arm crossed over his chest, right hand stroking his chin as if deep in contemplation. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Zenith trying to stifle a giggle. His chest swelled with masculine satisfaction. “Precisely. What we propose is more than a trade agreement; it’s a foundation for a potentially larger economic alliance. Hence, we suggest a 12% discount on agricultural products and a 7% discount on other commodities, with the understanding that this partnership will open doors for broader diplomatic relations.”
This is it, the moment he reveals his true form and plunges the room into chaos. Any second now, he’ll transform, his horns will sprout, and his wings will unfurl…
Please stop! I don’t want to do it, but I’m gonna have to shut you down until the meeting is over.
[...] Sorry.
“A compelling argument. Alright, let’s make it 10% on agricultural goods and 6% on the rest. We’ll also assist with optimized logistics for transportation. This could indeed mark the beginning of a significant economic and diplomatic alliance,” said Hor.
“We’re in accord, Mayor Hor. This agreement signifies not just economic growth for our regions but also a step towards regional stability and cooperation,” said Zenith.
“Agreed! Let’s finalize the details – specific quantities, delivery schedules, and payment terms. We’re on the brink of an exciting new chapter for both our communities,” said Hor.
“We look forward to this partnership. Thank you, Mayor Hor. Together, we’re paving the way for a prosperous and unified future,” said Kaito.
As Hor grinned and made some flashy gesture, a gold ring flew from his hand, arcing through the air. With lightning reflexes, Kaito snatched the ring mid-flight, balancing it neatly on the tip of his finger.
“A slippery little band, isn’t it Mayor Hor?” Kaito said, allowing a slight smile. Hor let out a barking laugh as Kaito tossed the ring back to him.
Hey Kaito.
What is it?
Is the meeting over?
Yes.
But of course, he’s playing the long game. A demon lord of his caliber wouldn’t reveal his hand so easily. He’s weaving a spell, lulling them into a false sense of security. Clever, clever demon lord…
No cataclysmic showdown, no battle of wits with a supernatural entity. Just another day in the life of Kaito, the hero who refuses to heed the call of adventure. Sigh. Maybe next time, the demon lord will make his move. Until then, I’ll keep my sensors sharp and my narratives ready. Always vigilant. Always watching—
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
It was a beautiful afternoon. The first sun had just sat, and the remaining one hung like a bright apricot that offered the last remnants of warmth before fall truly took hold. If she were an artist, she might have wished to paint it. As it was, she simply cherished being able to share this moment with Kaito.
Who had his tongue stuck out in indecision as he carefully inspected the array of ornate pastries before him. She had brought him to the famous De L’Amour bakery in Plago City, known for its decadent creations.
She picked up a tiny fruit tart, its glazed cherry wobbling precariously. As she bit into the flaky crust, sweet nectar dribbled down her chin. Kaito chuckled, then gently wiped it away with his thumb.
“Here, try this Kaito!” Zenith said, offering him a spoonful of silky chocolate mousse. Kaito leaned forward, savoring the rich sweetness.
“Delicious—What’s funny?”
Zenith gestured to the smudge of chocolate on his nose. She flushed, dabbing at his face with a napkin.
They continued sampling the splendid offerings - fluffy cream puffs bursting with vanilla custard, honey-glazed cakes studded with toasted almonds. Kaito relished the little sounds of pleasure Zenith made with each new taste.
“You must try the chocolate torte,” Zenith urged, holding out a forkful of the mouthwatering cake. As the rich sweetness melted over Kaito’s tongue, he closed his eyes blissfully.
“Incredible,” he murmured. “But not quite as sweet as present company.”
Zenith flushed, her heart quickening. A cool breeze drifted through the open bakery window. Goosebumps raised on her arms, Kaito noticed her shiver slightly in her thin silk dress. Wordlessly, he removed his cloak and draped it around her shoulders. She curled into its warmth, breathing in his comforting scent.
Outside, the setting sun cast a golden glow across Plago. Impulsively, Zenith grasped Kaito’s hand.
“Let’s see the city.”
Hand in hand with Kaito, Zenith strolled through the narrow cobblestone streets. She thrilled at the rare moment of solitude with him away from all their bureaucratic work.
They paused as a weathered old man sat strumming a lute, his soulful ballad echoing off the buildings. Kaito tossed a silver coin into the man’s hat and whispered something that made his eyes crinkle with mirth. Zenith marveled at how effortlessly he connects with people, highborn and common alike.
Up ahead, a tucked-away stall caught Zenith’s eye. A wizened old man sat whittling at a workbench laden with elaborate wind chimes.
One chime in particular captivated her - its delicate metal pieces formed a motif of a dragon devouring a blazing sun. As she reached out to touch it, her fingers brushed against Kaito’s, who had been examining the same one. Zenith quickly withdrew her hand with a shy smile.
“You have a good eye, miss,” rasped the artisan. “I forged that very one just this morning.”
Kaito picked up the wind chime, tilting it back and forth. “We’ll take it,” he declared, pressing coins into the craftsman’s wrinkled hand. The old man grinned, bowing graciously.
Clutching her gift, Zenith gazed up at Kaito with sparkling eyes. “You didn’t have to buy it.”
Kaito gestured to a wooded park nestled between two streets. “Let’s hang it and see how it looks.”
They made their way to a quiet spot with a towering maple, its leaves just tinged with autumn’s approach.
Zenith steadied Kaito as he tiptoed. Reaching high, he fastened the wind chime to a slender branch.
The dragon chimed melodically as a gentle breeze stirred, its notes pure and resonant. Bathed in the remnants of the afternoon sunshine, Kaito and Zenith sat beneath the tree and the chime’s peaceful tones.
She only fully grasped what had truly happened when she felt the unexpected warmth of his lips.
She also now fully understood what the flutters on her stomach were.
Angelina was certain it was bound to happen, but Portia had bet against it.
Daiyudura—her original goal still stood, but it wouldn’t do any harm that she enjoyed how pleasant his lips were.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
A burly, bald man sporting a gray eye-patch over his right eye and a thinner man, with a sly grin and leaning on a crudely fashioned club, blocked her path.
“I’m looking for a man with neatly groomed black hair. Did he cross this bridge?
“Information’s not free, lady—you’re an Orc. You’re a lady right? Forty silver for what you want to know. Another forty to cross,” said Blarloc.
Shagal’s hand moved to the hilt of her blade.
‘whoosh’
A sudden gust of wind spread from Shagal. Then blood sprayed out of the man with the eye-patch’s neck and he collapsed to the ground.
“I don’t pay criminals for lies or passage,”
“You little…” the thin man hurled his club towards her.
But Shagal caught it with one hand without flinching. “Now, tell me about the man with black hair.”
Blarloc tried to jank the club free, but it wouldn’t budge. His hands shook
“Y-you’re the Broken-Chain Berserker!” he stammered. “Y-yes, he was here, but... he turned back. He didn’t cross the bridge.”
The man’s club shattered under the orc’s grip. “Don’t lie to me.”
“It’s true! He left!” the man gasped, his face covered in tears and snot. “Please don't—”
“Kaito, I’m coming for you.”
