Sato admired her reflection in the grand mirror, marveling at the regal image staring back at her. Her emerald green dress, adorned with intricate golden lace, accentuated her figure as it cascaded down to a flowing train behind her. With a satisfied smile, she gracefully took her seat at the ornate dressing table, placing her hands on her lap to signal her readiness. The attendants around her immediately stood at attention, aware of her unspoken command.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomKcmN3XqR
A servant dressed in a beige gown with a light brown apron and cream scarf approached Sato. With delicate precision, she carefully positioned a pearl crown upon Sato's neatly plaited cornrows. Sato beamed, adjusting the crown upon her head before leaving her chambers. Her guards followed closely behind as they traversed the grand hall, awash in emerald green and golden fabrics, paying homage to her family. The glimmering chandeliers illuminated their path along the long corridor, leading them toward the towering silver double doors that stood at the end. The echoes of Sato's soft footsteps on the red carpet contrasted with the resounding thuds of her guards' metal shoes upon the cold stone floor. She was finally on the verge of claiming her rightful place as the emperor.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FPUrmMOsh
Upon reaching the massive doors, Sato took a deep breath, steeling herself for the moment that awaited her on the other side. Her gaze shifted to the right, where a meticulously engraved display of Alkebulan's past rulers caught her attention. The names, lovingly crafted by Baba Dule, the palace blacksmith, traced the lineage of her ancestors. Sato lightly ran her fingers over the names, feeling an indescribable connection and drawing strength from their enduring legacy. With a nod to the guards flanking the doors, she silently instructed them to open.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sZwPsxKYN
As the doors swung open, a hushed silence fell over the room, and all in attendance rose to show their respect. Sato reveled in the palpable power that emanated from her presence, knowing that she commanded the attention of those around her. With unwavering poise, she straightened her posture and proceeded toward the empty chair positioned at the center of the C-shaped mahogany table—a historic gift to the kingdom symbolizing unity among Kringa's leaders. Over the past years, the continent had been governed without an emperor, relying on collaborative efforts. Today, the table was adorned with a sumptuous feast, featuring an array of delectable meats and drinks.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllHn0Iui3U
Sato's gaze swept across the hall, taking in the sight of the assembled dignitaries who had come to witness her coronation as the emperor of Kringa. Mambo, the esteemed leader of the Eya village and chief of security, radiated authority, adorned in her village's vibrant colors. Kori, the visionary leader of Nzani responsible for scientific and technological advancements, stood out with her unique attire and a confident, shaved head. Lulahve, the esteemed representative of the Urun village overseeing finance and economics, commanded respect despite his seemingly unassuming presence, draped in majestic purple robes. Seated beside them was Selia, the trusted advisor to the queen and representative of Raan, diligently providing diplomatic assistance to the continent.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUnWFfDcbL
Sato's eyes searched the room for her son, Gera, among the guests. However, he was conspicuously absent, leaving her with a tinge of disappointment. Overwhelmed with frustration, she stormed into his room, confronting him about his absence from such a momentous occasion. Their conversation quickly escalated into a heated exchange, but Sato soon realized that scolding him wouldn't provide the answers she sought. Defeated, she informed him of the upcoming council meeting with the other Lords and departed from his room.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmWMdku9tO
Gera walked into the council hall, dressed in a sleek black ensemble adorned with subtle emerald and golden accents at the hem. The room was filled with officials wearing their customary land colors, donning formal black attire with hints of their respective hues. Mambo, engrossed in studying a map spread across the table, broke the silence by addressing Gera, her gaze fixed on the parchment. Her question resonated with the others in the room.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEyOzOkfHr
"What brings you here?" Mambo inquired, her eyes still fixed on the map. The sentiment echoed throughout the room.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59EH424pr5
"Mo, Emperor Sato requested my presence. She mentioned a meeting with the other Lords," Gera responded calmly. The door swung open, and Sato entered the chamber, prompting everyone to rise in unison. Once she took her seat at the round table, the rest followed suit, leaving Gera standing by her side.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IvwEHH7H0
"Before we begin, my Lord, may I inquire about Gera's presence here?" Kori asked, passing the documents she held toward Sato.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJvcmrE2FO
Ah, Gera. I felt it necessary for him to gain insight into our proceedings. One day, he may assume my seat when I am no longer here," Sato replied, lifting a paper that had been handed to her.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTvOF4pidK
"She's right," Lulahve interjected before anyone else could speak.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IcMlrHJZ7
Mambo's curiosity piqued, and she raised the issue. "So, Mambo, enlighten us about the situation with our soldiers sent to the South?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7OzPhFtTC
"As it turns out, the Iron-bloods were merely engaged in a training exercise. There was no imminent threat," Mambo responded, her expression unreadable. "I verified this with Abua," she added, her eyes briefly darting toward Gera, who stood beside Sato with his hands clasped behind his back. Gera met her gaze with an inscrutable expression.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9LWtIsVrQ
Sato nodded, confirming the information, and swiftly moved on to the next agenda. "And what about the blue rocks? Any progress on that front?" she inquired, directing her attention to Lulahve.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexGMMxh9jy
"It remains a mystery. Their origin is unknown, and they seem to have taken control over the subordinates," Lulahve replied in a fading voice, concern evident in his words.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvTRYimtI1
"We are powerless to intervene; it appears they do not desire our assistance. They never have," Mambo interjected, breaking the unnerving silence that had settled over the room.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUonFyFk3E
Gera, leaning forward and resting his hands on the table, interjected, "Have you tried engaging in dialogue with them?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYFpbz5qph
Mambo, unable to conceal her rising anger, cut him off sharply. "You know we've tried. We presented them with a proposition, but they refused to accept it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyo9KsA0YR
"Who stood to benefit from the deal, Mambo? You or them?" Gera retorted.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPSGmIofPZ
"They were offered something valuable," Lulahve chimed in.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MkLVFlRsK
Sato reclined in her chair, struggling to conceal the frustration boiling within her.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2wIfDvlus
Gera leaned back, resting his head between his hands, and addressed both Mambo and Lulahve. "We all understand why we sought to aid them. Even before sitting down with Abua, Mambo, following Sato's directives, we instigated this turmoil. The response we are witnessing now is a justified reaction."
"You have no understanding of the situation. This conflict predates even your grandmother Kinyi's reign," Kori calmly interjected, sensing Sato's gaze upon her. "We cannot blame ourselves for their lack of trust. Only God knows their motives and actions."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fIeqdWmlE
Gera's frustration escalated, evident from the creases on his forehead and the force with which he poked the table to emphasize his point. "As the government, shouldn't we be concerned about why the people we govern distrust us? Instead of blaming them, we—"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpPc4w9WPX
Sato's voice cut through, deep and commanding. "Stop. You have no idea what you're talking about," she retorted, sitting upright in her chair, anger etched across her forehead. The vein on the side of her head seemed ready to burst.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OHYqf7vcT
"The conflict between the underlings and the rest of us is complex. We are doing our best here. Let's move on," she declared, swiftly shifting her attention to the next agenda on her paper.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc3sHiimpm
The meeting continued with everyone treading cautiously, aware of the need to avoid provoking Sato. They had caught a glimpse of her power and its potential. Once the meeting concluded, everyone dispersed to attend to their respective duties.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEVws24TLg
Sato retreated to her chambers, situated in a tower-like structure. She marveled at the breathtaking view of Gan stretching to the horizon, where the beginning of Raan was faintly visible. The vastness of the continent filled her with admiration. Memories of her grandmother's tales resurfaced—the stories of the other lands joining Gan, the origins of the name Kringa. She cherished the peace and unity that prevailed, the collaborative system designed for the benefit of all. Sato comprehended why the underlings resorted to their actions, understanding the sacrifices required to achieve their desires. So, when they sought self-governance, they knew the potential losses and the reasons behind them.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI4EsqlmQa
Her attention shifted closer, and she glanced downward to see her two young cousins playing gleefully with the servants on the impeccably manicured lawn. In the garden, she spotted her aunt Iien and Lulahve. Iien wore a concerned expression as Lulahve leaned in, ensuring their conversation remained private. Iien's surprise transformed into disgust before her gaze met Sato's. Straightening her back, she signaled Lulahve, and both waved a greeting. Sato reciprocated the gesture with a smile before becoming absorbed in her private chambers.
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