Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 388: The Meeting Begins

The rest of the night played out as expected. Everyone enjoyed a one-of-a-kind feast prepared by Ania and Bradok leading a team made from the best chefs from across Iron Town. And no matter how Lord Draco wanted to compare the food to that of his palace, he didn’t dare. That would’ve only discredited Lord Draco’s personal staff.

Afterward, the prefecture lords sat and drank together, taking advantage of that rare opportunity to relax. The visiting kings, apart from Brak, stayed behind with the leading figures of Iron Territory.

Everyone was able to breathe and get ready for the coming day since that’s when the most chaos would begin.

Before the final sun could rise, the gorilla clan was already escorting a palanquin through the main road. It was simple in design yet cast in gold. Even Lord Draco was surprised when the gorillas brought it out for him. He welcomed the ride and boastfully waved to the citizens of Iron Town.

At town square, a raised platform was ready and waiting for Lord Draco’s arrival. Not a word had been said to the public about who he was, but rumors had already been spread with help from the fox clan.

By the time the palanquin reached the top steps of the platform, the entire town was gathered around the square.

Two figures then stepped forward, each from one side of the palanquin. Bradok was silent while Vloz shouted, “Citizens of Iron Town, people of Rhyner Region! Gather your ears and listen! Today, gracing our presence, our town, and our territory, we have a man beyond the scope of an introduction! He stands far above us, far surpassing even our new king! Through him, Iron Territory and Rhyner Region prosper! Through him, we’re able to exist and live as we please!”

.....

“...” Pausing to heighten the crowd’s enthusiasm, Vloz announced, “Everyone, I give you, the benevolent leader at the helm of our entire prefecture, heralded as the dragon slayer, Lord Isaac Draco, master of this Nova Prefecture!”

The crowd exploded with passionate cries and cheers! They watched as the man stepped off the palanquin and waved down to them.

“Amazing! Spectacular!” Isaac cheered, playing into the crowd’s excitement. “Thank you! It’s rare that such a small town can put on a presentation of this scale! Wonderful!”

Laughing to themselves, Inka and Treeda shook their heads. They were hidden in the outskirts of the crowd. While Isaac was reveling in receiving praise from his subjects, they chatted away at an empty table outside a tavern.

Inka asked, “So, what do you think of that fox girl Isaac is hiding?”

“I think there’s far more than meets the eye,” answered Treeda. “But he’s determined to keep her hidden... So we’ll have to play a little dirty.”

Spotting the mischievous smile on Treeda’s face, Inka leaned over the table. “Oh? Do you have something in mind?”

Treeda nodded. “Will you help me? My plan works to both of our benefits.”

“Sure. I’ll hear you out,” Inka chuckled, looking around for the wait staff that had left and joined the massive crowd. “We still owe you recompense, so that’s the least I can do.”

“As your prefecture lord, I’m proud to recognize Iron Territory as a budding territory with plenty of potential!” Isaac’s voice echoes through the streets, “That being the case, though I won’t be visiting as often as I would like, it pleases me to see such a unique civilization taking root in the Nova Prefecture! Now, I must be off to handle some of my many responsibilities! Thank you, Iron Town, for receiving me with such ardor! And thank you for contributing to Nova Prefecture’s greatness!”

Eruptions of cheers and shouts thundered through the town! Adulations would be heard throughout the day. Stores and restaurants began unveiling sales to celebrate the great visit of their benevolent prefecture lord.

At the same time, Lord Draco entered the palanquin once more and a path was cleared toward the council building.

By the time Lord Draco arrived with his escort, Lady Inka and Lord Treeda were already waiting outside the main entrance. Inka teased, “What took you so long, Lord Draco? I thought you were above such adulations coming from a tiny territory?”

“It’s their first time seeing or hearing about me. So, I might as well live up to my status and boost their morale!” Isaac boldly replied. “Now, let’s hurry and discuss what really matters.”

“Will the gorilla clan be sitting in?” Treeda asked.

Unflinching, Isaac shook his head. “They’re unnecessary for a discussion of this level. It would only go over their heads.”

But Treeda insisted, “I think they should be allowed to sit in and listen to our discussion. In case I, Lady Inka, or Sir Slazza have any questions for them, they’ll be permitted to speak. Wouldn’t that be best?”

“I agree,” commented Lady Inka, stepping aside to allow Lord Draco to enter first.

“... I suppose that will be fine, if you both feel that way. But they’re only allowed to speak when given direct permission, and only to address the question at hand,” Isaac acquiesced, stepping up to the double doors. “Now, let’s hurry. Slazza is waiting.”

A gorilla was posted at each door, given the importance of the meeting. The two at the main entrance ushered the prefecture lords inside, as well as the accompanying kings and the leaders of Iron Territory.

Slazza was already sitting on the head cushion, with Lady Narja sitting slightly behind and to his left. Lord Draco took the center seat with Rhyner, letting Lord Treeda sit to the left side and Lady Inka sit to the right with their respective kings. Bradok, Ania, and Vloz were sitting behind Lord Draco with their lips sealed.

“Very well. We can finally begin.” Standing up, Slazza scanned over everyone here. Surprisingly, his eyes stopped on the three from Iron Territory. “We’re glad to have your open participation, Iron Territory. Given the importance of this matter, please wait patiently until we have questions for you, then you’ll be allotted some time to speak. And, prefecture lords, I thank you for coming with such haste, so as to reach a conclusion of the matter as quickly as possible.”