Published: July 4, 2025
Two weeks before the papal inauguration, in the Western Nations.
In the eastern part of the kingdom, the border town of Redpost.
In the western federation, the border town of Rednal, formerly part of the Duchy of Inberri.
Both towns have names derived from the characteristic red soil found in the region.
The border of the kingdom runs between these two towns.
On that border line, a massive tent was set up.
This was the venue for the meeting.
"Nice to meet you, your majesty. I am Aubrey Hubble Coleman, the regent of the Handalu Federation."
“I have long heard of the esteemed Regent and Lord Dictator Aubrey. I am King Abel the First of the Naitorei Kingdom.”
After their greetings, they shook hands.
While their expressions were calm, the atmosphere around them was heavy.
One could almost see the tension drifting between them.
However, beside the two, a completely different greeting was taking place.
"Frank... it’s been a while."
“Kenneth, you’ve grown quite impressive.”
This was a reunion between the alchemists representing both the kingdom and the federation, who could be considered the brains of their respective nations, after several years.
In the past, they had shared desks at the Royal Alchemy Workshop, creating numerous inventions together.
Though their ages were as distant as that of a grandson and grandfather, talent knows no age.
They each regarded the other as the best alchemist in the Central Nations.
Such was the high esteem in which they held one another.
"Alright, Kenneth, I’ve baked some delicious bread. It doesn't quite compare to the highly-rated Coronnpan, but it’s not bad. This, chamberlain, we’ll be eating bread at that table over there, please bring us some coffee."
"Frank, you haven't changed at all..."
As Frank and Kenneth made their way to the seats placed in the corner of the tent, they exchanged such conversation.
The two leaders of their nations watched this with sidelong glances.
The one who broke the ice was Lord Aubrey.
“I was honestly surprised when the proposal to bring Viscount Kenneth Hayward came. Was it alright to have the viscount meet Doctor Frank?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t you think there’s a possibility that Viscount Kenneth Hayward might seek asylum in our federation?”
“I don’t think so. Rather, isn’t it Frank de Verde who would want to return to the kingdom, bound to his beloved disciple Kenneth?”
“No, no, I doubt that.”
As Abel and Lord Aubrey exchanged those words, both burst into laughter.
From a distant seat, holding a piece of bread,
“It’s tough being the one steering the nation, isn’t it?”
“Indeed.”
The two alchemists were nodding their heads as they spoke, unaware that their conversation was reaching the king and regent.
“There is only one point we wish to confirm,”
Lord Aubrey said, not particularly appearing angry.
However, there was no laughter in his eyes.
Both had already decided the questions and answers for what lay ahead.
This was merely a confirmation.
"The attack on the City of Kurucho was carried out by your kingdom, correct?"
“No, that is incorrect.”
Like the questioner, Abel’s voice was exceedingly calm.
He understood this was merely a confirmation.
Lord Aubrey nodded in response.
“There is only one question from the kingdom as well.”
Abel did not appear particularly tense either.
However, his eyes too bore no laughter.
Even understanding that this was a confirmation, it was impossible to smile when thinking of the dead citizens of the kingdom.
"Were the forces that attacked the City of Ban-Lane from the federation?"
“Of course, that is not correct.”
Lord Aubrey's voice was also extremely calm as he responded.
He understood this was merely a confirmation.
Abel nodded again.
“We have confirmed it.”
“Yes.”
Both Lord Aubrey and Abel understood this logically.
It was not logically possible.
However, confirmation was necessary.
This included confirming whether the other party was telling the truth or not.
At this level, detecting whether the person before them was lying was quite easy.