Published: July 5, 2025
The fifth night of the seven consecutive posts.
On the evening of the third day since Ryo and Abel took on the training guidance.
"They seem to be getting used to the flow of training," Ryo remarked.
"Though it's only been three days, so we can't expect to see much improvement in their skills yet, it seems they have established a daily routine among themselves," Abel added.
Both Abel and Ryo felt satisfied as they observed the expressions of the fifty trainees showing signs of fulfillment.
At that moment, an elderly man with long white hair approached them.
"Looks good," he said.
"Oh, Count Masuda," Ryo replied.
"Master, thank you for your hard work," Abel added.
Count Masuda greeted them with a cheerful tone, to which Abel nodded and Ryo offered his greeting.
"You two are great at teaching. Far better than I am," Count Masuda praised.
"That's a bit too much praise..." Abel said, humbly deflecting the compliment.
"Not at all, really," Ryo added, slightly embarrassed.
Count Masuda, clearly pleased, continued, "Honestly, I'm really glad I asked you two. It seems like you both are on your way back to the Naitorei Kingdom, how about staying at the fort for a while? You could easily manage as swordsmanship instructors."
"That's a bit much..." Ryo replied.
"Yes, that's a little..." Abel added, agreeing with Ryo.
It was clear to both that such an option was not feasible.
After all, there were people waiting for them back in the kingdom...
Count Masuda likely didn't expect them to stay either.
He laughed heartily.
At that point, all three of them noticed something simultaneously.
A figure entering the training ground.
"Hmm? It looks like Molgar has returned from the meeting..." Count Masuda observed.
"He seems down," Ryo noted.
"That expression is definitely one that says the meeting didn't go well," Abel remarked.
The three of them could clearly see that Chief Guard Molgar's expression was gloomy as he returned.
"Ah, all of you..." he said, his voice heavy with disappointment.
"From the looks of it, it seems the meeting didn't go well," Count Masuda stated plainly.
Given their relationship, there was no need for him to sugarcoat his words.
"Yeah... Instead of coming to an agreement, it fell apart after just one meeting. Neither side wants to meet again," Molgar explained.
"What?" Count Masuda responded, surprised.
"That’s shocking..." Ryo added.
"To break down after just one meeting..." Abel echoed.
Molgar looked despondent, while the other two were taken aback.
Typically, in large negotiations involving tens of thousands, even if there is no middle ground or compromise seen initially, that is to be expected.
It's common to find solutions in the second or third round of negotiations.
So, it was quite rare for it to fall apart after just one attempt. Ryo thought to himself.
However, there were concerns regarding this particular meeting.
"Could it be that the intermediary was at fault?" Ryo speculated.
"Intermediary? I heard it was Don Re, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Handalu Federation's Eastern Eighth District. He didn't seem very proactive. Since it was the first meeting, he might have thought it best to let both sides discuss freely," Molgar responded, recalling the meeting.
"Either way... it’s bad that they don’t want to meet again. And that applies to both sides," Count Masuda said.
"Yes. That's why I'm feeling down as well," Molgar admitted.
"Now, now, Molgar, it’s not your fault, is it?" Count Masuda reassured him.
"That may be true... but as the military leader, to only watch the meeting fall apart that holds the future of the fort...," Molgar sighed deeply.
"Both Marquis Nyusha and Chairman Peasek seemed calm and collected when the discussions began... yet..."
Count Masuda then took Molgar aside to let him relax with some drinks, saying that alcohol was the best way to forget in times like these.
Left behind were Ryo and Abel.
"There must have been some underhanded activities by the federation!" Ryo declared.
"Underhanded activities?" Abel questioned.