Great Britain.
Leon recalled the council meeting from several days prior, his expression darkening. Even after everything that had transpired, King George VII remained determined to involve Charlotte in negotiations with the Indo-American Federation.
"Why does Your Highness look so displeased? You mustn't appear impolite when they arrive." The woman beside him spoke with a saccharine smile that made Leon's stomach turn.
Lucia, the current Saint of the Holy See, bore little resemblance to her predecessors who embodied light and salvation. To Leon, she reeked of corruption, as foul as the refuse rotting in France's streets.
The Holy See had suffered terribly under France's "Near God" in recent years. Though they'd managed to survive, their existence had become one of constant fear and vigilance.
Despite his deep-seated resentment, Leon maintained his composure. "I didn't sleep well last night. My apologies if I've given offense, Your Holiness."
Lucia dismissed his tone with a wave, her curious gaze turning toward the port where Charlotte stood waiting. "A Master-level expert from the Indo-American Federation? This will be my first time witnessing one."
She paused, then added with deliberate casualness, "Speaking of which... when will His Majesty Azrael, the one you're so familiar with, arrive?"
At the mention of Azrael's name, Leon's eyes flickered. The message from the Empire of Aetherlight had arrived two days ago. Calculating the timeline, Azrael should reach Great Britain within the next day or two.
A massive vessel, large enough to be mistaken for a small island, emerged from the distant fog and approached the harbor. Its sheer size prevented it from docking properly at the port.
Recognizing the ship's origin, Leon knew this had to be the Indo-American Federation's Master-level expert.
As expected, the enormous vessel came to a halt offshore. Then, before the gathered crowd's astonished eyes, the massive ship vanished into thin air. In its place, dozens of brown-skinned figures materialized around Charlotte.
The middle-aged man leading the group smiled warmly upon seeing Charlotte. "Long time no see, Charlotte."
Charlotte bowed respectfully. "Master Apache, it's been too long."
"This isn't the ideal place for conversation. Master Apache, please follow me."
Leon cursed silently. Shameless traitor.
Though he loathed both Charlotte and Apache, he dared not reveal his contempt. After all, this was a Master-level Lore Cardian. Even if Apache killed him on the spot, King George VII wouldn't protest. At most, his death would reduce the Indo-American Federation's demands slightly.
As the group passed by, Apache suddenly stopped beside Leon. The middle-aged man studied the brown-haired prince with an expression caught between amusement and menace. "Young man, it's unwise to let your thoughts run wild."
He reached out and patted Leon's shoulder with seemingly casual force.
"Careful you don't provoke the wrong people."
Leon's knees nearly buckled. He barely maintained his footing as cold sweat broke across his skin. Beside him, Lucia remained perfectly silent, pretending she'd heard nothing.
Charlotte glanced back at her brother, her eyes cold as winter ice.
Leon swallowed hard, forcing his expression into something resembling composure. "Master Apache, I'm afraid I don't understand your meaning."
Apache threw back his head and laughed, a sound without warmth. "You have Azrael from the Empire behind you. I won't make things difficult for you today."
With that dismissal, he and the Indo-American Federation's contingent followed Charlotte away, disappearing from Leon's sight.
Long after they'd gone, Leon remained frozen. Only when Lucia waved her hand before his face did he snap back to awareness.
The prince realized his clothes were drenched in cold sweat.
After several deep breaths, he finally regained control of his trembling. Apache's parting words echoed in his mind, and Leon felt profoundly grateful for Azrael's backing. Without it, he'd be dead already.
This encounter only strengthened his resolve to maintain his alliance with Azrael. Given his talent, reaching Sovereign-level seemed achievable. By then, even Edley wouldn't concern him, let alone Apache.
As for Great Britain's relationship with the Empire of Aetherlight? Being the Empire's vassal is the greatest honor. The Empire is invincible!
Meanwhile, Azrael, blissfully unaware he'd become someone's target for unwavering loyalty, traveled alone toward Great Britain.
His solitary journey stemmed from having taken his accompanying Lore Cardians into the [False Karakura Town]. If Great Britain hadn't specifically requested Azrael's personal attendance, Zidaine would have been far more suitable for this diplomatic mission. After all, his Master-level venue card [Kunlun Mountain] projected the Empire's majesty far more impressively.
As Azrael contemplated whether he should create his own Master-level venue card, the fog-shrouded cityscape of Great Britain materialized before him.
Why is there such thick fog without an Industrial Revolution? The idle thought crossed his mind as he located Leon's residence through his spiritual perception.
He sensed his acquaintance sitting in the living room, brow furrowed in deep concentration over some apparently crucial matter.
Unfortunately, Azrael had misjudged. Leon wasn't contemplating anything of geopolitical importance.
Or perhaps, in a sense, it was extremely important, to him personally.
The brown-haired prince was deliberating how exactly to kneel upon seeing Azrael. Should he drop to both knees and proclaim, "If you don't abandon me, I'll serve you faithfully as your sworn brother"?
Just as he rehearsed various genuflection angles, a voice spoke from directly behind him.
"Leon."
"I must admit, I didn't expect you to manage this situation."
Leon startled violently, spinning around to find his requested reinforcement regarding him with an inscrutable expression.
He collected himself and forced a smile. "Azrael... why didn't you inform me of your arrival? I would have arranged a proper reception."
Azrael raised an eyebrow, noting the subtle but distinct shift in Leon's demeanor. The flattery seemed even more pronounced than before.
However, he didn't bother analyzing the reasons, simply shaking his head. "Respect is reciprocal. I'll extend Great Britain the same courtesy they showed the Empire."
Those two sentences cemented Leon's conviction that his choice was absolutely correct.
Listen to that. Listen!
The Empire of Aetherlight, a nation of propriety and honor, is leagues beyond a country founded by exiles and indigenous tribes.
After a moment of self-hypnosis, Leon quickly added, "I'll escort you to the accommodations His Majesty has arranged for the Empire's delegation."
"Are you here alone?"
In response, Azrael released the Empire's Lore Cardians from [False Karakura Town].
Seeing this display, Leon straightened momentarily before bowing slightly, his smile growing wider as he led Azrael and the group toward their lodgings.
During the journey, the prince spontaneously recounted his encounter with Apache.
After hearing about the Indo-American Federation's Master-level expert, Azrael's expression darkened slightly. "It seems Apache knows about me."
He wasn't particularly surprised that Great Britain would hedge its bets by inviting the Indo-American Federation. After all, only a fool put all their eggs in one basket.
However, based on Leon's description, Apache appeared to possess prior knowledge about him.
Then again, it made sense. Edley had previously clashed with the Empire over the Skinner incident. Information about Azrael, the Empire's strongest Lore Cardian, spreading within the Indo-American Federation wasn't implausible.
Tsk.
How troublesome.
While annoying, it was merely an inconvenience. Circumstances had changed dramatically since his first encounter with Edley. Back then, having just reached Master-level, Azrael had forced Edley to back down. Now, with three Master-level cards already crafted, he was even less likely to be intimidated.
Besides, Apache wasn't Edley.
This thought eased the tension from Azrael's features. Observing him, Leon released a quiet breath of relief. Looks like everything will be fine.
Soon, led by Leon, the Empire's delegation arrived at their accommodations.
Three days later, the scheduled date for King George VII's negotiations with both the Empire and the Indo-American Federation.
Outside the magnificent palace, Azrael walked leisurely toward the conference chamber, guided by a palace attendant.
A voice called out beside him.
"Are you Azrael?"
Hearing his name, Azrael turned to find a tall, brown-skinned middle-aged man scrutinizing him thoroughly.
The moment he saw the man, recognition clicked. "Apache."
Apache showed no surprise at being immediately identified.
He approached Azrael, his tone wavering between mockery and grudging admiration. "I don't see anything particularly special about you."
"Though I suppose I understand why Lord Edley chose to back down."
Azrael's expression remained neutral, but his eyes grew cold at the man's attitude.
Apparently oblivious, or more likely, uncaring, of Azrael's shifting mood, Apache clapped his hands together. "Ah, I see now."
"It was because you had the Skinner in your custody back then."
He paused deliberately, then grinned, revealing white teeth that gleamed with dangerous intent. "Oh, right."
"The Skinner... Sakaga..."
"She's my sister."
The atmosphere in the corridor froze.
Azrael's eyes narrowed dangerously as he studied the brown-skinned man before him, his expression growing increasingly lethal.
Sakaga, the Skinner's true name. He'd never forgotten it.
Previously, under pressure from Edley, Azrael had been forced to release her. He'd fully intended for the Empire to eventually settle accounts with the Skinner. Who could have anticipated that before they made their move, her brother would come seeking him first?
"Looking for death."