King Albion looked at the Dignitary as he spoke. "Just because Viens from the War Of Crystal is under my Nationa, it means nothing, we don't plan to start a war nor risk a war we might lose"
The Sky Striker Dignitary looked at the King as he spoke. "but what guarantee to us that we have?".
Focalor looked at the Digintary in the room, as she spoke to all them at once. "Do you think of our people as savage's?".
The dignitary stiffened at Focalor's blunt question, their expression flickering between indignation and unease. Murmurs rippled through the chamber, some dignitaries lowering their gazes while others puffed up in offense.
King Albion didn't move, his sharp gaze fixed on the Sky Striker envoy, letting Focalor's words hang heavy in the air.
One of the older envoys finally spoke, her tone clipped. "That is not what we mean. But history has shown that when nations rise too quickly from war, their hunger can turn… outward."
Focalor leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but edged with steel. "And yet you sit here, treating us as if we are already sharpening our blades for your throats. We bled for survival. We endured loss you cannot imagine. To call us warmongers because we recovered instead of rotting… is an insult."
King Albion looked at his wife. He knew that expression well—not just the face of a Queen, but the mind of a war strategist already weighing casualties.
Before the tension could snap into something irreversible, he raised his voice.
"Now… if none of you Dignitaries have more to say, this meeting is concluded."
The dignitaries exchanged uneasy glances, muttered under their breath, and rose stiffly from the couches. The scrape of chairs against the polished floor echoed in the chamber.
As they made for the door, Kagari lingered, letting out a tired sigh. She looked at King Albion with something between apology and frustration.
"I'm sorry, old friend. You know how the Council is… fractured, short-sighted."
King Albion's tone was calm, but the steel beneath it was unmistakable.
"I wanted to believe the rumor—that Monster Kings like me earned a measure of respect from the Sky Striker Council. But I see now it was just that… a rumor."
Spright Blue stepped forward, his glowing form dimming slightly as he admitted:
"I'll tell you the truth. Even as citizens, we Monsters are never treated better. Titles, loyalty—it changes nothing."
The group began to shuffle toward the exit. But just as the tension seemed to ebb, Focalor's voice cut like a blade across the room.
"Do you think you can just leave like that?"
Every dignitary froze. Kagari's hand snapped to her sword, steel flashing. Spright Blue flared, power surging as he moved instinctively into a defensive stance. Raye gasped, retreating behind her sister's leg, wide blue eyes trembling with fear.
Kagari's thoughts raced.
She's going to kill us. She's stronger than me and Blue both—if she strikes, this sparks a war. Damn it, Kagari, why did you bring Raye here? We can't protect her and the council at once. The ship's too far out of reach—was this a trap from the start?
But then, Focalor smiled. A soft, almost playful smile that disarmed the room more effectively than any blade.
"Wait," she said warmly, hands folded in front of her. "At least stay for breakfast. In Albaz culture, it's terribly rude to let guests leave with an empty stomach."
The dignitaries blinked in stunned silence. Kagari nearly dropped her sword.
"…Or that could happen," Kagari muttered under her breath, exhaling in disbelief.
The dignitaries froze mid-step, their fear still clinging to them as Focalor's words settled into silence. Kagari's grip faltered just long enough for her blade to quiver before she shoved it back into its sheath, her expression caught between disbelief and relief.
Spright Blue flickered faintly, arcs of energy crackling off his form before fizzling out like static. "…Breakfast?" he muttered flatly, as though his processors were struggling to reconcile the word with the situation.
Behind him, Raye peeked out from Kagari's leg, whispering with round, curious eyes: "Breakfast…?" Her voice was so soft only Albion's Dragon hearing picked it up, which did not help his growing headache.
King Albion rubbed the bridge of his nose, hiding the twitch of a smirk. He knew exactly what this was: the oldest trick in Focalor's book. She'd just tightened her grip on the room through sheer intimidation—only to pivot, offering warmth so the guests left both rattled and indebted. Classic Dragoon hospitality, equal parts terror and courtesy.
One of the dignitaries coughed awkwardly into his sleeve, still pale. "W-well… if… if it is your custom, then we would not dare dishonor the Dragoon Kingdom by… refusing."
Focalor's smile deepened, honeyed but edged like a hidden blade. "Good. Then sit. Here, you are not negotiators—you are guests."
At her clap, the heavy doors swung open. Dragon Servants glided in, bearing platters that filled the air with rich spices, roasted meats, and golden loaves whose crusts still crackled as if alive. The sheer spread seemed ready to collapse the carved table beneath it.
Albion slumped back, muttering under his breath: "Yep. Only my mother could terrify an entire delegation and then host a feast in the same five minutes. Honestly, I don't know if I should be proud… or scared."
Across from him, Kagari sat slowly, her expression stiff. She leaned toward Spright Blue and whispered: "She planned this."
Blue's eyes narrowed as his voice buzzed low. "Every second of it. This wasn't just hospitality… it's a trap where we're the honored prey."
Meanwhile, Albion felt the prickling sensation of someone's gaze. He turned—and caught Raye staring again. She yelped, cheeks reddening, and ducked behind her cup of juice like it was a shield. Albion groaned inwardly.
Fantastic. Politics were one thing. Now I have to survive international diplomacy… AND breakfast flirting from a six-year-old with a ribbon. Somebody, please, end me.
Albion looked at Raye as he sighed. He thought, Why not make a friend, someone who he knew was gonna be a future Sky Sticker, thanks to her card. He activated Kid mode and went to her.
He started to act like the 6-year-old he was in looks. "Hi there".
Raye blinked in surprise as Albion walked up to her, her serious, polite mask cracking for a moment as she tilted her head.
Raye: "…Um… hello?"
Albion smiled softly, his kid-mode voice carrying the right mix of innocence and warmth. "You looked kinda lonely. My name's Albion… what's yours?"
Raye hesitated, glancing toward the other dignitaries still locked in tense discussion. But something about Albion's wide eyes disarmed her, pulling her out of the sharp diplomatic atmosphere.
Raye: "…Raye. Just Raye."
Albion tilted his head playfully, "That's a pretty name! I like it. Do you like flying things? Like… zoom zoom?" He waved his hands like a little plane.
For the first time in what felt like ages, Raye let out the smallest giggle. Her serious composure softened. "Maybe a little."
Albion grinned inside. Hook set. Future Sky Striker or not, I'm planting this bond now.
In the background, Focalor raised an eyebrow as she watched Albion slip away from the heavy political tension into his own "playground.".
Raye looked at Albion as she took another bite from the food on the table. "This breakfast is great".
She said shly, as she looked at the prince, and then back at her sister.
Kagari was also enjoying the meal, the Dignitary won't say it, but they also like it, as for Spright Blue.
Being someone made out of pure energy, he didn't need to eat, but to show his Respect, he also ate, but how he ate Confused everyone.
He stabbed a fork into the sausage, and the lightning that lit his body crackled, turning it into dust, as he absorbed the food.
Albion looked at the girl as he chuckled. "Thanks, also the food that Sparkles that my mom's cooking".
Raye blinked as she looked at the piece of bread, which was sparkling. "Oh, I see, but I thought royalties don't like getting their hands dirty?".
Albion chuckled as he looked at the shy girl. "Will yes, while Kitchen DragonMaid and the staff do most of the Cooking, my mother also cooks and takes care of the house, when she is not handling royal duties, that is, she says it's a hobby and great mark for a ruler, as it shows she respects the people under her, will that's what she said, but I don't get it".
That last part was a lie, but since Albion was acting like a Kid at this moment, he couldn't let people know everything, but right now he was just talking to Raye.
Kagari took a drink from her orange juice, as she looked at the kids, she spoke in her mind. "At least the next generation is better than ours, hopefully this last".
Raye smiled softly, her fingers tightening a little on the edge of her plate. "I think… that's kind of sweet. A ruler who can cook for their own family—" she glanced at Albion with a little blush, "—it makes you feel safe, you know?"
Albion blinked at her words, tilting his head like he hadn't expected that. For a second, the young prince's usually bright and confident expression softened. He fiddled with his spoon, tracing a circle on the edge of the bowl. "Safe, huh…? I never thought about it like that. But maybe you're right."
Spright Blue gave a crackling laugh, interrupting the moment. "Safe? HA! You call that safe? You should see the sparks fly when I eat dessert. That's the real danger." He picked up a sugar cube, zapped it with lightning until it disintegrated, then slurped the floating crystals into his body like a vacuum.
The dignitary flinched at the display, almost dropping their fork. Kagari nearly spit out her juice. Raye covered her mouth, trying not to laugh, while Albion couldn't hold back a grin. "Blue, you're hopeless."
"But entertaining," Kagari added dryly, setting her glass down. She eyed Albion for a moment, noticing how relaxed he seemed with her sister as she side. "Maybe that's the point."
The dignitary, clearing their throat, finally spoke. "Prince Albion… if I may. It seems you are surrounded by companions who see you not only as royalty, but as—" they searched for the word, "—a person. That may prove to be more important than you realize."
Albion paused, his smile faltering just slightly. He knew the dignitary's words carried more weight than they let on. But before the atmosphere could grow too serious, Sparkle—one of the tiny Kitchen DragonMaids—fluttered in with another tray of food.
"Seconds, everyone~!" she chimed, setting the tray down. "Breakfast isn't over until the plates are empty!"
The tension broke, and laughter filled the room once more.
After breakfast ended, the Sky Striker dignitaries made their way back to their ship. On the landing dock, Spright Blue turned back, his energy flickering warmly.
"We once again thank you for your hospitality," he said, his voice carrying a rare tone of sincerity.
Kagari bowed respectfully, her long hair brushing forward. "Yes, especially since this meeting… didn't go as expected."
King Albion inclined his head, his tone calm and measured. "Your thanks are received. It was no trouble."
Focalor added, her eyes glinting. "Indeed. Dragons do not hold grudges."
There was a weight to her words, one that hung in the air even after Kagari smiled politely.
The ramp closed with a heavy clang, and the ship's engines thrummed to life. Albion watched as the futuristic vessel rose into the sky, light reflecting off its steel frame. He found himself squinting, trying to catch one last glimpse before it disappeared into the horizon. Will I ever see her again? he thought, Raye's shy eyes flashing in his memory.
Meanwhile, inside the ship, the dignitaries settled back into their seats as the craft ascended. Raye pressed close to one of the viewing monitors, her hands resting lightly on the glass as the camera panned out over the capital.
First came the royal courtyard where they had just been. Then the view pulled higher, showing the sprawling streets, the clustered markets, the flowing canals that glimmered like veins of silver. From this height, the entire city took shape—not random, not chaotic, but designed.
Her breath caught. The roads and rivers aligned perfectly to resemble a dragon's wings spread wide across the land. Not any of the Original Dragon Families… but the likeness reminded her of a winged beast from history, half-forgotten in books of lore.
Her fingers tightened on the glass. And then her mind betrayed her—pulling her back to Albion, to his awkward "hi," to the way she couldn't stop looking at him. She whispered under her breath, "Will we ever see him again…?"
Kagari, seated behind her, overheard. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Chances are low, little sister. Very low. We're from two different nations. Unless…" Kagari's lips curved into a grin, "you decide to attend the Dragon Academy."
Raye spun around, eyes wide. "Wh-what?! No! That's not—!"
Kagari smirked knowingly, her tone playful but sharp. "Ohhh, don't tell me I was right about the crush thing."
Raye's face went crimson as she waved her hands in panic. "N-no! I-it's not like that! I was just… curious! About dragons!"
Spright Blue, sparking faintly from his corner, let out a distorted chuckle. "Sure. 'Curious.' That's what they all say."
Raye buried her face in her hands, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.
Spright folded his arms, scowling. "Besides, you can't even step foot in Dragon Academy without him tagging along as your so-called 'plus one.'"
Kagari frowned at him. "Spright, he's just a kid. You're being harsh."
Spright jabbed a finger in the air. "Kid or not, he walks around like he owns the place. And his family? Don't even get me started—th
ey think the sun shines out of their own tails just because they were the first dragons to get cybernetic enchantments."
One of the older Sky Striker dignitaries, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke, his voice measured but firm. "Say what you will about their attitude, Spright, but the Blue-Eyes White Metal Dragons are an undeniable asset to our nation. Their strength alone has deterred threats that would have otherwise forced us into war."
Spright Blue looker at Raye as he leaned on one of the ships wall. "Basically what I am saying is that, your better or attending Link Academy and training to be a Sky Strike like your sister them go to the Dragon Academy with that brat".
Raye looked at him as she spoke. "B-but Helio's is not that bad".
Spright raised his non exgistance eyebrow as he spoke. "Sure, keep saying your self that about the Mental Dragon Brat".
To be continued
Hope people like this ch and give me power stones and enjoy