__________ POV Ashton__________
Now, I've dealt with condition-based conflicts in the past. And I find that the easiest method to stop such things is to simply get rid of the source of the conditions.
Unfortunately, the source happens to also be the National treasure, the princes would not really appreciate it if I just smash this clay pot. So I need to think of some way to make undo the war.
Although, if we are not able to do this in any other way, I will just crush this useless pottery in my palm.
"I-I see..." Said Momoze, probably thinking of ways to escape the War itself.
"We need a method to offset the conditions, overwriting them is impossible now that the war is happening, but finding a loophole might work," I said while looking around the room.
The Guardian Nen Beasts will also disappear after the Seed Urn is destroyed, and that would leave Momoze without any protection at all when I am no longer near her.
Well, I can just make a Nen Beast for her, or let Pitou protect her. But Pitou isn't intelligent enough to take care of such a task.
Making a Nen Beast isn't that difficult. The Bloodsoaked Carnival is technically a Nen beast already. But I need one that can permanently protect Momoze...
I don't really care as much about the other princes. They can kill each other all they want. Although my opinion might change in the future.
Momoze's mental state might deteriorate if she watches her brothers and sisters kill each other. Wait... Since when did I also start caring for her mental state?
Oh well, I already decided that I want to protect her. The mental state is just as, if not more, important than physical wellbeing.
The princes(and the queens) all seemed to be thinking of ways to get out of this situation. Well, almost all of them.
This midget Tyson keeps trying to hit on me every time I blink. At least she's confident. Although she's getting on my nerves. I'd be happy if she was a little less confident...
"Ashton, when did you find the Seed Urn? I think everyone got caught up in their own thoughts too quickly..." Asked Halkenburg, giving me a questioning look.
Well, I guess it was stolen and I now have it. It would obviously arouse suspicion.
"This morning, a raid was conducted against the Phantom Troupe." I started speaking.
"Oh, the ones that assassinated the king?" Asked Luzurus.
"Yes, I managed to discretely take this from them after killing their leader," I said with a smile. Halkenburg seemed satisfied with this answer.
Well, he had no choice but to be, Momoze was staring daggers at him the entire time. The man uncomfortably fixed his already straightened tie. I guess he's the type that loves his family huh?
I clapped my hands together once. Getting everyone's attention once more.
"I think there isn't much we can do in one meeting. However, I will give you people an alternative. If we cannot find a way to subvert the rules, we will destroy the Seed Urn. Plain and simple."
"No! That's the national treasure that the first king left behind! It will bring shame to our empire if we destroy it." Tyson was surprisingly the first one to shoot back.
Although most of the princes were firmly against the idea. The queen's however, saw this idea as feasible.
I guess they are a bit more mature. Or maybe they really don't wish to see their children kill each other for power.
"I understand where you're coming from... But even destroying it would be difficult. Even the Captain of the Royal Guards couldn't put a scratch on it..." Halkenburg calmly spoke out against my idea.
"That's not really an issue. I can take care of that, I just need everyone's agreement before doing so." Otherwise, Momoze might get mad at me.
"So... You think you can break it?" Asked Luzurus. I guess defeating the Captain in a single move(or two) wasn't enough for them to believe I can break this vase.
"I am sure I can. I doubt you'd all allow me to demonstrate that..." I have an idea for how to end the War. But it once again relies on me fooling everyone at this table.
"Let us refrain from doing so right now... If need be, I think that would be our most favourable solution." Said Momoze's mom.
Camilla finally contributed a bit to the conversation. "I say we just break it now. Why delay the inevitable?" This girl probably already has ways to win an election. So she's really eager.
The others started arguing immediately. About how we cannot be sure, and how there might be another way.
The meeting was quickly coming to an end, and we haven't really reached a consensus. Which is quite annoying.
" I think this concludes our meeting for today... I will keep the Seed Urn with me, as it is much safer that way." I informed the princes. There wasn't any protest on that matter.
Although Luzurus did point out that letting the national treasure in the hands of the man that proposed to destroy it wasn't exactly safe. The others still decided that me keeping it was better.
They are likely afraid of any unwanted attention this clay pot may bring them.
Tensions are also high in the alliance, as not everyone trusts everyone. Halkenburg, as an example, doesn't seem to trust Camilla, and neither does Tyson.
Tyson also seems to dislike Momoze, for reasons unknown(jealousy).
They debated until the evening, leaving me more bored than before. I stopped listening to them midway.
The guard captain didn't wake up. A medical crew was called to carry him away.
Kurapika didn't make it to the meeting in the end. I guess he's either cleaning up the mess that our fight made or just contemplating whatever Fei Fei told him about me.
I think it's better to let him come to his own conclusions. Getting involved now might make him think that I am manipulating him in some way. (I am but he shouldn't know)
I bid farewell to all of the other princes. And I left with Momoze in two, reaching her room and speaking to her in private for a bit.
"Well, that was a royal mess..." I said, trying to lighten things up a bit.
She smirked a bit, but she was clearly not in the mood for it. As she went right back to skulking.
"You know, you won't get much done in one night... Going to sleep might be more productive at this point..." Momoze smiled at my proposition.
Then she turned red a bit. "Will... Will you stay the night?" Great, a sleepover.
"I might come later into the night, but I have something to do right now." I sense something strange is going on. And it's not that far from us.
My senses are quite good, but when my instincts act up I listen to them. I quietly covered this entire part of the ship with my En.
Sensing the situation in the rooms of every prince. The room of the 4th Prince was the most eventful one. A lot of people gathered there, fighting themselves.
I wouldn't get involved usually, but I am a bit curious, and that is usually enough reason for me to do anything.
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