Akane strode across the polished marble floors of Saint Levara, her high heels clicking in a staccato rhythm. Ahead of her, Ghazal and Ayenna awaited her arrival, while Shu stood with his back against the wall, his expression twisted with anger. Akane flashed a wry grin, and her two loyal knights, Lars and Genichiro, flanked her sides with Lars to her left and Genichiro to her right.
Ghazal's voice was cold and precise as he addressed Akane and Shu. "I trust the issue between you has been resolved," he stated in his usual manner, devoid of emotion or inflection. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the two of them, waiting for their response.
Akane's voice was filled with a playful tone as she turned towards Shu, tilting her head and looking at him with her bright red eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "We're the best of buds now, right Shu?" She said with an exaggerated flutter of her lashes. With a light tap, she bumped her knuckles against his chest, her demeanor a stark contrast to the barbs in her words. There was a hint of condescension in her voice, as if she was mocking him for his previous anger.
Shu's eyes darkened as Akane's words hit him like a ton of bricks. He could feel the rage bubbling inside him, but he couldn't let it out, not now. He had to keep his cool, for the sake of the team. He glanced over at Ghazal, who was watching them intently, and he knew that he couldn't disappoint him.
Genichiro's presence only added to the pressure he felt. He had always looked up to the man, respected him. And now, here he was, defending Akane. Shu clenched his fists, his nails digging into the flesh of his palms, but he managed to keep his composure. He forced a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yes, Akane," he replied, his tone clipped. "We're good."
Akane turned back to Ghazal, placing both hands behind her back as she leaned forward, a smile of satisfaction on her lips. "As you can see, Captain, everything has been sorted out," she stated, her voice ringing with confidence.
Ghazal studied her intently, his eyes flickering across her face as he tried to read her. He had been in his position for a long time and had dealt with many people, some of whom were far more menacing than Akane. People who were far, far more dangerous.
So why was it so difficult to read her?
"Good," Ghazal stated, his voice stern and commanding. He turned around slowly, his cloak billowing behind him as he faced the hallway in front of them. "Then look presentable," he continued, his eyes scanning over each of them. "You have an audience with the King."
Lars's eyes widened in pure shock and surprise, his mouth opening slightly in awe. The mere thought of meeting the King of Setale was enough to make his heart race with excitement and nerves. He had heard stories of the King's legendary power, whispered rumors of his almost divine status among the people. The fact that he, a mere butler, would have the chance to stand in the same room as such a figure was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Akane, on the other hand, remained composed, though a spark of curiosity flickered in her eyes. For her, this was a chance to bask in the glow of her own narcissism, to revel in the attention and validation that came with being chosen to meet with such a powerful figure. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the thought of rubbing shoulders with the elite of Setale, and the prospect of gaining access to the inner workings of the Kingdom filled her with a sense of both excitement and apprehension. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she imagined the power and prestige that came with being one of the select few granted an audience with the King.
Ghazal began walking forward, his hands clasped to his sides as he spoke in a low, measured tone. "The King of Setale is a soft-spoken figure, shrouded in secrecy and surrounded by rumors," he explained. "His face is rarely seen in public, and his presence is often only felt through the powerful aura he exudes."
Akane tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in curiosity as Ghazal spoke of the King's elusive nature. "So the King is an enigma," she mused. "He must be feared because of that, something like a 'fear of the unknown'." She couldn't help but wonder what kind of person the King was, and what kind of power he wielded to earn such popularity.
He paused for a moment, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing. "The people of Setale hold him in awe and reverence, viewing him not just as a king, but as a symbol of power and authority beyond human comprehension. Our existence as the Royals, the ones who serve directly under him with our unimaginable strength and abilities, only adds to his infamy among the people."
Ghazal continued forward, ignoring the mumbling of Lars in the back as the young man paid close attention to the Captain. "Many believe that he a powerful Catalyst, that his very words could shape the fate of the nation. Some even whisper that he is immortal, having lived for centuries and seen the rise and fall of countless empires."
He paused again, letting the weight of his words settle. "Despite the rumors and speculation, you'll see for yourself what he truly is," Ghazal stated with a slight amount of spite in his mouth.
"Case in point, have slightly mediocre expectations," Ayenna stated, her eyes blank as she looked back to the group behind her, her eyes connecting with Akane's before she looked back forward.
"So you're saying the dude's not all that the people make him out to be?" Shu asked, slouching slightly and shoving his hands in his pockets.
"I believe you're all old enough to grasp the concept of opinions," Ghazal stated. "You'll make your own sentiment of him, but as I said in the War Table, I will not tolerate disrespect towards him," Ghazal stated, speaking with a stern and commanding voice as he addressed the group.