In the city of Mangoland, all important decisions were the responsibility of the city's leader. However, this system of governance included a way to challenge those decisions. The city's elders and the commander of the forces had the power to oppose the leader's decisions, which, in theory, should serve as a mechanism for balance of power.
While this system may have seemed unfair to some, it had been the formula that allowed the city to survive and thrive over the years. However, there was an implicit clause: if the leader abused their power excessively, the city's forces would have a legitimate justification for a usurpation.
The conflict between the city's leader and Commander Carmine began when Izumi's pregnant mother appeared in the city. Her stay in the city was rejected by the majority of residents, but due to the leader's decision and that of some elders, she was allowed to stay.
However, Commander Carmine, the leader of the city's forces, vehemently disagreed with this decision. She did not have the immediate power to reverse the decision, but her dissatisfaction with the situation was clear.
Over the years, Carmine formed a group of individuals who shared her dissatisfaction with the leader's policies. This group conspired to poison Izumi's mother and then planned to remove Izumi from the city along with Max.
It seemed that Carmine was regaining control of the situation, but a few hours after Max's departure, he was found. Although Carmine's plan had been thwarted, she did not show great concern, as her ultimate goal had not been compromised.
However, years later, Izumi was found. This caused great apprehension in Carmine, not only because he had been located, but also because of his ability to survive all these years outside the city. Carmine was convinced that eliminating him would not be easy.
After the failure of her initial assassination attempts, Carmine sent several assassins to eliminate Izumi, but all of them failed. This made her even more fearful and restless. Over the years, Izumi and Max proved to be increasingly strong, which only heightened Carmine's concerns.
She did not see Max as a threat, but Izumi was a different matter. Carmine believed he was a bloodthirsty individual, since all the assassins sent to eliminate him were brutally defeated.
In light of this, Carmine devised a plan to have these two prodigies face off in a tournament, hoping that Max would exhaust Izumi enough to allow her to deliver the final blow.
In the tournament final, Carmine hoped that Max could wear down Izumi enough for her to win. However, her plan did not succeed. Izumi defeated Carmine before she had a chance to use her special ability.
The soldiers who were on Carmine's side were furious at the defeat but knew they couldn't do anything against Izumi. Consequently, they allowed him to leave the city.
With Izumi's departure, the city seemed to be returning to normal, but the city's leader knew that changes were still underway, and something big was about to happen that would shake the city.
With Carmine's death, Captain Zona was appointed as the new commander of the city's forces. Zona was deeply indignant about Carmine's death and decided to take drastic measures. He planned to assassinate the city's leader and seize his position.
The city's leader, upon learning of this plan, began preparing strategies to defend himself, even though he knew he would face a difficult task since most of the soldiers supported Zona.
The city's leader was cornered and realized his only option to combat this threat was to seek help from the Zura clan. Even if it meant facing their hostility and resentment due to Carmine's death, as she was part of that clan. The leader was willing to fight, even knowing he might be rejected by forming an alliance with the Zura clan.
The Zura clan lived in an isolated area, away from the central city, due to the hostility they faced because of their demon ancestry. However, after Carmine's conquest, people's respect and admiration for the commander helped improve their relationship with the clan. Carmine's death could reverse that situation.
The leader was fully aware that the city's forces could attack at any moment, taking advantage of Carmine's death to seize his position. He knew the only way to resist this threat was to form an alliance with the Zura clan, even if it meant facing significant challenges.
In summary, the city's leader was preparing for a crucial meeting with the Zura clan, aware that he was about to embark on a large-scale battle.
"Lord Castiel, you forgot your blazer."
Castiel, a middle-aged man, served as the city's leader. His appearance bore a striking resemblance to his son's, with the only difference being the color of his eyes, which were deep and dark.
"Oh, thank you. Nana, you're always helpful," Castiel said, adjusting his blazer before moving on.
"Thank you, sir," Nana, with a serious look, replied.
Most of the city's residents had hair as black as night, and Nana did not deviate from this predominant feature. She had straight, black hair that, even framed by her glasses, did not hide the brightness of her piercing green eyes. Her serious and determined look sometimes commanded respect and even fear from some men, while others were drawn to her mystery.
Nana dressed elegantly, and her tailored suit accentuated her delicate curves. Her meticulously arranged hair in a ponytail was her characteristic hairstyle, known to everyone in the city. Her almost ethereal pale skin was a notable feature that set her apart from the predominantly tan population.
The only 'flaw' according to some men, was the absence of ample curves in her bust. However, for those who knew her, they understood that Nana's true beauty transcended the shape of her body.
"Don't call me sir. I'm still in my twenties."
'You old liar' Nana was often plagued by negative thoughts.
"Yes, sorry."