"Permit me to express my apologies for my subordinate's rudeness. Douglas has always been protective of his pupils, making it difficult for him to accept the encroachment upon his student's territory."
The Third Prince retained his gentlemanly demeanor, gesturing for the attendants to assist Douglas away for treatment, his gaze sincere as it fell upon Hu Yan Wu.
"There remains much that we do not comprehend regarding the divine realm. The matters of territorial cession and reparations for the offense must be discussed further upon deepening our understanding… What do you esteemed guests think?"
As he spoke, the Third Prince discreetly glanced at his watch.
The attempt to delay through force had evidently failed, now, it was a question of how long he could manage to prolong the dialogue.
A sense of unease stirred within him.
Two envoys had departed in the latter part of the night, and to ensure the message reached its destination, the Third Prince had dispatched two additional carrier pigeons.
In any case, by this morning at the latest, news should have reached the King!
With the abilities of Chief Wizard Belmou, even if accompanied by the King, they should have arrived at Reverse Wind Port by now—why had they yet to make an appearance?
"Prince Sean shall be the new lord of Reverse Wind Port, you may discuss the specifics with him."
The divine servant Hu Yan Wu disregarded the Third Prince's words, returning to stand behind the Seventh Prince, seemingly relinquishing any decision-making authority.
"You..."
Lady Knight Kuntina's lips twitched. Anyone with eyes could see it clearly! The Seventh Prince was nothing but a useless puppet, while the foreigners pretended as though they were collaborating with him!
However, glancing at the injured Douglas being assisted away, Kuntina dared not speak out against them again.
Just a little longer!
Once His Majesty arrives, let us see how brazen these individuals can be!
"Now then… my dear brother,"
the Third Prince turned his gaze to his younger sibling across the table, patiently inquiring:
"You must understand how vital Reverse Wind Port is as a strategic hub for the Storm Kingdom, changing its lord is not a decision to be taken lightly…
I need to know more specific details regarding the divine realm. Can you enlighten me?"
The Seventh Prince Sean paused, momentarily taken aback, it was rare for his self-important older brother to speak so courteously.
However, annoyance quickly surged within him.
Was it true that Reverse Wind Port was an important strategic hub? Certainly, he had to concede that point.
Yet, the marquis who leisurely spent his days with the songbirds was hardly a better candidate for lordship than the Seventh Prince himself—why could it not be him who took the position?
With that thought in mind, the Seventh Prince found unexpected resolve as he spoke firmly before his elder brother:
"The strength of the divine realm cannot be encapsulated in mere words.
Brother, you must swiftly sign the cession documents for Reverse Wind Port, this is the price for the incursion of the *Nicolas* fleet on the divine realm's sovereignty!
Furthermore, you must prepare sufficiently sincere reparations to atone for Douglas's impulsive actions.
Afterward, you can explain to Father, once he grasps the true power of the divine realm, he will surely not regret maintaining this friendship!"
The Third Prince narrowed his eyes.
This foolish brother of mine is clearly swaying to the external influence!
Faintly, he heard a rustling sound and turned to observe the shore.
There, the griffon-headed lion beast was making a return flight, scattering hundreds of scrolls downwards, seemingly filled with text.
Seeing this, Zuo Qiu Yue explained:
"We have meticulously recorded the Storm Kingdom's unprovoked incursion into the divine realm's territory, as well as your country's decision to designate Reverse Wind Port as a leasing territory as compensation.
The lord will still be a member of the Storm Kingdom's royal family, alleviating the citizens' anxieties and facilitating amicable communication between our two nations."
Amicable communication…
What an impressive phrase!
Even the Third Prince, possessing a calculating mind, could not restrain himself from tightly gripping his watch, causing it to crack menacingly.
The other party was manifestly not here to negotiate, they had clearly orchestrated everything in advance and had come unilaterally to inform him of their demands!
As he observed the citizens onshore receiving the scrolls, erupting in exclamations of shock, the Third Prince realized it was nearly impossible to stem the tide of information now.
He cast his gaze farther afield, his expression darkening as he retracted his focus.
"Bring me paper and ink!"
"Your Highness, are you truly going to..."
Kuntina exclaimed in disbelief, attempting to dissuade him, but the Third Prince had already taken the parchment and quill from the attendant, swiftly penning a declaration of territorial transfer, stamping it with his personal seal.
His authority within the Storm Royal Family, second only to the King, permitted him to appoint a new lord without the consent of the marquis of Reverse Wind Port.
The foreigners had evidently foreseen this—clearly, the Seventh Prince had divulged every bit of information he possessed!
"Brother, congratulations on becoming the new lord of Reverse Wind Port. Henceforth, our nation's friendly communication with the divine realm shall rely significantly upon your efforts."
The Third Prince's expression had significantly softened upon completing the declaration, as if he had entirely forgotten the earlier unpleasantness, even rising to extend a smile and hand toward his brother.
"Ah… I will, thank you, brother…"
The Seventh Prince felt an inexplicable shiver run down his spine, the earlier bravado dissipating as he tremulously shook hands with his elder brother.
Before long, the *Nicolas* and *Belmou* ships drew apart.
The Storm Navy vessels, under signal direction, altered course, yielding passage to the aluminum-hulled ships of the three races as they sailed into the harbor.
It was akin to watching one's own wife lift her skirts for another man.
Bang!
A hot-blooded knight angrily swung his sword against the railing, cursing, "Damn it! What in the world is happening? Aren't those foreigners our enemies? Why are we allowing them into the port?"
"Keep your mouth shut, the great ones have their considerations. We need not ponder too much…"
...
In the distance, atop a clock tower with a favorable view, two figures stood side by side.
One, clad in a white robe with white hair, had long brows and whiskers that danced in the wind, his staff shimmering with multicolored flashes.
The Chief Wizard of the royal court, Belmou!
The other individual, also of considerable age, possessed a robust build and an imposing visage, a heavy, ancient sword hanging at his waist.
The current King of the Storm Kingdom, Chardon IX!
In his hand, he held a piece of fabric that had been scattered by the griffon.
Just as the Third Prince had anticipated, the two had arrived at Reverse Wind Port some time ago, but had chosen to remain hidden.
"Your Majesty, it appears that the Third Prince has grasped your intentions, he truly is astute!"
Belmou chuckled softly as he stroked his beard, revealing a temperament that was not so difficult to engage with when he was not absorbed in spellcraft.
"A judicious compromise is a skill that a ruler must learn."
Chardon IX looked pleased, seemingly unconcerned by the changes occurring at Reverse Wind Port.
Aside from his son's development, he was more interested in the underlying truths of this foreign force.
"Sir, do you have any insights regarding the divine realm?"
"None at present."
Belmou responded succinctly, his smile broadening.
"However, it will soon change."