That same morning following the end of the group stage, it seemed like any other ordinary morning in the grandiose Ruhtab palace where the sultan resides. Hallways cleared and rooms tidied up, the servers of the sultan were made busy while their master relaxed in a room entertaining a special guest. Surrounded by elegant portraits of landscapes and historical figures that helped mold the Ruhtab bloodline and sitting in some of the softest of cushions life had to offer, Sultan Ruhtab relaxed in his sinking chair staring at his shrunken guest who seated himself with a straight posture and his head cast downwards, nervous to be in the presence of true royalty. Having been summoned first thing in the morning, the poor guest didn't even get so much as a notice that he was invited to the palace and only learned while eating breakfast that the sultan requested his attendance-not having much of a choice since the sultan's invites were an honor and to decline them was the ultimate form of disrespect a citizen could give to their ruler.

"You're as timid as an isolated Comet." Sultan Ruhtab laughed while holding out his porcelain teacup for his servant to pour him a fill; "No need to be so tense, child. I'm not trying to intimidate you." he said crossing his leg and taking a sip, then resting his teacup on a coaster beside him.

Sitting across from him fidgeting in his seat averting the sultan's gaze sat Romaine of Vulerby, "It's not every day a person gets summoned to visit you, your royal highness...especially first thing in the morning."

"What can I say? I'm a spontaneous guy." the sultan smirks with laughter.

"If I may ask why did you summon me here, your royal highness?"

"Please, no need for any honors. Just call me Ruhtab." the sultan shrugged; "I summoned you here because I was curious about what kind of person you are. After all the buzz about you, I'm interested in seeing what the captain of this country's favorite team is made of."

Romaine looked relieved, "That's all? Whew..."

"Would you like any refreshments? I know I've been awfully rude in dragging you here without any prior notice."

"Oh no, it's fine! I would like some tea, thank you."

Sultan Ruhtab motioned his head and right away the server hurried over to hand Romaine a cup of hot tea, "So, a team ranked fourth worldwide and a captain regarded within the top ten who is considered a leader among leaders, also carrying the hopes of everyone in Squirabia as a serious contender to win the title. I'm impressed with what you've done as captain of Vulerby."

"Thank you for the praise. We're looking to bring the title home this year and we've got a fine squad to get the job done too, not much of a stretch to say that we're ready for the big moment." Romaine said with some life returning to him after taking a sip, the powerful aroma of the tea waking him up in an instant and the steaming drink burning his tongue and lips initially, though he had to mask his feelings before the sultan.

"Indeed you all carry plenty of promise and I'm glad to see you show such confidence in your team, but even so, your opponents aren't a team to take lightly-though I'm sure you already know this, don't you? I hope you aren't planning on taking it easy in the round of 64 just because of them."

Romaine's demeanor changed in an instant, "With all due respect your royal highness, don't insult me or my team."

"Oh?"

"I'm aware of their accomplishments and ability to elevate their game when facing strong opponents and it can be easy to assume I would take them lightly like the captains of the Bluerings, Titans, and Baiji did, but don't lump me in with them and don't question the integrity of my team. We're built differently from our ranked counterparts and we would never overlook an opponent no matter who they are."

"Are you insinuating I should apologize?"

"I wouldn't go as far as to push my boundaries knowing I'm a guest here, I just wanted to voice my displeasure with your assumption that we'd underestimate an opponent of their caliber."

"Glad to know you stand for something, that's a fine quality to have as a leader. The stars are aligned in our favor and it would be a crying shame to not take advantage when considering you all are practically the tournament favorites with home field advantage..." Sultan Ruhtab winks with a nod; "That team from Inkopolis sure is unique and dangerous with capable starters and a dependable bench, but the most unsettling thing about them is that attitude of theirs. Such fearless eyes that carry a violent flame with the way they play, I would've thought they play the game like it's a matter of life or death."

Romaine didn't know where he was heading with that but he nodded anyways, "We've done our homework on them and we know what to expect and have preparations in place. What they did in the group stage won't happen to us-not if I have something to say about it."

"That confidence is reassuring and a good mindset to have when facing a troublesome team like them."

Appreciating the sultan's insight, Romaine cracked a smile and thanked him. What started off a bit tense and awkward seemed anything but as the ice in the room melted away once the pair exchanged genuine smiles. Having a short talk of understanding the other better, Ruhtab simply wanted to know what the leader of Vulerby was like outside of the turf and Romaine appreciated the sultan graciously calling him out here first thing in the morning for an impromptu interview, his nervousness gone after having a delicious cup of tea. The interaction wouldn't last for much longer however as one of the sultan's servers entered the room with haste and leaned over whispering something into the ruler's ears that left him puzzled. It turns out that there were some guests who showed up unannounced visiting the premises, unable to remove them since they happened to be a bit too important to simply ignore or refuse. Noticing that he'll have his hands full with these new guests, he cuts his time short with Romaine and asks him to follow a couple of his servers who would guide him out through an alternate path, mostly because he wasn't sure of who these guests were but based on the vague description given it was somebody who shouldn't know of Romaine's appearance at the palace. Just before he leaves, Sultan Ruhtab wishes him a good game for tomorrow and hopes the next time they meet it'll be at the finals, to which Romaine grinned confidently responding that he'd like to continue the conversation then.

After seeing Romaine get escorted away from where the guests are incoming, Ruhtab's plastic smile widens upon seeing who the bold guests were that walked his hallways. A crew of inklings dressed in colorful tracksuits are led by one of his servers with a certain guest catching his eye the moment they entered his line of sight. From their blond hair to their bright white outfits of red and pastel yellow trims, Sultan Ruhtab found it all amusing for the future emperor to enter his home unannounced. Welcoming them in with an inviting smile and wide open arms, he expressed his gratitude in the students taking interest in his "humble" abode. The reason for the visit was by Royce's insistence after he informed the others that Edward showed interest in visiting the palace from the conversation they had prior and the reason for their unannounced visit was because they knew his royal status would give him a pass from catching any static from the sultan since this could be considered a diplomatic relation of sorts. Connecting the dots right away once he asked the question in his mind, Sultan Ruhtab found it impressive for a bunch of high school students to be so manipulative and bold towards the ruler of a country. Formally introducing himself to his guests he entertained them by giving a tour of his palace with a few of his servers accompanying them as well. A long walk across the massive estate, the sultan humored them on the history of the palace and nation itself and even let them in on the fun secret that he possessed some of the national treasures, though the servers advise that he refrain from such "jokes" with an audience like the young prince and his circle of friends. From the mirror pool and his lush garden to the large yard where teams played during the tournament in front of his balcony, Ruhtab showed them everything that made the palace special from its countless rooms full of luxury and antiquity to giving them a peek of how his daily life went when he wasn't as busy. After leading them around for a lengthy walk, he brought them over to one of his many comfy living rooms to take some time to get a rest after all that walking, which they gladly accepted since he offered them refreshment and fine appetizers to snack on that were made in preparation while they were on the tour. Seeing that they were distracted now Sultan Ruhtab pulled Edward to the side and asked to speak with him alone, giving his servers a look to keep the other starters busy while he has a moment with the captain of the Emperors.

"Wonderful job on making it to the knockouts unbeaten, no doubt you are living up to the title of defending champions. Let's hope you can retain the title this year with all the strong competition."

"It doesn't make a difference who our opponents are, we'll be repeating as champions once again." Edward stated robotically as though he was prepared to give such an answer.

"Such overwhelming confidence like that almost promises that you will make a fantastic ruler one day." Sultan Ruhtab chuckles with amusement at his emotionless tone.

"That 'one day' will be in the distance for now, my focus is one winning another title with my team."

"I respect the disciplined responses but I doubt that is the only thing on your mind, why else would you show up at a ruler's living quarters unannounced?"

"The architecture of this country interests me and what better place to view it up close than the very palace the leader of the nation resides?" Edward repsonds strongly, looking to hold his ground.

The sultan's gaze pierces him, "I might be a young ruler, but I've seen enough to tell when someone is lying. Your eyes don't match the words spoken. What is on your mind?"

Edward squirms a bit to break free of the grasp the sultan is having on the path of the conversation, "I'm preoccupied with the tournament."

"As you should be, but I know different. Clearly there is something on your mind that extends beyond sports and the visit here is more than just about admiring the architecture. I'm asking as a ruler to a future ruler: what is on your mind?"

"Nothing in particular."

Sultan Ruhtab's eyes narrowed a bit, noticing his answer changed from the previous question he asked, meaning that his probing was working. "I see, well I must confess I am a little curious about how things are back at home for your family and their people. Last I remembered hearing, there were some growing tensions between your father and the people over disagreement of Tzar Nikola's presence."

Edward grimaced thinking about his hometown, "The people aren't too thrilled about Nikola's presence because of the growing taxation and gradual assimilation, feeling that their culture and traditions are being erased in real time by the Molluscans."

"Your father aligns himself with Nikola?"

Edward nods with hesitation, "The upper class support the Tzar's involvement and my father aligns with the upper class, so relations are worsening between the middle and lower classes because the rich are essentially ignoring their voices in favor of the Tzar."

"Can't say I blame your father since Mollusca is one of the most powerful nations on the continent, and we both know the infamous stories about what goes on in that country. Your father is looking out for his people even if it means making an enemy out of them, sacrificing his image to hold onto whatever remains...I don't encourage it but I can't lambaste such a decision either."

"He's doing everything he can."

"Sure, but for the wrong side. It may seem logical to support those in power to assure safety and some sort of future but if it comes at the cost of people's suffering then is it worth it? I may not be an angel myself but I've always believed in my people having their own choice. A free will. I wouldn't dare hold any of my colonies hostage like what Mollusca is doing were I in their shoes."

"Reassuring to hear that." Edward answers in hopes the sultan will change the conversation.

"Say...what if I lend a hand? You know, I could get involved in the matter."

"Elaborate."

"Since we are fellow rulers, it would be in my interest to help out a future ally. Also, I'm on good terms with Mollusca so things would probably smooth over if I got in touch and spoke with Nikola directly. What do you say? Sounds good?"

"As nice as that is, this is a matter between my father and the Tzar, it isn't my place to-"

"You are the next emperor, this will become your duty soon enough."

"I…"

"How long will you watch your people live in disapproval of who is in power? Of your identity getting stripped as you become just another town absorbed by Mollusca? I'm only looking out for you, future emperor."

Edward couldn't find the words to respond since the pressure of the sultan was too overbearing, seemingly cut off from any escape in the conversation. Placed in a tightly bound trap, he already knew that the sultan's words were nothing more than a lure to bait him into making a critical error of judgment. One of the first things learned early on was to never trust the words of a politician, especially one in power. Sultan Ruhtab was known for being untrustworthy from the conversations he would overhear with his parents and their associates, but seeing him up close in action was a whole different experience-hadn't it been for his preconception of how the sultan acted, he might've very well believed the lies. That knowledge didn't change his circumstances however as the sultan got what he wanted in backing him into a corner, pressuring the young successor into making some sort of response. Should he accept the support of the sultan, he would be opening a whole can of worms with another nation's involvement in his own affairs and likely put his family in a bind as the sultan's promises were likely going to be bent and twisted and never honored. Should he refuse, he would worsen relations with an ally of the nation that controls them and that could lead to a whole new set of consequences. Like a genie that deceives the user who summons them, that mischievous smile plastered on the young ruler's face hinted that no matter the choice made by Edward it will be to his profit and entertainment. Learning the hard way how the world works, Edward got his first dose of the reality he will be living in: constant pressure, deception, and fear at every turn he makes, decisions weighed by nothing but compromises at every option-a shackle on every limb with the key dangling before him only allowed to free one particular part. A lonely path that he will have to walk as an emperor, Edward weighs his words carefully before uttering them, all before an ecstatic ruler who anticipates an interesting answer.

"You and the Tzar are cut from the same cloth. He might be cold and ruthless but at least he doesn't hide it, unlike you, who prefers to put on a farce to deceive." Edward uttered clenching his fists, showing his true emotions for the first time; for the longest time, he believed in concealing one's emotions and keeping a poker face, but in the face of a threatening presence who only had malicious intentions, he felt challenged in a way he never had his entire life.

Sultan Ruhtab flashes a sharp grin, "There are many ways to run the track and you haven't even reached the starting line, never bark when there isn't a bite on the follow. You are in my home, on my turf. Choose your words wise-"

"There you are!" Venus called, playfully stepping in between the sultan and Edward and wrapping her arms around the captain's arm.

"We were wondering why you weren't with us, but it looks like you were busy. I hope we aren't interrupting you?" Royce said entering with Jace and Akira, the three of them putting on a polite mask as they already caught on to the exchange between the pair based on the look of their faces.

"Our apologies, but we have to go." Jack announced holding up his phone, following up by saying that they got an emergency call from their coaches that there would be an extra day of practice held pronto and they were all required to attend; Sultan Ruhtab looked over at his servers whose jobs were to keep the kids preoccupied and they all shook their heads in confirmation that the boy indeed received a call.

Grinding his teeth under his poker face, the sultan excused them and ordered the servers to escort them safely to the entrance. Though he didn't show it, he was very upset by the timing of their arrival-that much the servers could tell while breathing a heavy sigh in their minds in preparation for the sour mood their boss would be in for the remainder of the day. After being escorted out the palace and en route to their practice in the transportation awaiting them, Edward learned from Jack that there wasn't a practice and that the call received was only because Royce texted him that something seemed off with the captain's abrupt disappearance. A collective effort to ensure the sultan wouldn't try anything funny, they coordinated a spontaneous plan to leave the palace much earlier than intended and save their captain from whatever the sultan was planning. Amazed by how well they organized that plan under Ruhtab and his servant's nose, he couldn't help but let out a chuckle in amusement. What a group of irreplaceable comrades. Lately he'd been shutting them out and restraining his thoughts from escape and yet this loyal bunch showed him once again why that shouldn't be the case. The same way his father had the higher class, he had Jace and the rest as his pillars of support. A warm reminder that he wasn't alone on and off the turf, Edward felt compelled to share was discussed between him and Sultan Ruhtab, in hopes that their input could give him some insight on what approach he should take, also sharing what had been on his mind lately. Royce and the others were relieved to see their captain show his trust in his own strange ways, listening intently to what he had to say so they could give the best responses possible.

Over in the Hugh-Napri camp, Shiori paces around mumbling to herself while Chidori relaxes on the couch surfing the net for shopping deals that she could capitalize on, the pair the only ones there since the coaching staff gave everyone the day off as a reward for their efforts in the group stage. Going undefeated to become the winners of Group C, Hugh-Napri looked every bit in form as they have the last couple years and were making a case for the best team in the tournament overall with their display of domination. The coaches felt so comfortable in their team's ability that they decided to dedicate their time to scouting ahead, finding that their opponent for the next round wasn't much of a concern since they were a struggling side that barely nabbed the final spot in Group N. The room is quiet due to the absence of most of the team, it was almost a drag of a day for the superstar player who had plenty of energy to spare.

"Ugh, it's so boring in here! Chidori, where are Akiti and the others again?"

"Akiti, Beni, and Ken went into the city for something they refused to tell for whatever the reason, Taka said he'll be stepping out for the day because he wanted some space, and I'm not sure about Hanano and the others but I'd guess they all have plans for the day too. Why not spend some time with Shiore?"

Shiori looked even more bent hearing Shiore's name, "She ora'd me out." Chidori didn't catch the pun and blankly stared at the ace; "She kicked me out." she rubbed her neck trying to hide her shame.

Chidori sighed, "What did you do this time…" turning off her phone to give her undivided attention.

"Nothing! I just asked her if she wanted to hang out and she looked really annoyed for some reason. I know I can be a handful at times but that's so rude to treat family like that."

"I'm sure she's got a lot on her mind right now and just wants time to herself, you know?"

"I get that, believe me when I say I understand more than anyone how difficult she can be when she gets into that weird state of hers. It's just that we're here again for our third and final year and I'd like it if she'd at least show some sort of life this time around. In our first year, we didn't even get to soak in the fun of winning nattys since we were focused on winning a Grand Slam and the Grand Tourney to complete the treble. Then you already know how last year went…"

Chidori grimaced a bit remembering how last year played out, recalling the bitter taste that defeat left. Not only were Hugh-Napri the defending champions at the time, but they had arguably one of their most explosive rosters in ages with a cast of experience in the third years and the prime talent of the future pillars in Shiore, Shiori, and Takahashi. Unable to get victory against a rival opponent they already struck down the prior year, Hugh-Napri sent their graduating third years off in heartbreak as they failed to repeat as champions. With seniors gone, the team's identity molded around the monster trio to become the team that they are, and with it being their final tournament together, they wanted to avoid a repeat of last year.

"We'll play Dussels first and probably go up against the Joyriders in the round of 32. I can understand her wanting to be psyched up for facing a ranked opponent since we didn't face one in the group stage, but we've got a deadly squad this year and won't be anything like our ghosts from last year." Shiori said taking a seat beside her, no longer feeling restless since the conversation did well to calm her.

"I agree that we're more mature and got a fine squad, but Shiore is probably being wary because of the height of the competition. Indeed we've gotten far better than last year, but so have many of the other teams as well. Last year it was us and the Emperors who were the best teams in the competition by a landslide, but this year there is plenty of balance as teams like Crystal Coast, Vulerby, Skolar, Bluerings, and Kalebrough are all looking like favorites. Then there's Toka, Special Forces, and Beacon Hills that are also looking really good this year and some hotshot newcomers making headlines too like Yermozani and Squid Academy as well. This might be the toughest tournament in decades with all this talent together at the same time..."

Shiori scratched her head, "I just hope Shiore doesn't overwork herself, she looked so focused I could've sworn her eyes beginning to glow."

A big yellow pad notebook full of scribbled notes laid on the desk just within an arm's rest of Shiore, who sat there with her eyes closed resting her chin on clasped hands breathing calmly while surrounded by neatly ordered papers of player and team profiles. The scribbles on the notebook so messy it couldn't even be considered legible, these were the thoughts Shiore scrambled to record with most of the notes resembling small blocks of texts with arrows pointing to one another mimicking how her thought process worked. The room quiet as she let her thoughts simmer, Shiore opened her eyes and unclasped her hands with a sigh looking up to the ceiling.

"I understand now." she whispered with the faintest of breath, proceeding to cross of several names off a list of paper-particularly the Royale siblings' names.