... Well... This is nice. Bronya mused to herself as she stepped into the meeting chamber behind Jing Yuan. The room bore a striking resemblance to the meeting chamber in the Qlipoth Fort, but in stark contrast to the austere, functional design of that space, this chamber exuded the elegant and traditional style of Xianzhou.
The walls were lined with dark, polished wood, adorned with an exquisite mural of an azure dragon in flight over an azure sea. The scales of the dragon shimmered with an iridescent sheen, catching the light from the intricate inlaid lighting above. The plush burgundy carpet beneath her feet cushioned each step, leading to a large circular table at the center of the room.
Carved from a single piece of lustrous black marble, the table was a work of art in itself, surrounded by chairs upholstered in rich gold and scarlet brocade that matched the plush furnishings. Holographic projectors hidden in the walls displayed a mesmerizing scene of Foxian dancers, their movements graceful and fluid as they twirled with intricate fans.
Bronya stood in silence, taking in the beauty and opulence of the chamber. The craftsmanship was impeccable, from the inlaid lighting in the ceiling to the detailed carvings on the table. Yet, as she appreciated the lavishness of her surroundings, a sense of disparity crept into her mind. She was reminded of her own austere and frankly pathetic chambers in the Qlipoth Fort, a stark contrast to this elegant space.
Smiling in an amused fashion, Jing Yuan watched Bronya's reaction closely, his eyes twinkling with a combination of curiosity and satisfaction at her stunned expression.
"I hope the accommodations are to your liking, Lady Rand. The captain of the Wavetamer seems to enjoy a bit of luxury." He chuckled softly, his voice laced with a subtle teasing tone.
Snapped out of her reverie, Bronya turned to face Jing Yuan, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she realized how obvious her reaction must have been.
"It's... it's quite impressive, General Yuan. I must admit, it's a bit overwhelming compared to what I'm used to." She shifted uncomfortably, knowing that her own chambers paled in comparison to this extravagant space.
Jing Yuan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he let out a warm laugh.
"Please be at ease, Lady Rand. It is... understandable that one accustomed to the hardships of 700 years of strife would be overwhelmed by our admittedly garish displays of wealth." His smile faded slightly, and Bronya caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes – a flicker of concern or perhaps even sadness. She couldn't quite place it, but it left her with a nagging sense of unease.
As she pondered the General's words, Bronya felt the awkward silence stretching between them. Her eyes drifted to the doorway behind her, where Luka and Pela had just entered, and behind them towards the corridor where the Cloud Knights stood guard.
The sound of their armor echoed through the adjacent hallway, the clanking metal stirring the paranoia lingering in Bronya's heart despite knowing that there should be nothing to fear.
... Perhaps I should have brought at least a few of the guard up here with me... The thought flashed through her mind before she quickly dismissed it. Gepard was correct in his decision to return separately... even if it was a bit paranoid to do so... Better to have the least amount of our fighting force in danger.
Letting out a deep sigh he seemed to have been holding in for a while, Luka smiled and bowed respectfully towards the General, his demeanor relaxing and completely unaffected by the tense atmosphere Bronya still felt.
"General! It's good to see you again! I didn't expect us to see each other again so soon." Luka said, his voice bubbling with genuine enthusiasm. He waved his human hand at Jing Yuan, his cybernetic one remaining at his side, his eyes gleaming with a friendly smile.
Looking at the boy with his golden eyes, Jing Yuan nodded at Luka, whatever thoughts he'd been having seeming to melt away at Luka's cheery greeting.
"I have been well Luka, as it seems you have been. I would have given you the courtesy of greeting you back in the hangar there, but as you saw, more pressing matters were holding my attention."
The general's gaze then turned to Pela, who nearly jumped when looked at by those golden eyes. It was a look of pure shock and awe, and Bronya could practically feel the girl's heart pounding from across the room.
"And I do not believe I've been introduced to this young officer." Jing Yuan said, his voice now taking on a softer, more casual tone. "May I have the honor of your name?"
Pela hesitated for a moment under the gaze of the general of the Lufou, the moment long enough for Luka to but in.
"Ah let me introduce her General! This is Pela! Pela Seraga-... Serugo-... Srega-..." Luka sputtered, his face scrunching up in concentration as he tried to remember Pela's surname.
At that moment, recovering from her initial shock, Pela stepped forward and delivered an elbow to Luka's ribs, a sharp and heavy strike that left Bronya cringing at the sound of impact. Luka doubled over, groaning in pain as Pela spoke up, her voice cold and professional despite the casual tone she was attempting to use.
"Hello there General it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Pelageya Sergeyevna, Warrant Officer 2nd class." She adjusted her glasses, her cheeks flushing slightly as she met Jing Yuan's gaze.
Maintaining his easy smile, Jing Yuan bowed slightly towards Pela, his eyes twinkling with amusement at the exchange between the two. "It is a pleasure to meet you miss Sergeyevna. I hope cooperation between our groups will allow us more opportunities to meet in the future."
Pela blushed at Jing Yuan's recognition, curtsying towards the man before Luka finally managed to straighten up, rubbing his ribs with a wince.
"By the Aeon Pela... Where did that elbow come from?" He groaned, pressing on the struck area. "You should come down to fight in the arena with attacks like that."
Pela shot Luka a sharp glare, her cheeks still flushed as she fought to maintain her composure. Bronya winced at the behavior of the two, finding herself reminded of a pair of squabbling siblings rather than two grown adults.
With an amused chuckle, Jing Yuan watched the exchange between the two, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he enjoyed the sight of the two bickering. Shaking his head, he turned to look at Bronya, his expression one of teasing joviality.
"Quite a group of rambunctious subordinates you have here Lady Rand. It's refreshing to see such camaraderie between allies."
Bronya felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment at the general's words, knowing that Luka and Pela were being anything but professional at the moment. She could only imagine the impression they were making on the general of the Lufou.
"I apologize for the unprofessional behavior of my subordinates, General." Bronya said, her tone clipped and formal as she attempted to regain some semblance of control over the situation. "I assure you, they are normally more... restrained."
Both Pela and Luka realized at that moment that they were not helping the situation. Pela straightened up, attempting to compose herself as Luka cleared his throat, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Please do not fret, Lady Rand. It's quite alright. I find it refreshing to see such... natural behavior between allies." Jing Yuan replied, his voice warm and understanding.
"Now come. I have been a poor host, and for that, I must apologize." The general moved to press a button on the table, and from the doorway behind them, a servant emerged.
He was dressed in a crimson and gold uniform that matched the opulence of the chamber, his hands folded respectfully at his side.
"Tea and refreshments for our guests please." Jing Yuan commanded, shooting Bronya a warm smile. "Unless there's anything else you'd prefer?"
Before Bronya could react, Pela piped up quickly. "A pot of coffee please, if that's alright General." Her eyes widened as she realized she'd spoken out of turn. "I mean... of course, tea is fine. And thank you General."
Chuckling softly, Jing Yuan turned back to the servant. "A pot of coffee as well."
He then turned to the rest of the group, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. "Now then, please have a seat. You must be tired from the ride up."
As Bronya sat in the cushioned chair, she fought against the urge to drift off to sleep. The softness of the seat threatened to lull her into a doze, but she knew she couldn't let her guard down, not even for a second. She straightened up, keeping her posture rigid as General Jing Yuan took his seat at the circular table.
... He may be acting friendly now, but who knows what will happen when negotiations begin… Bronya thought to herself, eyeing the general warily as he engaged in easy conversation with Luka and Pela, who sat on either side of her. The three of them chatted as if they were old acquaintances, with the general's demeanor warm and welcoming.
The servant returned with a tray of refreshments, offering Bronya a cup of tea. She accepted it, taking a sip and finding the taste smooth and soothing. It had a warming effect on her body, and she felt her muscles start to relax slightly as the tension in her shoulders eased.
Pela, predictably, chose the coffee instead. She took a sip, her eyes closing in satisfaction as she savored the flavor.
"Ah, this is really good coffee... Could you... maybe tell me what kind it is?" Pela asked the servant, who bowed respectfully.
"This is a blend of beans cultivated by the Xianzhou Yaoqing and the IPC in their joint effort to expand the production and quality of coffee. It is called 'Crimson Sunset'."
Pela nodded appreciatively, taking another sip with an expression of pure delight.
"This is really good... Luka, you should definitely try this."
Luka, who had stuffed his face with one of the snacks, simply grunted in acknowledgment, his mouth full of crumbs as he accepted the cup and drained half of it in a single gulp.
Bronya watched the exchange with a small smile, feeling some of her tension dissipate at the sight of her allies at ease.... Maybe this won't turn out to be so bad after all... she thought, allowing herself a tiny sigh of relief.
As the conversation flowed on, Bronya's eyes followed the servant as they approached General Yuan. The servant leaned in close to the general's ear, whispering something that caused him to look momentarily puzzled. After a moment, he gestured his consent to whatever was being proposed. The servant bowed and exited the room, leaving the door ajar.
From the open door emerged a face that Bronya instantly recognized from the livestream of the Wardance – Luka's final opponent, the one who had knocked him out of the competition. The blonde hair and striking blue of his clothes and eyes left a lasting impression, even on the seasoned Bronya.
Seated at the table, Jing Yuan addressed his retainer.
"Yanqing, I had thought I had given you leave to relax for the rest of the day. Why have you used a servant to beg entry? Surely you know that you have leave to enter freely without such formality." The general spoke in a lighthearted but firm tone, one that brooked no argument.
The young man, Yanqing, bowed deeply in deference.
"My apologies, lord General. I had heard you were hosting the honored guests from Belobog and did not want to intrude if you were busy with important matters. However..." He trailed off, fidgeting with something he held in his hand.
Bronya narrowed her eyes, studying Yanqing with interest. *... He seemed so confident in the tournament... Yet here he is acting almost shy and nervous...* She thought, finding the contrast intriguing.
Resting his head on his fist, Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow at Yanqing.
"...And? Come now Yanqing, if it was so important for you to interrupt, then speak. The guests will forgive your intrusion I'm sure." The general said, gesturing for Yanqing to continue.
Yanqing bowed nervously again, before approaching the general and holding out what he had been fidgeting with. It was a phone in a blue case, the design unfamiliar to Bronya, but clearly connected to an incoming call.
"It's... It's the Marshal, General..." Yanqing's voice dropped to a near whisper, "She... She seems to have figured out that you've... blocked her personal calls."
Bronya perked up at this revelation, her interest fully piqued. ... The Marshal? As in the one that controls all of the Xianzhou ships?... Why would the General be blocking calls from someone so high up in the military?
Upon hearing this revelation, a sudden shift in the atmosphere filled the room, as if a gust of cold wind had blown through. General Jing Yuan's demeanor changed instantly, his smile remaining plastered on his face, but his body language betrayed a newfound tension. His shoulders squared, his posture stiffened, and his eyes darted around the room in a panicked search for an escape from the impending conversation. Finding none, his gaze finally settled back onto Yanqing, who still held out the trembling phone.
"Ah... I see..." Jing Yuan managed to say, as a bead of sweat began to form on his furrowed brow. "Well... let us see what our illustrious Marshal wants, shall we?"
With a hand that trembled slightly, the general reached out and took the phone from Yanqing, mentally preparing himself for whatever verbal onslaught was about to be unleashed. Bronya leaned back in her chair, her curiosity now burning like a raging inferno in her mind, the general's obvious discomfort only serving to fan the flames.
... Whatever is going on with the Marshal, it seems to be more than just a simple disagreement... Bronya thought to herself, watching the scene unfold with a keen eye.
As Jing Yuan put the phone to his ear, he did his best to maintain his practiced smile, but Bronya could see the tension in his jaw, the slight clenching of his teeth as he braced himself for the impending conversation.
"...Greetings, Marshal," The general said, his voice strained but still polite, "To what do I owe the honor of your call?"
Bronya could not hear the Marshal's response, but she could see the reactions that played across Jing Yuan's face – tension morphing into outright panic, then finally settling into resignation. The general sat for what felt like an eternity, listening intently to the Marshal on the other end of the line. When he finally spoke again, his voice was low and strained, barely above a whisper.
"...M-Marshal Hua... W-While I am out of line to interrupt you... Might I beg for the mercy of relocating? It wouldn't do to have this dressing down in front of my esteemed guests." Jing Yuan pleaded, his earlier confidence now completely shattered by whatever the Marshal was saying to him.
The casual atmosphere from before had evaporated completely, replaced by an air of unease and palpable tension. Yanqing shifted nervously from foot to foot, while the other members of the room exchanged furtive glances, clearly unsure of how to proceed.
"...As you command, Marshal Hua..." Jing Yuan said, rising from his seat with a deep bow, his voice now barely audible. "My honored guests... As you can surely tell... I have some urgent matters to attend to... Please... make yourselves at home here and I shall return as soon as I am able."
With that, the general hurried out of the room, stopping briefly to gesture urgently for Yanqing to remain behind. Yanqing bowed deeply to his lord, an expression of pity and some degree of 'I told you so' on his face. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, the tension still thick in the air as everyone thought of some way to break it. Bronya leaned back in her chair, her mind still racing with questions, unsure of what to make of this strange turn of events.
Luka was the first to break the awkward silence, gulping down whatever treat he had stuffed into his mouth before speaking.
"Yanqing!" He exclaimed, standing up and sauntering over to his rival and friend. "I sure didn't expect to see you again so soon. Well... How've you been holding up? Still keeping those sword skills sharp?"
Yanqing took a moment to compose himself, straightening his posture before bowing politely, though the rigidity in his movements had softened somewhat.
"I am... Well, Luka. Thank you for inquiring. I am surprised to that we are reuniting so soon as well." Yanqing replied, his voice taking on a more formal tone, "As for my swordsmanship, I continue to practice diligently. We would not want the Wardance winner to suddenly fall behind the runner up now, would we?"
"Hey you little...!" Luka started, playfully wrapping his mechanical arm around Yanqing's neck and ruffling the blond boy's hair with his fist. "You got some guts there Yanqing. Maybe I'll challenge you to a rematch sometime."
As Bronya watched the antics between the two young men unfold, her gaze was drawn to Pela, who seemed to be observing the exchange with even greater fascination than her own. The warrant officer was breathing heavily, adjusting her glasses as if trying to get a better view of the scene in front of her. She was blushing a deep crimson with each physical contact between Luka and Yanqing, her eyes wide and her breathing growing more and more labored by the second.
Pela quickly pulled out a small notebook and pencil, and began feverishly sketching the scene before her, barely glancing at the page so she wouldn't miss a single moment of the exchange. As the two friends continued their playful banter, Pela's pencil flew across the page, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
Bronya observed this all with a raised eyebrow, her analytical mind already working to understand the strange reactions of the warrant officer. As the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by the friendly competition between Luka and Yanqing, Bronya's thoughts returned to the conversation that had set it all in motion.
...Whatever is going on with the Marshal, it seems to be more than just a simple disagreement... And I would venture it has something to do with this 'vacation' the General decided to take to my planet. She thought to herself, her brow furrowing with concern. I... I hope that the trade negotiation can still go through without a hitch despite all of this.
"So... This Marshal..." Luka began to inquire, his eyes sparkling with an insatiable curiosity. "What can you tell me about her? Is she a formidable opponent?"
Pela paused mid-stroke of her drawing, a deep sigh of exasperation escaping her lips. "Why does that always seem to be your first line of questioning when learning about some new individual, Luka?" she asked, a tinge of annoyance in her tone.
"I'm just curious, is all," Luka replied, shrugging his broad shoulders and flashing a roguish grin. "What, you telling me you're not equally as intrigued to know more about this enigma of a Marshal character?"
While a flicker of irritation crossed Pela's face, her cheeks took on an even more pronounced blush as she averted her gaze.
"I... I suppose it is only natural to wonder about someone of such prominence within the alliance..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to give Luka the satisfaction of acknowledging his point.
Yanqing cleared his throat, his voice steady and composed as he spoke. "The Marshal is second only to the leader of the Ten Lords commission in importance within the alliance. She's the greatest and most deadly arrow in Lan's quiver, a military genius whose strategic prowess is unmatched. In terms of martial valor, being not only skilled in the arts of many weapons, but quite literally writing the texts that lesser warriors like me study."
Stroking his chin in contemplation, Luka clearly pondered what had been said as he estimated his odds of success in a hypothetical match up. "So... what you're saying is... I'd be at a disadvantage?"
"An insurmountable one," Yanqing replied matter-of-factly, not mincing his words. "Even if you were sparring, even if you had the general's years of experience and cultivation, you would likely be at her feet groveling before you could even thing to throw your first punch."
"Well, that's just you saying something isn't it? We'll never know until we test it," Luka said, a note of excitement in his voice as he imagined the theoretical challenge of matching fists with the legendary Marshal.
Her hand ceasing her sketching, Pela let out an exasperated groan, her eyes rolling skyward at the naivety of her friend's suggestion. "Luka," she sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Really?" Her incredulous gaze switched to Yanqing, seeking agreement or, perhaps, a modicum of support in her frustration.
"Hey come on now Pela, you have to admit it's worth a shot!" Luka argued, smiling with determination as he sat up straight, his eyes flashing with a daring challenge as they locked onto Yanqing. His mechanical arm thudded against the marble tabletop with an audible, metallic click, the sudden sound echoing ominously through the grand meeting chamber, the very air seeming to vibrate with tension.
"Marshal Hua would appreciate your enthusiasm, Luka, but I would counsel against putting yourself in a position to be humiliated," Yanqing suggested, his voice calm and measured as he leaned back in his seat, stretching his legs out under the table as a slightly smug smile played upon his lips. "After all... you haven't yet reached my level, much less-?!"
CRACK*
Yanqing's taunt was cutoff abruptly as the heavy, ornately-carved marble tabletop beneath them split asunder with a deafening crack, almost sending the massive piece of stone flying into the air.
Within a heartbeat, the room erupted into a flurry of reactions. Luka and Pela sprang into action, leaping forward to flank Bronya as they sought to shield their friend from any potential danger. Luka, with his boxer's reflexes, crouched into a defensive posture, ready to intercept any threats head-on. Meanwhile, Yanqing swiftly drew his sword, dashing between delegation and the shattered remains of the table. He brandished his weapon, aiming its tip towards the fissure that had appeared so ominously.
"Everyone, remain calm." Yanqing said in a calm yet authoritative tone, his voice echoing through the chamber as he held his stance, poised to intervene should the situation deteriorate further. His blade remained steady, pointing downward in a clear warning to those who might be tempted to escalate the conflict. "Is everyone okay? No one's injured?"
Bronya's initial shock slowly gave way to concern, her voice trembling slightly as she responded.
"I-I'm alright, just a bit shaken. I wasn't expecting... Whatever just happened." She cast a worried gaze down at the ruined table, then back to Yanqing, her features a mix of trepidation, curiosity, and a hint of fear. "What in the world...?"
Luka's attention was immediately drawn to his mechanical arm, whose fingers he had been idly tapping against the tabletop's surface. As the realization dawned on him that his careless behavior might have inadvertently triggered the catastrophe, his eyes widened in horror, and a look of anguish crossed his face.
"Oh no... it was me, wasn't it?" he whispered hoarsely, his voice laced with self-blame. "I-I didn't mean to cause this! I never intended..."
Yanqing shook his head emphatically, dismissing Luka's self-recriminations. "It wasn't you, Luka. When I was stretching my leg out, I bumped into something alive under the table. That was most likely what caused the disturbance."
When it seemed that no immediate threat arose following the startling destruction of the table, Yanqing sheathed his sword and approached the area where the furniture had been shattered. He knelt down, scrutinizing the underside of the table with keen curiosity, attempting to decipher what he might have inadvertently struck with his leg. His eyebrows shot up in astonishment when he discovered the unexpected occupant.
"G-General Feixiao! What in the world were you doing under there?!" Yanqing exclaimed, visibly shocked as he reached out to assist her up.
General Feixiao, the other Xianzhou general? Bronya thought, puzzled by the fact that such a renowned figure was found in such an inconspicuous location. Why would she be hiding under the table? The circumstances seem peculiar.
As the woman emerged from beneath the table, dusting herself off with a measured grace, Bronya observed that her striking green hair was matted with already dried blood and dust. Her attire was disheveled, bearing the signs of the violent impact that had revealed her. Despite her battered appearance, General Feixiao retained an aura of cauthoritative presence that commanded respect. Her gaze swept across the gathered individuals, meeting their questioning stares.
"Well, I suppose that's one way to make a dramatic entrance," she remarked, her tone surprisingly light and dry given the circumstances. She withdrew a pristine handkerchief from her sleeve and delicately wiped the dried blood from her face before continuing. "I fear I must have dozed off for a moment. A most unfortunate mistake."
Taking a measured step forward, Bronya bowed her head respectfully in acknowledgement of the enigmatic woman's presence. "Greetings, General Feixiao. I am Supreme Guardian Bronya Rand of Belobog. Please allow me to extend a hand in greeting." She extended her palm in a gesture of goodwill, her concern for General Feixiao's wellbeing evident in her expression. "I... I hope you did not suffer undue harm in your... accident."
Feixiao put on a cheerful smile as she clasped Bronya's hand, her grip surprisingly strong given her recent ordeal. "Many thanks, Supreme Guardian Rand. And once again, we are deeply grateful for your hospitality. This little knock on the head is truly nothing to concern oneself with. I'm much more troubled about how I shall repay the Captain for the destruction of his prized tabletop."
With a playful twinkle in her eye, she knelt beside the shattered remains, eyeing the perfect split in the marble. She gently lifted one half, dusting off the fragments with nimble fingers, her gaze flickering up to Bronya with a cheeky grin. "Anyone know where I can get some glue?"
Shaking his head, Yanqing grabbed a nearby chair and rolled it toward General Feixiao. "For now, General, perhaps it would be wise to rest. I'll go call Miss Bailu-"
"Miss Bailu!?" Feixiao burst out, incredulity coloring her tone. "Yanqing, I assure you, I am perfectly fine. I merely suffered a slight head injury."
Despite her protests, she accepted the offered seat with surprising grace, her movements fluid despite the lingering ache from her bumps and bruises. Yanqing frowned, pulling out his handkerchief to gently dab at the oozing cut on her forehead. "General, you really ought to allow someone to properly tend to these wounds. Now that the delegation from Belobog is here-"
"Yanqing," she said firmly, brooking no further debate. "I've weathered battles across countless planets, bested Denizens of Abundance the size of mountain ranges, and even had an asteroid hurled at me. A mere cut on the head is hardly worth fretting over."
Unrelenting in his attentiveness, Yanqing glanced up at Bronya before refocusing his efforts on the cut.
"Surely, General, it's somewhat inconsiderate to engage in diplomatic negotiations with a wound to the head?" The lieutenant's question was accompanied by a skeptical raise of his eyebrows. "Besides, I find myself curious – why were you under the table in the first place?"
With a quizzical expression and a furrowed brow, Feixiao considered Yanqing's inquiry, her eyes narrowing as she reminisced. "If I'm not mistaken, Yuan and Yukong departed separately to welcome the arriving dignitaries, leaving me to my solitary repose. I was reclining and then..."
Feixiao's gaze fell upon the shattered tabletop before rising to meet Yanqing's quizzical stare. Sitting up in her seat, she fixed her accusatory finger squarely on the lieutenant. "You, Yanqing! I heard you walking around while you were conversing with the Marshal. Before you entered, I had to duck down to hide... And once you left, I guess I drifted off."
Yanqing's countenance registered astonishment and disbelief, his eyes bulging slightly as he uttered his next words. "...So, you hid under a table so you could avoid speaking with the Marshal? Are you that terrified of her wrath?"
"Of course, I am!" Feixiao exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation. "I don't relish the prospect of being chastised for yet another of Yuan's harebrained schemes."
Her gaze swept over the assembly hall, curiosity animating her features. "Speaking of which, where did Yuan and Yukong go? They left to retrieve the delegation, but I see the delegation is already present... So…"
Speaking up, Bronya recounted, "General Jing was gracious enough to escort us upon our arrival, afterwards having to depart for an... important discussion with your esteemed marshal."
The other general chuckled merrily, tapping her finger on the half of the table she was on. "I'm sure that went splendidly," she added with a hint of amusement.
Bronya paused, observing the general's reaction. "Yukong, meanwhile, opted to remain at the hangar to greet the IPC delegation, who have arrived to join in with the talks we were going to have."
Feixiao's ears dropped in a sign of annoyance, scrunching her nose. "The IPC?... Who's leading them?"
"I believe," Bronya explained, "They referred to them as the Jade of Credit according-?!"
Bronya's heart skipped a beat as the somewhat lighthearted atmosphere in the meeting chamber abruptly shifted. She sensed the air growing thick and heavy, an ominous presence seeping in like a chill. A shiver ran down her spine as she continued to look at Feixiao. The general's deep, measured breath seemed to whistle harshly through her teeth, the sound echoing off the walls like a low annoyed growl. Bronya couldn't help but pause, her curiosity going to the person that Topaz had sent, for it to have this sort of reaction.
"Jade..." Feixiao said as she clicked her teeth in exasperation, her tone a clear indication of her displeasure. "I should have known better than to heed Yuan's words and venture into this situation. That... difficult person has always proven to be a trying individual to navigate, and I would much rather avoid any further contact."
"General Feixiao, your words wound me deeply. I cannot fathom why you would paint me as a difficult person to work with in front of my client. I would hate for this already strained situation to become even more complicated and treacherous."
The already icy air in the opulent meeting chamber seemed to grow even more frigid as Bronya pivoted her attention to the mysterious new arrival. A stunning woman entered, her attire exquisitely tailored and her demeanor poised, yet an aura of foreboding clung to her like a shadow. Bronya's gaze was drawn to the large hat, its brim angled downwards to conceal the woman's other half in shadow, leaving only a portion of her face visible – a courteous smile and a piercing blue eye that seemed to bore into Bronya with a sinister intensity. The newcomer's gaze swept the room with calculated nonchalance, briefly stopping on the back of the general's head before returning to Bronya.
Feixiao rose from her seat, her body language shifting as she slowly pivoted towards the woman. Despite her calculated, courteous demeanor, her ears subtly flattened against her skull, and a slight upturn of the corners of her lips revealed an unsettling array of pointed canines. Her voice, tinged with feigned warmth, rang out as she advanced, her chest swelling with a quiet confidence that seemed to amplify her already imposing stature.
"Jade! It feels like an eternity since our paths last crossed!" Feixiao's tone held a veneer of genuine curiosity. As she closed the distance, her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, fixating on the IPC representative with a calm edge. "I hope you are well?"
"I'm rather pleased with my personal successes, Saran. As it appears, so are you judging by the juicy tidbits I've managed to acquire." Jade said as she reached out to brush her hand against the General's face, a sly smirk spreading across her lips. "Your daring exploits at the Wardance, for instance, were quite impressive. A departure from your usual 'simplistic' approach, don't you agree, Feixiao?"
"Oh, Jade, you're truly too good for your own good," Feixiao murmured with a saccharine smile plastered on her face, even as a venomous glint sparkled in her eyes, fueling her seething fury. Reaching out, Feixiao's slender fingers settled onto Jade's shoulder, her thumb beginning a slow, deliberate massage along the soft curve of Jade's throat.
"I hear you secured an enormous contract at Penacony, capitalizing on their recent crisis. Apparently, your knack for seizing opportunities with both hands hasn't waned since taking on a more senior role in management."
As the two women locked eyes, the palpable undercurrent of animosity and unspoken history between them crackled in the air like electricity waiting to discharge. Each exchanged perfunctory smiles and pleasantries with a forced civility that threatened to shatter at any moment. Bronya sensed the escalating tension, but before she could intervene to defuse the situation, another presence intervened.
"Feixiao, enough!" Yukong snapped, her words laced with a sharp edge. Her hand shot out, delivering a resolute chop to the general's already wounded head. Feixiao cried out in pain, releasing her grip on Jade's neck to clutch at her throbbing crown instead.
"Yukong... That really, really hurt..." Feixiao complained in a nasally whine, her hand massaging her throbbing skull. The pain must either have been agonizing or she was good at faking it, considering the General's typically unyielding demeanor.
Yukong did not deign to respond to Feixiao's lament, instead executing a quick, apologetic bow towards Jade with an expression of embarrassment.
"I hope, Madam Jade, that General Feixiao's erratic behavior hasn't caused you any distress or inconvenience." Yukong offered with a courteous tone, her eyes darting to glare at Feixiao for a brief moment.
"Absolutely not, Yukong. The private quarrels between me and General Feixiao pose no threat to our mission or our relationship," Jade reassured her with a smile, offering a momentary gaze towards Feixiao that spoke volumes of suppressed annoyance and disdain.
The three women separated, Yukong and Feixiao going to one side of the split table while Jade joined Bronya on the other.
As Jade approached Bronya with measured strides, her gaze lingered upon the woman with a discerning scrutiny, as if she were appraising Bronya's worth in credits.
"Miss Rand." Jade greeted her with a graceful bow, her voice ringing with the polished tones of a seasoned diplomat. "Permit me to introduce myself more formally. I am the Jade of Credit, senior manager of the IPC Strategic Investment Department. I hope our Xianzhou counterparts have not allowed their...colorful views to cloud their judgment regarding me."
Bronya, taken aback by Jade's sudden appearance and the intervening tension with General Feixiao, returned the bow with a hesitant politeness. "Not at all, Madam Jade." Her voice was soft, laced with a mix of surprise and a hint of curiosity. "I...I am merely intrigued to learn more about you. You...you were sent by Topaz to help...to correct the situation, yes?"
Jade's chuckle was warm and melodic, like the tinkling of porcelain, as she nodded with an air of benevolent condescension. "Ah, little Jelena. She sounded so endearingly distraught on the phone when she appealed to me for assistance. While I was initially reluctant to involve myself in the matter, I couldn't resist when she begged so cutely for my help. So do not fret about anything, Miss Rand. I assure you that the IPC's involvement will rectify the situation."
"May our negotiations be fruitful for all parties involved," Bronya heard the voice of Jing Yuan as he entered the room. His amiable countenance betrayed a hint of dimming due to the heated discussion with the Marshal, yet he retained a courteous demeanor as he caught Jade's gaze and nodded respectfully before turning to address Yanqing.
"Yanqing, please escort Miss Pela and Sir Luka to a more relaxed setting where they can await our conclusion. Though we anticipate this meeting won't consume much time, our guests' comfort should not be overlooked as a sign of poor hospitality."
Yanqing bowed to the General, advancing toward Luka and Pela, who exchanged a silent, troubled glance before turning their attention to Bronya. She offered a reassuring nod, observing as the pair followed Yanqing out the door.
Bronya took a seat with Jade taking a seat next to her on the right and Yukong occupying a chair across from Bronya. Feixiao continued to rub her head as she sat to Jing Yuan's right, her gaze never wavering from Jade with Jing Yuan sitting with a composed posture, clasping his hands together in front of him as he regarded the assembly.
"Well then... Shall we commence?"