"Oh! Isn't this Azumabito Kiyomi? Long time no see."
Inside the resplendent hall, the finest orchestra from Marley's capital played soft, soothing music. The long redwood tables were covered with exquisite and luxurious Eastern silk tablecloths, and rows upon rows of delicacies and rare desserts filled the surface.
Waiters dressed in vests moved back and forth, the trays in their hands carrying precious wines, carefully attending to the guests in the hall.
Within the hall, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air. Those dressed in splendor were the representatives of various nations invited by Marley to this World Assembly.
Azumabito Kiyomi, dressed in Hizuru's traditional kimono, smiled and raised her glass toward the dark-skinned man greeting her from across, returning his earlier salutation.
This World Assembly convened by Marley was also an opportunity for nations across the world. Under the guise of the conference, it was a chance to build alliances. Though on the surface the entire hall seemed harmonious and cheerful…
A closer look revealed a subtle tension dividing the hall into three main factions.
One group was led by the Middle Eastern nations that had only recently ended their war with Marley. The representatives gathered there were mostly hostile toward Marley, with some even harboring ambitions to challenge its position.
Another group was centered around Hizuru, along with other small Eastern island nations. These smaller countries were not particularly strong individually and were usually disorganized, but recently, thanks to Hizuru's rapid economic growth, the entire Eastern region had been lifted.
As a result, these small nations naturally drew closer to Hizuru. In the eyes of others, Hizuru was a staunch ally supporting Marley—and Marley believed so as well.
However, whether Hizuru was truly Marley's ally… Azumabito Kiyomi knew the answer clearly. It was merely a smokescreen. The true protagonist of this grand play was not Hizuru.
The final group consisted of nations from remote regions, such as those from the Far East. Living in extreme climates, these countries were almost forgotten by the world—sparsely populated and not even worth colonizing. It was unclear why Marley had invited these Far Eastern people.
Since these nations had little connection with Marley, they harbored neither resentment nor ambition. Their representatives mostly gathered together, drinking strong liquor.
Though everything appeared calm on the surface, beneath it was an invisible contest of strategies.
At that moment, the banquet hall doors opened. The star of the evening, Willy Tybur, entered with a smile, arm in arm with his wife, greeting dignitaries from across the world along the way.
Many of the representatives responded warmly to Willy, with some even calling out:
"Willy! The Tybur family! Descendants of the savior!"
Willy remained composed, continuing to exchange pleasantries with representatives as he walked.
"Haugel? Long time no see. You still look as young as ever—I still remember when you pulled me down from that tree as a child."
"Nambia, it's been so long, and you're just as youthful as ever."
"Kuruno—ah, I still remember the baked snails you once treated me to."
...
Willy Tybur's friendly words not only brought him closer to the representatives of various nations, but also created a warm, comforting atmosphere that eased their guarded minds.
Even the Middle Eastern representatives, who had always been hostile toward Marley, softened their expressions while chatting with him.
As the drinks flowed freely, Marley's diplomatic ambassador, perhaps carried away by the alcohol, tapped his glass and arrogantly shouted:
"Distinguished representatives, ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending Marley's banquet! Haha—who would've thought? Some of us were enemies just yesterday, and today we gather together in celebration. This is probably Marley's specialty—we excel at turning enemies into friends! Hahaha!"
The ambassador's words were filled with provocation. The Middle Eastern representatives turned green with anger. Fortunately, Willy stepped forward to defuse the situation, smiling as he said:
"The ambassador has had a bit too much to drink and is joking—please don't take offense. Now, allow me to say a few words."
Willy's intervention earned cheers and applause from many of the representatives.
Azumabito Kiyomi gently swirled her glass, watching Willy speak eloquently. A meaningful smile appeared on her lips before she turned to leave.
Just then, she heard a sharp scolding:
"You damn! How did filthy people like you even get in here? Clumsy idiot—useless trash!"
Azumabito Kiyomi turned her head to look. It was one of the representatives who had spoken with her earlier, now berating a child dressed in a waiter's uniform.
"You damned Eldians, filthy bloodline!" The man's words were vicious. Gabi lowered her head, not daring to retort, but her hands clenched tightly at the hem of her clothes.
The commotion seemed to attract Marley's staff, who were already making their way over.
After a moment's thought, Azumabito Kiyomi stepped forward.
"Mr. Paraba, someone as esteemed as you—why bother arguing with a child?"
The man named Paraba froze for a moment. Upon seeing that it was Azumabito Kiyomi interrupting him, he suppressed his anger. His country had recently entered into cooperation with Hizuru, so no matter how displeased he felt, he had to hold it in.
After exchanging a few perfunctory words, Paraba turned and left.
Gabi was a little stunned. She looked at Azumabito Kiyomi, unsure why this noblewoman from Hizuru had helped her, an Eldian, out of trouble.
Azumabito Kiyomi smiled and gently patted Gabi's head.
"Go on now, take a break. Don't take what just happened to heart."
After speaking, Azumabito Kiyomi walked toward the approaching Marley officials, casually handling them and completely resolving the situation for Gabi.
...
On the other side, Willy had finished his speech, concluding with:
"Everyone, time has passed more quickly than expected. I still have much I wish to share with you. So how about this—the World Assembly will be postponed until tomorrow evening, to be held in our Liberio internment zone.
I understand that many of you harbor concerns about Marley still utilizing the sinful power of the devils. And indeed, that is the case. Marley itself once suffered under this power, yet now we use it to oppress other nations. This is something I deeply reflect upon.
After long consideration, I have found what I believe to be the best solution. Tomorrow evening, I will reveal this answer to all of you."
...
"What? It's postponed?"
Elsewhere, at a banquet for Marley officers, Yago stood in the corner with a look of surprise. He hadn't expected Willy to suddenly change his plans and postpone the World Assembly, originally scheduled for tonight, to tomorrow evening.
Realizing this, Yago immediately rushed out of the banquet. The situation had changed too suddenly—he needed to stop the plan at once.