Recommendations and Plans

Shen, Zara, and the others were able to irritate the Whispers and expel them from the fortress after an hour of fierce combat. This was only a short-term triumph, though, and it was unclear if the threat had actually been eliminated. Given the gravity of the issue, the kingdom called an emergency meeting. Commanders, sergeants, and Admiral Takeda assembled in the battle chamber of the fortress in anxious expectancy. The mood in the room was tense, and there was a mixture of fear and uncertainty on each soldier's face. Large banners that represented the fortress's strength were displayed on the room's walls, but their proud presence was overshadowed by the anxiety in the air. The King was the center of attention around the central table.

The King started the conference by standing in the middle of the room. He scanned the gathering with his piercing stare. He stated forcefully, "I want a report on the damage first." How many of our troops have died? How is the enemy doing these days? The seriousness of the situation was reflected in his forceful tone.

Admiral Takeda took a step forward, his voice bearing the weight of the casualties, yet his face was impassive. His statements were accurate as he looked at the maps arranged on the table. "Your Majesty, sixteen men have been lost in all. But we were able to drive the Whispers out, and I don't think they'll come back. Moreover, there is no damage to the ballistae at the summit of the fortress. Shen could feel the strain beneath his measured tone.

The King gave this some thought, but he was still clearly unsure. He questioned, "How did these animals, which are usually found in the northern regions, get this far east?" "There's a problem here." His voice was a mix of wonder and worry.

For a brief while, the room was silent as everyone felt the pressure of the question. At last, one of the commanders boldly raised his voice. "Your Majesty, this needs to be thoroughly investigated.
This is unprecedented, as you stated. Other countries obviously know too much about us.

The commander caught the King's piercing stare. "What precisely are you proposing?"

The commander firmly responded, "I think the Unitas Republic may be involved in this." "Even after the peace treaty was signed, they have remained a threat."

At the idea, the King scowled. Thinking about it, he continued, "Sabotaging creatures?" That would never happen. But I don't think Unitas is responsible for this," he said, shaking his head.

“Why do you think that, sir?” a sergeant said, interested in the King’s logic.

There was a serene power in the King's voice. "Because I got a message soon after the incident. There, too, the beasts attacked.

Zara interrupted, her ideas straightforward, "If it's really not their doing, then we must question the existence of another enemy."

The King gave a nod. "In any event, we need to find out where this occurrence came from. Setting up an in-person meeting with them is the best plan of action. Call the Warlord right away. We require answers.

Everyone in the room started talking about plans and strategies as soon as the King gave the order. Messengers were sent, maps were corrected, and orders were given in a hurry. Standing in the corner, Shen watched the action with great interest. He glanced to Geno, who had said nothing during the first part of the meeting.

Geno finally moved forward, and even before he said a word, his presence commanded the room. As Geno walked up to the table, Shen couldn't help but notice how everyone fell silent. He moved steadily and purposefully, exuding strength and poise with every stride. Geno's face was etched with experience but untarnished by uncertainty, and his massive shoulders appeared to effortlessly support the weight of the kingdom. When he did speak, his tone was soothing but still loud enough to draw everyone in.

Respectfully but firmly, Geno said, "Your Majesty, two admirals have already left their posts to join us, and they're on their way here." Calling in the Warlord could give the opposing side the wrong impression. Furthermore, time is of the essence, and it will take longer than we can afford.

As the King turned to face Geno, his eyes become piercing. With a hint of challenge in his voice, he said, "And what would you suggest, Admiral?" Do you suggest that while the kingdom's security is in risk, we postpone the Warlord's intervention? What happens if these animals come back in larger numbers?

Geno remained calm in the face of the King's inspection. "Your Majesty, I understand your concern, but the risk of delay is far less dangerous than the risk of appearing disorganized in the eyes of our enemies," he replied, maintaining his composure. It will give Unitas or another kingdom more confidence if they suspect weakness. The admirals who are already en route will give us the encouragement we require to take decisive action.

The King's lips formed a thin line as his gaze narrowed slightly. It appeared for a second that he may push back even further. Shen held his breath while seeing the two men's interactions. The King finally let out a long breath, his face softening.

The King answered in a steady but resigned tone, "Very well." "Delays are not something we can afford. Get ready right away. As soon as we can, we'll go to Unitas.

As the King's orders were followed, a quiet nod of agreement spread throughout the chamber, and the tension started to subside. Shen's gaze remained fixed on Geno, who impressed her with his ability to maintain his position without undermining the King's authority. Geno's remarks had been well-considered and complex, adding reasoning after reasoning until the King himself recognized their value. Shen couldn't help but respect Geno's ability to strike a balance between firmness and deference—a talent that seemed so natural yet had such weight.

Shen's thoughts shifted inside as the room started to clear. He kept thinking about what the King had said earlier: "They are great responsibilities, not just titles." With the burden of his new title bearing down on him, Shen's hands clinched slightly. Nevertheless, a glimmer of resolve grew beneath the strain. It was now his responsibility to fulfill the enormously important task that had been handed to him.

"How can I give meaning to this title?" As he watched the others leave the room in a procession, Shen pondered. "How can this be transformed into something more than a name?" His mind whirled with the questions, but for the first time he felt prepared to look for the answers.

Shen looked at Geno again as he turned to leave the battle room. Standing tall, his brother gave a group of soldiers tough but silent orders. Shen's regard for Geno grew as a result of his ability to inspire devotion and command respect without ever using force, in addition to his strength and poise. It was an attribute Shen wanted to possess, a lighthouse pointing him in the right direction.