“I am the Queen of this country, Bloom Newgate. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The guide that picked them up at the airport, Johan Clark had just introduced himself as the queen of this country to Miko and his group.

“I couldn’t tell….How did she disguise herself? It can’t be magic.”

Momo mumbled.

“It wasn’t. That reminds me.”

Bloom lifted her hand and Miko saw a silver bracelet on her wrist. She squeezed it and her body started distorting like a television picture with poor signal. A moment later, a completely different person appeared on the throne. It was a very beautiful girl with long silver hair that stretched down to her back. She had glassy pink eyes that captured the souls of those who looked directly in them. She was wearing a black choker, with a silver pendent of a crow. She had on a white dress shirt with the sleeves slightly rolled up, and the first three buttons loose; deliberately showing her cleavage and the pink camouflage bra underneath. A pink and black fingerless glove with a silver crow design on her right hand. She had on a short camouflage skirt, and a jacket tied around her waist. And finally, a pair of black knee high combat boots. Her overall look was a mixture of a tomboy and seductress.

“It’s rude to officially greet my guests in a disguise.”

She said with a smile.

“Was that bracelet built by MYTH?”

“Yeah. I got it as a present some time ago. It allows me to change my appearance, voice, and even aura. And yet….You saw through it. You knew who I was from the beginning right?”

Miko showed a bright smile.

“I didn’t see through the disguise initially. That is a marvelous device.”

“Then how did you know it was me?”

“Simple, body language.”

“Oh? Did I make a mistake in my performance?”

Bloom asked with a frown.

“No, you were perfect. Otherwise, Momo and the others would’ve noticed. What gave you away were those around you.”

“Really?”

Miko nodded.

“When Kaido saw you at the airport he was shook. His tone change to a more casual one but at the same time his body language indicated that he had a lot of respect for you. That’s when I started wondering who you were. And then there was the conversation between you two. You basically ordered him to stand down and hand us over to you. I don’t think they’re many who can order Kaido around even if it’s the queen’s orders unless it’s the queen herself.”

Miko didn’t mention that Kaido also told him to be careful before he left.

“It wasn’t just Kaido. Wherever you went people would showed you the utmost respect.”

“Wouldn’t you normally assume that I’m someone important?”

“I would if I hadn’t done my research on you and this country.”

Miko pointed at his head.

“I’ve memorized the names of all the top ranking individuals available to the public.”

“And what if I was a secret figure?”

“A secret figure wouldn’t have gain so much attention and respect from those around him. He’s supposed to be a secret after all. If he did his existence would be on the level of a rumor or myth; and if that’s the case I would still at least heard the name when I did my research. Yet, I’ve never heard of a Johan Clark which means it’s a false name. Someone who could order Kaido around and had the respect of those around them I could only think of you. As for how you disguised yourself, this a futuristic city. Anything is possible.”

Bloom looked honestly impressed by Miko’s deduction skills. Miko shrugged.

“But it was all a lucky guess that it was you in the end.”

“A lucky guess huh?”

Bloom laughed.

“I’m glad that I invited you here. It looks like you’ll be a lot of fun.”

“I can say the same about you.”

Miko replied.

“Now, how about we get down to business?”

Miko lifted his hand and stopped her.

“Before I make any business arrangements with you I’m requesting a period of a couple months to travel the country and see for myself what kind of place it is.”

Bloom’s eyes widened for a bit but she soon began smiling.

“I see, I guess that’s reasonable.”

“Thank you for being understanding.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m not in any rush….So I take it that starting now you’re all tourists?”

“That’s right. We intend to enjoy our time here too.”

“If that’s the case, I can recommend you some of my favorite places to hang out.”

“That will be appreciated. We’re planning on going out tonight once we’ve checked into a hotel.”

“Do you want hotel recommendations?”

“We’ve already booked one. Thanks for the offer though.”

“I see. Then I won’t take up more of your time. Go and see the country, and I hope you come to love it as much as I do.”

********

Once Miko’s group left Bloom was left all alone in the room, or so it seems.

“So, What did you think?”

Kaido stepped out from behind her throne and stood beside her.

“He’s really slippery. He’s dead set on keeping his distance. He obviously doesn’t trust us.”

She grinned.

“But I guess it wouldn’t be fun if he did right away.”

“You like him?”

“Of course. He’s an interesting kid. I’m kinda excited to interact with him in the future.”

“I just hope he doesn’t get too wild while he’s here.”

“What’s there to be worried about?”

Bloom started slapping Kaido’s back.

“I have you, Jin, and Silver Crow here in case anything happens.”

“I’m flattered, but the fact that Miko came here with such a small group worries me. It’s like he’s doing recon before calling in his troops.”

“That’s exactly what he’s doing. Which is why we should let him have a good time and enjoy the country.”

She showed Kaido a teasing smile.

“Aren’t you going to meet Hana? I’m sure she misses you.”

“Ah! I completely forgot because of your prank!”

Kaido glared at Bloom.

“If she gets upset you’ll pay for this.”

“….I’m still your boss you know.”

Kaido ignored her and ran out the room shouting.

“I’m coming home, Hana!”

When he left Bloom laughed a bit.

“Despite hating each other, he and Jin share a similar trait. They’re cool badasses most of the time but turn into lovestruck idiots when Hana and Sapphire are involved.”

She laughed as he got off her throne and headed out herself.

********

After they left the Silver Nest, Miko and the girls took a self-driving car prepared by Bloom and were on their way to their hotel.

“So, What do you think of Bloom Newgate?”

He asked the girls as he sat comfortably in the backseat with Regis in his lap.

“She seems like an interesting girl.”

Tia said.

“A little bit of a prankster though. However, from the way her people respond to her I think she’s been a good leader to them to say the least.”

Momo nodded.

“This country is obviously booming. You can say that it’s because of MYTH’s backing but this city is obviously a product of her ideas and personal taste. So I agree that she’s a great queen in that aspect. However, every country has its darksides. I can make a better judgement after seeing more of the country.”

“I don’t care about all that. Did you feel the pressure that woman was giving off?”

Ishma’s eyes were sparkling.

“She’s not up to my standards but she’s pretty strong for the current you, Miko. I think she’s far more powerful than Tang Xian which means we might have more fun if we go to war with her!”

“Alright. As always, Ishma’s opinion will be ignored.”

“What?!”

Miko started petting Regis who was reading a manga in his lap.

“What about you?”

Regis looked at him with sparkling eyes.

“Anybody who can think of something as godly as manga and anime is an ally in my book. She can do no wrong!”

“….Okay.”

Miko looked at Tia and Momo.

“Since you two are the only ones speaking sense, I’ll talk to you. Should we take the wait and see approach with this partnership with Bloom Newgate, or do you think she deserves the benefit of the doubt?”

“We wait and see.”

“I agree.”

Miko nodded.

“I find Bloom interesting but not enough to enter a partnership with at the moment. I need more information on her and her surroundings. I want to see her true face and what this place really is like.”

Miko paused for a bit.

“I’m also interested in the way the country is segmented. There’s definitely a deeper meaning to that.”

“You thinks so too? I can’t put my hand on it but I think it has to do with those four.”

“Those four?”

Momo was confused.

“When researching this place I learnt the names of all the powerful figures and I came across four names that came up over and over again. Almost as much as Bloom’s even.”

“Are they’re ministers?”

Tia asked.

“No, they have a position that I’ve never heard of before.”

“Which is?”

“Pillar. They each hold a position called Pillar.”

“Pillar? Then you mean they’re Four Pillars? That’s quite an important sounding title.”

Momo said.

“Bloom is definitely the queen and ruler of this place, however, the Pillars hold power as well. I think the way the country is segmented is proof of that.”

Miko said.

“I see. Other than the Neutral red light district and the capital, there are four other cities all that holds great importance to the overall. They may be the rulers of those cities.”

Momo said. Miko nodded.

“It’s just a theory though. We’ll definitely confirm the truth while we’re here.”

A grin broke out on Miko’s face.

“So why not just enjoy ourselves to the fullest? I’m sure they’ll come to us if we let loose a little.”