VI. War Prelude 2: The Supremacy and The Diplomat

“IIIIRIIISH!!” –Dax gritted his teeth and slammed the table in anger upon seeing Irish at the other end of the communication spell.

“Whoah now, no need to be so angry, my Patron Dax. I’m glad to see you’re already back from your loooooong journey at the ancient ruins.”

Everybody looked at Irish. Could they even brand her as a traitor?

“What have you found? I guess nothing! Haha! He humans have extracted every single beneficial documents they could ever salvage there. It was literally a zero-zone with no gains even if you searched for decades or even milleniums.” –she continued to tease Fred and Dax.

“And what do we have here?” –The communication device shifted and leaned towards Mae, who at that moment was still being puzzled: among the things she should be believing. “My sweet little sister. Good to see you’re still alive.”

“Cut to the chase, Irish. What are your plans?” –Fred broke the silence and saved Mae from the humiliation.

First of all, Irish never had intentions of betrayal. It was not really within the demi-human’s plan to completely side with the demons. They originally went to the demon capital initially to have peace talks with the demons. For them to forge a treaty that will have both nations undergo a non-aggression part, nor exploit military forces from the demi-humans as soon as the long-running human-demon war resumed.

Along with these agreement, comes along with a healthy trading of goods and services. Demi-humans could travel across the demon territory with assurance that they won’t be suddenly attacked nor inspected out of suspicion.

It was really an ideal scenario for both nations. But that was not really the case.

“May I ask you, Mae. No, the one supposed to be standing there right now should be ‘The Diplomat’. How are you progressing there? Anything worth peacefully you accomplished already?”

Irish we’re barraging questions to Mae at the most perfect timing. Due to the attack, the remaining of the demi-human convoy that reached the demon capital spent most of their time recuperating and resting. They have spent weeks before actually having to setup a meeting with the highest ranking demon executives.

“Don’t want to hear that from the one who delayed us too much.” –Fred pried on Irish’s teasing.

“Hmp. Such a spoilsport.”

“Besides you might want to regret teasing her so much. Dax there might be able to connect his fist at the communication device you are using and punch your pretty-looking face.”

“Oooh—how scary.”

Upon trying to control Dax, Mae hold his hands as he tried to suppress such anger. They could not let themselves get agitated over Irish. From Irish’s view it might not be visible but her face could tell one thing: These two have already gotten together. She then showed a bitter expression full of anger and regret. This might be because she already knew this would happen, or because of some other things that she kept for herself.

“Dear sister, just tell us what they have been threatening you with. Both of us could get through this. It has always been the two of us right? If you could tell me your problem, us here might be able to find a solution, a way out of your situation right now. Just tell us, please.”

Mae was still in denial. A part of her could not accept the fact that her sister have sided with the humans and plotted everything that happened for the past weeks. It is only natural still share a bit of sympathy towards her. They were sisters after all. And even if Irish already abandoned the familial bonds between them, it will be always be on Mae’s trait to be forgiving and persuade Irish to come back: come back to those blissful days the three of them shared together. But…

For the very first time a change on air could be seen on Irish. She gritted her teeth. Then returned to her usual smug look.

“My dear sister you never really change, do you? All these time I thought something might awaken within you. But still you are as soft as ever, will and will ever be. Oh of course, it’s a trait you have obtained upon being ‘The Diplomat’ and such.”

The smug turned into an evil smile. She placed her hands on her cheeks, started giggling, and the burst out laughing.

“Fuhaha—ahaha!! Fuhahahahaha!!” –Trying to hide the unsightly look on her face as she laughs, Irish looked sideways while still holding her heinous face.

Fred realized the next chain of sentences Irish was about to say and tried to stop her

“Don’t say it Irish! I’m warning you, you may still go back as long as Mae wishes you to. Just don’t let her hear it.”

“You stay quiet for a second, Lord Maou, I’m still trying to show her the ‘Sisterly love’ she’s been yearning for.”

Irish was too annoyed that she lost her sense of reasoning.

“Dax! Shatter the magic crystal, now!!”

But Dax was too focused on his anger that he was not able to comprehend what Fred was saying anymore.

“That’s right! I was the one who plotted your assassination, my dear sister! From the very beginning, never did I agreed upon everything you have been proposing! Peace? Hah! We’re living at the age of war. There’s no place for petty things you call as allied nations and friendship. Only those who come to the top could rule over everything.”

She’s done it. There’s no turning back now. –Fred thought himself.

That was the only natural thing to say, for Irish it is. She had been bestowed with the calling of The Supremacy*. She did let the trait of her calling overwhelm her. She had been left with no other choice. She have betrayed her sister, not to mention she’s the one that conspired with the humans and plotted the assassination of The Diplomat*, Mae Militum Thelesmata. But for what reason?

“I’ve grown quite sick and tired of this façade already. I agree it would be very ideal this world to completely achieve a peace and harmonious way of living. But history says no. at the end, only those with power will reign at the top. Of course, I, no, we will be amongst those who will be in that place when it happens.”

That was quite selfish a way to put it. But Fred and the others could not argue. They have been living within millenniums worth of dark, cold and ruthless wars. Even after the battle between the second generation of yuusha and maou which have led to terraforming almost a fourth of the portions of Mytherion’s land, the hatred still lingered between the races of this sad world. Living beside the strong and reigning at the top with absolute power was not any inferior of a course of action compared to the one with peace.

“Don’t hate me for this sister, Dax. The humans have shown me something far from what the demon race currently possess. At this rate, my good Lord Maou…” The crystal communication device hovered towards Fred. “You’re on your path of losing this war.”

Fred smirked. “We don’t need to win. There’s nothing to prove.”

“Hah! Lies!”

The communication device hovered again towards the center. Now, Irish viewing everybody who were seated around the huge conference table, began to declare her true intentions.

“THE LONG AGE OF THE PATRON LEADING THE DEMI-HUMANS ARE NOW OVER!”

The device projecting from the other side of the glass-like communication device that projects the footage of Irish hovered away from her. Now what Fred and the others could see is Irish, standing in front of a mass of demi-humans behind her. It was like an inauguration where a new leader was just appointed.

The mass of demi-humans were standing behind her, all forms of noise could be heard, but above everything you could hear were cheering. It was like a mass shouting for their just gotten freedom.

“I, IRISH DUX THELESMATA, THE SUPREMACY! NOW LIBERATES THE DEMI-HUMAN RACE! MY KIN, YOU ARE FREE TO CHOOSE WHICH PATH YOU WILL CHOOSE. YOU MAY FOLLOW ME, YOU MAY FOLLOW MY SISTER. WE WILL WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS IF YOU CHOOSE TO JOIN US… BUT WE WILL SHOW NO MERCY ONCE WE SEE EACH OTHER AT THE BATTLEFIELD AS ENEMIES!”

Irish was raising her hands, as if they have already achieved victory.

After that the long transmission of the communication device stopped and the crystal like material snapped and shattered like glass at the middle of the long conference table.

The VIPs were trembling in fear. After seeing that many followers Irish have already gathered. It was not yet a tenth of the total population of the demi-humans but logically thinking, after seeing that footage, anyone won’t hesitate to completely follow her ideals. Being branded as The Supremacy* was a no joke for her. She had been brimming with potential right off the bat. What have sharpened and polished her traits more was the experiences she have kept in secret herself. She had just been waiting for the right time to execute everything she’s built up.

“My Son, Maou, what are your stand at this? You could take the decision, it will give a huge bearing to them as well.” –Igor asked Fred.

“Let’s have Mae take her time to think for a while. Dax’s decision will depend on hers. Also, I don’t think it will be very soon before the humans makes a huge move against us. Let’s take our time to carefully plan our next course of action.”

“I see you’ve quite matured as well Fred. What did you experienced during your journey towards the ancient ruins?”

“A premonition. It won’t be a long time before I find my three generals. I might have found one already.”

Fred looked at Dax, who at that moment, were supporting Mae as she tried to recover herself from trembling.

“Mae…” –Dax looked at Mae, who just shut her eyes.

It was the harshest way for Mae to have known the truth. Most importantly, it came directly from her sister. They were really different side of the coin. Part of her already accepted that, but all the years they have spent together were far heavier than the weight of the callings bestowed upon them. She still hoped that it still means a lot for Irish even though she chose to follow the path that her calling gave her. That even after a very long tiring day, she will still be the good old sister Mae once had.

It was about time.

It was about time Mae Militum Thelesmata followed what’s laid ahead of her too.

Mae took a deep breath in, calmed her nerves and breathed out.

“Mae?” –Dax felt the sudden change of air within her.

“First, before stressing ourselves of events that will be happening in the far future, let us first solve the problem we are currently having right now. Isn’t that right, Lady Mae? No, Lady Diplomat?” –Fred asked her.

With her face facing down at the huge marble conference table, she finally looked up.

She was different from before.

All those traces clumsiness, indecisiveness, and uncertainty have vanished from her face already. It was like a creature that evolved from low-tier to an immediate high-tier or even higher. She was a different Mae Militum Thelesmata that Dax, Irish, and mostly all of the demi-humans knew.

That was the face of the real Diplomat. The dormant calling that have always been residing within her. It had manifested due to everything she have experienced for the past weeks.

“I…”

Everyone at the room became silent. From the guards that were standing around the halls,

towards the VIPs who were seated,

towards Igor and the other executive demons,

towards Morgianna who originally protected a frail young lady far from what she’s seeing right now,

towards Fred and most importantly,

towards Dax, who were by her side, and will and will always be by her side from that point onwards.

“I, Mae Militum Thelesmata, The Diplomat, will assure you people, who are witnessing this right now. We will continue to advocate peace. This will be our start. For those who will choose to follow my sister, you will be free to leave now, no hard feelings. Choose wisely. There will be a time that we will completely find our peace.”

“Hmp! What a humble and small wish.” –Fred interrupted

“If you really wish to advocate peace, you may not choose to just end your mission with your own race, won’t you?”

“Tell me your plans. As long as it won’t be against what we will be fighting for.”

“Overall peace. Not just within the demi-humans, but for every current living race here at Mytherion.”

SLAM!

“Preposterous, my son! What have you been thinking?!” –Igor slammed the marble table in surprise. Cracks formed from the solid marble table which he slammed, meaning he really was taken in by surprise.

“That would only mean for my faction to join your upcoming battles, right?” –Mae assumed.

“I won’t force you to fight. It would violate your purpose of coming here.”

“True, at that, but don’t get me wrong. You will be fighting for peace, not for glory.”

Fred grinned. He was brimming with excitement within him.

Mae walked towards him and bowed down.

“First, let me formally apologize for all the trouble I have caused you back at the Gargantua Forest, up to when I was being treated here too. After this meeting I will be heading back towards our nation. I will be rounding up my remaining followers. It will be like a warzone there since Irish have declared independence too. If possible will it be alright for the people I will be gathering to stay at the Demon capital for a while.”

“Fine by me, I’ll make arrangements. Tell me what you will be needing at your journey back. I won’t be able to come with you since I will be attending so much meeting here right after this, I’m sorry.”

“Wha- My son! Don’t make rash decisions!!” –Igor tried to stop him.

“Esteemed Father, you must be mistaken. We will still fight this war, but not to win it…” Fred stood “This war and long cycle of hatred, we’re going to end it.”

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