The one stalking us yesterday, this bad feeling that I had ever since yesterday, it still wouldn't go away, as such, they're all asking me "is everything alright?" "You look like you're in trouble" and the variation of those questions. I can just tell them that my intuition is telling me something bad will happen, but there's no evidence per se to point it out. However

"Since her highness blessing is currently inside of you, I will not take it for granted. That mere bad feeling might turn out into something big. As such, I already immobilize some of the guard and knight on a patrol" [Qis]

"Thank you, please let me know should they find anything strange" [Ash]

"That goes without saying. Plus, I'm sure they will find you even without me telling them that" [Qis]

With that out of the way (for now at least), the most dreadful hour of mine finally come. There's no helping it, as I step into the castle. For me, those six years went by quickly without me even aware of, so it feels like I am about to step inside the castle, reporting the incident that happens in the Holy Palace. For some of the familiar faces, like the maids and guards however, they actually react rather positively. Not all of them though. The one that's on Princess Diana side will be happy to see me, but the other one, well, let just said I am more than happy if I can go back home now, happier than them not seeing my face

"Stand straight up. You're an important person in this meeting" [Sachmis]

"I already warned him multiple times. I almost give up" [Qis]

"Then you should just do it by force" [Sachmis]

Sachmis quickly take his scabbard and poke my back, and my reflex cause me to automatically stand up straight

"You two! You really can become best friends with one another with those attitude!" [Ash]

"Brother Ash, please don't shout. Plus, mother is right. It unfitting for you to show that you didn't want to come here through your posture" [Singa]

"Fair point, but by doing so, I can avoid needless conversation, which in turn let me get back home quickly" [Ash]

"That's one leap of logic" [Savel]

"..." [All]

Just like that, our conversation come to an end, and since the silence is a good sign for other to start mingling with us (and by us, I mean those ten), I quickly start another random conversation with them. I do notice the nobles are trying to approach Rean and other so that they could get close to them, but I just hate those eyes. They could at least hide their true intention but they didn't. This go on until we get to the meeting room, where we quickly take our seats. Just like what King Estel promise, it's only those I am uncomfortable with, but

"Pardon me" [First Prince]

"And you have to come and ruin the mood for me" [Ash]

"I guess our feeling is mutual, though I will say I am looking forward for any good solution from you" [First Prince]

"That, you can" [Ash]

"Good, otherwise, I would not let this Sea Serpent Project to move forward" [First Prince]

"Geez, just like what they say. You did realize they're technically mine to begin with" [Ash]

"And yet it's beneficial for the countries that it should be under us to make a rightful decision as well" [First Prince]

"Fair point" [Ash]

The meeting still didn't start and we already have our usual tone of conversation. Though of course, I didn't mind him that much, since he's at least, argue with fact and logic.

"Please let us in!"

"We need to know as well!"

"Should this project become useful, we have the right to be involved and protect our country as well!"

"You already took all those heroes for yourself! At least let us protect our country through this!"

"That, will depend on the gentleman here" [King Estel]

I really wanted to say don't let them in. I just can't relax knowing that their eyes are one that trying to take any sort of opportunities for themselves, but

(Some of them are desperate enough, and it's a genuine one) [Ash]

It's difficult for them to fight against the devil without the presence of heroes. Estel, Malsia, Kiserre, Old Headquarters, Beastman Kingdom, Demon Kingdom. In a way, their accusations of these countries hogging my little siblings is rather true. They're the one protecting my little siblings and as such, my siblings simply return the favour. However, a hero should appear fair and unbiased

"Fine. Should we move to a bigger room? Though only one from each countries may come" [Ash]

"Really!"

"Please! Make it two"

"Except the country from where that person originate. Make it zero" [Ash]

"No! Please don't!"

"Alright, but know more bargaining" [Ash]

"Brother Ash, that was bad of you" [Charlotte]

"Don't praise me that much Charlotte, you're making me shy" [Ash]

"You know I wasn't praising you right" [Charlotte]

"Of course, you're my little sister after all" [Ash]

Plus, this whole meetings thing is, in the end of the day, for their sake. I want to reduce their workload whenever possible

And thus, each countries representative are chosen by themselves. King Malsia, whom age make him appear friendlier, actually give some sort of advice to the attendees. I can't really hear what he say, but I can guess the contents. I guess he wanted for more and more countries to participate as well, for the sake of humanity as a whole. What a great man you are. In fact, I'm sure this whole thing was planned, so that I myself give the permission for them to join the meeting

"That's correct. That way, you wouldn't really get irritated and prevent those countries from their potential destruction" [Gizzere]

"Ultimately, it will benefit us all should they survive this whole ordeal, don't you think" [Fourth Queen]

"Geez, I kinda miss those mind readings ability of the two of you" [Ash]

After we get relocated

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen" [King Estel]

"It's an honour to have you here today" [Diana]

Well, let just get started...

(Again. This bad feeling) [Ash]

(Brother Ash?) [Rean]

(Are you alright?) [Elise]

(Don't worry, I am) [Ash]

Just that...

(Where's King Druser? Seraph as well. Why are they late?) [Ash]