“I wonder what the great gods like,” Marie mused, as she dragged an unwilling Aziz by the hand. The colonel, despite his newfound strength, was not given a break whatsoever; barely an hour after he dropped onto his bed in a dead faint, Marie had broken into his room to force him back on his feet.

Aziz mumbled something in response. Once again, he was wearing the same suit he wore on the first day of the conference, which was a rather fitting attire to wear for the end of this historic event. It was a good thing that it was comfortable to a tee; Aziz had a feeling that he was going to sleep most of the banquet away.

“Marshal Marie, Colonel Aziz.” A voice came from behind them, and the two turned around to see the Minister of State, Pauline. The leader of the Republic was dressed in a simple blue gown that accentuated everything about her, but as usual, the depths of her eyes were as unfathomable as it had been for the past six months. Marie and Aziz had discussed these changes some time ago, and the two of them had agreed that it was the weight of responsibility that made those changes.

He bobbed his head in a greeting. “Minister Pauline.”

“Minster Pauline, you look great!” Marie beamed, taking a few steps closer. “Is this an order-made gown?”

“It is. In fact, it’s made with a production method we recently acquired, tri-weaving. I’m just lucky enough to receive the first dress made from it,” said the minister.

“Tri-weaving?” Aziz asked, perking his ears up at the unfamiliar term.

She nodded. “I don’t understand the specifics myself, but this was a method we’ve rediscovered, ever since Ark City’s departure took most of our researchers away.”

“Most of our latest developments were actually rediscovering prototypes from Ark City, after all.” Marie sighed. “I’m just wondering why Ark City didn’t employ them on a regular basis.”

“Who knows?” Pauline replied. After shaking her head, she turned to Aziz. “Colonel Aziz, congratulations on becoming a Knight. Normally, I would offer you an Engine, but are you interested in a different opportunity?”

“Different opportunity?” Aziz asked. “What do you mean?”

“It’s a unique one, one that can only be found here, in the Central Circle,” she replied. “Recently, the Mortal Light Dynasty has been allocating slots to the other nations, each of them an opportunity to enter the Holy Temple’s vault. I can offer you one slot. Are you interested?”

“An opportunity to pick something from the Holy Temple’s vault?” Aziz rubbed his hands. “How can I say no to that?”

“Good. Just be careful, though. You’ll need to defeat a Knight-rank opponent, and although you’re skilled enough to do that, you should not be careless whatsoever,” she replied. “Apparently, everyone only has one chance to try it. Fail, and you’ll be locked out forever.”

Aziz ruminated over her words. “Seems like I might need some better equipment.”

“I’ve heard that you’re still using the stock equipment for normal soldiers,” Pauline said. “Is that true?”

“Yes, minister,” the colonel replied.

“Why?”

“There are a lot of reasons, but the main direct cause is my lack of wealth. I’m still drawing a captain’s pay,” Aziz answered.

“Are we still that tight on funds? Odd. Never mind.” Minister Pauline tapped her nose. “Do you need gold now? Or would you prefer better equipment in general? We have a surplus of artefacts; we can make up for your current shortfall in salary with them. Once we get enough funds to pay everyone properly, we’ll make it up to you.”

“I’m happy with that. After all, I was going to buy equipment with my salary, but if you’re just going give some to me, it’ll be better,” Aziz replied. “After all, artefacts designed by and for the military are the best for fighting.”

“That’s true,” Marie said. “That reminds me, Aziz. I’ve been waiting for you to become a Knight, because there’s actually some prototype equipment that only Knights can use. I believe R&D’s trying to simplify it to allow Squires to use it, and you’re the best person to help their efforts.”

Minister Pauline nodded thoughtfully. “True. If the two of you were to work on this project together, maybe it’ll just take two years to come up with a functioning doctrine.”

Aziz looked at the two ladies, confused. “What are you guys referring to?”

“The Exo-Skeleton project,” Marie replied. “Two prototypes were completed rather recently, and I wanted to bring you along as my test partner.”

“I’ll approve that when I come back,” said Pauline, a grin on her face. “Your choice of companion, Chief of Air, should leave a sour taste in a few mouths; I can’t wait to see their expression.”

Marie grinned back in reply. “It’s settled, then.”

Wait, what happened to my free will? This skeleton thing sounds dangerous, so why didn’t you guys ask me for MY opinion? Aziz opened his mouth, intending to protest, but then shut it a moment later. His two superiors were already gleefully making plans to identify and entrap anyone who harboured anti-human sentiment in the Republic’s administration.

The colonel wasn’t too sure what to think about that. On one hand, they were creating a fair environment for everyone by weeding out the problematic fellows, but on the other…he was the bait to do it. Aziz didn’t particularly like the idea of being the person to draw out those flies, but…

It was probably the best course of action, however. Aziz was well aware that the effects of such an informal suppression were minimal on him, given his high standing. But for those at the lower ranks, could he really say the same? The colonel wasn’t too sure.

Quelling the doubts in his heart, Aziz let the two continue on with their scheming, his heart oddly at ease. The three continued to head towards a place specifically set up for the banquet, some new invention set up by the North again.

I haven’t tried out any specialties of the West yet…I wonder if they’ll show up there?