A new dawn in Remnant: Volume 7

Cordially Invited

Weiss was holding in disgust an invitation to a banquet hall at the Schnee Manor. In their dorm room at Atlas Academy, Weiss was sitting in a circle with Ruby, Oscar, Azura, Yang and Blake. She, Ruby and Oscar were sitting in chairs, Azura sat on Blake's bed, and Blake and Yang were sitting on Weiss' bed. Azura told them before that Byleth had fully recovered. A bit weak on the legs but fit enough to move.

Weiss: Only my father would turn a hostile takeover into a fluffy PR move.

Azura: That wouldn't be surprising for all what you've told us and his little visit after the mission.

Ruby: On the news, he said he just wanted to break bread and hash things out. Maybe it won't be so bad? We do want the General to start opening up to these people, right?

Oscar: Yeah, but on his terms. Ironwood's going to be locked in a room at his rival's own dinner party. I know Jacques says he's happy to moderate, but all that really means is he'll be the one controlling the conversation.

Blake: Not hard to imagine how that's gonna play out.

Weiss: I still can't believe he won. Robyn was supposed to be the people's champion, wasn't she? *sighs* There's just too many coincidences.

Yang: You really think your dad might have something to do with Salem?

Weiss: I think my father would do whatever it takes to win.

Ruby: And we should do the same.

Weiss: Meaning...?

Ruby: Well, no one knows your dad better than you, and out of everyone going tonight, I'd say you're the only one who could snoop around the house and not be questioned. If Jacques Schnee is up to something, I think we should know what it is.

Weiss thought about it for a moment, then gained a somewhat determined look.

An Atlas Broadcast News airship hovers in the night sky above the Schnee Manor. Four hover cars drive along the driveway loop and came to a stop in front of the manor. While Ruby, Weiss, Yang, Byleth and Qrow got out of their car, Jaune, Azura and Oscar stood nearby, having already exited their car. The Ace Operatives exited another of the cars, and Ironwood stepped out of the fourth car with Winter. Penny got out of the other side of Ironwood's car.

Ironwood: Suppose we should smile for the cameras?

Winter: Sir, with all due respect, you'd have to pay me.

Ironwood smiled in amusement from Winter's response, and the two headed to the front door of the manor. Weiss stopped and took a deep breath before following them. Everyone gathered at the door, and Ironwood rang the bell. The double doors opened to reveal Weiss' younger brother Whitley Schnee.

Whitley: Good evening, everyone.

Weiss: Where's Klein?

Whitley: *smiles sarcastic* What an interesting way to say "Hello, dear brother, how have you been?" *crosses his arms with a frown* I'm afraid you won't find him here. He was let go. I can't imagine why.

Whitley smirked, and upon realizing what he meant, Weiss gasped and looked guilty.

Whitley: General, exactly how large do you think our dining room table is?

Ironwood: I happen to know it's enormous. But most of my guests will be on standby in case the council requests additional eye witnesses. Until then I'm sure they'll be happily celebrating your father's victory.

Whitley forced a sarcastic grin with a smug chuckle, then rolled his eyes as he turned to lead them into the foyer. Scattered around the room were small groups of formally dressed guests. Waiters roamed the room with trays of wine glasses and hors d'oeuvres. Whitley stopped in the middle of the room, turned to Ironwood's group and pointed to his right.