Test of the Heart (Sequel)

Chapter 15- Today and the Next

Third person POV
Akuma was the last person to arrive at the meeting, but she certainly was not late. She made it right on time, which saved her from chatting with Trevor.

She briefly greeted a couple of figures such as Izana and Zen and took the same seat she had as last night. She had a confident gaze as she analyzed the men's faces. She was fully aware that the majority of then disapproved of her being here, and they judged her for wearing dress pants when she was not even a knight.

"Continuing with topics we have not been able to breach yet, I would first like to discuss the peace treaty as we have much more time allotted." Izana brought up.

"I agree. That is the most crucial subject we need to discuss in order to establish the previous topics from last night." Lord Haruka supported.

The group discussed and negotiated for a few hours solely on the peace treaty, yet they were not nearly done with the agreement. They were halfway into its subject.

'At this rate, we won't finish until midnight.' Akuma let out a troubled expression and sighed.

"Do you have anything to say?" An envoy hardened his glare at Akuma.

"Yes, I do. Pardon me for speaking out but both sides are trying to defend oneself. It's a nuisance." Akuma glared at the whole entire group at the table.

"You're right. We have used a lot of precious time already." Trevor sighed and smiled shortly after. "Do you have more to say?"

"First of all, is this really a peace treaty? I don't recall recent war between Clarines and Reinsfor." Akuma raised a brow and looked at both Izana and Trevor.

"I'm glad you caught that." Izana closed his eyes and nodded his head.

"If this is to end hostilities and is not a peace treaty nor is a truce, the clause cannot be temporary. I oppose number 4 on the list. It's unstable." Akuma waved her hand and shook her head to show her great disapproval.

"... I agree. It is fantastic to have, but it won't last." An envoy bitterly sighed.

"There are rebellion groups that attack country villages. It would be of best interest to contain them." Zen brought up, his tone quite daunting.

"This 'treaty' will be ceased when a force attacks the other." Akuma gave a knowing look that threatened them to not even begin thinking about pulling a joke and to reinforce their patrol. "After all, this shouldn't be temporary, but it is breakable."

"We will rewrite the draft then." The envoy nodded his head and wrote down onto the piece of paper.

It was only until three hours more before they were able to finish a rough draft. They were going to establish and discuss the rough draft at a press conference with more noblemen and officials.

'It's almost nine o'clock...' Akuma glanced over to the clock and then back to the papers in front of her.

"We present gifts to express our interest and determination to remove the titles as old enemies of history and nations of hostility." Trevor stood up and had a few envoys present the large and luxurious boxes.

The boxes contained rare jewels, delicately created artistic pieces full of symbolic meaning, a few beautifully crafted swords, and high-quality fur that would not be found in Clarines.

"We are grateful for your gracious gifts. Clarines presents its share of good intent." Izana said and stood up. He had a few servants open the boxes.

The boxes revealed yet again more jewels, intricate art pieces, high-quality silk, and A-grade crafting metal.

'These are the gifts? Why the hell was Izana holding off this information?' Akuma looked through the goods with careful eyes, but to no avail, she couldn't find anything out of place.