Chapter 229 - The land of Hinode (4) (1/2)
A few days passed, James took to the Hinodian archery and so did the rest of the former slave soldiers, just not as much as James that spent all day practicing. Mars however didn't have that luxury, he spent all day talking politics with the crown prince and touring the city visiting places of importance to learn about Hinode in detail all the while answering questions about Green river, until an evening were the crown prince mentioned something important.
”The emperor have summoned you guys, the diplomatic visitors to his castle tomorrow evening.”
Mars nearly dropped his chopsticks but managed to keep a composed expression as he asked.
”.... Do you have any idea about what he wants with us?”
”Hmm... Father have been acting unlike himself recently so I really have no idea, most likely he wants to have a short talk with you Mars.”
”....I see.”
”You don't seem that eager Mars?”
”Well I have a bad track record with emperors.”
The crown prince showed a confused expression but didn't pursue the topic further instead he switched topics and asked James.
”James have you thought about competing in the archery contest in 2 days? You could represent my house.”
James dropped his chopsticks and looked dumbfoundedly at the crown prince before his face lit up.
”Can I really?”
”Sure, you have long since met the standard so you won't have to worry about embarrassing yourself.”
”In that case.... I want to participate.”
The crown prince gave a wide smile and a nod.
”Very good.”
Time passed and soon it was time to leave for the emperor's castle, Mars was being dressed in a traditional Hinodian clothes by a few maids with a calm smile on his face, soon he was dressed and gave a noid as he looked into the mirror. The young maids looked at Mars with enchanted looks on their faces but soon they woke up from their daze as a knock sounded out from the door to the room.
”Come in.”
The door was opened and the former slave soldiers steeped in, Mars gave a slight frown as the girls were dressed in white traditional dresses, Marie noticed Mars' frown and asked.
”What's wrong Mars?”
”... Hopefully nothing.”
Mars suppressed the bad feeling he was getting in the pit of his stomach and gave a smile instead before he complimented.
”You girls look good.”
Marie and Hanna gave a smile and Jess gave a salute before she spoke.
”General I fear this dress is going to be hard to fight in.”
Mars looked at Jess and her figure that was being enhanced by the tight fitting kimono-like dress and gave a nod.
”Yeah I can see that... Don't worry I'll do the fighting for you if any takes place tonight.”
”Yes general.”
At this moment the crown prince stepped into the room and spoke.
”Are you all ready to leave?”
Mars gave a nod and so did the former slave soldiers then the crown prince gave a wide smile.
”Then let us be on our way.”
The crown prince led the way out of the mansion to where a set of white carriages pulled by white horses were, the group boarded the carriages and soon they were on their way towards the center of the city where the emperor's castle was loctated. The castle was painted pure white of course, Mars felt like it somehow lit up the night sky but shook his head as it most likely just his imagination. The group was led into a waiting room where they were taught basic etiquette when one faced the emperor of Hinode before they were led towards an audience chamber. Mars lead the way after the servant that walked in front, he looked at the walls with a slight glow in his eyes as he studied the magic formations that were interlayed in the walls with great interest, of course this was unknown to the rest of the group. Soon they arrived at the audience chamber Mars and the group walked in and sat down like they were ordered to and soon there was a movement behind the half transparent curtain as the emperor arrived and spoke.
”Satou my son, I hear that we have received guests from Green river would you introduce them to me?”
The crown prince bowed down before he spoke.
”Yes esteemed father. First we have Mars, marshal as well as head of military technological development.”
The crown prince took a short breath before he continued.
”Then we have the former slave soldiers he is looking after Maire, Jess, James and Hanna.”
”Oh? Former slave soldiers?”
”Yes esteemed father.”
”That seems interesting, Mars would you mind telling us how you acquired the former slave soldiers?”
Mars bowed down slightly (just as much as his pride allowed) before he spoke.
”I freed them from slavery by using a bestowed skill.”
”A bostowed skill? Then you also happen to be an apostle?”
”Yes.”
”... We understand, next we would like to talk about the current relations between Green river and Hinode.”