An Approach [ATTN: Bleach]

Curtis Tissot and his aide rode down a cobblestone road, their Ramm protesting little as they proceeded down one of the many streets of Eidou. This was a truly strange and foreign land to the Capuan Dwarves. The architecture, customs, political situation, and language were all remarkably baffling. But they'd made it this far; the aide, a translator, had made few mistakes; and they'd avoided pillory, meaning they hadn't angered anyone too seriously. Or perhaps it was the standard they flew that scared people off. But it didn't much matter.

They came up to the Castle walls and a remarkably well-defended iron gate. Two soldiers--samurai, I think they called them around here?--stood next to it, looking grim, tough, rather scary and equally as awesome as Antony had explained. Above them was a hill--no, perhaps a small mountain--on which what had to be the strangest, most beautiful piece of architecture stood. Pagodas, they called them. All white, with grey roofing, repeated awnings swooping down elegantly. A fitting residence for this Lord Torunaga chap, it was!

Curtis dismounted his Ramm and approached one of the red-armoured soldiers.

"Greetings!" he said in what he knew of Kyokan. "We are diplomats, y'see, of the Republic. We've a scheduled audience with Lord Torunaga."

The guards saw the Ramm approaching with two dwarves. The standard born at the back at first made the two guards turn to each other and lay hands upon their katana hilts - however, before they could do anything, a small group of Shinsengumi came down from the path beyond the gates.

"Geto no kono shunkan o hirakimasu! (Open the gate this instant)" The order came from the Shinsengumi.

Without further ado, the two guards pulled open the great dark ore gate and bowed low to the Shinsengumi, all of which carried spears, two swords, and a musket at the back. The leader of the Shinsengumi was the 1st Unit Commander of the Shinsengumi - Souji Okita. Bowing low to the newcomers, he spoke in near fluent Capuan (albeit with accent), much to the surprise of the foreigners.

"Welcome to the land of Kyokai. I trust your journey to Eidou was safe and easy? Ah, where are my manners. I am Souji Okita, Commander of the 1st Unit of the Shinsengumi. I have been ordered by the Lord Shogun to be your guide while you are here at the Capital." Souji said.

Curtis bowed slightly as he nodded.

"We appreciate your help," he said. "You must forgive us. Capua is not usually in the position of dealing with a culture as mysterious as your own. I dare say we rarely deal with one as magnificent, either. But I should avoid flattery, lest it become transparent--we are scheduled for an audience with the Shogun in the coming hours. That is our purpose here."

"Indeed, I believe the meeting is scheduled for 4:00 in the afternoon. We have a few hours, perhaps I can show you around Eidou the way only a citizen can." Souji expressed with a smile. "In that time, I might be able to alleviate some of the strangeness or mystery of Kyokai you feel."

Leaving the Ramm by the gates in the care of the two guards there, Souji brought the foreigners out into the main square. The entire area was as bordered by grand gardens that held hundreds of types of tree and plan that could be found nowhere but Kyokai. Some of the most beautiful were the solemn Sakura Trees that hung over like weeping willows over the cobblestoned street. Within the gardens were small ponds, filled with brightly scaled Koi fish that would once in a while swim to the surface to snatch up a bug or two.

At the very center of the square was a grand fountain of marble. With tall spouts of stone, water trickled down peacefully into a bowl basin. The fountain was carved by a great artist who wished to depict the Shogun standing mighty and tall, his long curved katana facing out toward the glimmering Bay far far below the mountain that Eidou was perched upon.

Moving further away from the Castle, they walked into the main thoroughfare that would lead snaking down the mountain to the main city. From where they were, it was easy to say that the homes, in a traditional "pagoda" style, belonged to the rich and affluent. Descending the snaking road, soon Souji soon stopped in the road and showed the foreigners a site that every Kyokan could appreciate - as close to nature and beauty as they were.

As they stood, the mountain cleared the view unto scenery that stretched out to the bay. The sun cast the Great Sea and the Bay of Kyokai into the most fantastic colors of aquamarine and blues that made the water very much inviting. As small as can be from their direction, one could see the very edge of the Bay and the docks and piers of the port of Eidou. Ships with white and red and teal sails either lay moored in the glittering surface of the water, or sailed off into the sea. Climbing higher up the mountain, the city rose like a wave, spots opened unto terraced rice paddies and wheat fields for commercial farmers.

Within the city itself, from the position they stood at, you could make out thousands of streams of smoke rising from homes or businesses, while between buildings one could make out the ant-small people moving about at the business or leisure. It was surely a sight to see indeed, even Souji stood transfixed in his spot.

"Right, so shall we descend into Eidou then?" Souji apologized for holding them up, after all they were on a time constraint.

As they walked through the city, Souji told the two foreigners of many things - pieces of the history of Kyokai, the founding of the Shogunate long ago, and the many leaps and bounds that this society had taken to become what it is today. It wasn't hard to see why the people revered the Shogun so much, especially the current one who out of all his predecessors seemed to carry a legacy worthy of such a mantel. Many Kyokan considered the Shogun enlightened, due to his rather "liberal" stance on the people and their rights, yet he still contained the old traditional ways of the Shogunate that resulted in a hybrid blend of a government and policy.

As they walked, Souji noticed that the foreigners were quite aware of the presence of the law in Eidou - in fact it was as such in every Kyokan city. On every street, it was quite common to see patrolling soldiers, always armored and armed. Those off duty still wore their katana as a sign of their place in society. However, it was even more pronounced on the Samurai who walked with a more complete set of armor if on duty, or otherwise in their kimono however with two katana. Such a tradition had continued since the feudal era of Kyokai and was likely not to be thrown away.

Perhaps even more significant than the presence of the law, was a feeling very much connected - wherever one went, they felt safe. Women and children, old and young; the citizens took pride in their customs and tradition - honor, loyalty, pride, and manners were the most important factors in one life within family and society. If one dishonored himself, they dishonored the family - thus forming a long standing peace and sense of fealty within Kyokai. This, Souji tried to convey to the foreigners however found it difficult to find the correct words to use in Capuan by the end. He hoped they understood a bit more about Kyokai through this little journey.

But the tours end, they stood at the piers and had been looking out over the Bay. Souji looked to the sky for a time reference and knew it was best if they headed back. He had shown them as much as one could in a few hours time - temple shrines to Shinto Gods, great government buildings, restaurants and monuments. He couldn't think of anything else really, so he hailed down a large open palanquin led by a tame Barn horse, and conclusively headed back to the very top of the mountain at which Eidou Castle stood.

"Before we reach the Shogun's Chambers, I just must inform you of certain mannerisms that I doubt many foreign nations use. When addressing the Lord Shogun, please do not forget to add the suffix 'Sama' as an understanding of his rank here. Kyokans find much dishonor if regarded as lower in Society than they are - of course Lord Torunaga is a bit different... not so traditional, but to be safe." Souji started. "When meeting the Shogun, you must bow low for much the same reasons as before. Please, do not mistake this as a form of idolatry or revering them as your own leader - it is merely a sign of respect. I believe you shake hands for the same purpose."

"We would enjoy that very much," Curtis said, smiling. At least that was a universal language. "We thank you."

As he and his aide followed, he couldn't help but be struck by the beauty of this place. Indeed, throughout the whole journey, in between frenzied questions--he felt like quite the tourist, suddenly--he couldn't stop gawking. He was quite new to the whole diplomacy business, but he had been a world traveller before. However, it was important to recognize where he had travelled--the same continent upon which Capua stood. Kyokai was isolated; far-off; an island of strange and very much original customs. Despite this, however, he couldn't help but see Ruman influence in this place.

The Ruman Empire was the parent civilization of Capua. When they had collapsed, centuries ago, they had left Capua much--civilization, the language that would eventually become their own, architecture, political ideals, religion (however long that lasted), but at the same time, had effectively vanished. It had long been suggested that their homeland was east of the Capuan dominion, but it had not been established. It still hadn't been; Curtis, after all, was only seeing slight resemblances. But there was something deeper here.

This was a fundamentally beautiful society. Foreign, for sure, and extremely structured in comparison to his native Capua. He wouldn't challenge Antony's judgement--not to form ties with these people until we knew them better, for fear they subscribed to some sort of savagery. It was good political sense, and that was the President's job--to have good, careful political sense. The Kyokans were even a different species from them--slight xenophobia was entirely justifiable in such a climate of fear as they'd experienced. But from the top of that mountain, it was obvious to him that there was nothing to fear from the very nature of these people, despite what game theory might indicate. What they had built here was as beautiful as anything his kind had ever seen.

They were, aside from being a beautiful society, also a fairly strong society, especially given that they had just entered civil war. To have a population so well-off was an indication of great success, and from where did success spring if not the minds of rational, competent, and careful leadership? Surely this would extent to the Shogun, and surely this indicated diplomatic ability. He would have to be on his toes; not that he expected tricks, given the nature of his proposal. But it would be good practice to be absolutely certain he made no false moves. He saw good things in store.

"We understand," Curtis said once presented with the bowing custom. "I was informed of that by our President, and I thank you for your reminder. But I must thank you for the excellent tour you've given us and the taste of this excellent culture we have received. I must arrange a similar welcome should your nation's emissaries ever visit the Republic again."

As they entered, he gulped a little. They knocked at a great oaken door.

As several guards allowed them entrance into Eidou Castle, Souji stopped at the large doors and bade them through before him. They stood within a small room that housed everyone's shoes called the genkan. With a nod to his foreign friends, he slid off his own sandals and motioned for them to take off their own boots. As they cleared over a step, they walked into a beautiful wooden hall bordered by white walls. The floor was polished cherry wood that seemed to glisten; obviously because no one was allowed to walk in with their outside footwear, a traditional custom of the Kyokan people.

Walking in with their socks, Souji led them left down the hall. The white walls held various painted designs of patterns that seemed to be alluring to the eye. The ceiling was also of a polished wood, however lighter and held lanterns at intervals. The rooms bordering the main hallways had various uses from mere sitting rooms to quarters for those living in the castle.

The hallway they traveled by suddenly took a turn outside into an interior courtyard that was squared off. At the center of the yard was a zen garden and an ancient looking banzai tree, gnarled and twisted with age yet still bearing bright leaves. At the foot of the tree was a small glistening pond that homes several Golden Koi fish and a few turtles that currently lounged atop a rock by the side of water lilies. Walking through the courtyard by the surrounding deck, Souji took them on another turn that brought them into a large open room.


It was a dining room, as two long tables took up both sides of the rectangular area, and then a smaller one (meant for the Shogun), headed by the end of the room. The kitchen was at the adjoining room as the clanking of pots and pans could be heard amidst the clatter of silver-wear and the chatting of the cooks. The tables were low, as the traditional Kyokan style dictated, and instead of chairs, the residents or guests would sit upon silken cushions that lined one end of every table.

As with every room in the castle, which turned out as being much larger and more spacious than indicated from the exterior, the floors were of [i]tatami mats instead of solid wood - soft on the feet and made of an intricate weaving of rice straw for the design.


At every wall there was a window looking outside to the beautiful views that a mountain castle might have - either looking far out over the valley, into the snow capped mountains surrounding Eidou, or over the city and the Bay of Kyokai. Climbing a flight of stairs to the second level, Souji led them into a hall much wider than the others. Several soldiers walked past them, saying nothing; obviously quite busy with their duties as they paid no real attention to the newcomers aside from a fleeting glance as they passed by.

What seemed to surprise the Dwarves about life in the castle was that being armed seemed to be normal... though the soldiers didn't wear any armor and were clad in normal, albeit matching kimono and uniform, they still kept their sidearms and katana at their side. Quite a different custom from Capua where weapons were likely taken before entering such an important place.

At the end of the hall stood two large oak doors, ribbed by dark ore metal and bearing a giant emblem of the Torunaga - the Rising Sun as a plaque of silver and gold. The two guards that stood by the doors were heavily armored and armed as opposed to all other soldiers located within. They wore the uniform of the Shinsengumi as well - the light blue customized haori jacket, dark ore breastplate, and shoulder interlocking plates of similar metal. At their hips were two katana, being Samurai, two sidearms, and strapped to their back was a musket. Held in one hand was a naginata pole-blade of course to add onto their fierce appearance.

When they spotted Souji, they immediately straightened up and bowed low to their Commander. Souji curtly responded with a shorter bow and nodded to his subordinates who quickly went to open the twin doors. As they opened, the three entered the largest, most open room of the entire castle. The ceiling showing the curved ribbing that held the roof up which stood upon eight massive pillars of polished wood. At the very apex of the roof was hung a crystalline chandelier that seemed to refract the light in curious ways around the chamber. At the left side, it was completely open as a massive balcony that overlooked the Bay and the city far far below. Four statues stood at each wall, all of the past Shoguns - wearing their armor of stone and holding aloft weapons or the flag of Kyokai. The first Shogun even held a tattered flag of Rume from the ancient days, and in another hand the flag of Kyokai.

The Shogun himself sat upon a high chair, albeit not as arrogant appearing as a throne, but one of significance indeed. At his side stood a beautiful woman, likely his wife, slender and with long silken black hair with deep green eyes. She looked at the newcomers with a serene smile that had the rumored talent of wiping away any nervousness or unease of those who looked upon her. At the Shogun's other side was a personal bodyguard, a Shinsengumi as well, and the overall General of the special force - Kondo Isami.

The Shogun, high and proud, unexpectedly stood first to greet the foreigners. To his guard's surprise, he also was the first to bow to them, lower than she rightly should have, and straightened up with a smile to match his wife's.

"Welcome, to Eidou, my friends! I do hope you found your greeting well met and your journey so far from the Republic easy! I am Ieyasu Torunaga." He said in a voice that although was happy, was deep and authoritative. "And this is my wife, Yuki."

Yuki bowed herself, elegant in her own kimono as she greeted the foreigners. Walking gracefully, she swept from the room and down the hall just as the doors shut behind her.

Curtis and his aide, thoroughly impressed by what they'd seen--and smug after pinning the culture's Ruman origins, on Curtis' part--were suddenly relaxed when they saw the Shogun bow first. The guard hadn't lied; he certainly was an odd one. Nonethless, the diplomat couldn't help but like him. He had a way of taking the pressure off. Once he had finished his bow, Curtis replied to the Shogun's speech.

"Our journey has been made most enjoyable by your people's marked hospitality," the ambassador said genially, "and we thank you for the exquisite welcome we have received. I am Curtis Tissot, appointed by the Directory at home as Ambassador to Kyokai, and this is my aide Mr. Locke. So, then, what do you say we get down to business? Sir, what are your views on highly involved trade with Capua?"

At the moment that the diplomats began their offers, Souji left the chambers, closing the doors behind him. The only people left in the room were the two travelers, Torunaga, and his ever vigilant guard who decidedly stood over at the balcony looking over the city. Torunaga stepped toward the back wall and from his side he withdrew his own katana and positioned them upon an ornamental stand made specifically for his blades. From the dark wooden cabinet that the stand was upon, he fished out three silken cushions and lay two down before him as he sat on his own. He gestured the diplomats to take a seat before him. After all, the tatami matted floor was quite comfortable without them.

"My views on an involved trade with the Republic of Capua..." Torunaga seemed to think over his own words as he closed his eyes and meditated on the best answer he might give. "This calls for some tea. May I offer you gentlemen some?"

Taken by surprise with his tangent, the two foreigners nodded and thanked their host for his hospitality. With a smile, Torunaga stood from his cushion and walked out from the room, leaving his two guests rather confused as they likely expected him to summon a servant. Moments later, the man swept back into the room and sat before them.

"I think, that it is within the Shogunate's best interests to trade and forge a more significant bond with your nation. Capua, as I understand it from the words of my own emissaries, is a most beautiful nation. Maybe one day I shall make a voyage personally to see the Republic. Hopefully President Lassale would receive me warmly." Torunaga laughed heartily.

At that moment, the doors opened quietly from behind the foreigners and one of the chefs briskly walked in with a tray of Kyokan Green Tea. The silver platter also bore a China jar of sugar, cream, and everything else one might want to put into their drink. Alongside the tea were three locally made pastries from Eidou itself - a rolled softdough bread sprinkled lightly with sugar, and hidden within the bread was a blend of fruit juices into a gel-like filling.

"Please." Torunaga motioned his guests to take their tea and pastries first before he took his own. After taking a sip of his Green Tea, he continued.

"However, when it comes to highly involved, I hope you understand that I do not wish my nation to be bound by any foreign constraints. Kyokai has prided itself in being high self-sufficient and independent since the formation of the Shogunate. I am sure that the Republic would likely share the same notions."

As the diplomats sat down, enjoying the rather excellent tea they had been afforded, they couldn't help but be struck by the Shogun's character. He was liberal, but also careful. The hardest kind to negotiate with.

"Of course. Exchange is free, after all. The Republic is a liberal State. Control, in this instance, would lie with consumers--what they want to buy. But you see, this goes far beyond that. Because both of our nations have problems at the moment, and we have the tools to help each other."

He sipped his tea and then began to speak.

"I, personally, come from the city of Erusia, in the Gracemeria province of the Republic. We supplied three quarters of Capua's coal at one point. We left from there, and what did I see? Thousands out of work; plants with operations ceased. A catastrophe just waiting to happen. And why is that? Why, the Civil War, of course. But it's deeper than that. My people are suffering because there is nothing to do--there is no good reason to put the miners to work, after all, if little coal is needed. And so, until there are buyers, there will be no coal mined from Erusia. This story, and so many others like it, are exactly half of why I am here."

"I see," the Shogun said, nodding. "And the other half?"

"The other half of my purpose for being here is to secure your realm's future also. We have seen some of the aftermath of your civil war, particularly the city of Tsukishima. Things look good now, but war strains will soon hit Kyokai's economy hard. We believe we can assist in that eventual recovery with our industrial might and economic ability, and in the process make a handsome profit for both sides."

His counterpart appeared intrigued. He continued once he caught up to what he was saying.

"What I'm asking for, Lord Torunaga, is permission for two things to happen: firstly, for our countries to agree to the existence of free and relatively unrestricted trade between the Republic and the Shogunate, and secondly for your government to provide financial incentives to invest in Republican companies operating within your borders. No special favours, no special laws, just a straightforward bonus to that company's operations.

"If this happens, both sides of the Great Sea see wealth increase. As Capuan companies get work and contracts, your people see the benefits of those products. Investing in these companies contributes directly to Kyokai's economic well-being in the short-term--that is to say, winning the Civil War--as well as the mid-term recovery and, in the long term, increased industrialization and the benefits of Republican technology and business expertise. Wealth is created, and all parties prosper."

Torunaga was quiet for some time as he decided on his best answer to give the two foreign diplomats. In his mind, he put all the possibilities atop a scale and judged silently the best approach for such a deal. Looking to the two diplomats with his piercing brown eyes, he knew at once that what they advocated was without scheme or drawback. Indeed, he knew that such a trade deal between the two nations would benefit both parties, as well as serve to bring both nations together into a stronger bond.

"I think, that for both Kyokai and Capua to grow and preserve the unity instilled since our respective formations... this deal is indeed beneficial. On behalf of my people, and the Shogunate - I, Ieyasu Torunaga, do accept your conditions. May this transaction bear the fruits that we so desire."

"This is most excellent news!" Curtis said, his joy obvious. "We'll begin as soon as the lower echelons finish up with the mathematical grunt-work, then. I'm very happy we could agree on this. You won't be disappointed."

He sipped his tea. "There is a certain other offer we'd be willing to make in this sphere. My friend, know you of mythril?"

As if a child, eager to learn new things by their teacher, Torunaga's eyes lit up at the mention of the word "Mythril". What came to his mind upon hearing of the metal was old tales, folk-lore, fireside chats. Torunaga had always been one for adventure from the time he was a small boy. Unfortunately, his position as the leader of a nation afforded him but a small window of chance where he might leave his position in Eidou or Kyokai and journey off to a place unknown. As he looked to the two diplomats, his eyes glimmered with excitement.

"Yes, but here in Kyokai is it used in old folk-tales as a holy metal. Does it perchance exist? It is certain that this land holds many things... but Mythril is not one of them."

"My country sits on vast deposits of it," he said, laughing a little. "The Cascony region, upon which the Capital City sits, supplies most of it. The bottom line is that the Republic has perhaps the most Mythril on Earth, and we'd be willing to trade it with you--in return for something just as valuable."

He was hoping the Shogun would know what he meant. Dark Ore. Dark Ore and nothing but.

Torunaga was surprised by the audacity of the transaction offer by his Dwarven counterparts who still sat soundly across from him. Closing his eyes, he seemed to meditate on his answer once more. Taking a sip of his tea, he set the china cup upon his lap and held it in both hands.

"Allow me to tell you of an old tale; or perhaps it's more of a belief traditional to Kyokai. This land was said to be an ancient soil created by the God of Life, Izanagi. With all of his omnipotence, he divided the heavens and earth and summoned a great black meteor to crash into the ocean. As a result, the rock formed the land we live upon today, however over the years a country formed and the land divined became fertile and home to the Kyokan people." Torunaga started.

He had suddenly stood from where he sat and walked to his katana stand. Reaching forward, he grabbed the sheathed sword and with it sat back down before the silent Dwarves. Laying it across his lap, he continued with the tale.

"During our ancient days, it was said that a great man stumbled upon a rock growing out of the soil. His foot was sliced open, yet he only just grazed the thing. As he bent over to see this rock, he noticed it shimmered black in the sunlight above - it was no ordinary rock. Taking it home with him, he discovered it was an ore - and quite a unusual one at that. It held qualities unseen in any other metal - perhaps aside from Mythril, considered as its inverse. He dubbed the metal Dark Ore, and with that rock he was able to meld and word the ore into a blade of such worth and power that it would be honored, respected, and feared for centuries."

Before the two diplomats, Torunaga held the sheath to his katana in one hand, and the blade's elegant hilt in the other. Slowly and with obvious reverence, he drew the blade from its sheath with a curiously low metallic ring. The blade, to the wonder and surprise of the Dwarves, was indeed a shimmering black and beautifully crafted.

"The blade that the wise man made would become used as a "right of passage" for each successive ruler to Kyokai. It was also the first of an ancient, yet most powerful line of blades by that very man, named Heishiro Masamune." Looking down to the katana he held, he looked at his own reflection in the blade, his expression was almost as cool as the metal itself.

"This katana, that I am holding, is that very blade passed down for generations. Everything aside from the hilt-wrap is of Dark Ore... I know that it is your transaction's equal to Mythril. Though I am not wise, I am quite learned when it comes to these matters, sirs. This metal, though over a thousand years old, is still as strong as it was the day the blade was forged by Masamune. The runes upon the blade have yet to fade, and because of the Dark Ore's qualities... they will not fade at all. What I am trying to explain, is that this decision will have to wait until tomorrow perhaps. Dark Ore is only found here on my land, and thus holds a sacred place in my people's hearts. I hope you understand my sentiments." Torunaga ended with a bow.

"And please, if you so rightly choose to stay the night - or perhaps even longer - I shall provide you with the best rooms in the castle here. Of course, if you would rather room in a hotel or inn, we have plenty to choose from here in Eidou. I would suggest the Bay Serpent's Lodge myself. It is based just by the Bay of Kyokai, quite beautiful views, I must say."

The diplomat had expected this. Kyokai was a traditional country with a traditional leadership role; even if Torunaga was a liberal, obviously fairly eccentric leader, he was a product of society all the same. The same forces that made Curtis an industrialist made Torunaga enjoy mythology. At the same time, Curtis hoped he hadn't been too forceful.

"I do understand your reservations," Curtis said as he admired the sword. It was excellent handiwork. "And we are willing to await your decision on the matter. Our offer remains open. Since it appears that we will meet with you tomorrow morning, we would indeed prefer to stay in the castle."

Torunaga had sheathed his blade and restored it upon its stand at the back end of the chamber. Looking outside, he slid open the shoji doors onto his balcony and breathed a sigh of fresh air. It was likely around 5:30 PM, their business had been concluded after an hour and a half - or nearly concluded with the last exception of that transaction.

"I shall have one of my servants show you to your rooms. I hope you find them to your liking. It is only around 5:30, so you may join me for dinner, or of you might wish to go out to dine, there are many great restaurants in the city - you might find that our local cuisine entices you!"

Bidding one of his servants to enter the chamber and show the men to their rooms. He was left in his chambers after short farewells to both of his guests, deep in thought. He walked over to his balcony and looked to the glimmering Bay of Kyokai. The ships of the day had just started to moor, the sails could be seen as specks of color beeing drawn down and the ships anchored. Leaning on the balustrade, he thought of what he might choose to do for this offer. Realistically, it would aid his nation very much however he had to put limitations upon such a thing for Dark Ore was indeed precious, and quite rare.

Just as he started to drift off into a daydream, the doors to his chamber opened once more, and in stepped his wife. Telling her only of the last offer, she put her arms around him as they both stood over by the balcony.

"What will you do, Ieyasu?" Yuki asked as she rested her head upon his shoulder as she looked out upon the Great Sea.

"Yuki... I'm not sure. If you were in my place, what would you do?" He confided in her.

"There are many deposits around Kyokai. As long as you don't allow free range of our ore to the Republic, and control the shipments from here... wouldn't it benefit you both? After all, as you said, in return Mythril will be brought to this land." Yuki answered, he voice calm and soothing yet bearing a song-like sound to it.

"You're right. I shall meditate on this tonight to get my thought straight..."