Chapter 10

Artoria was drinking her coffee while listening to the other councilmen discuss about their preparations for the upcoming Vytal festival.

Since Vytal Festival is going to be held in Vale this year, they must spend quite a hefty sum just to make sure everything goes as smoothly as planned.

"Miss Pendragon, I presume you already strike a deal with Edelya Enterprise about the Dust we'll be ordering?" Asked an old woman - Councilwoman Blanca.

Artoria does not like her though, she's an annoying woman who always wanted to marry her grandson to her, no matter how many times Artoria said that she already have a betrothed. Well, she and Shirou aren't engaged or married yet, but details.

Artoria nodded, "Aside from military grade Dusts, I already ordered 10 Billion worth of industrial-grade Dusts from Edelya. Currently, it is being guarded in Camp Rocket surrounded by Vale's most elite soldier."

An old man - councilman Bark - snorted in disdain, "I think it would be better for a Hunter to protect. Your so-called military are far too useless, if I'm being honest."

He's also someone Artoria doesn't like. He's a profit-comes-first type of person. He absolutely has no regards for any sacrifices he make as long as he can have some cash.

Artoria gritted her teeth as she glared at councilman Bark, "Useless? They wouldn't be if you fools did not neglect our military! Do you know how much budget our military received? 500 million! It's not even enough to for their weapons maintenance!"

"They should be lucky we even gave them a budget at all," said Bark with an annoyed face, "They have done nothing noteworthy that would make us increase their budget. Look at Atlas, that's how an army should be."

"It's because they actually bothered putting up a budget for their military." Artoria took a deep breath to calm herself, "You all focused way too much on hunters and huntresses. Just because Vale, or rather, Beacon is the biggest supplier of Hunters and Huntresses doesn't mean anything. They're a glorified mercenary who would do anything for money. They aren't loyal to our country. They're loose cannon."

"Funny," a woman in her fifties - councilwoman Becky - snorted and glared at Artoria, "From what I know, you seem to have a good relationship with that huntress named Bazett. For someone who calls them loose cannon...aren't you contradicting yourself?"

Artoria turned towards her, "And I never said she isn't one. If she feels like it, she could ignore my orders and do her own thing. Just because I have her on a leash doesn't mean I can hold her."

Bazett does not like to do things that doesn't suit her fancy. She's a free spirited woman who gives zero shit about authority.

The only reason why Bazett even followed Artoria's words is because she receives some benefits and also because she gets to play as a secret agent like the movies she watched.

"Alright, enough about that. For now, let's talk about Roman Torchwick and the White Fang," said councilman Winchester, a middle aged man with slick back brown hair, "We must capture Torchwick and weaken, preferably erase the presence of those animals, the White Fang in Vale before the Vytal Festival begins. The people's safety is of utmost importance."

"Isn't it Vale Police Department(VPD) fault? If it weren't for their incompetence for always letting Torchwick get away, he would've been in the locked in jail for life." Said Bark.

"They have caught him a lot of times already, some of them with the help of Hunters. But after only a few days up to a week, he'd be on the streets again." Said Blanca with an annoyed grunt, "He has the police in his pockets."

"And the White Fang," spat out councilman Winchester, "Those animals has been getting bolder and bolder with the our hunters spread thin out in the field. If it wasn't for that damn increase in Grimm's activity, I would have those animals executed on the spot."

Artoria frowned at Winchester's use of words but didn't say anything. From what she knew when she asked Rin to investigate all members of the council, Winchester wasn't as...racist, years ago. In fact, Winchester was a supporter of the White Fang.

However, five years ago, his wife who was on a Bullhead to Atlas dies tragically when White Fang - who just turned violent - implanted a bomb on the Bullhead, killing his wife along with 75 passengers.

Ever since then, Winchester bore a grudge against the Faunus and has been suppressing them ever since.

"No need to fear, General Ironwood of Atlas asked us for permission to bring his fleet to our kingdom. With them, catching Torcwick and weakening the Fang is child's play." Said Bark with an arrogant tone.

"I refuse!" Artoria stood up, glaring at Bark, "You're allowing a foreign power, to bring their soldiers, in our kingdom? Are you out of your mind!?"

"I don't want to hear it from a brat like you." Bark snorted, "What do you know? With Atlas Fleet, the Vytal Festival will be more smoother, and the citizens safety is guaranteed."

"Not if he brings a fleet to our kingdom! Do you have any idea what will people think when they saw soldiers from a kingdom who was their enemy just 70 years ago? Panic, anxiety, doubt, fear, all those negativity will just increase Grimm activity!"

"You're exaggerating." Bark rolled his eyes, "If people see the might of Atlas fleet, they will feel more secure. True they might panic or feel anxious, but that's a normal reaction when seeing an armed soldier."

"Well, I agree with Councilman Bark in this," said councilwoman Blanca, "We need all the help we can. Besides, Atlas and Vale has a mutual defense pact, it's fine to take advantage of this."

"How about you councilman Winchester, councilwoman Becky?" Asked Bark.

"Hmm, I'll side with the one who can give the most reasonable explanations." Said Becky.

"I disagree." Said Winchester, before motioning to Artoria, "I'll let General Pendragon do the honors of saying why."

Artoria nodded at him, before saying, "Vale is a sovereign state. Not an Atlas colony, they can't just send their army to our doorsteps like its their territory. That is a violation of several international laws!"

"Besides," Winchester turned towards, "What would other kingdoms think? 'Vale is so weak they need Atlas to wipe their ass', I don't know about you, but I don't want my country to be called as such."

"So you want your pride before the safety of citizens? Hmph, should've known." Bark snorted coldly.

"It's not about pride." Artoria clarified, "It's about the kingdom. You can't expect our people to feel at ease when foreign soldiers walked around the streets. They'd think we're about to declare Martial Law or something. Besides, we are not that desperate to need Atlas' help in dealing with our problems."

"I couldn't said it any better." Winchester smirked, "We don't need the help of a bunch of popsicles to tame an animal. Vale is the strongest."

Bark remained silent, as did everyone in the room. Artoria and Winchester is having a glaring contest against Bark and Blanca.

The atmosphere was tense.

When suddenly, a clap resounded as everyone turned towards councilwoman Becky who said, "I agree with General Pendragon and Winchester. Atlas soldier can stay away from our kingdom."

Bark gritted his teeth before he coldly snorted but remained silent. As did Becky, who can only glare at Becky.

Artoria couldn't help but sigh in relief as she straightened her posture, "With Atlas soldiers out of our kingdom, it is my duty as General of Vale's Military to secure the safety of our citizens and make sure to keep the city at peace."

"We'll be relying on you then, General Pendragon." Winchester smirked.

"I will do my best." Artoria smiled.