Chapter 31: Baalbadd

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CHAPTER 31

"Aw you're so cute!" exclaimed Sakura, staring down at the baby girl in her arms, she had long teal-blue hair in two braids and amber-colored eyes. The traits of most of the Imuchakk people. She currently holds one of Rurumu's twin girls. Both resemble their mother quite a bit. Apparently, that was the reason she had not been around when Sinbad had dealt with Madaura, because Sakura was certain if she had been here, she would not have allowed Sinbad to take the risk that got him turned into a slave in the first place.

Sindria Trading Company were currently making last-minute preparations before they took off to Ballbadd. Everyone had been preparing to set up base in the country and they were finally ready. In Sakura's opinion, it was a good idea to get out of Reim. Sinbad would be welcomed there, thanks to his association with King Rashid.

Sakura's attention was drawn away from the company affairs when she felt a strong tug on her top.

"I think she's hungry," Sakura said, tickling the baby's stomach. "And I'm less than qualified for that job."

"Don't worry," Pipirika assured her, waving her hand. "Rurumu-nee should be finished soon, I'll take all of them to her in a few minutes."

Sakura nodded before lifting the Imuchakk baby into the air, watching her break out into a fit of giggles before bringing her back down. At least she managed to distract her from her hunger for a little while.

"Can you imagine having twins?" Pipirka asked, bouncing the other baby girl on her lap while watching Kikiriku run around on the carpet. "That's double the work."

Sakura groaned, running her hand through the teal hair, "I can't imagine having one."

Pipirika frowned, as she leaned closer to her. "When do you plan on having children then?"

Raising her eyebrow, and lifting her chin into the air Sakura spoke, "I will consider having children when my age number doesn't end with 'teen'."

"Well you are with Sinbad, so philosophies can change."

Sakura felt her face threaten to grow hot, but she did her best to push back, which was involuntary blushing. There was some kind of trial all couples had to endure when they were still green, that included teasing from their friends. Even Sinbad had been caught getting flustered-him of all people. To think the man who charmed multiple women in a day could even fall over his feet.

It was hard for Sakura not to take a crack at him as well-mostly because she was certain he would have a comeback that would send her hiding for the rest of their relationship.

"There is no way anyone will change my mind about something like that, not even Sinbad," Sakura stated, attempting to save herself further grief.

"I can't change your mind about what?"

Sinbad opened the door, just in time to hear Sakura's statement however he wasn't certain of the context. However, when he saw the look on her face, he definitely wanted to find out what turn this conversation took before he walked in.

Pipirika and Sakura glanced at each other as if pleading an unspoken oath. They did not respond to Sinbad and turned their heads away.

"Fine," Sinbad sighed, surrendering. "Anyway, we'll be heading off soon. Pipirika, Rurumu asked for the kids."

Pipirak stood up, taking the twin girls and Kikiriku before heading towards the door, greeting Sakura and Sinbad. After she left, Sinbad carefully closed the door. With his hands behind his back, Sinbad strolled in with an 'innocent' expression on his face.

"So-

"No," Sakura replied, already figuring out what Sinbad was going to ask. "I am not telling you what we were talking about, and you cannot convince me."

Sinbad let out, what Sakura could only describe as a whining before he sat down next to her. Sakura narrowed her eyes at Sinbad, his legs were crossed, hands holding his ankles as he rocked side to side, like a child waiting for a present.

"Why do you have that look on your face?" Sakura asked, leaning away from him.

Sinbad kept smiling as he rested his head on Sakura's shoulder, "I missed you."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "You've seen me every day; I'm in your office with you for hours."

"I missed being with you like this!" Sinbad clarified, nuzzling her shoulder.

Because of all the preparations for their move to Balbadd, Sakura and Sinbad were not able to see much of each other out of a professional setting. The two had been working almost nonstop. Sakura was really feeling the brunt of things because, on top of helping Sinbad, she also dealt with the children who chose to stay and join the company.

She apparently wasn't the only one who had nightmares of that night, and she started making medicine to help calm the children's night terrors. She had almost been tempted to take them herself. If it wasn't for workload, she wouldn't have a valid excuse for the bags under her eyes. Only Masrur was aware that Sakura was having trouble sleeping, and that was because he spent some nights coming to her room to rest. 

As if memory brought about action, Sakura yawned and rubbed her eyes. She felt Sinbad take his head off her shoulder before gentle pressure was placed on her head.

"Is there something bothering you Sakura?"

"No," she replied and she was grateful that he didn't press her, even though he knew she wasn't telling the truth. 

"You ready?" Sinbad asked.

"Yeah," Sakura replied, smiling.

"Then let's go to Balbadd."

..

..

..

Sakura had been to many cities and many different countries; each with unique features. Sasan had its natural resources and its knights were powerful fighters, Artemyra's women were able to control animals, Imuchakk people's bodies were not only large but they were able to survive in harsh environments and Kou was an expanding force with a powerful monarch that already had a dungeon capturer and a very promising future, but Sakura had never seen a place like Balbadd before. It was a coastal nation, made up of hundreds of islands; it was a country that flourished as the center of sea commerce. It was also about to become Sindria's new base of operation.

Sakura had wanted to stay with Rurumu, Pipirika, and Mystras to help with the cargo and to see the company's new building but Sinbad insisted that she come with him, Ja'far, and Hinahoho to greet the king. She obviously had not seen him since their first time in Reim and Sakura was somewhat nervous about meeting him again.

They had used the king as a way to let Madaura's guard down and get her to sign the contract that ruined her. They made her think that Balbadd was going to adopt slavery into its country. It was seen as such a bargain that she was willing to put herself in debt to Sindria. Though underhanded, it was rather genius. It did leave a sour taste to learn that they used the king for such means.

The royal palace had a very unique design, the buildings had cylindrical shaped roofs that fanned out into cubes from the bottom; all the towers were symmetrical, standing side by side perfectly. There was a giant wall surrounding the magnificent structure, all you could see from it were the tall rooftops. The inside was even more impressive, the floors were made of powerful, smoothed-out stone. A large red carpet lined with green and gold led up to a small flight of stairs where the king's throne stood. There was a second floor where guards were able to stand around.

"We're extremely grateful to be granted the favor of your hospitality. I, Sinbad, head of the Sindria Trading Company, have come here today to give you my thanks and to report our accomplishments to you…King Rashid of Balbadd."

Ja'far, Hinahoho, and Sakura were crouched down in a lunge position, their hands together and heads bowed, Sinbad was in front of them, also bowing as they greeted King Rashid. Sinbad began by thanking the king for his hospitality, that their move from Napolia to Balbadd had been successful, and that they would be opening the next day.

And then he came to what was most important…

"Also, about the incident with the Mariadel Company…..without your assistance, I wouldn't be here today."

Sakura could practically feel Ja'far and Hinahoho tense beside her even though they were not touching. The air seemed to grow thick, but then Rashid spoke, his voice calm mixed with tenderness and it became lighter than a feather.

"There is no need for such formality. Just treat me the way you always have." Rashid said, though there was no smile on his face, there was glee in his eyes. "Sinbad. I'm glad you're back safely."

Sakura felt her shoulders visibly slump in relief and then Rashid's eyes fell on her. "And I was surprised to see you're here as well Sakura; it's been a while."

"It has." She laughed with a nervous glimmer. She had come to admire the king, much like Sinbad. Straightening up, Sakura bowed her head once again. "King Rashid, I would also like to personally thank you for what you have done for Sindria. I am extremely grateful to you, for protecting both the company and its founder."

Sinbad glanced back at Sakura, their eyes met and they smiled before returning to face Rashid again.

"Again, there is no need for such formality," Rashid said, waving his hand dismissively. "However, the two of you do live for adventure, don't you? When I think about the first time we've met, I would consider you both rash. I'm not sure whether your courage could be called recklessness."

Sinbad scratched his cheek, his mouth turned downward. "I'm sorry; I throw myself into things I want to do whole-heartedly and then it ends up like this…" He then looked back at Sakura again. "But I am fortunate enough to have friends who are willing to put everything on the line for my sake. Although it does make me worry some."

Ja'far then decided to chime in, breaking Sinbad and Sakura's moment of solitude. "I'll say, try putting yourself in the position of those around you."

Flustered, Sinbad began whispering to Ja'far not to say things like that in front of his mentor. However, Rashid then spoke which had everyone's attention returning.

"Sinbad…is it still sufficient to call Sakura your friend?"

Though Rashid voiced it as a question, he had an expression that told them he already knew the answer and this was just a way of getting a rise out of the two teenagers. It worked as well, as both were flustered, babbling out of sync with one another. Trying to deny it at first and then realizing that two witnesses in the room could at any time chime to differ (Ja'far). However, it was even worse when they tried to explain it. Despite Sinbad's impeccable ability to charm and woo women, he had not been in a relationship before and the same went for Sakura. Being in love did not make you a relationship expert either.

As babbling wasn't getting them anywhere; both finally managed to reach a question that brought them to a standstill. "How did you know?"

Hinahoho, Ja'far, and Rashid gave the two a deadpan expression from all sides, but Sakura and Sinbad were oblivious to the implication.

"I've been around enough to notice the signs," Rashid said with a crooked smile. "Honestly, I'm a bit relieved. The two of you made quite a pair."

The two held back from looking at each other; they were going to get enough teasing when they got back to everyone. Deciding to skilfully draw them away from the topic, Sinbad spoke again.

"This incident has given me something to think about though." Sinbad began, "Becoming a slave, I realized the world is full of unreasonable things besides war. I'm glad I realized that. A lot of people were affected by everything that happened. But now, I have no hesitation about the path I must take."

The whole room had grown quiet as they listened to Sinbad, using his talent to turn heads. Sinbad looked up, his eyes shining with that familiar gleam of determination he often held whenever giving these kinds of speeches.

"I will build a country." He stated clearly, his one fist clenched tight. "Now that I have everything I need…this is the perfect time."

Sakura wanted to mention to Sinbad that he did not in actual fact, have everything he needed. Aside from funds and suitable allies. There was still one fundamental matter at hand. Luckily, Rashid beat her to state the obvious.

"I have no problem with you founding your own country." Rashid said, "But, just what are you planning on doing about the land you need to build it?"

Sakura's sweat dropped as she slouched, "And there it is…"

Sinbad seemed at a loss, just as expected. He may have had a strong will, determination, a sharp mind, and great leadership skills. However, he also had a habit of delving so deep into situations that he would miss the base of it.

"Land?"

Sakura didn't hesitate to slap her forehead then.

"Think about it. If you don't have land you can't build a country."

Sinbad seemed to think for a moment, finally considering something he had not thought about throughout his question to create a country.

"Since you're my mentor I don't suppose I could have a small-

"No Sinbad." Sakura quickly interjected, already knowing what he was going to ask but she couldn't bear to hear him actually ask it. If he continued, she was going to have to go over there and gag him. Friend or not they were still in the presence of a highly respected individual. Sakura was never one to undermine authority or allow someone else and she promised herself to make sure that the same principle applied to Sinbad.

"A country's foundation is its land. Both your assets and resources." Rashid explained.

Sakura pulled a face, frowning slightly. "Most land in this world has already been claimed, and I doubt there would be many rulers willing to share space and resources."

"Well Sinbad, what Sakura says is correct. However, if you found some untouched land somewhere capable of supporting a population. That would be a different story."

Rashid then pointed at Sinbad's metal vessel, "But you have those. Metal vessels. If you use that power that surpasses human knowledge, it wouldn't be difficult for you to destroy a country in a single night. You could also use it to get the land to build a country. However, that would be hypocritical of you when you dream of creating a country that ends conflict. How will you create your own country?"

Sakura quickly interjected, "It is true that with both mine and Sinbad's metal vessels, you were wrong about one thing King Rashid," she stopped to take a breath, "We are not the only ones in this world who have obtained metal vessels, our travels to other countries have made that clear. If we resorted to those kinds of measures, there are plenty who would be able to fight back."

"As defensive as ever," Rashid said, smiling at Sakura. "I'm not trying to threaten Sinbad. I'm just interested in the answer. However, as an apology let me tell you something. South of the Reim Empire is a land known as the 'Dark Continent; it's a place that is considered a savage, untouched land."

Everyone's ears seemed to perk at the mention of untouched land.

"The dark continent," Sinbad repeated, absolutely focused.

"Yes, a vast amount of land that belongs to no country. I cannot guarantee that it's what you're looking for but it's the only untouched land left in the world. It might be worth the look." Rashid explained, he exhaled and opened his eyes to look down on the group. "But don't forget it's not going to be that easy to create a country."

Of course, Sinbad already knew this but it was only through actual experience that he had begun to grasp true contemplation of the difficulty. Sinbad spoke again, it seemed he was ready to voice a question but stopped when he heard muttering coming near them. Everyone else stopped as they also heard the voices.

"Brother stop…."

"Shut up. I can't forgive having such a lowly thief in the palace!"

Sinbad stood up, he silently walked towards one of the many pillars that stood along the wall. The two voices continued, unaware that everyone could hear them. Sinbad drew back the curtain that hung along the pillar.

"Quit your complaining. It's loud. Who are you two?"

Sakura craned her head back, to see two boys running in a circle frantically attempting to get away from Sinbad. One was crying about how he was going to get killed by a 'lowly commoner.'-also known as Sinbad.

Catching them from the back of their clothes, Sinbad pulled them up into the air watching them squirm. Sakura sighed, Sinbad may have been good at charming people and he did well to persuade the slave children. However, handling kids was a completely different matter. He did not know the basic etiquette of handling children.

"Best of luck when you two have kids," Gaap said in a deadpan voice.

'Okay, shut up.'

Sakura stood up and went over to Sinbad, before telling him to put the boys down. Sinbad of course decided to protest.

"No, these brats need to learn some manners."

Sakura put her hands on her hips, "Even so, that is not your job. You're not their father."

Taking the two boys, Sakura set them down gently. Getting a closer look at the two. One boy had a rather long face, wavy black hair, and a nervous expression on his face. While the other was husky, with a large round head and short black hair. Both were dressed in fine robes, indicating high status, which explained the one boy's tone of arrogance.

"You two…I thought I told you to stay out of here. Hurry up and get out…"

When Sakura looked at King Rashid she noticed that his expression changed to what would be described as; exhausted. He scratched his forehead as one often did to indicate they were getting a headache.

"But why father!? Why did you let a guy like this into the palace!?"

Sinbad gaped at the two boys, "Did he just say, father?"

"Then those two are…?" Sakura pointed

"That's right. These are my sons." Rashid said, sounding hesitant.

"I am the first prince of Balbadd, Ahbmad Saluja," the husky boy stated with pride, puffing out his chest.

"I-I am the second prince Sahbmad Saluja,"

Sakura bowed her head, "It's an honor, I apologize for my leader's behavior."

Ahbmad scoffed, "Well at least one of these lowly commoners knows their place."

Sinbad frowned and stepped forward, "That's it-

"Sinbad." Sakura turned back to him, giving him a warning glare.

"What did I do?" Sinbad asked, confused. He wasn't the one who just insulted her! He then looked back to Rashid.

"Are they your sons? They don't look anything like you."

Sakura's jaw dropped, "Sinbad!"

Ahbmad glared at Sinbad, throwing hair punches at him while his brother attempted to calm him down. "You insolent thief! I'm going to have you thrown out of this palace immediately!"

Sinbad smirked, "Oh! Go ahead and try. I'm here on official business with the king as the head of my company. I've done nothing wrong."

Aside from harassing the princes of said king, Sakura wanted to comment but she was already feeling too tired to give a response. She watched as the two boys ran off, Ahbmad now threatening to tell his mother about what happened. Ja'far said that it must be the queen, but Sakura wasn't too sure.

"Don't worry," Rashid said sighing. "This happens all the time, although this is quite embarrassing. I don't know if it's because I left their education to their mother, but they've turned into hooligans. I worry about the day I will have to leave this country in the hands of my sons."

"I'd be worried too," Gaap said offhandedly

'Shut up.' Sakura hissed in her mind, though she didn't necessarily disagree with her djinn. She also realized that the king used the term mother and not wife or queen. Their relationship must be based on political terms. And those were the kinds with more complications.

"Nobody's perfect, a perfect country doesn't exist either. Your homeland is a good example…"

Sinbad frowned, "Has something happened to Parthevia?"

"It has been a while since you've been there…Parthevia has agreed to sign a cease-fire treaty with Reim."

King Rashid proceeded to tell the group about Parthevia's current situation. Sakura listened closely, there might be something she could take back to Serendine. Perhaps something that would calm her nerves about its condition. Rashid told them that with the previous emperor of Parthevia dead and the princess missing (no one chimed in to mention they were aware of it). There was still the prince (Serendine's younger brother) but he was still a child. King Rashid said that most of the domestic issues have been left to the general of the royal guard.

"There are rumors that he set things in motion himself by initiating a coup…

Sakura had heard that from Serendine, she was certain this was who the king was speaking of. Barbarossa, even though they had not met the man before, it seemed that they were certainly learning a lot about him.

"However, the general immediately put a stop to the war that was draining national resources and has been focusing on creating new policies for the country. Because of this, he has gained the support of the people. Parthevia is also showing economic recovery now. Thanks to a single general, Parthevia has changed."

Sakura knew better than to be objective, putting aside personal feelings was a rule of being a ninja. That was how they had formed allies that were once their worst enemies. However, she didn't know about this case. 

"I heard that you originally left your country to attain power to save it. If that was where you started. I think it would be a good idea to try thinking about it once more. What you want to do and why you want to build your own country."

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