Peace Treaty II

Sensing the tension thickening, Ryusei cleared his throat nervously, stepping in to regain control of the room. "Introducing the Astral Empress of Dunkelheit, Nohrell Voss Fenrith, the Crescent Scythe of Death and the Moonlit Night!" He gestured towards Nohrell with a gloved hand before turning to Aurora. "And presenting the Astral Empress of Osten, Aurora Vere Borealis, the Golden Age of Osten, the Conqueror of Seven Continents~!"

"Was," Nohrell interjected sharply, rising abruptly to her feet. Her sudden movement drew puzzled glances from around the room. She settled back into her seat with an exaggerated flourish, smoothing her fluffy tail with mock indifference.

Ryusei hesitated, clearing his throat once more before continuing, "~and the Ventiff's Demise."

"And myself, Ryusei Sol Solara, ruler of this mystical land, Aurelia Sol Solara, my princess, and her prime guardian, Friederich Eir Regis — we humbly welcome you, esteemed guests of the highest honour!" Ryusei and his people bowed their heads deeply in respect.

Meanwhile, Aurora kneaded her temper in restrained irritation, while Nohrell rolled her eyes, idly toying with her tail.

Ryusei swept his gaze across the grand hall before continuing, "Today marks a pivotal moment in history — a great opportunity for peace and prosperity between these two great empires. As leaders, we are bound to serve our people, to ensure their wellbeing, and to build a sustainable future for generations to come."

His speech concluded, but a loud, humourless laugh erupted from Nohrell at the Dunkelheit table.

"Oh, I absolutely adore your speech! Truly, I couldn't agree more," She began, her tone dripping with amusement. Her gold and blue eyes slid sideways to Aurora. "Unlike certain rulers, clinging to their barbaric traditions. Honestly, your empire's endorsement of slavery disgusts me to the core!"

Aurora's eyes narrowed, but her tone remained controlled. "I do not condone slavery, fox. However, your citizens live under the illusion of freedom while enduring far worse conditions. At least our slaves are housed, fed, and cared for — basic needs provided without discrimination. Can your so-called free people say the same?"

Aurora leaned forward slightly, her tone now pointed. "What happens when one of your citizens runs out of their credit, Nohrell?"

A guttural growl escaped from Nohrell, her teeth clenched tightly. The two empresses locked eyes, the hostility in the room palpable.

"They're left to rot in the streets," Aurora continued sharply, unyielding. "Not even their own neighbours would spare them a glance. I'd loathe being born under your rule."

"Such grand words, coming from you, Aurora," Nohrell shot back, her grin sly and feral. "Though, remind me — weren't your so-called happy citizens massacred just days ago?"

Aurora's expression stiffened, though she kept her composure. "Once again, I do not condone the actions of my Zodiac Mages."

"Oh?" Nohrell tilted her head mockingly. "And what do you take responsibility for? You call yourself the Astral Empress of Osten, yet it seems that title is just empty words — a howl carried by the wind."

The barbs struck home, but Aurora countered, her voice cutting. "You're one to talk. Who was it that sought war? Who ordered the genocide of my people in their hunger for power?"

Her gaze drifted momentarily toward the garden outside. The vibrant greenery swayed gently in the breeze, a fleeting solace amidst the heated exchange.

"Ah, that reminds me!" Nohrell suddenly exclaimed, tapping her cheek in mock thoughtfulness. "The tale of Vinveil... What was it again?" She paused theatrically, her eyes gleaming with feigned innocence.

"Oh, that's right! All of Vinveil's citizens were turned into lifeless fiends by one of your Zodiac Mages, weren't they? History does have a habit of repeating itself — especially the part where your people are wiped out of existence." Her voice sharpened, dripping with venom. "Because you failed to act. Because you are incompetent as a ruler."

Aurora fell silent, her expression momentarily wavering. So much had spiralled out of control; the wounds of the past still fresh and bleeding.

Nohrell leaned back, her hand curling into a fist before striking her palm as if a sudden thought had struck her. "Serene Blair Veyne — the Magus Primarch and necromancer of Vinveil!" She declared, her grin widening as she mockingly applauded herself. "And let's not forget the newest addition to the caravan of reapers: Ignius Lux Draconus, bearer of the light of punishment, the murderer of Germund... the moon breaker."

The room fell into an uneasy hush, tension crackling like an unseen storm. The Solis Aeternum representatives exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to diffuse the heated atmosphere. Even Aurelia sat frozen, her usual cheer silenced by the gravity of the confrontation unfolding before her.

Aurora exhaled deeply, the endless arguments weighing her down like a relentless waterfall crashing against an unyielding stone. Despite her past title as the ruler of seven continents, her authority was not absolute. The elite mages, titled Celestius, were granted a degree of autonomy. At times, their actions sparked controversy, misunderstood by those who failed to grasp the context behind them. Serene and Ignius's seemingly irrational deeds were glaring examples — both a burden and a challenge for Aurora to resolve.

For the most part, her people thrived under her reign, living free of famine, disease, and insecurity — until the invasion of Germund shattered that fragile peace, and her world tipped into turmoil. 

"Ah! The strongest arcanist in history? Don't make me laugh," Nohrell sneered with open disdain, her voice dripping with mockery.

Aurora's shoulders sagged ever so slightly, her composure fraying. In the realm of arcane arts, she was unrivalled, her supremacy heralded by many. Yet, in the labyrinthine world of politics, her brilliance dimmed, the complexities often eluding her grasp.

Nohrell, the empress of Dunkelheit, purred with satisfaction at the sight of Aurora's struggle, clearly relishing her discomfort.

Eventually, Aurora lifted her gaze, her sharp eyes locking onto Nohrell. "I'm not here to debate politics, fox," She stated bluntly, her voice cool and detached as she attempted to disengage from the tiresome discussion and the endless barbs that Nohrell so enjoyed.