บท 58: Test the Nation? Sure!
The room echoed with the clinking sound of Gungi pieces being arranged on the board. Haruto's focus was back on the game, his every move a testament to his determination. Pariston, too, seemed lost in the game, his attention fixed on the board.
"Let's consider the benefits and disadvantages of association with the Hunter Association, shall we?" Pariston began, a confident glint in his eyes. "After all, strategic decisions require a comprehensive understanding of all possible outcomes."
Haruto watched him closely, his gaze cold and calculating. He didn't interrupt; he allowed Pariston to lay out his argument.
"Starting with the advantages," Pariston continued, his fingers gently caressing a Gungi piece. "Recognition by the Hunter Association would not only validate your passport but also solidify your nation's international standing. It would pave the way for your citizens to travel freely, conducting trade and expanding their horizons."
"You are pitching a great product," Haruto observed, moving a Gungi piece with absolute precision, his attention divided between the game and Pariston. "No wonder the Hunter Association is so powerful. Your web reaches far and wide, and you get to collect protection fees legally. Such a clever organization. But you forget something, Vice-Chairman Hill."
Pariston looked up from the board, intrigued. "Oh? And what might that be, Your Highness?"
"So long as my nation can produce a certain quota of Hunters," Haruto declared, his gaze not leaving the Gungi board, "we automatically become a partner nation."
Pariston's smile grew wider at Haruto's words. "True, Your Highness, but how many Hunters can your nation produce? Your Kingdom is new. To reach that quota would take years, if not decades."
"Seems like it is time to put my nation to test," Haruto said, his words falling heavy in the tense silence of the room. The sentence was simple, devoid of emotion, yet it carried a resolute determination that resonated in the large, empty throne room.
His focus returned to the Gungi board, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. There was a certain finesse in his movements, a royal elegance that echoed his innate majesty and ambition. The room fell silent again, the tension thickening, the only sounds were the soft clinks of the Gungi pieces as they moved across the board.
His movements were swift, a sequence of maneuvers that displayed his tactical acumen. Each turn was deliberate, each move a testament to his ruthless pursuit of victory. His gaze, void of any emotion, was steady, and his concentration unwavering.
In contrast, Pariston looked visibly taken aback. His charming smile faded slightly, and for the first time since their encounter, a flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes. He reached out to make a move, but it was futile. Haruto's strategy was impeccable, his pieces aligned in an inescapable checkmate.
The final move was made. The last Gungi piece was placed, sealing Haruto's victory. He leaned back in his throne, his gaze never leaving Pariston's. His face was unreadable, but his eyes carried an icy satisfaction.
"Seems like we are done. I shan't see you off, Vice-Chairman," Haruto simply said, the calm in his voice contrasting the fiery determination in his eyes. His words carried a faint edge of mockery, as if he was ridiculing Pariston's futile attempts to engage him.
Pariston stared at the board, his smile faltering. He looked up to meet Haruto's gaze, the corners of his mouth twitching into a strained smile. The tension in the room was palpable, a silent testament to the battle that had just taken place on the Gungi board.
"Canary," Haruto called out as the echo of Pariston Hill's departure faded in the grand throne room. His voice carried an aura of command, crisp and clear as the tolling of a silver bell. "Assemble the council."
Canary nodded, a small bow of her head signaling her compliance. "Yes, Your Highness." Despite his insistence, it was hard for her to drop the formalities entirely. She had always held a deep respect for him, her loyalty unwavering even in the face of his growing ambition.
Swift as the wind, Canary disappeared from the throne room, the heavy doors closing behind her with a resounding thud. Haruto turned his gaze back to the Gungi board, a smile tugging at his lips. Despite the audacious manner of Pariston Hill, the Vice-Chairman had presented an interesting challenge
In less than an hour, the council assembled in the throne room. They took their respective places around the grand table, a crescent of trusted advisors and powerful allies. Each individual held a unique role within the kingdom, and it was their combined skills and abilities that allowed Haruto to assert his dominion so effectively.
Feitan, the General, sat at the center of the crescent table, his gaze as sharp as the blade he carried. Next to him was Phinx, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, his stern countenance betraying nothing of the shrewd mind behind it. To Feitan's other side was Canary, the Head Royal Guard, her posture a testament to her unwavering loyalty and commitment.
Further on was Uvogin, the Minister of Defense. His burly physique and gruff demeanor contrasted sharply with Koshiro, the Nen Master and advisor to the king. Koshiro sat calmly, his wisdom and knowledge of nen a critical asset to Haruto.
Adjacent to Koshiro was Zeno Zoldyck, the Minister of Espionage and Intelligence. His eyes were keen, the intense focus betraying a sharp and insightful mind. To his right was Nobunaga, the Minister of Trade and Commerce, his relaxed demeanor belying his knack for negotiation and strategy.
Pakunoda, the Minister of Culture or Public Relations, sat next to Nobunaga. Her serene gaze held an air of authority, her position crucial in managing the kingdom's reputation. On the other side of Nobunaga was Kurtopi, the Minister of Technology and Innovation. His young face was etched with concentration, his mind a constant whirl of ideas.
Machi, the Royal Physician, was seated next to Kurtopi. Her calm presence held a sense of hidden power, her understanding of nen and medical knowledge essential for the wellbeing of Haruto and his council.
Finally, on the edge of the crescent sat Shalnark, the Minister of Information and Communication, and Jahleel, the Minister of Judicial Affairs. Shalnark's agile fingers were never far from his phone, his task to gather and disseminate information within the kingdom. Jahleel, with his sharp mind and strict adherence to law, oversaw the kingdom's legal affairs.
Silence reigned in the room as Haruto rose from his throne. His gaze scanned the council, taking in each face, acknowledging their presence. The air was electric with anticipation. They knew that the king had something significant to discuss.
"It appears that the Hunter Association has taken an interest in us," Haruto began, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "Their Vice-Chairman, Pariston Hill, paid us a visit."
A murmur of surprise ran through the council. Haruto allowed it, the faint hint of a smile playing on his lips. "He proposed an alliance. Recognition by the Hunter Association, he said, would lend us resources, protection, international standing, and influential contacts."
Haruto paused, letting his words sink in. His gaze shifted from one face to another, taking in their reactions. "Of course, we will not be reliant on external aid. But it's an opportunity for us to prove ourselves. To show the world our capabilities."
Feitan, the General, was the first to break the silence. "So, what is our course of action, Haruto?"
The king's eyes met Feitan's, a glint of steely determination in his gaze. "We accept their challenge," he announced, his voice reverberating in the room. "We show them the strength of our kingdom. We will produce a quota of Hunters and gain recognition from the Hunter Association on our own terms."
"But young King, the least quota is 500 Hunters per nation. How are we to achieve that?" Koshiro's question hung heavy in the air, a touch of doubt creeping into his usually calm demeanor.
Haruto merely smiled, the corners of his lips curling upward in a quiet display of confidence. "We will send 1000 Nen Masters to dominate the exam," he declared.
A tense chuckle escaped Zeno. "That would send a wrong message, Your Highness," he warned, his experienced eyes narrowing slightly.
But Haruto didn't drop his smile. "That is the message I want to give," he responded, his voice steady and resolute. "They came here to invite my nation, so I shall show them what this nation is capable of."
----
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