[Secretary Theo Lu noted as follows:
‘Unusual occurrence: the meeting took place in room number twenty at the Shadows Lord’s residence. The delegation included Unio’s Domini, all the board members, and representatives from the families: Waner, Kanuk, Hal, Xing, Zinner, and Hum.’]
…
“The situation is complex,” Domini started the speech on the Unio side, as expected.
“Our main goal should be to find and punish the attackers. Thanks to Shadows, we have a weapon to fight and win without massive casualties. It is a great success for our alliance. The complexity of the situation starts next. The alliance. We need to discuss our alliance together with the reason for Shadows and the OFF’s unofficial cooperation.”
Domini finished his speech and looked at his board.
They nodded.
Si noted that the board members had said nothing. They clearly didn’t want to act rashly; they agreed with Domini. With the families’ representatives, however, everything started shortly.
They didn’t give Si a second to comment.
They didn’t allow their Domini to say something more. Unio families revealed their true faces.
Si had previously decided to let them speak their minds, without interrupting. It was, in his opinion, good to know what opponents thought. Especially when they were acting emotionally. So, he decided he should allow his enemies to make mistakes without interfering too early.
“… Shadows must share their weapon with us!”
“… Shadows alliance with the OFF puts our alliance in danger; it has to end!”
“… The OFF leader ran away; he is suspected, the OFF is suspected!”
“… The OFF for sure wanted to assassinate Shadows Lord’s son! Outrageous!”
“… We need to search the OFF!”
“… We need to interrogate current leaders from the OFF!”
“… Why are Shadows not suspected? They also could be the attackers, and pretend to develop weapons!”
“… We want to audition Shadows Young Master; we have questions!”
Si still allowed them to shout out everything. He exchanged looks with Domini.
Then, as if it were even more important, their demands reached another level of nonsense.
“… Hal is a daughter of our respected family; it cannot be that she is here in prison and that Shadows are rejecting the marriage!”
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“… She was found with Young Master having a romantic meeting; they need to marry!”
“… Shadows insulted one of our daughters!”
“… Shadows must obey Unio customs!”
Si observed further.
He wished Lukai strength for his future. Unio must change, and its new leader must quickly assume control of this great institution.
Pull out these weeds before the roots get too deep.
He also didn’t plan to answer any of the demands or accusations—nothing. He wanted to make them talk and then announce his perspective. Si was aware; his meetings with Mari Hal showed him that they had different mindsets in Unio.
Some of their ways were interesting to Si; some were prone to corruption, some very prejudiced, some very homophobic, and some just despicable. But it was not for him to judge. Unio certainly could say the same about Shadows’ ways of living.
Si observed, but he neither commented nor argued.
They could have their opinions, but they should keep them to themselves. They couldn’t impose their ways on Shadows.
He waved his hand. They wanted to hear his answers, so they started silencing each other. Only when it was completely soundless did Si speak up.
“Shadows are independent of Unio. We decide about ourselves without any interference allowed. Shadows protect their people. With whom we want to cooperate is also Shadows own resolution. No interference is allowed,” he stated.
What he said clearly caused indignation; there was a commotion, but then Si raised his hand again and silenced them all.
“The Hal family’s daughter is suspected of gathering information about our weapons illegally. If confirmed, Shadows could call it the alliance’s treason. She is suspected of an attempt to poison Shadows Young Master. It was she who brought the poisoned drinks. It was tracked that she had them when crossing the Gate. If confirmed, Shadows could call it the alliance treason.” Si stopped.
“Currently, Unio has no evidence to refute it.” It was Domini who said it aloud.
The board nodded.
The families’ members fell silent. They were looking at each other, currently not sure about the next step.
So, they wanted to shout Shadows down with all those accusations and demands—Si noted it to himself. Then he spoke up again.
“I am immediately taking over all the Shadows’ political affairs. It includes Shadows’ army and weapons. Consider yourselves officially informed. This meeting is also the moment when I cancel the Red Bridge Alliance’s contract. I do not need to do it formally, as it was not fulfilled. Consider yourselves officially informed. I am open to the discussion about any new alliance contract; I will oversee the terms personally.” Si stated.
He looked around.
Domini and his board nodded.
Their secretary visibly was noting it all. The families were silent.
“Regarding Shadows more personal affairs, which are connected to politics. I am marrying Luna Alena. She is a Shadow’s daughter, which makes her a Shadows’ citizen. You can either leave or take her Unio citizenship from her father’s side. Consider yourselves officially informed,” Si said.
This time, when he said it, someone from Unio families didn’t stand it.
“… She is then dual; she should be killed!”
Si reacted with disgust.
The others noticed and silenced the one who shouted it.
“I will remember this remark regarding the future Shadows Lady,” Si said.
“Thank you; I confirm we received all the messages. We need to discuss it internally,” Domini said, and his board nodded.
Si stood up, intending to leave. He added, as a final note. “Regarding Hal’s daughter. Shadows will deport her today. You take care of your citizens’ wrongdoings. She is not allowed into our territory ever again.”
When he left, there was silence. Only minutes later, he could hear a loud, very loud discussion taking place in the room.
