Aozora Meeting Hall

"Well, I may go on to see the theatre later and check up on it. Those world scar beasts may be useful in war if we're able to tame them, of course." He would pause for a moment before continuing,"If there is anything else you would like to do or tell me, I'm ready for a new task."

"OK, sir. I shall embark on the journey after I take care of a few things."

If Asthor wanted something he could just come in, he was a trusted member of the state.

Shintaro had been reviewing some reports about a water crisis in Taloum, along with some other things. He looked up to see Asthor "Sneak", "Welcome Mr. Sneak. How goes things?"

Things were going well enough in Aozora, with the success at Taloum where they got to test their special weapons. The bandits had been flushed from the region and now Shintaro was focusing on enabling policies that promoted economic growth.

(Asthor "Sneak")

"Very well, we shall find another use for that land. Things have become much more peaceful now that the campaign has finished, our holdings have expanded and the security has improved. A guild has established itself between the city and Taloum, a Heroes' Guild, I'm very pleased with this. Our scouts have been cooperating with the guild in sharing information." Shintaro walks over to the map and shows where the Guild is located.

"With those heroes gathered there, they can be a more aggressive solution to problems outside of our holdings while the army is focused on defense. It's mroe preferable this way to not mobilize the army to deal with every problem that shows up. We'll be able to spend more of our budget on developing our economy and quality of living." Shintaro gestures that Asthor could sit with him at this table to look over new developments in the land. "Down south of us is a place called Lhesa, in an archipelago. It seems the city their was in isolation all this time, probably since way before Fareen used to exist here. It would be good to send a mission there to check it out, since we are closest to them than any other nation we could secure exclusive trading with them. Isra is very dominant of the north and now center of the continent, with the location of this new player to the world stage, we can strengthen our market and form alliances outside of the Isran Empire, just in case."

Lady Audrey entered the Meeting Hall with her personal guard. The Knights of the Black Cross stood by her, led by Sibrand. The Duchess wore a beautiful white gown, and her wrists were adorned with valuable pieces of jewelry. Perhaps the most notable item upon her was the red-jeweled necklace which hung around her neck. It almost seemed to glow with magic. Her silky, crimson hair hung down her back and over her shoulders. Bright blue eyes looked Shintaro Nishida and the Lady bowed before her receiver courteously.

“Thank you for receiving me, Lord Shintaro Nishida. I am Lady Audrey von Hepburn, Duchess of Audria.” She motioned towards Sibrand, the only knight in the room without a helmet. “This is Sibrand, my personal bodyguard. I have been sent here on a diplomatic mission. The Duchy of Audria formally invites you and your nobles to our capital, Salem, for an upcoming feast. We would be honored to treat you and your own, not simply as friends but as allies. Many nobles from across the world will be attending; it is the first step to a brighter future.”

Sibrand, seeing that Audrey had not mentioned the commotion outside, spoke up next. “And we ask for forgiveness, Lord Nishida. It would appear as if the Wickans made it further south than we had believed. Your men were able to disperse the crowd, but I fear what may have happened if they did not intervene. Do give the captain our thanks.”