Hyatt Centric Hotel, Tokyo

April 2, 2028, 13:05

Pina straightened in her seat as Susan Ross leaned forward slightly, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

"Princess," Ross began smoothly, her voice carrying the weight of experience and authority. "If I recall correctly, you requested this meeting the moment you met the Captain—just as he was picking up Lieutenant Itami after that... incident involving your knights."

Beside her, Bozes stiffened slightly at the veiled rebuke, but Pina remained composed, even as she felt the weight of Ross's gaze pressing down on her.

Ross folded her hands, eyes sharp and calculating. "Tell me, Your Highness, was this initiative sanctioned by your government? Or is this just an impulsive act?"

A heavy silence followed, deliberate and pointed.

Pina's fingers curled slightly against the armrest, but outwardly, she remained poised. Scrutiny was expected—resistance was inevitable. But there was something else in Ross's tone. Amusement? Skepticism? A challenge.

She met Ross's gaze head-on. "I understand my actions may seem impulsive, Madam Secretary, but rest assured, I am here in the Empire's best interests."

Ross arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Best interests, you say? Fascinating. Because from where I'm sitting, this looks more like a personal mission than an official one. I have to wonder—does your government even know you're here?"

Pina tensed, but before she could respond, Yanagida spoke up, his tone carefully neutral. "Madam Secretary, while I won't comment on the Empire's internal decisions, I can confirm that Princess Pina has taken great initiative in opening this dialogue."

Ross turned her gaze to Yanagida, studying him briefly before returning her attention to Pina. "Initiative is one way to put it," she remarked. "Risky would be another."

The room remained taut with unspoken tension until Toshiyuki Aramaki, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

"Regardless of how she got here," he said, measured and firm, "the fact remains—she is here. And Japan is willing to hear her out. The question is whether the United States is as well."

Ross leaned back slightly, considering his words before nodding. "We're willing to listen. That's why I'm here in the first place."

Aramaki gestured subtly toward Pina. "Then, Your Highness, I must ask—why the urgency? Arranging this meeting in a day was no small task. I trust our hospitality has been satisfactory?"

Pina nodded. "Yes, it has been very satisfactory."

Aramaki offered a polite smile. "That's a relief. We were concerned our country might not meet the expectations of royalty." His tone turned slightly more serious. "Now, if I may ask—does this meeting concern the agreement we made in Italica? Are there any issues with it?"

Pina quickly shook her head. "No! The agreement was not unsatisfactory at all. I simply wanted to personally apologize for my knights' behavior. Their actions were... unacceptable, and I take full responsibility."

Ross raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "An apology, is it?" She leaned forward slightly, lacing her fingers together. "Forgive my bluntness, Your Highness, but a formal diplomatic meeting for a simple apology seems rather... excessive. Especially considering the circumstances under which this agreement was made."

Pina swallowed but held her ground. "I understand how it may appear, Madam Secretary, but honor demands that I make amends. My knights acted rashly and without provocation. I cannot allow such behavior to tarnish the Empire's credibility—or mine, for that matter."

Bozes, sitting beside her, remained tense, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. She had been at the center of that incident, and though she had accepted responsibility, the shame still weighed on her.

Pina hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her next words. "There is more," she admitted. "What happened in Italica showed me the true extent of your strength. You didn't just defeat the bandits—you annihilated them. It was unlike anything I've ever seen."

Ross remained silent, watching her intently.

Pina continued, her voice steady. "I came here because I want to open a dialogue—one that can lead to peace between our nations. The Empire cannot afford to fight a war against a force as powerful as yours. But more importantly... I do not want such a war."

Ross exhaled, leaning back slightly. "Peace is a noble goal, Princess," she said, her tone measured. "But peace is never free. If your Empire truly wants to negotiate, you need to offer something in return."

Pina blinked, caught off guard. "Offer?"

Ross nodded. "Let's not dance around the obvious, Your Highness. You want peace. We want our people back—the ones your Empire took during the Battle of Ginza."

Pina stiffened, her breath hitching. That... was not what she had expected.

Her mind had been racing with possibilities—land, resources, political favors. But prisoners?

She struggled to find the right response. "I... I understand your concern, but that is a complicated matter. I do not know the full details of—"

"Then find out," Ross interrupted, her voice firm but not unkind. "Because until every last one of our people is accounted for, this conversation isn't going anywhere."

Pina swallowed hard. She had anticipated resistance, but this was a demand she hadn't prepared for.

Bozes shifted beside her, sensing her unease, but remained silent.

Aramaki leaned forward slightly, his expression neutral but firm. "This is the reality, Your Highness. If you truly seek diplomacy, you must prove your sincerity. Returning our people would be a step in the right direction."

He paused before adding, "And to show that we are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are prepared to offer something in return—some of your high-ranking officers that were captured during the battle. A fair exchange."

Pina clenched her hands in her lap, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing down on her. Her mind raced—she didn't know where the prisoners were, nor what had happened to them after they were taken. Even if she wanted to comply, she wasn't sure if she could.

Still, she forced herself to meet Ross's gaze. "I... I will try."

Aramaki and Ross exchanged glances—Aramaki unreadable, Ross briefly looking as though she regretted playing hardball with a teenager.

Ross let out a small sigh, shifting the conversation. "Well, that's one issue on the table. But I have another question for you, Your Highness."

Pina, still regaining her composure, nodded. "Of course."

Ross folded her hands together. "I assume your Empire is not the only country in your world, correct?"

Pina blinked at the unexpected question but quickly recovered. "No, it is not."

Ross gave her a small, knowing smile. "Then let's talk about that."

Aramaki leaned forward slightly. "Does your world have a map that depicts its entirety?"

Pina hesitated before shaking her head. "We have maps of our continent, but as for the rest of the world... much of it remains unexplored."

Ross considered this for a moment before nodding. "That's good enough. Can you draw the map from memory?"

Pina opened her mouth, then hesitated, glancing toward Bozes.

Bozes straightened. "I can."

Ross gave a small nod of approval, then gestured to one of the aides standing nearby. "Bring some paper and a pen."

The aide quickly complied, placing the materials in front of Bozes. As she took the pen, the room remained silent, all eyes on her as she carefully began sketching the world as she knew it.

Ross tapped a finger against the table thoughtfully. "Interesting... So, these are the nations surrounding your Empire?"

Pina nodded, her gaze shifting to the map as Bozes continued sketching. "Yes. There are four major powers aside from the Empire. Beyond them, many city-states exist to the south, along with other nations scattered across the barren lands. There are also the realms of non-humans."

Ross exchanged a glance with Aramaki before returning her attention to Pina. "Non-human nations?"

Pina nodded. "Yes. The elves, dwarves, and beastmen each have their own defined territories, though their people are often scattered in smaller enclaves across various regions. Some live in isolation, while others coexist with human nations through trade, diplomacy, or conflict."

Bozes, still focused on her drawing, spoke up without looking away from the map. "The most well-known non-human nations are the Alfheim Federation of the Elves, the Mountain Lords of the Dwarves, and the Beastmen Confederacy. Each governs its own lands, though their influence varies."

She paused, adding more details to the sketch. "The Alfheim Federation is deep within the great forests to the west, beyond the Free States. The elves are reclusive but powerful, relying on magic and archery to defend their borders. They rarely interact with outsiders unless absolutely necessary."

"The Mountain Lords of the Dwarves," she continued, "hold the great mountain ranges to the north and west. They are master craftsmen, producing weapons and armor of unmatched quality. Though they prefer isolation, they trade with human nations—so long as they find the terms agreeable."

She glanced at Pina, who gave a small nod of approval before Bozes resumed. "The Beastmen Confederacy controls the vast plains and forests to the south. Unlike the elves and dwarves, they are divided into various tribes, each with its own customs and leaders. Some are nomadic, while others have established permanent settlements. Their relations with human nations are... complicated."

Ross listened intently, studying the map. "Complicated how?"

Bozes answered matter-of-factly, "Some tribes coexist peacefully with humans, engaging in trade or serving as mercenaries. Others, however, see humans as oppressors and refuse any form of cooperation. Conflicts between beastmen and human settlements are not uncommon."

She casually added, "One of the most well-known conflicts was the war between the Empire and the Warrior Bunnies. They were a fierce people, highly skilled in battle, but in the end, they were defeated. Naturally, as is customary, those who survived were enslaved."

Pina visibly tensed. "Bozes—"

But Bozes continued, oblivious. "The Empire fought hard to bring them to heel, and after their leader, Queen Tyuule, was captured, the war was effectively over. Those who weren't killed were either scattered or taken as slaves. Since their people were a threat, it was only natural that they be subdued—"

"Bozes!" Pina interrupted sharply, her voice strained.

Bozes finally looked up, confused. "What?"

Ross's expression had darkened considerably, her gaze flicking between them. Aramaki, too, remained impassive, though his eyes were locked onto Pina, watching her reaction carefully.

Pina swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak. "The... circumstances of that war are complex. It is not as simple as—"

"But it is simple," Bozes said, frowning. "They fought, they lost, and they suffered the consequences. That is how war works."

Pina felt a cold sweat forming at the back of her neck. This was a disaster.

Ross remained silent for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, as if deciding to shift focus, she exhaled softly. "I see." She tapped the table lightly before speaking again. "Tell me, then—these four major powers you mentioned earlier. What can you tell me about them?"

Bozes took a slow, steady breath before continuing. "First, the Kingdom of Theodora—our greatest rival. Our nations have been locked in conflict for as long as anyone can remember. Not an open war, but something close. Skirmishes, political maneuvering, assassinations... it never truly stops. And in recent years, tensions have only grown worse, especially after an incident involving the Prince."

Ross arched an eyebrow. "What kind of incident?"

Bozes hesitated for the briefest moment, then spoke. "Theodora's military is built around knightly orders, each specializing in different forms of combat. The Black Knights serve as their intelligence and covert operations branch. Their leader, the Ashen Knight Judith, is not only one of their finest captains—she is also a woman and a commoner."

Her voice grew tight, her disdain barely hidden. "His Majesty insulted her. In front of the Theodoran envoys. He mocked the very idea that a commoner—let alone a woman—could hold such a rank. Called her unworthy, a disgrace, and demanded to know how she had been allowed to rise so high."

Aramaki leaned forward slightly. "And how did she take it?"

Bozes smirked. "She threw her gloves at his feet."

Ross blinked. "She what?"

Pina sighed, rubbing her temple. "In Theodoran tradition, that's a formal challenge to a duel. A declaration that the offended party demands satisfaction by combat."

Ross's expression turned intrigued. "And did the Prince accept?"

Pina exhaled sharply. "No. Our father, the Emperor, intervened before it could escalate. He knew full well that if my brother had drawn his sword..." She shook her head. "He wouldn't have walked away."

Aramaki's brow furrowed. "You're telling me this Judith is that dangerous?"

Bozes met his gaze, her answer firm. "More than dangerous. Though she rarely takes the field herself, rebel leaders and enemy commanders have been found frozen solid—grim statues of ice, their faces twisted in horror. Others were impaled by jagged spears of ice, their bodies left skewered as gruesome warnings."

Aramaki's expression darkened. "Magic?"

Bozes nodded. "Yes."

He frowned. "I thought only mages could use it."

Bozes shook her head. "That's a common misconception. In theory, anyone can use magic. The difference is in how much mana they possess and how well they can channel it. Knights, however, don't dedicate themselves entirely to magic—we must balance our training between swordsmanship and spellcraft. As a result, most knights only master one element, sometimes two if they are exceptionally skilled. Mages, on the other hand, focus solely on magic, allowing them to wield multiple elements with far greater versatility and power."

She raised a hand and, with a snap of her fingers, conjured a small flame above her palm. The flickering light cast shifting shadows over the table before she clenched her fist, snuffing it out.

"My affinity is fire," she explained. "For a knight, magic is a tool, not the foundation of our strength. That is why even the most powerful knights pale in comparison to true mages when it comes to raw magical ability."

Bozes exhaled, her expression hardening. "But the Ashen Knight breaks that trend."

Aramaki narrowed his eyes. "How so?"

Bozes folded her arms. "Judith isn't just a master of magic—she's a master of the sword as well. Unlike most knights, who focus on one discipline over the other, she excels in both. Her swordplay rivals our greatest duelists, and her ice magic devastates the battlefield."

She paused for a moment, then added, "And she's only twenty-five."

Aramaki's eyes widened slightly. "Twenty-five? That young?"

Bozes nodded. "Most Knight-Captains are well into their thirties, even forties. It takes decades of training and combat experience to reach that level. Judith did it in half the time. And she didn't rise through noble birthright or family connections—she clawed her way up from nothing."

Her gaze darkened, voice lowering. "She's a once-in-a-lifetime talent. The other Knight-Captains are formidable, but Judith is something else entirely. Most knights rely on honor, tradition, and discipline to guide them in battle."

She leaned forward slightly. "But Judith? She fights to win—by any means necessary."

Aramaki frowned. "What do you mean?"

Bozes's smirk was grim. "The other captains fight with valor and tradition. Judith has no such constraints. She's a Black Knight—and a commoner. She wasn't raised in the nobility, trained to play by their rules. She learned to survive in the shadows. That makes her far more dangerous than any knight bound by honor."

Ross folded her hands together, deep in thought. "I see." She let the room sit in silence for a moment before continuing. "And what of the other major powers you mentioned? What can you tell me about them?"

Bozes nodded and continued. "The Republic of Ambrosia, for one, is a strictly neutral power. Their priority is trade and economic stability above all else. As long as commerce continues to flow and neither the Empire nor Theodora threatens their autonomy, they have no interest in war."

Ross raised an eyebrow. "And if they were threatened?"

"They would retaliate—economically first, militarily second. Ambrosia's wealth gives them significant influence over trade. If they were pushed into a corner, they could cripple an enemy's economy before a single soldier is deployed. And while they lack a large standing army, their navy is second to none. Their merchant fleets double as warships when needed, and their harbors are heavily fortified."

Aramaki nodded thoughtfully. "A maritime power, then. They'd be difficult to attack directly, especially if they control key trade routes."

Bozes inclined her head. "Exactly. Which is why most nations—including the Empire—prefer to keep relations with Ambrosia cordial."

Pina sighed, knowing what was coming next. "Then there is the Holy State of Solis."

Ross glanced up at the shift in Pina's tone. "Something tells me they're a bit different from the others."

Pina gave a small, weary nod. "They are... unique. Our relationship with them is amicable, but only because of religious ties. The Holy State is dedicated to the worship of the goddess of the Sun, Flare. Their entire society revolves around their faith, and their government is ruled by the High Priestess, who is seen as the goddess's voice in the mortal world."

Aramaki frowned slightly. "Theocratic rule, then."

Bozes nodded. "Yes, and their military reflects their devotion. Their Templar Order is one of the most powerful fighting forces in the world. Unlike normal knights, Templars are chosen through religious trials, and those who pass are blessed with divine magic. Some say their faith grants them supernatural resilience, allowing them to fight through injuries that would kill normal soldiers. Others claim that the strongest among them can call down fire from the heavens."

Ross narrowed her eyes slightly. "How much of that is myth, and how much is reality?"

Pina hesitated. "It is... difficult to say. The Holy State guards its secrets well. What we do know is that their warriors are fearsome. Even Theodora's White Order, known for its discipline and skill, is said to have originated as an offshoot of the Templars."

Ross tapped her fingers against the table, absorbing the information. "So, their strength lies in faith and discipline. And the last power you mentioned?"

Bozes grinned. "The Free States."

Ross arched an eyebrow. "And what exactly are they?"

Bozes chuckled. "A collection of independent city-states, warbands, and mercenary companies spread across the frontier. Unlike the structured nations of the Empire or Theodora, the Free States thrive in chaos. There is no singular ruler, no central government—only a loose confederation of warlords and mercenary captains who band together when it suits them."

Aramaki frowned. "That sounds... unstable."

"It is," Pina admitted. "But that instability makes them unpredictable. They may not have the organization of the Empire or the resources of Ambrosia, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and experience. Some of the most feared warriors in the world hail from the Free States."

Bozes smirked. "You won't find a proper standing army there. What you will find is a never-ending supply of soldiers willing to fight for the highest bidder. If a war breaks out, the Free States will fight—not out of loyalty, but for gold."

Ross leaned back slightly, taking it all in. "So, in short... Theodora is your rival. Ambrosia stays neutral unless its trade is threatened. The Holy State is an unpredictable theocracy with a formidable religious military. And the Free States are a land of mercenaries, willing to fight for anyone who can afford them."

Pina nodded slowly. "That sums it up well."

Ross exhaled, her expression thoughtful. "This world of yours is complicated."

Pina managed a small smile. "Welcome to Falmart."





Parking lot, Hyatt Centric Hotel

April 2, 2028, 13:55

Maya swung open the SUV door and stretched like she'd just woken from a coma. She cracked her neck, groaned, then shot a glare at Alex.

"I swear to God, you drive like a damn grandma. We should've let me take the wheel."

Alex shut his door, completely unfazed. "Because that went so well in Vienna?"

Maya groaned. "Jesus, that was a long time ago! Can we please move on?"

Sawyer smirked. "Nope."

Alex folded his arms. "You flipped a car in front of the Austrian Federal Police, Maya."

"It didn't flip," Maya muttered. "It just... rolled a little."

Alex sighed. "It landed on its roof."

"Details."

They made their way toward the entrance, where a PSIA agent in a crisp suit gave them a nod. "You're here. Meeting's almost wrapped up."

The agent led them to the elevator and pressed the button for the correct floor. As they ascended, Sawyer glanced at Maya.

"Since when did we do bodyguard gigs?"

Maya stuffed her hands in her pockets. "Since the alternative is letting the MSS snatch a foreign princess in broad daylight."

The elevator chimed. As the doors slid open, Kuribayashi and Tomita were waiting outside. Kuribayashi blinked in surprise.

"Maya?"

Maya grinned and threw an arm over her shoulder. "Yo! Miss me?"

Kuribayashi scowled, but there was no real heat behind it. "Not even a little."

Tomita's gaze shifted to Maya's companions. "And you are?"

Maya stepped back and gestured lazily. "The one glaring at me is Alex. The other one with the smug face is Sawyer."

Sawyer smirked and extended a hand. "Sawyer, CIA."

Tomita shook it. "Tomita, JSDF." He turned to Alex.

Alex gave him a firm nod. "Alex, also CIA."

Tomita returned the nod. "Pleasure."

Sawyer glanced at Kuribayashi. "And you?"

Kuribayashi folded her arms. "Kuribayashi, JSDF." She suddenly narrowed her eyes and sniffed the air near Maya. "Why do you smell like alcohol?"

Maya hesitated. "Uh... mission-related. Nothing to worry about."

Kuribayashi raised an eyebrow. "Mission-related?"

Before Maya could answer, the door to the meeting room swung open, and Caldwell stepped out. He sniffed the air, then smirked.

"I thought I smelled Jack Daniel's... Hey, Maya."

Maya grinned. "Hey. Laswell told me to escort the VIPs."

Caldwell crossed his arms. "I heard. Thought you hated this type of mission."

Maya let out a dry chuckle, then clapped a hand on Caldwell's shoulder.

"Listen, if Laswell says bark, I bark. If she says sit, I sit. If she tells me to roll over, I'm already halfway to the ground. I learned the hard way that if I don't listen, I die. Simple as that. So yeah, I'm a lot more docile these days."

Caldwell blinked. "That's... mildly concerning." He shook his head, then glanced down the hall. "Well, since you're here, we just need to wait for your brother."

Before Maya could respond, the door to the meeting room opened again, and a JSDF officer stepped out. His eyes flicked between the CIA officers before settling on Caldwell.

"Lieutenant Yanagida, JSDF," he introduced himself, offering a brief nod. Then, his gaze shifted to Maya. "And you must be the CIA escort."

Maya grinned. "Maya. Just Maya. No fancy rank, but I make up for it with personality."

Yanagida didn't react to the joke. "Right. We appreciate your assistance."

He stepped aside, allowing two women to exit the room behind him.

Yanagida gestured to them. "This is Princess Pina Co Lada of the Empire, and her knight, Bozes Co Palesti."

Maya bowed slightly. "Maya. Your personal shadow while you're here."

Pina studied her curiously. "And you are with...?"

Maya smirked. "I work for my country's intelligence agency."

Before Pina could respond, Ross spoke up from the side. "They're our version of the Black Knights."

Maya turned with a serious expression. "Madam Secretary."

Sawyer leaned toward Alex, whispering, "Who the hell are the Black Knights?"

Alex shrugged. "No idea. Sounds cool, though."

Ross ignored them. She gave Pina a reassuring nod. "I trust you all will keep her safe."

Maya straightened slightly and gave a two-fingered salute. "Aye, ma'am. I shall not disappoint."

Pina glanced between them, then nodded. "I'll hold you to that."

Bozes, however, kept her eyes on Maya, still wary.

Maya noticed and chuckled. "Relax, Ms. Knight. I know trust is earned, but I promise—I'm on your side." She then clapped her hands together. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, let's head down to the lobby. Time to get moving."

Bozes gave a reluctant nod, but the wariness in her eyes didn't fade.

Maya just smirked to herself. She'd win her over eventually.

As they stepped into the elevator, the group arranged themselves in a loose formation. The soft chime of the doors closing was followed by the gentle hum of descent. For a brief moment, silence settled over them—until Pina turned to Maya, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Since you're here, what kind of threats are we facing?"

Maya exhaled, crossing her arms. "Well... since you're under our protection, you ought to know who's after you." She glanced at Alex and Sawyer before turning back to Pina. "To put it bluntly, the ones targeting you are intelligence operatives from enemy nations—countries that aren't exactly fond of America and Japan."

Pina's expression hardened. "Another country, then?"

Maya nodded. "...Yes. But don't worry—they're not here to kill you." She offered a reassuring smirk. "If they wanted you dead, you wouldn't even know they were coming. Their goal is something else entirely."

Bozes shifted uncomfortably, her hands clenching at her sides. Maya caught the movement and shot her a knowing look.

"Point is," she continued, "you've got us watching your back. And we don't lose our VIPs."

Pina studied her for a moment before giving a slow nod, though a hint of unease remained in her gaze.

The elevator chimed as they reached the lobby. Maya pushed off the wall, rolling her shoulders. "Alright, we're here." scanning the lobby with practiced ease. Her eyes quickly locked onto Komakado, standing near the entrance with his usual composed demeanor. Without breaking stride, she turned to Alex and Sawyer.

"Stay here," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Alex gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."

Maya made her way over to Komakado, hands in her pockets. The Japanese intelligence officer watched her approach with a neutral expression, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Maya," he greeted. "How's our Russian problem?"

Maya exhaled through her nose, tilting her head slightly. "Off our backs—for now."

Komakado gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied. "That buys us some breathing room."

Maya leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to sound conspiratorial. "So, what about our friends from across the sea? Managed to handle the Chinese without us?"

Komakado's expression didn't change, but there was the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. "We managed."

Maya arched an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? You sure about that?"

Komakado gave her a sidelong glance. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Maya smirked. "Because I just had a chat with my 'rival'—my favorite SVR counterpart—and he showed me something interesting." She let the words sink in before continuing, her tone deceptively light. "A nice little photo of our VIPs stepping onto a bus. The bus parked outside, to be exact."

Komakado's expression darkened slightly. "Really..."

Maya shrugged, but there was an edge to her voice. "Look, I may not seem like it, but if there's one thing I can't stand, it's sloppiness. And this?" She gestured vaguely around them. "This is starting to look real sloppy. So, Komakado, tell me—do we have a problem?"

Komakado reached into his suit and pulled out a thin file, handing it over to Maya without a word. She took it and flipped it open. Inside were surveillance photos—clear shots of several MSS agents loitering around Tokyo. Their faces matched the profiles the Agency had flagged and passed along to the PSIA.

"Like I said," Komakado said evenly, "we handled it."

Maya studied the images for a moment before exhaling through her nose. "Alright... this is good." Despite her words, her tone carried a hint of lingering doubt.

Komakado caught it immediately. His gaze sharpened. "Remember, this is our country."

Maya met his eyes, smirking slightly but not backing down. "And yet, my 'rival' had a picture of our VIPs on the bus before they even stepped onto it." She closed the file and handed it back. "So forgive me if I'm not throwing a victory parade just yet."

Komakado took the file without breaking eye contact. "We're aware of the situation. And we'll handle it."

Maya exhaled sharply through her nose, tilting her head. "Alright, I'll bite. So, when's the rest of the crew getting here?"

Komakado glanced at his watch. "Should be in the next few minutes." He returned his gaze to her, his expression unreadable. "In the meantime, let me brief you on how we're getting the VIPs out."

Maya arched an eyebrow. "Oh? You've got a plan already?"

Komakado smirked faintly. "Like I said—it's my country." He gestured toward a nearby seating area. "Let's sit."

Maya hesitated for half a second before nodding.

Komakado leaned forward slightly. "We're going to send the bus out as a decoy."

Maya nodded. "Smart move, but one decoy isn't enough. If they're watching, they'll see through it."

Komakado smirked. "We thought the same thing. That's why I asked your supervisor if anyone on your team was a good driver. She said you were the best."

Maya crossed her arms, tilting her head. "If you want me running decoy, you better give me the right car."

Komakado reached into his pocket and pulled out a key fob, dangling it in front of her. The logo was all too familiar.

Maya's eyes flickered with recognition, and a slow grin spread across her face. "Oh, I'm in."

A few feet away, Alex had been quietly observing the exchange. He snickered. "Why is her face lighting up all of a sudden?"

Sawyer didn't take his eyes off Maya, his expression unreadable. "We should still keep a lookout. Who knows when she'll turn feral."

Pina, standing nearby, frowned slightly. "Feral?"

Sawyer glanced at her. "Just an analogy, Your Highness."

Alex and Sawyer exchanged a knowing look.

If Maya was that excited, things were about to get very dangerous.

A few minutes passed before an SUV pulled up to the hotel entrance. The doors swung open, and Adam Itami stepped out, followed by the rest of the group.

Rory stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied groan. "Man, so that's what a 'car' is like? That was cramped."

Adam shot her an unimpressed look. "That's because of your stupid weapon."

Rory gasped, placing a hand over her chest. "Hey! Don't call it stupid—it's sacred!"

Ignoring the exchange, Itami glanced up at the hotel. "This is the right place, yeah?"

The driver nodded. "Yeah. Just head inside."

As they stepped into the lobby, Lelei, Tuka, and Rory paused, momentarily taken aback by the grandeur of the interior. Their eyes wandered over the polished floors, towering columns, and soft, ambient lighting—a stark contrast to the world they knew.

Meanwhile, Adam and Itami spotted the other half of their group—Yanagida, Caldwell, Kuribayashi, Tomita, Pina, and Bozes—already gathered.

Itami exhaled, stretching his neck. "Looks like they're done over there. I'll head over."

Adam gave a distracted nod, but his attention had shifted elsewhere.

Sitting across the lobby, flanked by men in suits, were two familiar faces. One was Komakado, the rude PSIA agent, speaking in a low, serious tone. The other? His sister, Maya, leaned back slightly as Komakado slid a folder across the table to her.

"Yeah... sure," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Adam's jaw tightened slightly as he observed the exchange.

He watched as Maya flipped through the contents, her expression unreadable at first. Then, something changed—an unmistakable flicker of amusement crossed her face. She let out a sharp breath, closed the folder, and stood, shaking Komakado's hand with an almost lazy confidence.

Then, as if sensing his gaze, Maya turned toward Adam.

A slow, knowing smirk tugged at her lips. Without breaking eye contact, she raised a hand in a casual wave.

Adam sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck.

Here we go.

Without hesitation, he made his way over.

As Adam approached, Maya wasted no time.

"So," she said, tilting her head slightly, "how was the Diet?"

Adam let out a tired sigh. "Draining. Not quite as bad as testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, but still exhausting." He rolled his shoulders. "A lot of the same political posturing, just in a different language."

Maya chuckled. "Yeah, well, politicians are politicians, no matter what country you're in."

Komakado, still seated, cut straight to the point. "MSS knows about our guests."

Maya turned to Adam, her expression sharpening. She jabbed a finger toward the idling bus outside. "So, You're not taking that death trap."

Adam frowned. "Alright... what's the plan, then?"

Komakado leaned back slightly. "You'll be taking a different route—by cars. We'll use the bus as a decoy while you and the others head for the Gate separately. Multiple vehicles are waiting in the basement garage."

Adam's brows furrowed. "Wouldn't that draw even more attention? A convoy of government SUVs is a flashing neon sign saying, 'Follow us.'"

Komakado's lips curled into a small smirk. "Don't worry. They're not that conspicuous."

Komakado's smirk remained as he added, "And they're not the only decoys."

Adam shot him a wary look. "Go on."

Maya crossed her arms, leaning slightly toward him. "I'll be taking a third car—with Alex and Sawyer. If the MSS is watching, they'll have to figure out which vehicle actually has the VIPs."

Adam's expression darkened immediately. "Absolutely not."

Maya blinked, then snorted. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Adam said firmly, arms crossing over his chest. "I'm not letting you go off and turn yourself into bait."

Maya rolled her eyes. "Relax, I won't get caught." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a familiar car key, dangling it between her fingers. "Not with this baby."

Adam's frown deepened, clearly unconvinced.

Maya sighed dramatically before gesturing toward the two lingering nearby. "And besides, I've got these two backing me up. Right, guys?"

Sawyer and Alex, who had been watching from a distance, snapped to attention at the sudden callout.

Sawyer blinked. "Excuse you?"

Alex furrowed his brows. "Wait, what?"

Maya just smirked, tossing the key into the air and catching it with ease. "See? We're all set."

Adam exhaled sharply through his nose, pinching the bridge between his fingers. He knew arguing with Maya was like trying to stop a hurricane with a paper umbrella—pointless and exhausting. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he waved a hand.

"Fine. But if this goes sideways, it's on you."

Maya's smirk widened. "That's the spirit." She turned toward Alex. "Alright, bring the SUV to the basement.

Adam exhaled sharply through his nose, pinching the bridge between his fingers. He knew arguing with Maya was like trying to stop a hurricane with a paper umbrella—pointless and exhausting. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he waved a hand.

"Fine. But if this goes sideways, it's on you."

Maya's smirk widened. "That's the spirit." She turned toward Alex. "Alright, bring the SUV to the basement. We've got something for you guys."

Alex exchanged a glance with Sawyer, then shrugged. "On it." He pulled out his own set of keys and started toward the parking lot.

Adam crossed his arms, glancing at Maya with mild suspicion. "This better not be another one of your 'surprises.'"

Maya feigned innocence. "What? Me? I'd never."

Sawyer let out a dramatic cough. "Liar."

Maya shot him a look. "Shut it. Just lead the others to the basement." She twirled her keys around her finger before glancing at Adam. "I need to grab my ride too."

Adam sighed but nodded. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."