The Rise of the Black Plain

Audrey did not suspect anything hearing her daughter's answer and looking at Minos, as this young man looked very unhappy. 'He is probably upset because she did not keep her promise, maybe even having attacked him for losing...'

Meanwhile, Minos' wives approached him, curious about what had happened.

But then Isabella approached Gloria and commented in a low voice. "Younger sister Gloria, it's not for nothing that you got pregnant so quickly... If I were in your place, I would do that as much as possible too."

Gloria looked at Isabella with surprise and saw how this woman blinked at her. 'So she kissed Minos, and now she is interested...'

'But why does he seem depressed?' Gloria did not understand the situation. Usually, Minos happily dates attractive women, so seeing him like this after kissing Isabella was somewhat unexpected.

'What did she do?' As Minos tried to recover from Isabella's 'attacks, Abby and Ruth wondered.

But before Isabella, he could not say anything to his wives. Thus, Minos just kept to himself how different that princess' personality might be in such moments from how she acted in other situations.

And with that, they sat around the dining table in that area, where before long, the Empress arrived, followed minutes later by Margot and Joseph.

Finally, Harald Edwardstone appeared at that area's entrance, attracting everyone's attention, who promptly stood up to greet him.

Harold ignored most of the people and looked directly at Minos, who was sitting near his seat at one end of the table in front of Isabella.

'So that's this Minos Stuart guy?' Harold thought this fellow looked a bit like Oswald, although such a person obviously had a superior cultivation talent than that old man.

"Minos Stuart, it's a pleasure to meet someone so famous." He said as he stopped at the end of that table, where King Stuart was standing next to him.

"It's nice to meet you too," Minos said without formally speaking since he was also a sovereign and did not need to refer to such a person as Your Majesty.

Even knowing this, Margot and Joseph felt slightly annoyed to hear the casual way Minos answered the Emperor while this man's two wives looked at the brown-haired young man.

But Isabella did not think it terrible, already expecting something like this from the man who had dared to touch her so intimately. "Father, King Stuart and I fought a bit, as you suggested."

"Oh? Is that true?" Harold looked at the nervous Minos.

Minos bitterly smiled and said. "Princess Isabella is exaggerating. I just learned a few moves from..."

He was still saying when Isabella said. "You can call me Bella if you like."

Gulp!

Harold looked at her, finding it inappropriate for his daughter to behave that way. "It seems that you two have gotten to know each other quite well, no? You're even suggesting something so intimate."

"So what was the result? How impressive is King Stuart?" The Empress asked Isabella.

Isabella saw her father's look but said nothing relevant. "He only showed a few simple movements. So I can't say for sure, but I have the impression that the rumors about him are true..."

Harold sighed as he realized that his daughter had not understood what he wanted. He wanted her to fight Minos so that he would know what this young man's power was like. But Isabella had only had fun with this young man and only seen the basics.

Harold could not help but be disappointed!

Minos ignored their comments, while he was relieved that Isabella did not say anything about the things they did, nor about his techniques.

He then tried to steer these people away from matters troublesome to him. "So, Emperor, I wonder if you wouldn't be interested in an agreement between our states? I have some things in mind that might solve the problems on the northern border of the Empire and generate benefits for both sides."

"Oh? And what would that be?" Harold asked, as everyone was already seated, beginning to eat what had been prepared for this meal.

Minos cut a piece of red meat on his plate and said. "In the future, the Black Plain will become much more influential than it is now. For starters, my family will lead Vogel and eventually control the alliance of those four states."

"We already have everything in place for that to start being put into practice, and in a few decades, the realization of such a plan will be achieved."

"Is that so?" Harold looked with interest at Minos. "And what would I gain from that? Do you understand that these states are my enemies? Why do you think I would want someone leading them against me? I'd rather they stay separated."

The people there became a little tenser upon hearing that, with only Minos and Harold well enough to continue eating and arguing.

Minos said. "The Black Plain will be stronger than these four states in the future. So what would happen if they stood between my state and the Empire when we were allies? They would have no option but to give up their opposition!"

"That's what I propose. Permanently solve the Empire's problem with these states without much bloodshed."

The Flaming Empire was in an advantageous position with the fall of the Vogel family. But to dominate those states, this organization would still have to sacrifice many men, which was not so interesting.

If they could dominate opponents using only fear, without actually clashing, it would be the best thing for the Edwardstone family.

"That sounds promising..." The Emperor muttered as Minos' wives chewed their food slowly, trying not to create any sounds to disturb these two. "But what about the Black Plain? From what you are saying, you intend to become as strong or stronger than the Empire..."

The Emperor's wives, Isabella and Gloria's parents, looked at Minos, understanding that Harold was already thinking about what would happen if he allowed this problem to be solved but also to create a competitor.

"I heard that your state is already doing a competition in your region that competes with the Spiritual Tournament." He commented on this information that had reached his ears.

He sincerely doubted that the Black Plain would become as big as the Flaming Empire in the future. After all, not long ago, that place was impoverished.

How would such a transition happen in that place?

But since Minos was there, Harold decided to go along with what this young man was proposing to find out exactly what he wanted and whether it would be to the Empire's advantage to side with the Black Plain.

Minos smiled upon hearing that. "Well, many states are stronger than the Flaming Empire in the Central Continent. So why would it be a problem for there to be one more? If it is an ally, that could very well mean that the Empire will have an easier time dealing with higher level states."

"We may even resolve the situation with the Flower Kingdom."

...