Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

"If you were to gain control of everything within this forest and its surrounding territories, it's possible you could amass wealth and power surpassing even my own nation," Gazel stated. "That is why it is imperative for you to secure the support of another country."

Kaede sighed, tracing her finger along the rim of her glass. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I have no plans to expand beyond the Great River."

The room fell silent as the companions of both rulers paused their conversations, turning their attention to the discussion.

Gazel raised an eyebrow. "May I ask why?"

Kaede leaned back slightly. "It's a personal decision. But my mind is made up. I may rule over Eastern Jura now -somehow- but I will not expand past the Great River." Her tone left no room for argument.

'Jura is already massive. My workload would triple if I tried to manage all of it. There are way too many monsters in the west, and I'd have to name them all. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Not to mention, Shifu's tribe is there, along with several other strong monsters, more names, more responsibility. Hard pass. Besides… there's that powerful presence that appeared after Veldora vanished. Whatever it is, maybe I can make it the ruler instead.'

"I see." Gazel nodded. "That's understandable. However, my offer still stands. Would you be interested in entering a treaty with me?"

Kaede glanced at her companions. The Goblin King, Gaius, nodded with a bright smile. Cam Haulia gave her a thumbs-up. Aurina and Hachi exchanged knowing looks before nodding, each wearing warm smiles.

Crimara, however, was slumped over the table, completely unconscious from drinking too much.

Meanwhile, Delta, the wolf-eared girl, wagged her tail enthusiastically, an unmistakable sign of approval.

Kaede sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "I don't see why not. King Gazel Dwargo, I am interested in entering a treaty with you."

Gazel nodded in approval. "Thank you. Now, all that's left is for you to decide on a name for your nation. Or do you still plan to go with Maple Tree?"

Kaede stiffened. "Yeah, about that..." She let out a nervous laugh. 'I only picked that name because it was the first thing that came to mind. It's the closest thing I've ever technically ruled, but for a country? It's kind of ridiculous...'

"That may not exactly be the best,"

Before she could finish, Hachi clasped her hands together with a bright smile. "That sounds like a wonderful name!"

Crimara, who had been passed out just moments ago, suddenly shot up, raising her drink. "Yes! A truly fitting name for my lady's nation! No other name is worthy!"

Shifu nodded, admiration in his eyes. "An excellent choice. It perfectly represents our Lady."

Kaede nearly choked on her drink. 'You don't even know what it means!'

Gazel stood up with a satisfied smile. "It sounds like it's settled."

Kaede let out a sigh of resignation, though there was warmth in her expression. "I guess so." She glanced at her companions, who were still celebrating the decision. 'At least this way, if anyone from New World Online ever shows up, they'll have to come here. Even if it's just out of curiosity... and hopefully... Sally.'

She noticed Gazel extending his hand for a handshake and, after a brief pause, took it firmly.

As their hands clasped, a mischievous grin spread across Kaede's face. "Now, about those reparations..."

A sudden chill ran down Gazel's spine, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. 'Why do I have a bad feeling about this?'

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaede wasn't the only one engaged in diplomatic talks.

Earlier that morning, Ari had set out for the Kyusha Mountains to negotiate the city's expansion into the region. Her goal was to discuss terms with the mountains' long-standing inhabitants.

The Tengu.

A strong wind swept through Ari's platinum hair as she neared the mountain's peak.

She gradually came to a stop, her body tensing.

A moment later, her shoulder bulged, darkening as a new form emerged.

A sleek, black drone detached from her, hovering before her like the ones Kaede often used for reconnaissance. However, unlike Kaede's mechanical creations, this drone pulsed with the unmistakable signature of a living being. Tiny red lights blinked beneath its frame as it awaited her command.

Ari smirked. 'Go. Find anything that seems out of place. If they're hiding, we'll flush them out. Be sure to focus on illusions as well.'

The drone quivered in acknowledgment before darting into the sky.

Almost immediately, nineteen more of its kind formed and followed suit, spreading out to sweep the mountains.

---

The Tengu also known as the Long-Nosed Tribe are a group of individuals residing in the Kyusha Mountains that border the Jura Forest, the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia and the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion.

Although they compose a relatively small population residing in the mountain range, they are worshipped as gods of the mountains.

Given that they inhabit the intricate mountain range outside of the Forest of Jura not even the Sky Queen Frey or Emperor Elmesia would dare to disturb them.

"Lady Momiji, we have found an intruder attempting to breach the barrier," a red-masked man reported, his large white wings neatly folded against his back.

Before him, a petite girl sat kneeling on a woven mat in a wooden chamber, meditating. -I don't need to do this, Mother. I am perfectly capable of being patient.-

She had white hair with red-tipped strands, and atop her head, a pair of wolf-like ears twitched at the intrusion. Slowly, she opened her eyes, revealing slitted irises that gleamed like a predator's.

"Who dares to intrude upon our domain?" she asked, her voice calm yet commanding. "Is this an invasion?"

The guard shook his head. "Not exactly, my lady. As soon as she was detected, she stopped and requested an audience with you. She claims to be an envoy from that city we observed a few months ago."

"An envoy?" Momiji rose to her feet, gracefully stepping toward the room's open balcony. The morning sun caught in her hair, accentuating the crimson hues at its tips. "How many are with her?"

"None," the guard replied. "She came alone."

Momiji's brow furrowed in surprise. "Alone? Do they take us so lightly?" Then she paused, considering the possibility. "Or perhaps she is someone of considerable power."

The guard smirked with pride. "Either way, my lady, we will show her exactly who she's dealing with."

Momiji mirrored his expression, her golden eyes gleaming. "Exactly. Let her in."

Momiji made her way to the central building of the village, the designated site for the meeting. It was a sacred hall where important matters were discussed, and today was no exception.

She did not have to wait long. The guards soon arrived, escorting the envoy inside. Momiji stood at the head of the room, flanked on either side by two of the village's strongest warriors, their presence a silent warning.

The moment her gaze fell upon the envoy, a single thought surged through Momiji's mind.

Strong!

Her right eye twitched slightly as she appraised the woman before her.

The envoy stood nearly seven feet tall, towering over most of the Tengu. Her platinum-white hair shimmered under the dim lighting, and two black antennae protruded from her forehead, an unusual but distinct feature. She was clad in all-black clothing, typically worn by men, yet it did nothing to diminish her femininity. Instead, it only accentuated the powerful yet graceful aura she exuded.

Momiji's frown deepened when her gaze landed on the envoy's chest, noting the twin bulges beneath her uniform.

She clicked her tongue silently, then quickly composed herself as the envoy offered a polite nod before settling onto the woven mat opposite Momiji and her entourage.

The room grew tense with silence.

.

.

.

More silence.

.

.

Even more silence.

.

.

Eve...

"Will you say something already?!" Momiji blurted out, unable to contain her frustration any longer.

The envoy smirked, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh? My apologies if I seemed rude. I was simply waiting for the head of the Tengu to arrive. Or… am I to speak with a child instead?"

Momiji's ears twitched in irritation. "Wha...!" She shot to her feet, eyes blazing. "I am the head of the Tengu!!"

The envoy's eyes widened slightly in what seemed to be surprise, though Momiji was certain it was feigned.

"My deepest apologies," the woman said smoothly, inclining her head. "It appears I have slighted you. Please accept my sincerest condolences."

Momiji gritted her teeth. 'She's just trying to rile me up.' Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down, imagining her mother's voice reminding her to be patient.

She settled back onto her mat, her anger fading. "State your business."

The envoy nodded, a graceful smile playing on her lips. "My name is Ari, my lady. I come on behalf of the city a few clicks from these mountains. You see, my mother plans to expand our territory in this direction. We will be establishing a city within the mountain range."

The air grew tense as Momiji snapped her fan shut with a sharp 'clack!' "Explain yourself. Are you claiming this land as your own?"

If Ari was intimidated, she didn't show it. Her smile remained as she replied, "It's not so much 'claiming' as it is 'already' ours. My mother rules the entirety of eastern Jura, after all."

"Insolence!" one of the Tengu beside Momiji roared, slamming his fist onto the floor. "We Tengu have guarded these mountains for centuries—even demon lords dare not disturb us! We don't care about your mother or any other tyrants. She must be a fool if she thinks..."

CLANG!

Sparks flashed as Momiji's metal fan intercepted a pitch-black katana inches from the warrior's face.

Momiji's eyes widened. 'Haze style? So heavy!'

Ari leaped back to her mat, smoothly sheathing her blade before picking up a small red cup of tea. She took a delicate sip. "My apologies. I let my anger get the best of me."

Momiji trembled with fury. "You! How dare you?!"

Instantly, the room filled with Tengu warriors, their weapons drawn and pointed at Ari's neck.

Yet the platinum-haired envoy remained unbothered, taking another sip from her cup as if nothing had happened.

Momiji stepped forward, her voice laced with venom. "It seems your people desire war. Try that stunt again, and we will cut you down where you sit. You and your mother will regret making an enemy of us."

Still calm, Ari spoke. "You don't want to go to war with us. Trust me."

Momiji narrowed her eyes. "Oh? You sound rather confident for someone at the mercy of my warriors. One wrong move, and you'll die where you sit."

The blades pressed tighter against Ari's throat. Yet she only smiled.

"Using my hands against you might be overkill," she said, her voice smooth and chilling. "My voice is enough."

A shiver ran down Momiji's spine. The air in the room grew eerily cold.

"Quick, stop her before she...!"

But it was too late.

"ARISE."