Kazuo PoV
I took a deep breath as we approached a border outpost. Kasai no Ki still occupied a small area west of the Kuroki mountains. An area once held by my father. The mountains formed a natural barrier between our kingdoms, a jagged spine of rock and tree tops that had witnessed countless battles.
The outpost was made out of wood, but had dozens of ballistae on its walls. The flag of Kasai no Ki, a green flag with a red sun, flew high above the gate.
I held up my hands as we approached, a gesture of peace. The guards on the wall watched us, their crossbows loaded and ready. They were tense, suspicious. They had every right to be, given our kingdoms' uneasy peace.
Natsumi, on the other hand, looked utterly unfazed. "Hello, guard. We're here to embark on a diplomatic mission. We desire to see your King. So, let us in," she said, her chin raised high and a smug smile on her lips.
