Once everyone was cleaned up, they left the inn and walked through the streets until they stopped in front of a brothel. They entered and were greeted by a waiter. One of the men whispered something and they were escorted to the back of the building.
They went through the courtyard, through a door and entered another courtyard. The waiter stopped there and returned. Malek stood in the yard, talking to Bira and another woman.
Lai rushed forward. "Mia!" She hugged the woman tightly, the two spun around happily. Bira cleared her throat and they pulled apart. The two men that escorted the women had disappeared. Mia looked at looked, pinching her cheek. "I've missed you." Lai smiled. "I missed you too."
Lai looked at Malek and nodded, then she bowed her head to Bira. Lai and Mia are cousins. It was rare to see families working directly under Poloria but the cousins barely saw each other so these reunions were as rare as they working under Poloria.
"When did you get here? I thought I was the closest after Ruby." Lai was serving Palari who returned to Lino after her sister's death instead of going home. "We arrived a month ago and no, we also don't know why we were called here either." Mia confirmed.
A woman walked out and cleared her throat. "Excuse me." Everyone turned to her. None of them knew who she was but Bira, who was here the longest, bowed her head in greeting and the others followed suit.
"My name is Naida. I help manage the businesses belonging to Master in Ojun." She introduced herself simply. "You're a manager? I thought they didn't have names?" Ruby asked.
"If I was Manager of the Pendant Tower here, I would've said so." She turned. "Follow me." She walked towards the main hall and they followed. "When you enter, bow and greet the Young Master properly. He's already irritated by your lateness." Naida instructed them walking up the steps.
The doors opened and they stepped in. Naida bowed and walked forward; she stood to the left of the young man sitting in the main seat.
He wore a gold metal mask that only left his right eye to be seen. His eyes were closed and he leaned on the arm rest as a woman wearing a veil gently massaged his temples. Though they didn't know this young man, they did as Naida said and bowed. "Greetings, Young Master."
Tara and Evian were the most confused out of everyone. They personally saw all the young masters and young ladies before they left. Not a single one was missing, so who is this young Master and how does he have the power to call on them?
"The reason I've called you here is simple. The leader of Yalki needs to change." He opened his eyes and looked directly at Ruby. "Lyria Grazie, it's about time you fulfilled your role as the Princess of Yalki."
The indifferent look in Naida's eyes flickered to surprise for a moment before the indifference came back. Ruby was taken aback. She wasn't expecting this at all. "I don't wish-" She was cut off. "My mother didn't save you for you to serve her forever. You'll do as I say because this is how she intended."
The young man looked away from Ruby and his eyes focused on Mia. "You were by mother's side in the war, and you fought in many battles on your own. You'll be the general. Come up with a plan in two days' time that makes sense. I shouldn't have to revise it otherwise, what use are you?" Mia bowed her head but didn't say anything.
He looked at Bira. "You'll be Deputy General." Bira nodded. "You." He looked at Evian. "From tomorrow onwards, you're the new Manager. I don't think I need to say more." He looked at Tara. "You'll take over for Naida temporarily while she's looking after the future Queen of Yalki."
"I don't need-" Ruby's words were cut off again. "If you weren't useful then you would be dead. Shut up." Ruby lowered her head. He looked at Lai and didn't say anything for a few seconds.
"Since I called you here why are you in contact with Princess Palari? I don't wish for my aunt to annoy me, do you understand?" Lai lowered her head to the ground. "Yes, young master." He nodded.
"Good. Now leave. Naida will show you to your residences and explain the rules here." They bowed to him once more and then left the room.
"Feeling better?" The woman asked him softly. "I would if they hadn't become so incompetent. Only one person gets a pass, but the others have become burdens." The woman chuckled softly. "They will get the work done, don't worry about it too much."
He pulled the woman into his lap, took off his mask and smiled at her. "We'll see how they do first." The woman took off her veil. "Don't get too angry. Mother wouldn't want to see you like that." He nodded. "I'll listen to you."
In the courtyard, Naida stood in front of them. "The rules are simple. Once you leave this courtyard, you will not enter again unless given permission. Violators die. Don't ask questions that don't concern the mission. Violators die. Unauthorized contact with others that have nothing to do with the organization underneath master is forbidden. Violators die." She smiled.
"You're all smart people. Don't make blood have to be spread here. It'll ruin the atmosphere." Mia stepped forward. "Since the mission is to make ruby Queen. Why not have her leading the war against Yalki?" She asked.
"She's pregnant, any other questions?" Mia turned to Ruby. "You're pregnant?" Ruby looked at Lai as she touched her stomach. "Yes. That's why the carriage was sent." Lai confirmed.
"Master did it. Why can't she?" Naida scoffed. "Are you truly asking me that question?" Mia remained silent.
"I will show you to your residences." Naida led through a gate and into the street. They walked through two more streets before stopping. "These houses." She pointed at the entire street. "Everyone can choose one to live in. Together or apart, the choice is yours." Naida said before walking away.