Saito walked alongside Marquis and Takashi toward the meeting room, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor.
They settled into their seats around the table.
Marquis folded his hands, glancing between them.
"Well..."
"I'm not entirely sure how to approach this."
"There's no single king or ruling leader in this city, is there?"
Takashi adjusted his glasses.
"Correct."
"Everyone here operates somewhat independently."
He gestured toward Saito.
"But I can say confidently — Saito is considered the leader here in Lorum."
Saito raised both hands quickly.
"Whoa, hold on—"
"I'm not the leader of Jokun City."
"That'd be Shiro."
Marquis blinked.
"Who's this Shiro?"
Saito leaned back slightly.
"A Primordeus."
Marquis's eyes widened.
"Oh—"
He sat up straighter, clearly impressed.
"Of course... the God of Freedom rules Jokun City."
He glanced around curiously.
"So, where is he now?"
Saito rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Unfortunately, Your Highness..."
"We actually have a mission we need to prepare for."
Marquis's expression shifted instantly, apologetic.
"Oh—my apologies."
"I didn't mean to intrude."
Saito shook his head quickly.
"No, no, you're not intruding at all."
"Just... maybe not the best timing."
Beside Marquis, Aria sighed, giving him a pointed look.
"I told you, darling."
"We should've waited at least a week before visiting."
Marquis rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling awkwardly.
"I know, I know..."
Takashi smiled faintly, shaking his head at the exchange.
"Well, since you're already here..."
"Let's make the most of it."
An hour later, footsteps approached from the hallway.
Four figures entered the meeting room, filing in one by one, taking their seats beside Takashi.
Saito gestured toward them proudly.
"Before we continue..."
"Let me introduce my mayors."
He nodded toward the oldest among them.
"Fein, mayor of Kor Village."
"Our intelligence advisor."
Fein gave a respectful nod, leaning on his cane.
"A pleasure, Your Highness."
Saito shifted his attention to a younger man beside him.
"This one here, Gein."
"Mayor of Hiraki Village."
"And our military general."
Gein offered a firm, disciplined nod toward Marquis.
Saito gestured next to Rick.
"Rick, mayor of Grizzly Village."
"Our minister of Crops."
Rick chuckled, giving a small wave.
"Nice to formally meet you, sir."
Finally, Saito turned to the youngest of the group.
"And this one—"
"John, mayor of Bypass Village."
"Our minister of Events."
"Also leader of the Invokers."
John grinned, offering an enthusiastic bow.
"Pleasure's all mine, Your Highness!"
Marquis glanced around the table, visibly impressed.
"Wow..."
"This is practically a structured organization."
Saito grinned, leaning back in his chair.
"And you've already met Takashi."
"Mayor of Lorum, and our Grand Minister."
Takashi adjusted his glasses, nodding politely.
Marquis let out a low whistle, clearly reassessing his initial assumptions.
"I have to admit..."
"I underestimated just how organized your territory really is, Saito."
Martha leaned over slightly, eyes wide with amusement.
"Wow..."
"Feels like Saito's basically a king at this point."
Saito raised a hand quickly, shaking his head.
"No, no, definitely not a king."
"Just... a guy with a lot of paperwork."
The room chuckled lightly at that.
Marquis cleared his throat, straightening.
"Well, regardless of titles..."
He gestured toward the document laid out on the table.
"Your mayors will serve as witnesses to this alliance."
Saito nodded, glancing around at Fein, Gein, Rick, John, and Takashi.
"Alright, everyone."
"Let's make this official."
Marquis reached for an ornate leather-bound pen, dipping it carefully before signing his name across the parchment with practiced precision.
He slid the document toward Saito.
Saito took a steady breath, grabbing the pen.
"Here goes..."
He signed his name beneath Marquis's, the ink settling firmly into place.
He passed it down the table.
One by one, the mayors added their signatures — Fein with a calm, practiced hand, Gein signing sharply and efficiently, Rick humming cheerfully as he wrote, and John scribbling his name with an excited flourish.
Takashi signed last, carefully setting the pen down and giving a satisfied nod.
"There."
He looked up at Marquis.
"Officially recognized."
Marquis smiled, extending a hand toward Saito.
"To a strong alliance between Roma and Jokun's Blue Scarf territory."
Saito grinned, shaking his hand firmly.
"To a strong alliance."
The room erupted into light applause, the weight of the moment settling comfortably among them all.
Saito stepped out onto the balcony, treaty in hand, moonlight catching the edges of the parchment.
Marquis followed close behind, Aria and Martha at his side.
The mayors filed out after them — Fein, Gein, Rick, John, and Takashi — lining up along the railing.
Below, the courtyard stretched wide, packed with villagers from every corner of Saito's territory, all gathered in anticipation, murmurs rippling through the crowd.
Saito raised the treaty high above his head.
"People of Lorum..."
His voice carried across the courtyard.
"Of Kor, Hiraki, Grizzly, and Bypass..."
He grinned widely.
"Today, we officially stand allied with Roma City!"
The crowd erupted.
Cheers rang out, thunderous and joyful, echoing off the mansion walls.
Villagers threw their hands into the air, embracing one another, celebrating the moment together.
From somewhere near the treeline, a long, resonant howl rose into the evening sky.
Then another.
The wolfbeasts of the territory answered the celebration in their own way, their howls weaving together beneath the rising moonlight, wild and triumphant.
Martha leaned toward Saito, grinning.
"They really do love you, you know."
Saito rubbed the back of his neck, smiling bashfully as he watched his people celebrate below.
"Yeah..."
He glanced out at the joyous crowd, warmth swelling in his chest.
"I love them too."
Marquis placed a hand on his shoulder, watching the scene with quiet pride.
"This is a good alliance, ac, Saito."
"Truly."
The moon rose higher, bathing the celebrating village in silver light, the sound of cheers and howls carrying long into the night.
In the living room, Marquis, Aria, and Martha stood near the doorway, bags already packed, ready for the journey back to Roma City.
Saito leaned against the frame, arms crossed.
"Oh, come on."
"You could at least stay the night."
Marquis offered an apologetic smile, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, Saito."
"We're planning to head back tonight."
He sighed, rubbing his temple.
"We're still in the middle of rebuilding the city."
"There's a lot waiting for us back home."
Saito nodded slowly, understanding.
"I see..."
"Makes sense."
Marquis adjusted his coat, glancing toward the door.
"Besides..."
"We don't want to get in the way of your mission either."
He gave a small, respectful nod.
"You've already given us more than enough of your time."
Aria stepped forward, offering a warm smile.
"Thank you again, Saito."
"For everything."
Saito rubbed the back of his neck, a little bashful.
"It's really nothing, Your Highness."
"We're allies now, remember?"
"This is just what allies do."
Martha stepped closer, giving him a small wave.
"Goodbye, Saito."
"Take care of yourself out there, okay?"
Saito waved back, smiling.
"You too, Martha."
"Try not to get into too much trouble without us."
Martha laughed softly.
"No promises."
Before they could head for the door, Alya and Fanny rushed over, pulling Martha into a tight group hug.
"Don't be a stranger, okay?" Fanny said, squeezing tighter.
Alya nodded, smiling. "Send word if you ever need anything."
Martha hugged them back warmly, laughing. "I will, I promise. You two better visit Roma again soon."
Marquis chuckled, watching the exchange. "It seems our daughter has made quite the bond with your crew, Saito."
Saito grinned. "That's what happens when you fight side by side, I guess."
Aria smiled softly, taking Martha's hand. "Come, dear. The carriage is waiting."
With final waves and a few more parting words, the royal family made their way outside, climbing into their carriage as the night settled comfortably over Lorum Village.
Saito stood at the entrance, watching the carriage roll away into the darkness, a content smile lingering on his face.