-Prior-
Prior still felt like she was in a sweet dream as she went to see Evlina.
When she stood in front of her door and knocked, it took a few moments before it opened.
"So early?" Evlina said in surprise.
Prior was still standing in the doorway. "I thought we should come right after breakfast."
Evlina thought for a moment. "Come in. I'll let the others know."
Prior entered Evlina's room and waited until she sat down.
"Everything sorted out?" Evlina asked, looking at her with amusement.
Prior felt a little uneasy but nodded.
Evlina sighed. "You don't need to worry."
Prior looked at her in surprise.
"Kashion… he… he doesn't waver even for a moment when it comes to you."
Evlina didn't sound pleased—more like she was slowly coming to terms with something.
Prior couldn't fight her smile and felt a calm warmth rise inside her again.
Evlina didn't say anything further and instead read something on her tab.
Not long after, Talina and Professor Keron arrived. They briefly discussed things and then set off to see Crown Prince Rein.
Rein had already been waiting with Taner and grinned when he saw Princess Evlina.
They all took seats in his room.
"Glad to see you, Princess." Then he looked at Prior. "And you too, Prior." He even winked at her.
Then his attention returned fully to Evlina.
"So, am I becoming more interesting now?" Rein asked her.
Evlina laughed. "Indeed."
"I'd be happy to show you again what we can offer. Our scientists already have ideas on how these metals could be used on Saturn."
The scientists perked up. He showed them some documents, and Professor Keron in particular was thrilled.
Even Prior had to admit inwardly that Feuerfelder had become extremely attractive as a partner for Saturn.
"But there is one condition," Rein said.
They looked at him expectantly.
He laughed. "Kashion is an old friend of mine. I will supply together with him as part of an alliance—and in return receive Aethereleum."
Prior looked at Rein, and this statement suddenly made him seem different. She hadn't found him particularly likable before, but since he was on Kashion's side—and even his friend—she felt an immediate connection to him.
"That's not a problem," Evlina replied. "Saturn receives from Earth and supplies to Earth. How things are distributed on Earth is not of concern to us."
Rein laughed. "Maybe it will be. And don't be deceived—things seem calm right now, but I don't think that will last."
The Saturians fell silent. On Saturn, there were fewer political conflicts. Of course, there were groups dissatisfied with things—like the New Dawn—but the three realms were not truly in competition with one another.
But Prior had learned that Earth had been marked by recurring conflicts for centuries—especially over territory and resources.
-Kashion-
During his discussions with his advisors, Kashion kept thinking of Prior. He had to constantly fight to stay focused and not suddenly start smiling in the middle of important conversations.
"As I know Count Kashk Rutz, he ultimately won't be satisfied with your proposal," Tendol remarked.
"We're simply not far enough yet—especially with the new materials," Pil added.
Kashion took a deep breath. "But the lab is already experimenting with them?"
Pil nodded. "They're working at full capacity. But I think it's too early for testing."
Kashion shook his head. "We need to run the tests as soon as possible."
"It's risky," Pil warned.
"I'll take that risk."
Pil shook his head. "It could backfire."
"If we do nothing, it will look even worse," Tendol countered.
"They'll run the first tests tomorrow," Kashion said.
"That's far too early!" Pil protested.
"The representatives of the other realms won't stay here forever. I trust our scientists," Kashion replied.
"I've known Kashk Rutz for a long time—from earlier negotiations, even with your father. I suspect that even if the tests succeed, he won't be satisfied with your guarantee. He'll likely propose penalties if we fail to deliver," Tendol said.
Terland was simply too powerful an opponent. Even an alliance of Tingdao, Ostrand, and Feuerfelder might not be enough to stand against it.
"In the worst case, we'll have to agree to possible penalties in the contract," Kashion said.
Tendol let out a loud, provocative sigh. "If you weren't so stubborn, everything could be much easier."
Kashion let out a dry laugh. "Even if you're my brother-in-law, I expect more respect from you in official matters." He was tired of hearing the same accusations over and over again.
The room fell silent.
Tendol wouldn't apologize—that much was clear. He cleared his throat.
"Then let's talk about what would be feasible for Tingdao without causing too much damage," he said at last.
-Prior-
After the meeting with Rein, nothing else was planned for the day.
Prior had received a message from Professor Nara suggesting they meet in the city.
Apparently, the scientists had worked almost all night on the dysprosium sample, and Nara wanted to show her some results.
So Prior set off. Aside from the labs, she hadn't seen much of Lantian yet. Nara had sent her the coordinates of a café not far from the laboratories.
Fortunately, Lantian's infrastructure was excellent. Not far from the palace, there were hover shuttles transporting people to various destinations, as well as underground trains.
Prior preferred the underground system—it was exciting, since nothing like it existed on Saturn, and it was pleasantly cool down there.
But as she left the palace and headed toward the station, she had a strange feeling—like someone was watching her. She turned around several times, looking in all directions. There were people around, but nothing seemed suspicious.
She was probably imagining it because of the warning about the New Dawn.
And even if not—she doubted she herself would be a target. She was far too insignificant.
A short while later, she arrived in the district.
It was a quieter area of the city, with even some old houses—some of them looking like they were from another era. On her way to the café, she passed an interesting street: a tree-lined avenue with cobblestones and old buildings. A sign labeled it "Old Street Lantian." Prior had to laugh. Not very creative. She didn't have time now, but she made a mental note to come back later.
Eventually, she reached the café. Nara, Yin, and Tin were already waiting for her. She was happy to see familiar faces again.
But as she approached, she noticed the mood was different.
The three of them looked at her curiously.
Prior greeted them and sat down. They were still watching her.
"Is there something on me?" she asked uncertainly.
Nara started laughing. "You could put it that way."
Prior looked down at herself to check for stains.
Nara laughed again. "No, Prior. Everything's fine. It's just interesting to meet the woman who has our ruler's attention."
Prior inhaled sharply and felt herself blush. She looked down at the table, then finally dared to meet their eyes again.
"I hope you'll still talk to me normally."
"Let's order something to drink first. Then we can tell you about our new findings," Nara suggested.
"But I definitely want to hear more about this story," Yin added.
Prior laughed. Yin and her love for gossip.
"I'll tell you everything soon, okay?"
That seemed to satisfy Yin—for now—and they began discussing the lab results.
The most interesting part was that dysprosium seemed to react strongly with the metallic hydrogen in Aethereleum. The reaction was stronger than they had expected. That was good—but also made things riskier.
"It could be more explosive than we assume," Nara said.
"Then it should be handled carefully, and tests shouldn't be rushed," Prior replied.
The three exchanged glances, and Nara bit her lower lip.
"What is it?" Prior asked.
"Prince Kashion wants us to run the first tests tomorrow."
Prior inhaled sharply. Already?
"But…" She stopped herself. She had almost said it was crazy. She didn't want to sound like she was speaking against him.
"How will the test be conducted?" she asked instead.
"We have flight drones. They'll simulate spacecraft, and we'll adjust the fuel quantities. It's all quite unfinished. But we also know there's enormous pressure on Tingdao."
Prior nodded, somewhat relieved. At least drones meant no people would be in danger.
She looked over the data and shook her head. This mixture felt like an unpredictable beast.
She would talk to Kashion later. She was convinced it would be better to wait.
Why did he want to rush this so much?
-Kashion-
That day felt like one meeting after another.
At least he and his advisors—and the High Council—had managed to develop a joint strategy.
They had also informed the scientists that the first tests would take place the next day. No one had supported the decision.
But Kashion wanted to believe in a small miracle.
And if it failed?
Then at least they would know what they needed to work on.