"You're getting ahead of yourself," Ava said with a small smile. "How the spoils are divided is a matter for the great nobles of the kingdom. We are merely their representatives here in Soaring Bird City. Don't worry, a directive from the capital will arrive soon enough."
Ava could see the same political chessboard as her nephew. The challenge for them was not to decide the game, but to maximize their own position as the pieces were moved.
"I'll go and prepare, Aunt Ava. The delegates from the other factions will be here for the preliminary talks tomorrow."
"Go on, then."
Emerald Dream Realm, Dragonflame Island.
Under the relentless bombardment of meteors and lightning, the entire island—save for the area protected by the Dragon Nest's ward—had been reduced to a smoldering ruin. The sky was a bruised, violet-red canvas of fire and electricity.
