[b]Slapjšzemesgrad, Rietumish SR, Rietumimark[/b]

[i]“You would be more or less unsurprised to learn that I was taught by some of the finest men in all Akai. It was and well is comparable to the classical education given to the Romans although all the more intense and fruitful in my case. The Lord Commander of the Riyeskonsu served as my tutor when it came to the matter of arms, the Grand Lord for the Treasury as my economics tutor, my father Jieke as a politics tutor, several religious scholars for the topic of faith and philosophy, and scholars of the great universities were all mine to use. And use them I did, I am at least competent in virtually all areas which relate to my status as a ruler, and do possess considerable skill in other fields. I apologise if that sounded boastful, but it was purely factual in intent. My education was giving me the tools help improve my nation and the world beyond it.”[/i] the young Ditu replied to Madara’s inquiry, much to her delight...a little more of the veil of mystery of Hulang’s background being slowly removed, one tiny tidbit of information at a time.

“That is indeed, a very impressive list,” Madara remarked, genuinely impressed the Ditu’s list of tutors, although it was no surprise. From what she’d heard and later ascertained that was Jieke was not for doing things half-arsed, everything he did was meticulous, a man who executed his plans with clinical efficiency. “That is an extremely striking list of tutors of expert calibre, it is no wonder that you have been such an effective leader, far more that many leaders of similar background,.” she said, referring to the likes of the debauched womaniser Nathan of Ghant, apparently not seeing the irony in such a statement - regards to Rietumimark’s own Paramount Leader’s behaviour. “But’s enough of my chattering, don’t let me hog you. Belinda, would you like to guide him to meet the rest of the family.” she said with the facade of a smile.

But not unlike a moth attracted to a flame, she continued to hover in visual range, her beady amber eyes closely watching the young Ditu’s movements as he when through the arduous task of being introduced to the expansive Ozoliņš brood. Her eyes narrowing when Hulang pulled aside Indulis to talk briefly in private. She seemed to affected more than most at the crass effrontery laid before her during the Paramount Leader's blunder, although she quickly recovered, taking her seat beside her husband Raimonds, well in audible range of Hulang and the rest of the Akai entourage. She too took part in the rapturous applause following Hulang’s speech and listened with a particular curiosity at Hulang’s conversation with Alise.

[i]“Well it seems we have just found another mutually beneficial arrangement. You see Akai more or less possesses the technology to achieve this for sure and the economic backing to do so.”[/i] the Ditu replied, a grin which emitted confidence intermixed with an undertone of superiority. [i]“On the topic of trade in general, I imagine a resumption of trade would be possible one peace has been established. We would probably allow the importation of luxuries at a reasonable price if possible as well as supplements of basic products.” [/i]

“That’s excellent news,” Alise began calmly, hiding her excitement at the prospect of all the revenue such a trade deal would generate, to feed the Rietumish war machine and its ongoing military modernisation programme.  Her initial inclination was to begin a propaganda-esque, anti-globalist, anti-Gentry speech on the importance of those who oppose such forces must remain self-sufficient and unbeholden to foreign, imperialistic powers. A pragmatist before an ideologue, she opted to cut through the normal Party bullshit and decided to be far more direct. “Akai technology will greatly assist with our efforts for the exploitation of the large natural gas reserves lying just beneath the surface of the Autonomous Republic of Deweden. Rest assure, the Akai investment will greatly help improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom unfortunately reside in poverty and instability thanks to in large part foreign sponsored-terrorists and criminals. I will make it my mission, once this crisis is over, to get the Ministry of the Exploitation of Natural Resources get in touch and begin negotiations to nail down the specifics of the deal.”


“Good, I do not wish to be too reliant upon FODE myself, while I am friends with the New Edom… Crown Princess Jocasta Obed, I cannot hold such great trust in the rest of the organisation. And he who controls the oil controls the world as the Akai proverb goes. Removing a FODE monopoly there means that we are freer in our actions and provides an incentive for both of us to keep South Deweden under our control,” Hulang responded his voice cold and as calculated as ever.

The events preceding Alise reply when off smoothly, with no major points of interest beyond an attempt at probing into Hulang’s personal life - to which he replied: “[i] “She is doing quite well, she is currently handling the court in my absence and dealing with the nobility as per usual. If you are more interested in her personally she is current rearing her new twins Prince Aboluo and Princess Adimisi, born after her recent marriage to Colonel Marshal Molxue Woerjin of the Geluxu.”[/i] he said in a very matter-fact and unemotive tone as his grin faded from his face. Apparently suspecting that was all she was going to get out of Hulang, she decided wisely to probe any further.

The main event came when a pair of servants bestowed the Akai Ditu a mighty medieval blade of the Lord Commander of the Rietumish Royal Guard. Hulang had a boyish enthusiasm underneath the stoical mask he wore throughout this time among the serpents of the Ozoliņš brood. For the first time Belinda saw Hulang not as the adult...leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world as his maturity portrayed, but rather the boy he still was and she seemed forget. [i]“A great honour I assure you,”[/i] the young Akai Ditu spoke, a large grin adorning his strange face, stepping away from the table with a seemingly expert like level control of his body, striding over towards his own guards. The fine blade was lifted before his face diving it into two; it was held in his gloved right hand as his left remained hidden behind his back. Then, suddenly, one of the Ditu’s guard, armed with far more traditional modernised and partially ceremonial dao variant, prepared themselves to duel there master. The air was sucked out of the room as the Ozoliņš stared in amazing at the show about to play out before their very eyes; for many, it was the first time they’d ever seen such an event. However, they were all to be disappointed at what transpired next, as Hulang moved so effortlessly, nearly gliding around his guard’s attempt to strike the Ditu. It was so obviously apparent who was the better duelist by the brief demonstration of Hulang skill. He appeared a calm as can be, as though he was simply sparing with teacher, and especially prudent motion, with a specialist’s precision. He calmly signalled for another pair of guards to duel. The pair of guards tried to visit attack simultaneously, sending their blades down upon Hulang, to which the Ditu, with the technic of someone many years of his senior, flawlessly manoeuvred around them both, before performing the simulation decapitating strikes to create the pretence of their deaths. [i]“It is a fine blade this, it will serve me well. To wield the sword of your founders, to mock the Ghantish allies with it… it serves me finely indeed,”[/i] the Ditu replied, his voice oozing with satisfaction

“That is excellent news to hear. Indeed, it was a deep concern of mine would kind of gift we should bestow to you...and it is a weight lifted that I chose right and that you enjoy our gift to you.” Belinda said cooly, a smile on her face as she carefully watched the Ditu. [i]Only if I could see the look on their faces...that a weapon that Baltkalns family for so long was given away so easily and now adores someone who stands in opposition in everything they and their Ghantish puppet masters stand for. The sword would forever besmirch in the stubborn view of the unreconstructed and backward Baltkalns.[/i] She gently climbed out of her seat and gestured towards the grandiose exit. “Now that we have all been replenished, I can’t think of a better opportunity to move on to a different stage of your visit and unveil your perfection’s second part of your gift.”

Across the expansive dining hall, Dagnija swooned over Hulang unashamedly, broken only by her occasional glances at her own reflection on the used, silverware on the table, fiddling with her long sandy brown hair or fixing perceived flaws in her makeup.  “You know, Elīna.” Dagnija said out of the blue, fanning herself as she watched the young Akai Ditu talk to their grandmother Belinda. Apparently, out of the blue, it appeared that Dagnija had seemed to have gotten over her spat with her cousin Elīna, having not spoken to her since their quarrel earlier during the dinner, something which was standard practice with among the younger members of the Ozoliņš family. “I think I might be in love. I can see myself now...wearing some of the finest clothing in all of Cornellia...living in massive, residing in stunning, gargantuan palaces older than most nations, wearing one of the Akai’s strange masks, obviously it’ll be the most beautiful in all the land.”

[i]Hell will freeze over before than any of that shit would happen,[/i] Emily thought herself, drowning out her cousin as she droned on about her idealisation of life at Hulang’s side. [i]Like Hulang would really fall for an opportunistic golddigger like you.[/i] she snided. “I think you would make a good couple,”  Elīna replied, making a complete 180 from her previous position on the matter not that long ago. [i]Jesus, am I stuck with a group of unhinged bipolars?[/i] “I am certain, you’ll become the envy of every spoiled, pompous princess and ‘noble’ ladies who unfortunately infest the world which poor Hulang is from. They will not know what hit them when you hit the seen with a bang.”

Before they could continue, the family’s matriarch, Belinda, seized the attention of the dining hall, her hawkish gaze scanning the room as she loudly tapped her wine glass. Almost instantly, the cacophony of noise which had previously swirled around the grand hall. “Whilst, it has most enjoyable catching up with everyone and introducing the young Ditu of our dear ally to all of you, I regrettably must announce that our Akai comrades and myself must depart and press on, into a different part of his visit, ” she revealed to the entire hall, her cool and collect voice reverberating around the sweeping dining hall. Emily struggled to hide her grin at the sight of her Dagnija, the wind withdrawn from her wings as she listened to her grandmother. The realisation that she wouldn’t be able ‘seduce’ the Ditu striking her down particularly hard. Who knew the next she would be in the same room as Hulang, when the next time she’ll be able to see him again, the next time he would visit the Ozoliņšist Republic once more. She confidently rose from her seat, along with the rest of the dining hall, and strode over to rejoined her grandmother’s side, continuing to escort the Akai delegation during their visit to Rietumimark. As they left the dining hall and subsequently the restaurant, Emily’s eye caught that of Dagnija, who promptly scowled and silently worded the [i]bitch[/i].

Through the gaudy Andris Ozoliņš Restaurant they went, ignoring the frantic salutes of the restaurant’s staff not expecting them so soon - ultimately finding themselves back where they started, at the convoy. The chauffeur hopped out of his vehicle and opened the door for Hulang and his entourage. By now, the relative warmth when they had first arrived, had dissipated, replaced by a nasty, seemingly bitter cold. The sun was almost completely gone, hidden by thick cloud cover and the shorter days of the winter months in northern Belisaria. Surely, it wouldn’t be long until the embrace of nighttime would return...and with it, even colder temperatures. Inside the warm limousine, the convoy burst into life yet again and began moving towards its next objective. The streets of Slapjšzemesgrad remained comparatively sparse, the pathways almost completely empty - with the exception of the RUP’s state security personnel and their checkpoint - which were omnipresent, restaurants and places of recreation either closed for the rest of the day or close to it. Whether this was by design or coincidence, only Belinda would know, but Emily still found the sight eerie, to have her city so desolate.

Nevertheless, the convoy continued to forge through the seemingly endless capital of the oppressive regime, the ugly, boxy blocks of the state-housing and the industrial sector of the city gradually giving way by residential and suburban areas of lower Slapjšzemesgrad. Huge, twenty-to-thirty thousand square foot houses, a great many with swimming pools and large, perfectly maintained, although covered by a thin layer of snow,  adored with gimcrack decorations aiming to out shine their neighbours. It was apart of the secretive state which few outsiders ever got to see, the magnificent, by Rietumish standards, residences of the Party’s elite, a far cry from the overcrowded estates only a few kilometres to the north of here. Comfortably, Emily suspected, that if any foreigner was to be dropped inside one of these houses, they would most likely suspect that they were in any old suburb in a wealthy democratic western state such as Ghant or Adiron.

Similarly to earlier parts of the Akai’s trip, the quaint, suburban pathways and pavements had been cleared completely in advance of the convoy’s journey. Heavily armed security personnel maned every street, while overhead, at least a dozen helicopters hovered over ahead at all times. It was excessive in  many ways, but in the eyes of the regime, it was completely worth it: to ensure the even when off without a potentially devastating hitch. Eventually the suburbs were too replaced, first by even more larger houses...mansions, six-to-seven thousand feet with acres of land endlessly stretching out in all directions. Many of these mansions had foreign sports cars worth more money than most ordinary Rietumish could hope to make in a lifetime and were assiduously maintained by legions of servants not too dissimilar to the days of the Tsar; something which the RUP constantly lambasted in its propaganda.The Ditu’s eyes seemed all but contemptuous of the whole affair, a gaze unendingly scornful. But these to were soon out of sight, succeeded by the rural outskirts Slapjšzemesgrad. Here the land was thick marshal land, frozen over by the colder temperatures of this time of year. The massive mansions were gone, well out of visible range, and as far as the eye could see, the natural beauty of the the - untouched by the destructive hands of humanity was, in many ways, almost ethereal to the eye.

With the sun’s life giving light starting to fully fade, the convoy approached a colossal gate, flanked on either side by an equally enormous wall, covered with vines and foliage, which encompassed the entire property. The convoy came to a halt at the main gate and two CSS proceed towards the led vehicle in the motorcade. The two men, who were clad in heavy winter clothing, spoke briefly with the led vehicle’s occupants, being handed something - to which they looked over once - before hand it back and gestured towards unseen CSS agents. Moments later, their was a distinctive groan from hidden gears, the gate opened, revealing what lay within. Their vehicle followed a charming brick road which led them deeper into the property, flanked on both sides by exquisite gardens and several beautifully sculpted water fountains, all of which remained frozen over by recent snow. Then, all of a sudden, rounding a particularly dense treeline, the convoy reached its destination - Slapjšzemesgrad Castle.

The mansion, better put castle, was a picturesque and looked like it had come straight out of a Christmas card in some Christian country. Originally, the castle construction was ordered by the notorious Prince Mihails of Slapjšzemesgrad shortly after his cementation of his rule over the barbaric people of the marshlands in the 12th century. It initially served as a barracks for his legions to protect Prince Mihails’ and his descendants southern flank from their rival Christian fiefdoms, raiders, and brutish pagan tribes yet to be civilised. In the 14th century, Prince Jevgēņijs IV of Slapjšzemesgrad ukase, authorising the raising of an artificial island, further reinforced by an earthen fortification wall, whilst the inside was partly reconstructed to be suitable for a man of high station. Six rounded towers dominated the skyline at every corner of the castle, reconstructed several times to adjust to updates in military technology. The convoy pulled up at the main grand staircase and grandiose entrance into the castle, coming to a complete halt directly at in front of it. Members of the castle’s staff responsible for Slapjšzemesgrad Castle the day-to-day upkeep of the structure descended down the staircase and opened the limousine in for which Hulang and entourage resided. Submissively bowing in deference to the Akai and Rietumish as the strode up the stairs and into the main hall.

“May I present to you the second part of your present,” Belinda said gesturing towards the interior of the enormous castle in a general sense. Her eyes closely monitored the Ditu’s reaction to such a gift, watching his every move with the precision of a scientist. The hall was large and circular, with towering golden ceilings and elegant marble floors, while a lavish diamond chandelier hung from the ceiling; all of which lacked any practical value other than to show off. The entire castle followed the late classical architectural style of northern Belisaria - with some inspiration taken from the late Ottonian Empire - who dominated early Rietumish civilisation. “Slapjšzemesgrad Castle, recently restored, after the castle was unfortunately badly damaged when brave revolutionaries liberated this estate during the middle of the people’s revolt against the Ghantar’s puppets whom occupied the halls of power, to its former glory following months of hard work by the industrious workers’ of Rietumimark and talented architects. And it’s my pleasure, to unveil that it was the Central Planning Committee voted overwhelming to gift you this property as a token of our gratitude to your family’s undying support for the Ozoliņšist Republic for the past four decades, in good times and bad.” She shot a look at one of the sheepish servants who hovered in the background, waiting to assist their esteemed guests at a moment’s notice. One of the servants, a short, chubby, strawberry blonde girl not much older than Hulang, promptly and cautiously - clearly intimidated by the Akai - approached Hulang and handed him a ornate wooden box; inside laying the keys to the property. “Everything you saw when entering the estate and everything see here is yours. We made a point to make sure that everything you may need is fully stocked and the staff, dutiful and loyal, are prepared to do anything you command. It is my hope, when where you need a break of sorts or return to Rietumimark at some unforeseen date in the future, that you come and stay here, compliments of the Rietumish people. If I remember correctly, the land around here is particularly scenic during the summer months and not too far way there are a number of places of recreation, including the hot springs, farms and private lakes for you and any family members you may want to bring up here to enjoy.”

[i]A retreat, given to an ally, how wonderful. It is like my kindness to Jocasta has been karmically rewarded.[/i] Hulang himself was not especially interested in the grand scope of buildings for nothing could best Da Migong and its vast complexes. He seemed more interested in studying the features of the palace as they approached, the unique evolution of the styles and the effort put into it. His eyes looked upon it favorably, a grin forming across his face after a brief moment of contemplation. And when he was handed a box which he opened to claim the keys to the estate, his gaze came down upon the girl who he seemed amused by. His glance was sharp as it was intimidating, as if the Ditu seemed to recognise the discomfort in her and was toying with it. “I myself must tell you truthfully what a great honour you grant myself. Such a fine estate will be a marvellous addition to my holdings, and I just express my wholehearted gratitude. I however would like to ask a few things, firstly could I have my own men providing the security here?” He then mused for a few seconds before continuing, “Am I also going to sleep here tonight or is there somewhere else planned?” His eyes then turned back to the servant girl before him, who he possessively placed his hand upon, “And clarify to what extent is anything you command?”

A grin was all Belinda was to get from Hulang, as the young Ditu retained his mask of stoic composure, frustrating so. Belinda carefully watched Hulang as he opened the box to receive the keys to the estate, taking note at how he seemed to derive some amusement at the unquestionably intimidated young servant girl who ended up giving the Ditu the box. [i]If I were a portly mouse, I too would be nervous of a strange looking Akai, a foot taller than myself and famous for his for his mastery of medieval weapons.[/i] “Of course your men can assume the role of protecting the grounds from the CSS, this massive structure has a sizable barracks designed specifically to house any security personnel manning the grounds at any given. I would assume that safeguarding this property will seem such easier than the expansive Da Migong, which must dwarf this castle.” she said, answering the first of Hulang questions. “Due to security reasons, we’ll having an early start tomorrow when you will tour the embattled city of Deroburg, in the Autonomous Republic of Deweden - therefore, it was planned that your perfection and your entourage will be staying a hotel in the middle of the capital - close to the airport. Regarding the servants, they are prepared to do anything your servants in Akai carry out. Do you have any more questions?”

Hulang mused for a few seconds, before explaining in a straightforward tone, one clearly hinting some other ambiguous thought “This is good, as that does mean literally [i]anything[/i] I command,” Hulang said as he studied the girl before him with his invasive gaze. It seemed to be as thorough as a forensic scientist, watching every detail. “Aside from that shall we continue?”

“Certainly, they will loyally do anything you say, and if any refuse...retribution will be swift,” she said with a mencing hint to her tone, clearly directed not towards Hulang, but rather the servants hovering like flies around them. The colour drained from her face and it was clear she wanted to be released from Hulang’s orbit, the initial novelty of meeting the Monarch of a strange foreign country having faded, replaced by an increasing concern for her own safety. “Yes, certainty. Although, as my guest, I must ask. Is there any type of beverage you would like before we continue on?”

“Just some water will suit me, preferably five degrees celsius above freezing with ice if that may be possible,” the Ditu responded offhandedly, something followed by the shuffles and whispers of the eunuchs in various dialects of Akai.

Before another word could be spoken, one of the servants sprung into action, briskly provided the Ditu with two glasses of water, one with ice and the other without, for Hulang’s choosing. The Ditu chose the one with ice and behind him the eunuch took the spare glass. Once the Ditu had picked one of the glasses, Belinda began the tour of the large, although it must of been modest at best for the Ditu, property. Much like the grand entrance hall, the general design of the castle continued to follow a late classical architectural style of other parts of the castle. Their footsteps echoed off the meticulously well maintained marble floor beneath their feet as the Ditu and the entourage entered deeper and deeper into the castle, passing numerous luminous, circular rooms of varying kinds. Unlike many after places in Rietumimark, Slapjšzemesgrad Castle had a feel and underlying charm about it which kept the traditional aesthetic to the rooms - giving the structure a layered sense and soul which most buildings in the country otherwise lacked. The castle was divided into four major sections or blocks which encompassed a courtyard containing the bones of what once a flower garden and pond - both of which were snowed over - giving the courtyard a cozy aesthetic.

Pressing on without reprieve, Belinda nonchalantly gave the Ditu a brief overview of the many rooms contained inside the castle, as not to waste to much of their precious time with the Akai Ditu. Ultimately, the entourage were guided by Belinda into a large, rectangular room - which was designed simplistically, without any elaborate designs found in the rest of the structure - located in the far eastern sections of the castle. Relatively dark in comparison to the rest of the castle, the only source of light coming from modestly sized oval ceiling window, a pair of stone faced servant gently opened the entrance into the room, in what turned out to be far different from any other room they’d seen. Emily struggled to put together what possibly the room could be used for, but Hulang would have recognised its use immediately - it had all the signs of being a room for the ancient practice of dueling. With a flip of a switch, the room was illuminated, revealing the space in its entirety.

“From what I have heard, you appears to that you are passionate enthusiast for the arts of medieval weaponry...and well, in honour of your official visit and the sword that we so generously gifted to you earlier today, I believe that it is the perfect opportunity to test your new blade in combat during a friendly duel.” Belinda explained to the Ditu cooly, allowing him to take in the room and the news as she spoken, one eye always trained on his reaction and what details she could abstract from them. “Therefore, I have organised for you to engage in a duel - assuming if that’s what you would like - with Kaspars Gabovs, who served as the tutor to the Baltkalns, the former oppressors and puppets of the bastard Gentries, and whom has admitted to having trained several male members of the now disgraced dynasty on the use of a blade. From what we have seen in practice from him, Kaspars, in at least our opinion, is likely the only person skillful with a sword enough to pose you any significant challenge.”

“I assume my demonstration has helped filter out the others?” Hulang jested in a dry manner, carefully awaiting the end of  as he molested the hilts of his new Rietumish blade. “You would be correct in saying that I am a fan of the art of swordsmanship” he corrected with a degree of passion and humanity leaking through his genuine interest. He moved into the centre of the room, his eyes taking note of the old duelist. “I assume you would be familiar with this blade Mr Gabovs,” he spoke in Rietumish, inquiring about his opponent “Please allow me to test it,” he said drawing the ornate arming sword from its sheave. “Do not flatter me with an easy defeat, it would be insulting.”

“It certainly assisted us in determining whose wouldn’t sufficient in a one-on-one duel with yourself. The way you dealt with your guards was most...impressive to say the least. I suspect that it will be discussed among Rietumish Unity Party members and their families for decades to come. I was too be bold, I might say your demonstration may become a cultural reference amongst the younger members of my family as an adjective for a decisive and utterly overwhelming defeat within a few weeks or months. ” Belinda said with a lightness to her voice which for the most part, she’d otherwise lacked when in the presence of Hulang and his Akai entourage. Slowly, her and Emily moved to the far side of the room, close to the door as Hulang moved to the centre of the room.

From the corner or the room, disguised by a thin layer of darkness, Kaspars emerged from the shadows, unveiling himself in full to the Akai and his Rietumish master; Belinda. His emergence had a subtle sense of staging to it, Kaspars - the antagonist - facing the protagonist - Hulang - in one final battle towards the end of a foreign action movie; to which only one would come out alive. Furthering his persona, Kaspars wore darkly coloured light armour, with an emblem of his ‘noble house’, which curiously seemed to closely resembled that of the Gentry coat of arms. His finely trimmed short hair was of a dusky gray, his wrinkly skin - bearing the marks of late age - was hidden under thick gray beard and cartoonishly large eyebrows, and his distended stomach sagged over his belt, his once muscular physique having long devolved into pure fat. His amber eyes narrowed as his gaze laid upon the sword Hulang was poised to strike him with - recognising its design immediately. [i]He has the weapon of the Lord Commander of the Imperial Guard...how the hell did he manage to get his hands of that fine sword...we all believed it was lost. Those Communie thugs most have stolen it from its rightful place among the true Monarchs of Rietumimark, not these criminal, regicidal usurpers.[/i]

“It is a pleasure to meet you in person, your perfection,” said Kaspars gruffly, his voice hoarse and rough, the result of years of heavy chain smoking. Although overweight, his steps were light and precise, mirroring the decades younger Akai as he approached the centre of the room. “Indeed I am,” [i]and it does belong to foreign filth like you…[/i] “I have come to learn much about it and for a great many year believed it lost during the horro...I mean glorious revolution in 1951/52. I hope you take good care of that blade, too much Rietumish history has been lost already.” he said, pulling out his weapon from its sheave, his steady hands tightly gripping his blade - a weapon of considerably lesser quality than that of Hulang’s sword. “I wouldn’t imagine doing anything otherwise, I may be old but I could never envision just handing you victory on a silver platter...I am much too proud for that.” Kaspars seamlessly transitioned into his starting southpaw dueling posture, one in which initiated a willingness to initiate the first attack. Noticing the substantial difference in height between the two, with Kaspars barely pushing 5’5 in comparison to the 6’3, he would have to use both his decades of experience and his smaller body to its fullest advantage, using speed to out maneuver the Ditu and age to anticipate his movements. Imitating the Ditu’s motions for the better part of forty-five seconds, slowly reducing the space between the two - knowing his significant disadvantage regarding Hulang’s longer arms and far superior reach. [i]Engaging the Ditu with a large space between us will only benefit Hulang.[/i] Suddenly, sensing a chance to fully gage the skill of Ditu, he launched his first probe, moving at the speed of a man much younger than himself, he struck his blade towards Hulang, going hard and slow towards Hulang’s left - suspecting him to be right handed.

The Ditu’s stance was one serenely stoic with his intensely focused gaze, yet it seemed to mask a monstrous strength. His eyes seemed to lose any degree of warmth, becoming as cold as the harshest of Rietumish winters. He seemed to watch every single tiny motion of Kaspars - every quiet step and he seemed to lock down any unnecessary motions and movements of his own. He held the arming sword before him in his right hand using it almost like a rapier, spinning it once before Kaspar made his move. And when he did, he seemed either to have anticipated the speed or was used to it; vanishing out of the path of the attack instead of intercepting it. The Ditu then politely asked: “I assume this is to first blood, Mr Kaspars,” as he then began to move for his own attack, looping around his foe’s blade as he moved with almost inhuman haste. The ornate sword began to move like a blur, in a calculated motion as it fell straight towards his foe’s forearm. His voice seemed in breath yet energised, “I assure you I can go further.”

Out of pure instinct, Kaspars just barely managed to pull his forearm out the way, operating subconsciously as he, a mere seconds before Hulang countered his probe with far faster than he ever could. Kaspars pulled back slightly, resetting himself and giving himself some pause to think how he might out play Hulang - whose reflects were seemingly than of an olympic athlete in he or her’s prime and were in a far different league than Kaspars. [i]Why did I ever let myself get so out of shaping,[/i] he thought to himself, as he tried to compose his already heavy breathing, preparing himself for the eventual next attack. “Indeed, your perfection. Just testing the waters so to speak.” Kaspars said once his breathing had stablised a bit. Quietly moving one foot in front of the other, he aggressively went for another strike, this time, shifting his dueling stance to an orthodox stance, swinging low, going for Hulang upper right leg before guiding his blade upwards in the direction of his right hand; aiming, in a single blow, to knock the weapon out of Hulang’s hand and end the duel quickly. All the while, Kaspars positioned himself in such a way, to make himself a smaller target to hit.

Hulang’s response was almost predictive and anticipatory in its nature intercepting the strike with as Hulang shifted his body to once move move out of the way.  He meticulously used his crossguard to catch the blade, suppressing it with all his terrible strength so he could close towards Kaspars in a vicious Prise de Fer. He himself began to try and suppress and crush his foe’s ability to resist his next few strikes. He then attempted to try and place his leg behind Kaspars’ with it closing in to try and destabilise him. This was the followed with a break with the sword suppression and instead attempted to in a brutally swift motion slice across the chest with great precision coupled with forceful strength.

Hulang intercepted the Kaspars’ strike, shifting his body once again out the way long before Kaspars’ sword could do any damage. He assiduously made good work of his crossguard to catch Kraspars’ blade and suppressing with his far superior strength - it evident more than ever as he struggled to relocate under the brute strength of Hulang. Kraspars watched helplessly as Hulang went from the defensive to offensive, beads of sweat streaming down his face as parried the attacks with his blade or shifted his body out the way to avoid the strike. His old age, however, played against him as he badly mistimed Hulang’s last strike and screamed as the poor quality armour he was clad in shattered with a hard, crack which rung around the door as Hulang’s new blade sliced his forearm. Caught off guard by it, Hulang subsequent attempt to destablise his footing found some success as he stumbled back, but his lower centre of gravity played in his favour and was able to briskly regain his footing - knowing that if he was a larger man, the duel would have ended just then. Falling back slightly, he found himself yet again forced to react to another blow by Hulang - whose sword moved in a slicing motion toward his chest. He maintained, just about, to retort Hulang’s blade, taking advantage of its monument to deflect the strike with his blade, before countering with a riposte - drawing a 270 degrees circle with his sword before thrusting it in the direction of Hulang’s torso.

The Ditu seemed oddly and perhaps unusually to be enjoying this to a careful observer. There was a look to his eyes that seemed to enjoy every successful strike, every slice, every ounce of pain inflicted. It seemed less conscious and more embedded into the deep unconsciousness of the Akai monarch. He seemed displeased when he saw the recovery, his foe made and remaining keenly aware of his foe’s sword. He used the motion of his missed strike and that of his fast reflexes to retreat away from the blade with haste only to perform his own incredibly aggressive counter-riposte, his blade’s motion being conversed as it looped around to perform first a series of feints and then began an unyieldingly vicious push designed to overwhelm Kaspars. Those who could witness it could barely do so, as the Ditu performed a variety of tight, rapid slashes, each aiming from at the various extremities of his foe ranging from the legs to the sword arms - seemingly trying to penetrate the weak armor. And then this began to shift, with each strike becoming stronger and stronger as they fell; with one final strike attempting this time to first to forcefully lock his foe’s blade in the hilt  This was followed with another gambit, to pull him towards the Ditu by the blade only to be met with overwhelming force from a shove; exploiting a more Akai style of martial arts to try and get him on the floor. Yet despite all this, Hulang’s face remained mostly stoic and unemotive with the exception of his eyes which burned their crimson red.

One thing kept old Kaspars in the duel was his enormous wealth of experience, tens of thousands of hours of it training, practicing, or teaching his pupils. His ability to anticipate the Ditu’s strikes and adjust his positioning accordingly before the Akai’s sword could do any harm. He just barely managed to dodge Hulang aggressive counter-riposte, countering each of Hulang blinding slashes, each perry taking more and more out of the aged Kaspars. The advantages the Ditu had over him were, in the eyes of the old man, overwhelming. Youth, far better reflectives, and equipment. His only hope to frustrate the Ditu, continuing to avoid his heavy blows  and hope he’d make a mistake...unwittingly allow an opening for him exploit. Hulang pressed, seemingly designed to overwhelm the old man into submission or into making a lethal error and thus, he did his best to eschew Hulang’s swift slashes, until finally he attempted to forcefully interlock Kaspars blade at the hilt. Old Kaspars could see what was going to happen before it did. He reacted promptly by releasing his blade from his hand, the sword falling to the ground with a metallic ring. He immediately attempted to grab the weapon and retreated to a far corner of the room; sensing at was only a matter of time before Hulang consequential victory.

Hulang’s response was a simple one, almost entirely predatory in its manner. He watched Kaspar’s retreat and performed a vicious uppercutting kick in order to keep him away from his blade. He then dashed to pick it up with his other hand, gaining another advantage. He speedily stalked his prey before him as he moved forwards with his swords held defensively in one position.  He used both blades to create a path of constricting feints, to further push Kaspars into the corner of the room. He then with ease began to beat his foe with his already impressive legs, aiming for his guts before using the ornate hilt to first strike his knees before using it to uppercut his foe’s lower jaw with brutal alacrity. This was followed with his own sword held in his left hand being placed at his throat and the other at his stomach. The Ditu’s eyes glared at him, demanding surrender as he continued his onslaught mercilessly.

Like a predator on the steppes of southern Rietumimark, Hulang brutally pounced upon his prey long before Belinda, Emily or even Kaspars could fully comprehend what truly was happening. Hulang executed a perfectly timed uppercut kick a mere seconds before Kaspars lunged for his blade, sending him flying back upon his arse, recovering shortly after Hulang swooped up Kaspars’ blade - gaining a pivotal edge over his opponent. Old Kaspars began to stumble back, avoiding the Akai’s feints as he staggered back into a corner, eventually tripping over himself and falling hard on the sand floor. Hulang then preceded to beat the old man with an almost amoral callousness to it, seemingly wanting to completely reduce the man to near death. Kaspars looked into Hulang’s cold, dark crimson eyes recognised a look in them, one which demanded his surrender or else. Sputtering on blood from his mouth, he feebly raised his hands his surrender, struggling to pathetically mumble: “I...I surr-” he tried to say, coughing up a fist full of blood into his upperarm. “I surrender...I concede.”

Hulang quickly and swiftly sheathed his weapons and placed his [i]borrowed[/i] blade back in his foe’s sheath upon hearing his surrender, withdrawing from his strikes. If anyone could see his eyes, they could see there still was a lingering bloodlust hidden beneath. “It was a good fight, I'd advise becoming lifter on your feet and in your body - you’d handle yourself better if you did,” he spoke as be pulled out a lavishly patterned silk handkerchief from a pocket and began to wipe the blood. “Please use this, you deserve it,” he commented softly as he helped the foe he had so brutally attacked mere seconds ago. He whispered in his ear: “Survive, I assure you the future might be expectedly better than this present. Perhaps this sword might end up with its old owners.” Hulang then moved to the centre of the room and then performed the deep bow of the head before the assembled party. “I hope myself and Mr Kaspars provided a good spectacle and that you enjoyed this duel.” He spoke in his precise and perfect Rietumish as if he had not just beaten a man so viciously a moment before. It seemed almost uncanny how he shifted his purpose so easily. His eyes studiously observed the crowd but Emily and Belinda in particular.

Kaspars was taken aback at how effortlessly the Ditu appeared to transition, from a warrior with unyielding hunger for blood, to finish his enemy to someone who, at least on the outside, was under complete control of himself. “Thank you, your perfection.” Kaspars replied roughly, strugglingly to climb with the Ditu’s help once Hulang had finished wiping most of the blood from his face. “You were a worthy opponent, one of the most technically gifted and  talented swordsman I have battled with for a long, long time. Indeed, I once a fit and slim as yourself in my prime, long before than most of you were born. But alas, like so many older men, my once strong frame has given way to all this fat. Perhaps in a different life I might be fitter, however, I never expected to duel again since I retired for teaching the ancient and quite beautiful art of swordsmanship.” Suddenly, once on his feet, Hulang closed in and whispered something which further taken for words at Hulang’s remark....specifically the second part of what he whispered into his ear. [i]Perhaps this weapon may end with its original owners? What he planning, what is going on here, behind the curtains which I able unable to see with these old eyes.[/i] Kaspars looked into Hulang’s eyes and gave him a look which told him that he understood what he would have to do before being quietly escorted out of the room with the assistance of two servants who’d been lurking in the background to receive medical attention.

“It was an excellent display of an art which is so unfortunately dying in much of the world with the widespread use of other weapons of war.” Belinda said so confidently, ignoring her regime’s contribution to the face. She glanced at Hulang and observed at how much he resembled his father in a brief, oh so fleeting moment, a nearly psychopathic joy inflicting pain upon others, especially his enemies. [i]It would seem that Hulang is more like Jieke than I previously anticipated,[/i] she thought to her beneath a smile, watching Hulang as he moved to the centre of the room. “I’m glad you have enjoyed yourself and Kaspars proved himself opponent, capable enough to offer some challenge. Before we continue, do you need anything, water or some food after your duel?”

The Ditu seemed to be barely sweating and barely out of breath, retaining an alien level of self-control. “I shall need no food, it is better for myself to be temperate in my diet. It sets a good example for my men and is good for my health,” he responded in a calm manner. “Please do take care of him, maybe allow him to train someone. These martial arts are useful for the refinement of the mind,” Hulang added, speaking unusually favorably of his foe.

“Of course, I understand. I will personally make sure that Kaspars will receive only the best medical treatment whilst he recovers from quite a physical and challenging fight. Furthermore, I’ll begin the necessary inquiries to get Kaspars teaching an art which yourself and Kaspars enjoy so much-”

Before Belinda could say another word on the matter, a hurried looking aid of Belinda’s burst into the room quite abruptly and immediately strode over to the Paramount Leader’s mother, “Comrade Chairman, we have a situation regarding your eldest son has come up.” she whispered into Belinda’s ear so the Ditu couldn’t overhear them, unintentionally sending a nervous glance in the direction of Hulang. Emily looked at the aid, a woman with pepper coloured, short curly hair, dark brown - almost black eyes, and heavily sun damage skin - who appeared in her mid-to-late forties. If Emily recalled correctly, the aid was her second cousin and Belinda’s niece, one of the many daughters from Einars half-dozen failed marriages. “His benevolence has apparently found the whole visit of the Ditu of Akai to Rietumimark to be extremely ‘stressful’ and since you left, he went clubbing in the capital’s notorious redline district and...um well....he’s had...he’s had an overdose, a particularly close call. From what I can make out, he mixed the some newer narcotics which have recently hit the street and it trigger it...the overdose. He almost died had it not been for the brisk actions of one of the many whores with him, who got him help just in time.”

[i]Jesus, motherfucking Christ, why must Janis always insert himself into everything I try to do and crap all of over it from a great height. Why must my baby boy always consume most of my time![/i] “Shit, I believed...no not believed, I’d hoped that he would for once behave and not embarrass the family during such an important time in our country’s history. At least he was furtive in his actions and at present, Hulang does know of his condition nor what he did during his visit and I would hope it will remain that way.” she spat quietly underneath a cold and steely exterior, seething with rage and anger at her son’s reckless and downright idiotic decision. The only thing she could do now was leave Emily with Hulang and his Akai entourage whilst she buried all the evidence of Janis’ indiscretions and ensure that Hulang never finds out. “Thank you briefing me on the situation with my moronic eldest son, I will make to figure this out and take the necessary steps to deal with this...furtively.”

“Certainly, Comrade Chairman,” the aid said quickly, her tone barely above whisper as she spoke, her eyes looking at Hulang and attempting to figure out whether he had any inclination what had happen. “I will go back to the car and get ready to drive you to see him at his private dacha about an hour’s drive outside the city where he is presently receiving treatment by the family doctor. I shall also make the necessary calls to inform those privy to the situation you will be becoming soon.”

“Thank you, Comrade,” said Belinda with a smile, facing her hand on the aid’s shoulder. “I will catch up with you in a minute. First I need to spin another lie which we allow me to leave.” And with that, the aid turned around and walked out of the castle towards the car in the driveway. Belinda turned her head in Hulang’s direction and said: “I am so sorry to tell you this, but a recent development has forced me to cut my tour of the castle a bit short. Not to worry, it isn’t anything to warrant concern, but rather a bureaucratic misstep which requires me immediate attention. I’ll try to get back as soon as possible, but it’s likely I won’t be able to see you until much...much later, so I’ll have to leave you in the capable hands of Emily.” Belinda explained briskly, leaving what the details as vague as possible.

The Ditu seemed to have been paying attention to the whole affair which went on before him with considerable attention. His eyes watched the lisps of Belinda and the aide he presumably did not recognise. His glare was masking a very well hidden suspicion, one which might have been familiar to Belinda in particular when she mentioned Janis when he arrived. “It is quite a shame that you have to depart so soon on what seems to be quite the important bureaucratic mistake. I hope whatever it may be could soon be resolved so that we may meet again soon,” the Ditu explained in his melancholy verse. “Farewell,” he concluded as his eyes then shifted to his contemporary Emily. “I imagine Emily would be more than capable given her exemplary behaviour throughout today,” he complemented with flowery terms, his face remaining mostly stoic aside from a pleasant smile. He moved towards Emily, placing a hand on her shoulder as he whispered into her ear: “I think that opportunity might have arrived.”

“Thank you for being so understanding,” said Belinda fending a smile under which insecurity simmered,