The Martial Unity

1558 Invitation

She certainly didn't waste too much time getting the point. That was to be expected, Rui supposed. She was a chief executive in the Raemina Administration, she probably had an endless list of agendas to be tackled for the day.

"It is a modest event that Her Highness has decided to hold for patrons and sponsors, as well as potential allies that may be interested in Her Highness' campaign," Miss Vilmentine explained. "We would be delighted to see the two of you there."

"…I appreciate the invitation," Rui smiled. "We look forward to the occasion and meeting Her Highness."

"Her Highness does look forward to meeting you," Miss Vilmentine directed a pointed look at Rui in particular. "Not only have you made great contributions to our economy, but you have made our country proud by being the youngest Martial Senior in history. Her Highness has also heard rumors about your significant contributions to Martial Art and the Martial Union, it is a shame that the Martial Union has been extremely secretive about the nature of this contribution."

She brought up the Hungry Pain contribution to the Martial Union that Rui made, revealing her ignorance about it. She was clearly trying to probe Rui's reactions to see if she could grasp any more information about it.

and nothing had happened. He exhibited a level of control over his nonverbal communication that she rarely saw among Martial Artists

well-informed," Rui smiled, limiting himself to

your diplomatic performance in the Martial Union's ventures were not unfounded," She remarked carefully as she studied him deeply. "It is not hard to see why the Martial Union is so fond of you. However, the Martial Union is ultimately an organization that puts distance between itself and those who haven't committed to it. There are limits to its goodwill unless one joins its inner corps and becomes an inner member. That usually means a degree of subordination until one breaks through to the Upper

trying to do. She was throwing shit at the wall, seeing what stuck. A low-effort and potentially

to put enough of a wedge

the Martial Prince because he's earned the highest amount of support from Martial Artists among the seven princes and princesses,' Rui mused. 'However, she's hoping the fact that I have

cons of joining the Martial Union and made my choice regarding the matter. I am satisfied

clarify whether he was or wasn't going to

supporting the Martial Prince. He didn't want to make himself a more

said. "We do not require absolute commitment from our patrons or supporters. We will offer benefits and remuneration that

stiffening ever so slightly at her statement. He didn't have the perfect control over his body language that the other two had. Miss Vilmentine

secure property rights and tax cuts for not only themselves but also their family," She replied. "This is especially true for highly-valued Martial Seniors like yourself. We can even offer many more benefits for you