"I look forward to it." Said The Peony standing up, "allow me to walk you to your helicopter, and if you could make time, do visit the festival in the ships when they dock to Stoinia. My ambassador shall send you and your family tickets to the culture fairs."

The Peony stood as she waved at General Noica and her craft leaving the helipad. The helicopter flew away from view as the general came back for her battle. Lord Roland Young, the Imperial Military Advisor, had just commenced the mobilization of the Peonic navy and airforce in Bareland, as well as mobilising the Peonic expeditionary forces to the United Kingdom of Emerald and Denver. A large military operation set to stabilize Bareland and Crabry, as well as ensure the security of Peonic interests. Sure, there could be some annexations, but The Peony is not interested in forgoing any aid she promised to King Joshua.

She stood silently at that point, deep in thought as the Peonic royal guardians stood silently out of discipline, respect (or fear from Rin). There were decisions she had to make, things she had to do. Things she had to reconsider, and things she had to consult. The Royal Council would be glad that there was a discussion between General Noica and The Peony of Huawan, and that the CE would be in speaking terms at least.

"Actions speak better than words," she thought to herself, "it is unfortunate that evidence that they could follow their own advice has yet for me to see."

It was true, did other members of the CE provide Huawan with something else apart from slices from a sharp tongue? She could count on King Andrei and King Vimmru to keep their word, General Noica wouldn't have a say in the matter. As for Sanddhorn and Revan Kensei, there was nothing but spit.

She continued to stand, deep in thought. She knew that the niceties by the CE was full of it, she knew that the Izaakians saw Huawan as dogs on leashes or sluts for attention. Leaders saw The Peony as a bag of pride, full of it with nothing within. The Peony had always ignored it, because she was proud of her country, she was proud of what it had achieved, she was proud of its power, and she was honored to be entrusted of this by her people.

Somehow, everything made her anxious and angry. She was vexed, she knew she won this discussion but to what end? Is there truly no victory for her? It seemed the only way you'd win is if you cower to another country. She never wanted to be placed on a pedestal, but she certainly didn't want to be a doormat either.

The many thoughts her anxiety fed her was snapped, releasing her from her trance. The reason was the present is still here, and she decided the present be done with a present. She reached to her dress pocket for the present, it was a relic that the Peonic Royal Marine Conservatory gave to her. A whistle, or a replica of one from the White Jade Voyages, one that could provide a loud sound that could be heard till the edge of the ship to ask for instructions. A whistle, held by the admirals to command the fleet, a whistle to instruct the many brigades of the ship's crew.

It happened in a flash, but as The Peony looked to the sails, the brief moment of her blowing the whistle was a moment when people remembered why there was a Peony, the image of Pirate Queen, Shao Yan, the red terror of the ocean that waged war against the entire region for conquest and theft, in blood, gunpowder and coin. The sound of the whistle sent shivers to those who heard it, blown with determination and attention.

And thus, everyone's attention was paid to the woman in aqua blue. But no one saw that it was the woman in blue, all they saw was red, the spirit of the red terror of The South Pacifican Ocean. As if speaking from the heavens, The Spirit of the Pirate Queen voiced her words from the mouths of her descendant. The royal guardians started to act, the sailors reinvigorated to move. All hands on deck, for her words were loud, and clear.









Something changed that day. The fleet sailed to Southern Bailtem under the Pirate Queen's spirit till the day ends. So forth a charted path for Huawan.