Chapter 82: Symkaria

Your next visit is to Symkaria, a neighbouring country that, despite its economic struggles, boasts a more stable political situation than Latveria.

Symkaria's capital, Aniana, welcomes you with cautious optimism. You arrive on your private jet, and are greeted with great ceremony by a delegation from the royal family, including Silver Sable herself.

"Welcome to Symkaria," Silver Sable greets, her tone professional yet warm. "We appreciate your interest in our country."

"Thank you, Ms. Sablinova," you respond, shaking her hand and noticing that she was still wearing the silver bracelet you gave her last time. "This is a beautiful country and I am here with a hope to establish a base for the Watson Group to support Symkaria's economy and its people," you declare, looking into her eyes with a meaningful expression.

"Uh, yes, thank you," Sable's professional demeanour falters momentarily before she recovers. "Let me introduce you to our Royal Highness," Sable guides you toward the royal entourage.

"No need, I've heard about the charitable King Stefan already," you reply with a smile as you step forward to greet the king.

You notice a stark contrast from Latveria; here in Symkaria, both the King and the Prime Minister have arrived to welcome you. Dozens of reporters with cameras capture photos of you with the King, ensuring your arrival will be announced on tomorrow's front page. You generously stay close to Sable to ensure she receives her due credit during the photo session.

"Well, how did I do?" you inquire of Sable as you walk toward the exit after the King retreats and sending your employees off with the Prime Minister to discuss the specifics of your projects.

"So, you're here just to set up a base?" Sable questions, giving you a side glance while waking besides you.

"You were behaving so professionally, I couldn't help myself," you reply with a chuckle as Sable rolls her eyes and quickens her pace. "Come on, you know why I'm here. I'm here for our date, Silvija," you whisper, easily keeping up with her.

"Well, I'm surprised you actually came," Sable remarks with a small smile.

"How could I not? I had a date with the famous Silver Sable! I wouldn't miss it even if I had to travel to Hell!" you proclaim dramatically, eliciting a giggle of amusement from Sable.

"I've come to your country already, so you're not planning to go back on your word, are you?" you ask with a fake pout.

"Let me take you to my castle first," she quips with amusement at your antics.

You let out a wry smile, recalling the lacklustre visit to the Latverian castle.

---

Sable and you travel in her car to the outskirts of the capital, arriving at a large castle, smaller than the Latverian one but still quite grand.

"This is Castle Sable," Sable introduces as your entourage enter the castle gate.

"It was named by my father, alright," Sable says in embarrassment, noticing your amused smile.

"My father contributed a lot to revitalising this country's economy, not only through the Wild Pack but also as the previous Intelligence Minister. To reward him, the previous King granted him this castle. I practically grew up here," she explains with a small smile.

"Well, it is quite impressive, but you may need some renovations," you observe, noting various crumbling walls.

"The Wild Pack is still very poor, so renovating the castle isn't our immediate concern," she responds with a wry smile.

"I thought the Watson Group was 'very' generous with your payment for the Afghanistan mission," you note. You were practically giving her almost three times the amount she would normally receive.

"Uh, that," Sable looks away awkwardly.

"Did you seriously 'donated' it all to the country?" you ask in disbelief.

"Not all of it," she admits sheepishly.

"Hah," you sigh, placing your head in your hand.

"Look, Symkaria has been through many wars because of our neighbouring nations. It really needs the money more than I do," Sable says, clenching her fists.

"Don't worry, I will help your country," you express, placing your hand over hers. She looks at you, moved. "So the poor princess can finally repair her castle," you add with a chuckle.

"I am no princess," she retorts with mild annoyance, a small smile on her face as she slaps your hand away.

---

After being shown to your room, you freshen up. At least the castle's interior is in relatively good condition. Soon, there is a knock on the door.

You open the door and are greeted to a dazzling sight.

"You look stunning," you compliment, thinking to yourself how incredibly sexy Sable appears now that she is wearing casual clothes, although you decide to keep that observation to yourself.

"Thanks, you also look quite sharp too," she responds with a smile. "Come, let me show you around the castle."

"Sure, is this the start of our date then?" you ask with a cheeky smile as you follow her.

"You could say that," Sable replies with a small smile.

Sable takes you through her castle, a grand structure with a rich history. As you walk through the halls, she shares stories of her father and the Wild Pack.

"This is the barracks where the Wild Pack trains," she says, leading you to a spacious training ground. "They're the best of the best and are very dedicated."

You watch as the Wild Pack members train, their discipline and skill evident in every move. Sable's pride in her team is clear, and you can't help but be impressed.

"I'd like to give you a tour of our capital. It's important to me that you see Symkaria through my eyes," Sable expresses with an expectant look.

"Sure, I'm just loving spending my time with you," you reply with a smile, prompting Sable to smile as well.

Next, Sable takes you to her favourite spots in the capital. You visit beautiful parks, bustling markets, and historic landmarks. At each stop, she shares her personal connection to the place, revealing a more relaxed and playful side of herself.

"This is my favourite café," she says, leading you to a charming little spot. "They have the best pastries in Symkaria."

You sit together, enjoying the local delicacies. "I can see why you like this place," you comment, savouring a bite. "It's delightful."

Sable smiles, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm glad you think so. There's so much more I want to show you."

---

During your travels, you notice more differences between Symkaria and Latveria. Unlike Latveria, Symkaria while still struggling, shows signs of hope and resilience.

As evening approaches, Sable brings you to a small hill near her castle.

There you spot a grave underneath a tree.

"This is my mother's grave," Sable speaks sadly.

You take her hand in yours and read the inscription on the grave: "Anastasia Sablinova, beloved wife and mother."

"When I was seven, my father's enemies attacked our base. My mother and I were visiting Father at that time. One of the man shot my mother, and she bled to death in my arms," Sable recounts with a look of hatred on her face.

"My mother didn't like violence. She didn't like the Wild Pack and did her best to keep me away from that life," Sable continues, looking at the grave with a sad smile. "Even during her last breaths, she made me swear not to continue my father's violent fight." 

"I agreed as she died in my arms that I would stop the violence, but only after avenging her death," she explains, gripping your hand tightly with pain in her voice.