Chapter 82: Symkaria (Edited!)

My 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 me with cautious optimism. I arrive on my private jet, and are greeted with great ceremony by a delegation from the royal family, including Silver Sable herself.

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

"Thank you, Ms. Sablinova," I respond, shaking her hand and noticing that she was still wearing the silver bracelet I 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," I 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 me toward the royal entourage.

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

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

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

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

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

"Well, I am 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!" I proclaim dramatically, eliciting a giggle of amusement from Sable.

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

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

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

---

Sable and I 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 our entourage enter the castle gate.

"It was named by my father, alright," Sable says in embarrassment, noticing my 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," I 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," I note. I was practically giving her almost three times the amount she would normally receive.

"Uh, that," Sable looks away awkwardly.

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

"Not all of it," she admits sheepishly, avoiding my gaze.

"Hah," I sigh, running a hand down my face in exasperation.

"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," I express, placing my hand over hers. She looks at me, moved. "So the poor princess can finally repair her castle," I add with a chuckle.

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

---

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

I open the door and am greeted to a dazzling sight.

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

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

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

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

Sable takes me through her castle, a grand structure with a rich history. As I 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 me to a spacious training ground. "They are the best of the best and are very dedicated."

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

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

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

Next, Sable takes me to her favourite spots in the capital. We 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 me to a charming little spot. "They have the best pastries in Symkaria."

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

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

---

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

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

There I spot a grave underneath a tree.

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

I take her hand in mine 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 my hand tightly with pain in her voice.