Get it Together
Meirong looked at Houran after his last statement before asking, "Who do you believe is responsible for what happened?"
Huoran took a moment and replied, "Well let's logically look at the situation and figure out the best answer."
Minister Nerzog, a merfolk, was about inquire more when Chief Bloodclaw stood up first, followed by the other three.
"Thank you for tell us your suspicions, Daoist Wei", Bloodclaw said, "I don't believe we will be able to assist if the dragon room is truly under sea. Please excuse us, we have been asked to assist in finding the other rooms and culprits. Each of us will leave an elder and our younglings here and will return to escort them home soon."
"I wish you a safe journey, chieftains", Huoran told the beastkin.
"May the sky watch over you", Bloodclaw replied before the chieftains and their elders left the room.
"Boss Wei", Meirong spoke up, "Do you know who caused this?"
"Not exactly", Huoran responded, "But let's look at the situation and think about who it benefits the most or harms the least."
The room stayed quiet as all the merfolk were considering Huoran's remarks before Huoran interjected, "The first step is to eliminate to the most obvious possibilities. Out of all the kingdoms and states on the ocean floor, only the Draco empire would would gain benefit from the dragon room and stone. The whales wouldn't be interested because they are proud of the Kun bloodline, the sharks only care for the Mega bloodline, the turtles have the Xuanwu bloodline, and the merfolk lack dragon blood."
"So if the stone only affects those related by bloodline, only the Draco empire fits", Minister Jama, a mermaid, deduced.
"So next, we have to think about who gains the most from the actions of my uncle", Meirong remarked.
"Very true Miss Zeng", Huoran added, "The actions of your uncles actions weakened the Merfolk kingdom and caused an imbalance."
"Boss Wei, you can simply call me Meirong or Rong'er", Meirong replied.
Huoran was caught off guard for a moment before replying, "Very well. Now to get back on topic, I don't believe that someone in the lower class has the stone. The planning of these incidents shows that the culprit is somewhat familiar in actions like this."
Minister Telrogg, another merman, said, "I believe the original intent was to bring down the Merfolk kingdom, but they had to change ways when the array killed the flood dragons."
"Meaning the owner of the stone is in a high enough position to order that many flood dragons to 'assist' my uncle take control of the Merfolk kingdom", Meirong said.
"But not at the top of power", Minister Zel, a prior merfolk general added.
"Excellent point, Minister Zel", Huoran praised the minister.
"Why do you think that?", Meirong questioned the two men.
"Well", Zel cleared his throat, "The Dragon Emperor wouldn't hatch an amateur plot such as this. He has lived a long time and is very clever, so a plan that accidentally weakened his own army doesn't seem likely. The crown prince is the emperor favorite son and essentially has no obstacles to the throne, so I doubt he would have the motivation to attempt this. The three children currently on island were sent here to spy for sure and while I can't completely rule them out, I believe it's less likely than the one that's left, the second prince."
Huoran and the prior merfolk generals nodded their head as the other ministers understood his words.
"I agree with Minister Zel", Huoran said, "Unfortunately, we are not in a position to investigate this manner at the moment."
Meirong frowned slightly as Huoran's statement, "Why is that?"
"First, my master keeps this island safe, but he wouldn't interfere in the manners of the kingdoms under the sea", Huoran explained, "So we are still safe here under his protection, but we are unable to apply pressure to the dragons. Second, We don't have evidence to support our claims and would embarrass ourselves if we stepped forwards. Third and finally, it's highly possible the dragon emperor knows the second prince has this stone, and is turning a blind eye to see how it affects him and what he will do."
The room went silent before a knock was heard at the door.
"Please come in", Huoran answered.
The door opened and the two princes and the princess entered the room with their retainers and guards.
Both sides bowed to each other before everyone sat down in their seats.
The Merfolk and human ministers rose from their seats, Minister Ye bowed and spoke to both parties, "Boss Wei, Princes and princess of the Draco empire, I'm afraid we have many things to take care of and must return to our offices at this time. Please excuse our sudden departure and enjoy the rest of your day."
"Sorry to have held everyone up", Huoran replied.
"We understand, Ministers", Zikos said, "If we were at home, we would also be very busy as well."
Meirong uncomfortably sat there before sending a mental message to Huoran, 'There doesn't seem to be a reason for me to be here either. Should I exit?'
'Only if you wish to', Huoran responded, 'I'm sorry to have called you away from internship, if I can make it up somehow, let me know.'
'Then take me to dinner sometime', Meirong joked.
'Of course, please contact Secretary Su on the day that's acceptable to you', Huoran replied.
Meirong did her best to hide her embarrassment and then stood up as well and bowed, "Please excuse me, it would be rude of me to attend this meeting."
She began walking towards the door when she heard Zikos's voice, "Princess Zeng, if you are free later, how about I take you somewhere as the first step to apologizing for the incident between our kingdoms."
"I'm sorry", Meirong replied, "I am no longer a princess, but a citizen of Sun & Moon island. I don't believe it's appropriate for us to dine together. Please forgive me, and believe that I hold no ill will towards you."
After she spoke, she left the room and closed the door.
"Has your stay on Sun & Moon island been up to your standard, your majesties", Huoran inquired.
"Everything has been excellent", Zikos answered.
The door was knocked again and Huoran called them. A cart was pushed in with a teapot, cups, and snacks, and the server placed cups at each seat, poured tea, and served snacks before walking out.
"My manners are not very good and I made you wait for tea", Huoran said, "Please excuse my hospitality."
"You caused no offense and the tea smells wonderful", Zikos responded, "Let us dispense with the formalities and just speak normally."
"As you wish", Houran replied, "I called you here as a show of good faith, and wanted to share some news with you that might affect your kingdom and more importantly, your family."
Princess Zeonva perked up when she heard his words and quickly replied in a pleasant voice, "Would Daoist Wei be subtly threatening our kingdom due to your acceptance of the Merfolk refugees."
"Of course not, Princess Zeonva", Huoran replied in a friendly manner, "But let me remind your your majesty that if you attempt your charm technique on me a second, you will be asked to leave the island and not allowed to return."
Zeonva didn't get embarrassed but acted innocently, "That was not my intention, Daoist Wei, although dragons are amourous creatures, I am quite young in dragon years and still learning to control my bloodline."
"Sister", Zikos interjected, "Daoist Wei was about to inform us of a situation. Please meditate and control your aura before you offend someone that you shouldn't."
Zeonva stuck her tongue out at Zikos as he turned towards Huoran.
"My apologies, Daoist Wei", Zikos said, "My sister is spoiled by our father and still hasn't learn proper manners."
"I take no offense now", Huoran told Zikos, "But in the future, I don't mind teaching her a lesson if no one else is willing to."
The room didn't change, but everyone's felt a chill at Huoran's words. Even Zeonva went from a playful smile to a serious expression on her face.
"What news does Daoist Wei bring to us, I wonder", Prince Kirvus asked in an attempt to change the subject.
Huoran began to explain to the three about the events of the Yak, Boar, and Tiger clans.
"While the events so far have only happened on land", Huoran said, "There is a possibility that their actions could spill out to the sea as well. You should know that the four tribes leaders are leaving today to help with the situation. Please inform your father and siblings of this development so that your borders will be properly protected."
"I appreciate Daoist Wei's words ", Zikos replied, "It's true we would have learned about this too late, and been at a disadvantage."
"It's not a big thing", Huoran humbly replied, "We will send messages to the other kingdoms and clans as well. How they react will be their own fate."
"If there is nothing else", Zikos said, "We will return to our rooms to send messages back home. I would like to invite Daoist Wei to dinner, if that's possible."
"I think there should be no problems", Huoran told the royals, "Please contact my secretary through your own people and we will make the arrangements."
The three dragon children stood and bowed before walking out of the room with their retinue. After a few minutes, Huoran stood and left the meeting room as well before walking into the next room where all eighteen ministers were sitting.
"It would seem to me", Huoran remarked, "That Minister Zel is correct. Not only does the second prince have the stone, but their father is aware of it and sent these three here with two missions. One is spy on us obviously, but the other is that he expects us to protect them from the second prince."