The Gathering (1)

After the details were discussed, Kai dismissed everyone except Mina.

"Mina, are you prepared for tomorrow?" Kai asked as he stood up from the throne and walked over to Mina.

"Yes, Master, I have made all the arrangements just as you have instructed!" Mina responded seriously.

"Good! but you don't have to be so formal. It's just the two of us. You can call me by my name..." Kai said with a wry smile.

"...Master...I mean, Kai...why did you decide not to attend the tournament?" Mina asked with some confusion. Kai had suddenly changed her from a participant to his representative, yet his reasoning was vague.

"Some important business came up that I cannot afford to miss..." Kai responded as his mind slowly drifted away. However, he quickly pulled himself back to reality.