Underground Auction

After a heartfelt conversation with Canary, the duo left to have breakfast in the glorious dining room of the palace given to them by President John Hiden. Haruto led the way, his steps poised and deliberate. As they entered, Machi and Kortopi were already at the table, engrossed in their own conversation.

"Good morning," Haruto greeted as he took his seat.

Canary followed suit, settling in beside him, "Morning, Machi, Kortopi."

"Morning," Machi replied, eyes narrowing slightly as she observed the discreet comfort between Haruto and Canary. Kortopi nodded, a faint smile crossing his face.

As they began their meal, Haruto effortlessly steered the conversation. "I'll be meeting with President Hiden later. We'll be discussing potential alliances and other matters of diplomacy. Machi, Kortopi, I want you both to be prepared for any updates."

"Understood," Machi said, her tone displaying a trace of curiosity. "Do we know what the President is looking for in this alliance?"

Haruto considered for a moment. "Not entirely. But whatever it is, we'll weigh it against our own objectives."

His gaze turned to Canary, "Canary, you and I will need to review some intelligence files before the meeting. I want to be fully prepared."

She caught his eye, her own reflecting a mix of admiration and something more. "Absolutely. Just say when."

After breakfast, servants cleared the table as the Envoy from the previous night arrived promptly. He bowed, then announced, "The car is ready, Your Highness."

Haruto nodded, his acknowledgment concise yet gracious. "Thank you. We shall proceed then."

Exiting the palace, the quartet made their way to the sleek black car waiting for them, a contrast to the cobblestone pathways and historical architecture around. The driver held the door open as Haruto slid into the car, followed by Canary, Machi, and Kortopi. As the car began its journey, Haruto glanced at the dossier in his hands, flipping through the pages with meticulous care.

The vehicle navigated through narrow streets lined with flowering trees and quaint shops. A sense of serenity hung in the air, a stark difference from the gravity of the conversations that were about to occur. They passed over a stone bridge arching over a babbling creek, a painting of pastoral beauty that seemed almost surreal against the backdrop of their current mission.

Finally, they pulled up to a building of modern yet stately architecture, adorned with a series of flags representing various nations. "We're here," Haruto observed, not a statement of arrival but an acknowledgment of the task ahead.

Exiting the car, they were immediately met by a host of officials and security, all maintaining a deferential distance as if recognizing Haruto's latent air of authority. The group was ushered through a corridor adorned with historic paintings and luxurious furnishings, finally arriving at a conference room. A large wooden table dominated the room, around which plush chairs were arranged.

"Please, have a seat," an official gestured, his voice tinged with respect and perhaps a hint of anxiety.

Haruto chose a seat at the head of the table, a decision no one questioned. Canary sat to his right, her presence emanating a blend of warmth and steadfastness, while Machi and Kortopi sat across, their eyes keenly observant.

President John Hiden entered the room, a congenial smile on his face. "King Haruto, it's a pleasure to meet you. And this must be your delegation?"

"Yes," Haruto replied, his tone courteous yet straightforward. "This is Canary, Machi, and Kortopi. We have much to discuss."

"Indeed, we do," the President responded, sitting opposite Haruto.

Haruto unfolded the dossier in front of him. "We're aware that your government has particular interests. So do we. A mutually beneficial arrangement would suit both parties, don't you agree?"

President Hiden nodded. "Absolutely. That's the spirit of diplomacy."

"Then let's not waste time," Haruto continued.

After lengthy discussions from both sides, Haruto agreed to the terms he gave to King Tanoshi of Kukan'yu Kingdom. The United States of Saherta would send people to the Meteor Kingdom, where they would be trained in the unique Technology and Nen that the Meteor Kingdom had to offer. In exchange, President Hiden promised the richness of his nation and any material Meteor Kingdom would require.

As they left the building, the car pulled up and the driver opened the door with a courteous bow. Haruto, Canary, Machi, and Kortopi re-entered the vehicle, its atmosphere saturated with the weight of finalized negotiations and newly formed alliances.

Canary leaned close to Haruto, her voice a low whisper. "There's an underground auction tonight. Do you want to participate in it?"

Haruto's eyes met Machi's for a brief moment. Her eyes glinted, radiating a quiet excitement. He turned to Canary and nodded.

"Excellent," Canary replied, quickly pulling out her phone to arrange their invitations.

The car glided through the streets as twilight approached, returning them to the palace. Once inside, they headed to the private meeting room where they could confer.

Kortopi glanced at Haruto, concern etched on his young face. "Wouldn't it damage your reputation to attend such auctions, Haruto?"

The latter shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "Yorknew City's auctions are famous. Even nation leaders often attend. There are private rooms where you can enter without even being seen. They're really discreet. We can go in and come out without anyone even seeing us."

Haruto looked at Machi, "Since you showed such interest, do you know what they will auction today?"

Machi's eyes met his, a flicker of anticipation breaking through her usual composure. "They usually deal in regular stolen goods and slaves. But I've heard there's a possibility that an item from that place will be up for auction."

"Ah, that place," Haruto mused, a slight quirk of an eyebrow revealing his intrigue. "Canary, you were eager about this as well?"

Canary glanced at Haruto, her eyes capturing the soft glow of the chandelier above them. "I was. An underground auction like this could give us more than material assets. It offers information, networks—hidden avenues that even diplomacy can't provide."

Kortopi, looking puzzled, interrupted, "Wouldn't something like this pose a risk, though? If word gets out that we're involved in an underground auction..."

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