On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Twenty-Six

“Well said, Nkosi, you’re not as barbaric as you seem.” The newcomer, a tall, dark-skinned man with a shaven head and piercing eyes, who was thin and wiry, dressed in a neat yet casual outfit, continued his clapping, though by the angry set of Mr Nkosi’s features, it seemed to be sarcastic. The men behind him, either Chosen or spiritual beings, it seemed, also were smirking, and I could feel the tension between the two groups.

As if to underscore my point, the man addressed the woman in red. “Beautiful Zozibini, why not listen to me and abandon dull old Nkosi? You’d have a far better time with us. I’d hate to see such a woman as you squander her life. These tired ideas of tribe and clan are so last century. We’re all proud Africans, isn’t that enough?”

Hang on, this one was on the Vermillion List data Christina brought me. He wasn’t Vermillion, so Adam didn’t attach incredible importance to him, but… His name was Dino Moloi, apparently, and while the Vermillion List didn’t have a great deal of data on him, he apparently was some sort of element user, though the details were sketchy.

“I’ll decline, as I have before, Dino.” Miss Zozibini replied mildly. “Besides, isn’t it rather rude to ignore our international visitors?”

Bedside us, Miss Lindiwe was looking terribly nervous, beads of sweat forming on her brow. She was glancing at us, her expression apologetic, but it seemed it was out of her control, so I didn’t hold her responsible.

“Rha! Nobody asked them to come.” Mr Nkosi snapped. They were still speaking largely in English though, perhaps for our benefit. “Nobody asked you to come either, sorcerer.”

Sorcerer?

“I’m sure nobody invited you either, chief.” Mr Dino scoffed back, and I realised then it seemed they were making fun of each other’s names. “At least we came properly dressed. Look around, barbarian. Who comes in tribal dress to a meeting of politicians and business leaders? At least beautiful Zozibini is wearing a suit as well as her beads.”

“Please, I would very much like it if you don’t fight.” Miss Lindiwe tried to intercede. Several of the armed security around us looked nervous, hands on their automatic rifles, but the Chosen here ignored them. “I… these are guests I invited, who I owe a great deal to.”

“It is true.” Miss Zozibini agreed. “You are looking well, Miss. It was a shame we couldn’t help…”

“We are those chosen for battle.” Mr Nkosi agreed. “War is a noble calling.”

“War is a sad waste of lives and resources.” Mr Dino disagreed. “But I would expect no less from someone who clings to the old ways.” He taunted Mr Nkosi, whose face screwed up into an expression of rage. Before it could escalate, and with urging looks from Ichijou-san, I broke in.

“Excuse me, but can you take your arguments elsewhere? Firstly, I don’t think you were invited, were you?”

“We go where we please, none can bar our paths.” Mr Nkosi said, which made Hinata chuckle. The man glared at her, but Hinata, proving her bravery, or perhaps her confidence in me, merely met his furious stare.

“Sorry, you just said what Shaeula did. She’s cuter and stronger than you, though.”

Miss Zozibini laughed at that, and before he could reply, one of the Chosen accompanying Mr Dino stirred the argument. “Oh yes, I saw that. You would bar-bar my way? She certainly looked stronger than you, Xhosa.”

“Look, enough, all right?” I wasn’t going to let the argument escalate. “I have great confidence in Shaeula, but she’s not here. We are though. And I am going to have to insist you all play nice. This is a big day for Hinata, and I won’t let you spoil it. If you try… I might just stop being polite.”

Miss Zozibini seemed to understand more than then men did. “You look very beautiful, young one.” Her words were kind. “Please tell me, what brings you here today?”

“Simple. I am here for my engagement debut. In our circles, the first major event where a woman is with her fiancé holds special meaning and importance. It should be flattering I’m holding it in your country.”

“I take it so. And I am more grateful that my saviors are attending this gala.” Miss Lindiwe agreed, hoping the angry mood would diminish, but it seemed her hopes were in vain.

“Honoured? Typical hubris from foreign exploiters.” Mr Nkosi growled, his ornate bead necklaces swaying and clinking as he gestured violently. “I know you are here to pillage our wealth, as has been done for centuries. But that time is over.” He turned to Miss Lindiwe then. “Your father still isn’t listening. He is a fucking fool. If he is not more careful, he will endure what Hili of the Amambalu experienced.”

Everyone’s faces hardened at that, and Miss Lindiwe looked shaken. It must have been some sort of proverb, idiom or threat. Beside me, Mayumi-san was watching on, seemingly unconcerned about the tense air in our corner of the room, but Katana-san and Kazumi-san were professionals, and were on edge, ready for a fight to break out at any moment. With my vision expanded by aether, I could see that the other guests were split into two camps, one trying to steer well clear of us, the others looking as if they were eager to make either our or the African Chosen’s acquaintance.

“How crude. Threatening a poor young woman who has just recovered with the Tokoloshes. For shame. After all, you don’t command them, do you, chief?” Mr Dino said pointedly. “For once though, I agree.” He was outwardly kinder than Mr Nkosi, but he was no less angry, it seemed. “Kumba-Stillwater has exploited Africa for far too long. And worse, the precious heart of our land is dug out and sent far away, to serve the forges and factories of foreign lands. Why, if Africa had a soul, it would surely be weeping, raped and pillaged by the greedy, who give nothing back.”

“Our land does have a soul, sorcerer.” Mr Nkosi barked his retort. “It is our mother, who births and shelters us, and our father, which protects and tests us. But for once I agree with you. No more digging and mining. It is an affront to Qamata. Why else would the Gods return, other than to correct these wrongs, since we proved too greedy and feeble? Rha, fuck all the greedy!”

“We… it’s unreasonable. Father is prepared to offer concessions, money to help restore the land, provide for the less fortunate…” Miss Lindiwe promised, before looking at me, worried. “I… we made promises, to Mr Akio, for his aid. I…”

“It is important to keep promises.” Miss Zozibini agreed. “With both hands, one must take, and one must also give. However… the times have changed.”

“Yes, they have.” Mr Nkosi agreed.

“But that’s not how the world works. Without mines and raw materials, without industry, how can we progress?” Mayumi-san began. Her grandfather tried to stop her, worried, but Mayumi-san was enjoying herself, and liked to argue. “Do you have a car? A computer at home? A mobile phone? Would you give it all up and live in a cave?”

I don’t disagree, but… this is not the place for that. I wasn’t the only one to think so, as one of the spiritual beings behind Mr Nkosi was incensed. He reached out a hand faster than any of our guards such as Katana-san could react, ready to slap the woman who had annoyed him, while he spat out some harsh words. “Little bitch. Go and fuck a dog…” Before he had finished I was gripping his wrist, none-to-gently, and his last words were etched with strain as he tried to shake free. Mayumi-san blinked, face suddenly pale as she realised she was almost struck, and Katana-san moved in front of her, urging her to retreat.

Miss Lindiwe was crying out that violence was prohibited, that this was an event full of dignitaries, but Mr Nkosi and Mr Dino and the rest of their groups were watching. Perhaps this was just an excuse to see what we would and could do?

“Let me go, fucking pussy!” the spiritual being snapped, but then he suddenly fell silent, as I raised my League to its maximum, holding the focus so that it only affected the bastard in my grasp. He paled, shivering, clearly outclassed, and fell silent.

“Don’t be so crude in front of the ladies.” I said, deathly quiet. “And everyone here, including Miss Lindiwe and her father, is under my protection. Cross me if you dare, this is your first and only warning.” I squeezed his wrist hard enough to leave already forming bruises before releasing him. He staggered back, and I expanded on Mayumi-san’s point, which I agreed with, if not her unwise delivery.

“Besides…” I continued. “Mayumi-san wasn’t wrong. We can’t stop progress, and now… well, there’s the Boundary, isn’t there? We can make progress in a better, safer way…”

“The Ancestral World? I should expect no less from foreigners.” Mr Nkosi scoffed, glaring at his beaten companion, perhaps contemptuous that I outclassed him so much. “Not content to destroy our Earth, you wish to ruin that too. Well, lions may fight each other for the pride, but when the hunter comes, they will band together and fight tooth and claw, even unto death, to protect the pride.”

“He speaks the truth. One thing we are united on is that Africa is ours. No foreigner will be permitted to enter the Ancestral World, and any who is found there, no matter who and why, will be the enemies of all. Competition, survival of the fittest, is our way, but we will not be overshadowed and exploited anymore. The time of our ascension is now!” Mr Dino agreed, to nodding of heads and affirmative cries from his followers.

That’s… a pain. Hinata knew our purpose here, so tried to offer a rebuttal. “You think Akio wants to exploit the Boundary? You don’t know him, or what he’s achieved. One of his other fiancées, Asha, is a Dryad. A spirit of nature. Would she love a destructive, exploitative man? In fact, we plan to make Japan a beautiful place of clean technology and nature in harmony. Recycling, clean power… less pollution, more wealth to go around.”

“Words. Talk is cheap, especially from one who has come to claim their blood money from African soil.” Mr Nkosi scoffed.

“I…” Miss Lindiwe began, but I stopped her. There’s no point to this. It was then that the Chosen with Mr Dino smirked. He was light-skinned, with blonde hair, perhaps of some Caucasian descent, and his accent was perhaps Dutch, or some similar European language.

“How about this?” He smirked, clearly having a plan. “Let judgement be dictated by the truth.”

“I think that sounds interesting.” Miss Zozibini giggled charmingly. “But in the interests of fairness, let the threads of Anansi prevent any untoward tricks.”

The man glared, but his smile soon resumed. “Of course, I trust you, beauty. And Anansi’s powers are not for evil use.”

Hinata and I exchanged glances, a little confused, but Mr Dino spoke up.

“My friend Janco wields the feather of Ma’at. None can cheat her and Anubis’ Scales. Since we are all… seeing from a different viewpoint, why not settle it by the judgement of a God?”

“That sounds troublesome.” Hinata disagreed. “What’s to settle anyway? We have an agreement with Miss Lindiwe and her father. There’s always room to negotiate, but you have no right to interfere arbitrarily.”

“Agreements with exploiters and plunderers.” Mr Nkosi disagreed. “But… this is an opportunity. Dino, you rhino pussy, let Zozibini weave Anansi’s threads to prevent trickery.”

“I have no objections.” Mr Dino agreed, but I most certainly did.

“Sorry, but just why should I submit to any judgement? I’m a guest here, and have done nothing wrong.”

“A guilty conscience?” Mr Janco scoffed. “Is the one who saved Britain such a coward?”

“It is truly foolish to fight here.” Miss Zozibini pointed out. “While mighty Nkosi fears no bullets nor bombs, I am not so willing to put my beauty to the test. Scars are so upsetting, don’t you agree, ladies?” Her teasing tone was polite. “But… there is more to this than you know. Foreign powers still seek to trouble us. Many hunters have come, and brave African men and women slain or disappeared. Even the Prince of Gold has been driven into hiding.” She clicked her tongue. Does she mean the man codenamed Midas? That would make sense. Damn, I’m glad I didn’t bring Christina with me now. That would be awkward.

“It’s not just you who’ve suffered that. I was almost abducted as well. And I can assure you, we’ve not been involved.” I pointed out, but that didn’t move them.

“History is full of our exploitation.” Mr Nkosi snapped. “Whether you are personally involved or not, this is not your place! But I am unwilling to draw my knife unless I must. Give up your claim to wealth torn from Africa and leave us lions to fight for our own people.”

“Don’t be so hasty, you’re as fiery as your name.” Mr Dino taunted. “This is an opportunity. Beautiful Zozibini, instead of tying us with your threads, do you dare to place your heart on the scales?”

I focussed my attention on her as she answered. I detected a combination of fear and wariness in her eyes, as well as calculation. She was unable to stop her gaze flickering to me, but in the end, she nodded. “You cannot play tricks on the spider, remember that. Instead, the spider weaves his cunning schemes to trick others, but only those who deserve to be cheated.”

“Why not make a spectacle of it?” Mr Dino asked, and he was so self-satisfied I had to think he was scheming for this all along, even if she wasn’t the target. Turning to the hall, he addressed everyone. “Honoured guests. I know you are alarmed to see us intrude, but… we go where we will. The lions of Africa are proud and no hunter can slay them, not and endure the consequences.” His companions glared at the security contemptuously.

I’m not sure I agree. Yes, it’s likely that the small-calibre rounds from the guards probably won’t be able to kill any half-decent Chosen, but the South African army has missiles and bombs. Sure, I can tank them, and probably Mr Nkosi can as well, his League is impressive, and his arrogance too, but… others would definitely die or be seriously injured.

“But fear not, we are not barbarians. We are civilised men. Well, most of us.” He glanced at Mr Nkosi with arrogance in his eyes. “We bring no harm to those who respect us. We simply wish to bring our country, our people, back to better days. After all… Africa is the cradle of humanity. It is only fitting that we reclaim the world we gave to others. But for now… how about some harmless entertainment? We have distinguished guests. The Hero of Britain, who stood against evil. His lovely little fiancée and some… other friends.”

As all eyes were already on us, Mayumi-san waved cheerfully, her earlier fear forgotten, and Hinata curtsied elegantly, not a Japanese style, but attractive nonetheless. I inclined my head too, not deferentially, but not too arrogantly either.

“So, some entertainment, to celebrate the recovery of dear Lindiwe here.” He continued. “I know many of you misunderstand and fear us, but it is natural to fear what you don’t understand. So… to that end…” Aether surged, and it resolved into a mysterious set of glowing scales. They were translucent, not entirely physically present, and three flat pans held up by golden chains were at one hundred and twenty degree angles, surrounding the centre spire, which had the height of a person. “The Scales of Judgement!”

Hinata looked at me, clearly worried, and I wasn’t happy myself. I don’t play a game where I don’t know and can’t trust the rules. To that end, my Eye shone, though I also channelled a little light element, to try and mask the glow as best I could.

Anubis’ Scales Of Judgement – These Scales will judge the sins, or negative karma relating to a desired outcome, and the Feather of Ma’at will form dependant on that outcome. Then one’s karma will manifest, forming a heart. If the heart of sin depresses the scales more than the Feather, then punishment as determined by the holder of the Scales will be enacted. ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???.

I don’t think so. Straining, focussing aether into my Eye, I grinned. Back in the Boundary, Shiro was just about to leave. She was meeting Hayato-kun and the gang for a few drinks, since in Japan it was getting on for eleven at night. Stopping her, I asked her to buff my Eye, and with a worried frown, she did so. The extra weight of information was a sudden drag on my mind, but it was enough to resolve the question marks, and I then had Shiro dismiss the buff, before it could affect me further. Only Miss Zozibini had noticed how pale I was, but she merely smiled at me, a seductive one that made Hinata ball her fist and punch me in the side, though she wasn’t trying to charm me, but as I had noticed what she was doing, her smile was full of praise. I didn’t just see through the question marks.

“Everything going to be okay, Aki?” Shiro asked, and I nodded.

“Yeah. Pass on my apologies to the gang, and have fun tonight.”

“Just… be careful, okay?” Shiro warned me, before departing.

“I’d like to say I’m always careful, but… that would be a lie.” I said to myself, now mostly alone under Asha’s Tree. While I was here in the Boundary, I was merely functioning as an ether generating process by mitigating Shiro’s buffs on the Tree. Everyone else was busy having fun, not that I blamed them. Shiro’s taking Tsukiko out as well. The two of them get on, which is good. But then, they do have similar circumstances…

Setting that aside, I considered what I had seen. Firstly the question marks. Due to the influence of ?????????????, the wielder of the Scales can choose to accrue sins by increasing or decreasing the weight of other hearts, and does not have to truthfully disclose the punishment selected. It must be mentioned, but the words can be misleading regarding severity or other matters unless called out, though the more misleading, the more sins one accumulates. In time, one’s heart will become heavier and heavier.

Yeah, stands to reason that it’s a rigged game. That’s not the most interesting thing, though. Influence of what? And besides that… When my Eye was strengthened for a mere moment, I caught sight of dozens of tiny, nigh-invisible strands wrapped around me, Miss Zozibini, Mr Janco and the scales. Oddly enough, they had also wound around Adelheid, who hadn’t noticed. Remembering the words that had spiked cross my vision, I understood what they were.

Anansi’s Threads Of Fate – These manifestations of Fortune, Foresight and Fate connect together shared destinies, in a way that allows the bearer to understand and avoid cunning tricks and traps, and weave their own schemes to fool and outsmart opponents, claiming victory and the greater the unfair scheme overcome, the greater the rewards, and the greater the fall her opponent suffers.

Of course Miss Zozibini knows this is a rigged game. So where does Adelheid fit in? Wait… The position of the threads were suspect too, as one was tangled up in my eyelashes. I couldn’t see it anymore, but it did make me blink uncomfortably. So obviously, for Miss Zozibini to win, I needed to have used my Eye… Karma, huh? Threads were also at my lower body, and I realised that I couldn’t lose. Just like Adelheid, with my Spiritually Pure Physique I hard counter this sort of trick… Adelheid… counter. Oh… If I couldn’t lose, that meant Miss Zozibini would, and it seemed there was a definite rivalry between the two groups of Chosen.

“Since we stand here, at a party for the young Miss of Kumba-Stillwater, here in South Africa… let us compete on who has done the most for this great Continent, the home of our forefathers!” Mr Dino shouted, and Mayumi-san spoke up.

“That hardly seems fair. After all, this is the first time Akio-kun has ever been here…”

“Hush now.” Ichijou-san told her. “Let him handle it.”

“I’m so frustrated! These people have no manners!” Mayumi-san complained, only for Adelheid to grumble.

“You think you do? Always making a fuss. The world doesn’t revolve around you, rich girl.”

Mayumi-san shot her a look, before ignoring her.

“I feel that our Hero here is willing to brave this challenge.” Miss Zozibini winked at me, fingers twitching imperceptibly, and I caught the glimmer of silver strands, visible under the light, before they were gone.

“Sure. But it depends on the penalty. Isn’t the Scales Of Anubis about condemning a soul to being eaten? This is a happy occasion, why spoil it?” I pointed out, and Mr Janco laughed.

“True. And we need no trouble tonight with our Xhosa friends.” He nodded at the stone-faced Mr Nkosi. “Not that our beautiful rival would lose, she cherishes our country and agrees with our goals. But how about this… those whose hearts have not aided Africa will not be able to enter the Ancestral Realm here in Africa. A small penalty, no? Africa should be for Africans!”

I could see a number of dignitaries in the room nodding. And it did seem a small penalty, except it was obvious there were loopholes. Not being able to enter in Africa… well, it could be death, as the dead can’t go anywhere, but the weight that would add to his heart would be a lot, I’d imagine? Perhaps it might make getting into the Boundary anywhere impossible. Honestly, I’m not sure if his Favour can do that, especially to a stronger opponent, but… perhaps the drawbacks make it stronger? After all, if he keeps cheating, eventually his heart would be so heavy he’ll always lose. Does it work like that?

“I disagree.” I shook my head. “We’re all citizens of the world, and we can all be friends. Just as I helped Britain and Korea. One day you might need my aid, and it’d be a shame if I was shut out, wouldn’t it?”

“Are you scared?” Mr Dino repeated, and I shook my head.

“Not at all. Just illustrating a point. But… since I have no reason to play your game, how about this?” I turned, and introduced Hinata, explaining that afterwards, I’d very much like to have a talk with the major dignitaries here with her, and take some photographs of them blessing our engagement. That sent a murmur through the crowd and made Hinata blush.

“I see you are always thinking of her.” Miss Zozibini said approvingly. “If only Nkozi was so thoughtful.”

“Male lions have their pride!” Mr Nkozi grumbled, embarrassed, and she winked at me. “Anyway, may you follow the spider’s thread to a triumph.”

“In Japan, we have a similar saying.” I nodded. “Do your best as well.”

“Enough talk!” Mr Dino called out. “Let the show begin!”

Aether surged, and I felt a pulling within me. I actually felt I could resist, my League outclassing Mr Janco by a significant margin. Feeling that, I realised that the power could be used as a weapon quite easily. Just summon the scales against a mob of enemies, then forcibly weigh their sins, with a death penalty. Risky, but if his own karma isn’t too sinful, and their League doesn’t surpass his too greatly, it’d be rather effective. Ugh, I hate cheat powers like that. It’s flawed, but situationally lethal. It’s why I have to be careful.

Despite my high League, great stats and an array of powerful Skills, I never took that for granted. After all, there were many Favours still out there, and it just took one with the right ability to render my advantages moot. Not this one, though… I let the spiritual heart be pulled from my chest, and it appeared, a brilliant, glowing orb of white, fringed with orange and indigo. The crowd gasped, and moments later Miss Zozibini’s was pulled free, this one a black orb trailing numerous fine strands. Finally, a small, pure white heart left Mr Janco. All three settled on their respective scales, and then three further balances appeared, now they were at sixty degree angles. These empty scales were suddenly glowing, and three feathers appeared above them, small and white.

“Let the Scales judge fairly!” Mr Janco declared, and as they descended to the empty balances, he was pouring out aether. He was grinning at me, as if sure he had won, but I merely stared back, confident in myself.

“I doubt wanting the treasures of the earth, dug from our mother’s soil, makes you a benefactor of Africa.” Mr Dino whispered to me. “I daresay Nkosi there respects your bravery, though. Me… I hate your foolishness.”

“Shut up.” Mr Nkosi whispered back, as my feather hit the empty balance first. “I do respect it. I am the spear of Qamata, the Xhosa and Africa. You… you are a spear of selfishness and greed. One day soon I’ll force you to kneel.”

“But not today. Now watch as we humble the famous… huh?” He faltered, and I smirked inwardly at the look of shock on his face as the feather sank, pushing up my heart.

“I guess I do mean well after all. And it’s true.” I declared to the crowd. “My new industry does indeed require a lot of material. But… honestly, mining the Earth dry isn’t something we need to do. In fact… soon, we’ll be launching our new recycling technology. It can reclaim all of the materials from anything. Trash to treasure. With that, we can keep the Earth clean and satisfy our needs for decades, just off what we already have!”

Hinata agreed, seizing the moment, while I could see the strain on Mr Janco’s face, and the sheer perplexity at why the Feather outweighed my heart so massively. “That’s right.” Hinata shouted, proud, before tapping Mayumi-san on the shoulder. “My friend and I, we have an agreement with Kumba-Stillwater. And honestly, even with Akiko’s recycling, it will take time to reach enough scale to fill our needs, so on the short term we’ll need ores and metals. But… trust me. One day soon… Akio will transform this land, just as he will Japan, and it will be a magnificent sight to see!”

“Arrogance!” Mr Nkosi declared. “What need have we of outsiders?”

“There can only be one Astral Emperor.” Hinata lowered her voice, letting Mayumi-san speak to the crowd. “And sorry, but it won’t be you!”

“This… cheating!” Mr Janco complained, but Miss Zozibini sniffed, amused.

“A cheater always accuses others. Now… the game isn’t over, is it? I warned you, Anansi’s threads would choke you if you tried tricking me.”

“I wasn’t… I was after… you should want him removed as well!” It didn’t matter to Mr Janco that I could hear him, since he could no longer harm me.

“Oh? What do you say, great Nkosi?” She turned to her leader, who shrugged, his beads clinking.

“I do want him gone, but as of yet, he hasn’t crossed me. Rha, you rhino fucker, you wouldn’t know honour if it rammed a horn up your ass.”

“Honour doesn’t protect you!” Mr Dino complained. “Just as it didn’t our ancestors. Even now, those who have power still treat us as fools. How many of those like us you killed did you do with honour?”

“Fine. You made a mistake.” Mr Janco scowled at Miss Zozibini. “It seems you lose.”

“That is yet to be seen.” Her feather landed next, and with a trembling, her heart began to sink slowly. At the same moment, his feather found its place, but instead of the heart sinking, the feather did, and he looked up triumphantly. At that moment, I muttered a few words, shrouded in wind energy, so only the recipient could hear.

“See? Poor Zozibini. You grasped your defeat with both hands. Now… your time is over. Anansi chose poorly.” Mr Janco gloated, before he suddenly screamed in outrage. His heart dropped so suddenly the golden chains shattered, and in the same moment, Miss Zozibini’s feather began to sink, until her heart was above the feather, safe.

“Impossible! How? I…” He suddenly chocked, and I could see strands of spider silk around his neck.

“This time you made your own Akua doll sticky, and slapped it with both your hands.” Miss Zozibini taunted him. “Now you’re trapped by your own scheme. Such a shame…” The beautiful woman clad in her bright red suit laughed, and there was malice in it. “It’s been a good day indeed.” She nodded to me, and then to Adelheid, who grunted sourly.

“The show is over… what an… unexpected result…” Mr Dino tried to keep face, but Mr Janco collapsed, and blood ran down his face. The crowd panicked, but I used all my Charm and Majesty to calm them, saying that nobody else would be harmed. My Eye shone, and I could see that the Divine Favour within Mr Janco was collapsing. I see. Basically his plan was to have the losers Anchor’s be destroyed. Whether he planned to take down both me and Miss Zozibini or just me… in the end, he was defeated by his own trap…

It was as if he had been Conquered by himself, which had caused immense damage to his subtle body, as well as ripping free his Favour. Unfortunately I was unable to take it before it vanished, but now I could see hatred in Mr Dino’s eyes, as well as on the faces of his comrades, as they looked at us. He gathered up the fallen man, before stalking out of the hall as quickly as he had arrived.

“This isn’t the end!” one spiritual being spat, before the rest of his group also departed.

“Please, everyone, there is no need for panic.” Mr Mandla declared. “Consider it a rare chance to see how dangerous it can be to meddle with the powers of our Gods. Perhaps we should be thankful we weren’t chosen, eh?” His joke was followed by nervous laughter from the crowd. Some of the less brave guests did leave, but he continued to reassure them. “Mr Akio is not at fault, and he is the man who cured my darling Lindiwe. Nor are our… other brave guests, uninvited though they are, but far from unwelcome.” More nervous laughter, and Mr Nkosi spoke up boldly.

“That Afrikaner goat pussy is no loss. He’s not a good man.” Mr Nkosi spat. “I’ve my suspicions about just how honest the Scales are. I warned you, Zozibini. You played a reckless game.”

“Of course. Qamata is fair, and those who try and cheat Anansi seldom come to good ends.” She was unmoved, though she gave him a brilliant smile. “I’ll try not to worry you, great Nkosi.”

“Rha! Who would worry about you, woman?”

“In that case, we were talking about your presence here…” Miss Zozibini said to me, but I shook my head.

“Later. I’m not here for business, I’m here for Hinata. So… it’s time to do the rounds and introduce her to the people that matter.”

“I can’t wait!” Hinata agreed, rather excited. She believed in me before, so when I said I would win, her nerves disappeared, but she was a bit shaken up by the cheater’s fall. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Zozibini, go with her. You know everyone, don’t you?” Mr Nkosi grumbled, and I shrugged. Maybe he’s not so bad after all?

***

Hinata was chatting way happily to the Crown Prince of Lesotho, as well as the Presidents of Ghana and South Africa. I had taken some group shots with Hinata and the dignitaries, and Mayumi-san had already sent them to the leading ladies at Hanafubuki, and was already getting responses.

“This is annoying.” Adelheid grumbled beside me. “Everyone’s looking at me. I feel out of place.”

“Shouldn’t be so cute then.” I laughed, in a good mood. She grimaced, before kicking me in the ankle, only to wince and try and pretend her foot didn’t ache.

“Thanks for your help though. I don’t know if she’s a good person or not…” I nodded at Miss Zozibini, who was helping smooth Hinata’s conversations with the honoured guests here. “…but I do know that Mr Janco was a cheater.”

Adelheid shrugged, rubbing her sore foot against her other ankle surreptitiously. “The Furies hate dishonest sinners. His heart was heavy with treachery and evil. That’s all there was to it. Ugh, where’s the beer?” She picked at the plate of food in her hands idly, sipping at the glass of champagne she held with a complicated expression on her face. “This stuff just isn’t to my taste.”

“I’ll go get you something if I can find it.” I looked around, scanning the waiters, only for one to step up.

“Here you are sir.” He passed me a glass of foaming amber beer, which I handed to Adelheid, who took it eagerly, though she glanced around to see if anyone would complain. Seeing as nobody did, she took a swig, smacking her lips.

“That’s better. I don’t like wine, it’s got to be beer. Huh…” As she tilted her glass, there was a clinking noise. “Is something in here?” She reached into her glass and moments later pulled out a leaf. “Shit, even at swanky parties, there’s still… huh…” Her blue eyes narrowed as she looked at the leaf in her hand. “This feels… wait, is this… solid gold?”

Hearing her words I narrowed my own eyes. Gold, huh? Then does that mean…? I turned, but the waiter who had given me the glass of beer was nowhere to be seen, vanished into the crowds perhaps…