Chaos' Heir

Chapter 1483: Misunderstanding

The noble representatives had indeed teleported to Aynor’s quadrant, but that rowdy party wasn’t exactly suitable for Princes and Princesses.

Moreover, most of the guests were aliens with whom only Khan had a real connection. The former didn’t even care for nobility or the Global Army’s hierarchy, isolating the nobles despite their political relevance and meaningful assets.

Of course, those nine representatives still received the welcome, escort, and attention they deserved. Still, they came from the Global Army’s leaders and troops, reinforcing that sense of isolation in what was supposed to be a time for unity.

The party’s location worsened that uncomfortable vibe. The noble families stood above the Global Army and often disregarded Earth, but it remained their planet of origin.

Yet, that arrangement made those important representatives feel like strangers in their own home. That desert and party now belonged to the series of alien groups that had crowded them and the figure they had come to see.

During ordinary times, the Princes and Princesses would have left. They were used to setting their own terms for meetings and political actions due to the vast influence they wielded.

That was also a political strategy. Chasing after adversaries would show weakness. Instead, making them come to the nobles and accept their compromises would establish a precise hierarchy of power, clearly showing which side wielded actual authority.

However, nothing was ordinary anymore. It hadn’t been for a long time. Khan had changed the rules of the political game, even ignoring them altogether in a trend that culminated in that unavoidable but priceless situation.

The nobles could still leave, but also couldn’t. That was the greatest gathering that their side of the universe had ever witnessed. Countless political opportunities were within their reach that very night. They only needed the party’s main figure to guide and introduce them to that rowdy crowd.

That main figure took his time to the point where the nobles weren’t even sure he would come at all. Still, they remained confident, especially since some families among them had done everything in their power to please that man.

Khan noticed the strategy as soon as he appeared above the noble group with Liiza and his sleeping daughter. Except for Rodney, the human Generals were there, alongside multiple noble guards and elite soldiers, but Khan only had eyes for the representatives and their specific setup.

The noble families had sent Princes and Princesses, whom Khan had already dealt with since his time on Baoway and earlier. They had abandoned the idea of avoiding playing favorites and had assigned that task to representatives Khan might treat better than others.

That strategy could run into the issue of putting the noble families at a disadvantage. After all, Khan could look favorably on the chosen representatives because the opposite was also true.

However, the noble families were willing to accept that risk due to the sheer might of what Khan had moved. Those organizations had to be a part of what was brewing in the party, no matter what. The regulated universe as a whole might ostracize them otherwise.

That was why Khan found Princess Rachel Montares, Princess Edna Virrai, and Prince Rick Rassec among the nine representatives. They were friends rather than political entities for him, making their families’ stance more than evident.

The human group on the sand obviously noticed Khan’s arrival. His aura wasn’t something that could be missed, and the two pairs of bright light that shone upon that crowd also claimed everyone’s attention.

Due to the representatives’ political relevance, the area had enough room for Khan and Liiza to land, and a series of military salutes and curtsies promptly unfolded in their glowing vision.

Liiza could easily differentiate between representatives and soldiers due to the fancy dresses and suits the former wore. Still, she mostly focused on her perception, identifying each stance toward her husband, inevitably focusing on a certain blonde Princess.

"I’m glad you could make it," Khan announced, stepping aside to highlight. "Princes, Princesses, this is Liiza, my wife, and the little Princess in my arms is Yeza, our daughter."

Yeza kept sleeping, while Liiza performed a traditional Niqols’ bow to greet those important guests. Yet, she quickly straightened her back, breaking her polite salute to give the spotlight back to her husband.

The representatives didn’t need Liiza’s silent permission to focus on Khan, but still played by the political etiquette, performing another round of salutes and curtsies.

"I know this isn’t the right place to talk business," Khan continued once the general attention returned on him, "But can I assume that your presence implies willingness to cooperate in the war effort?"

The public nature of that party prevented any negotiations, mainly since the nobles couldn’t discuss those private topics before the Global Army’s Generals and troops.

However, Khan wanted and needed to confirm the nobles’ support immediately. Much of humankind’s power was gathered in those noble families, and they could be of use in that time for preparations.

"Prince Khan," Princess Edna ended up being the first to speak, albeit for selfish reasons. "I want to try the Niqols’ drinks, so I’ll be brief. The Virrai family is willing to cooperate."

Princess Edna immediately lost interest in the matter and gazed in the distance, searching for the closest cauldron, seemingly restless to get her hands on it.

"The Rassec family also wants to join the allied front," Prince Rick declared. "Bos-. I mean, Prince Khan."

"The Montares family is inclined to join, too," Princess Rachel stated. "We just want to get some details and insurance straightened out."

The other six representatives soon echoed Princess Rachel’s words. Most noble families sounded ready and willing to join that universal effort, but needed Khan to pay his due, at least publicly.

Still, Khan arched his eyebrows in surprise. He even glanced at the diverse sea of people behind him before scratching his head, refocusing on the nobles to voice his confusion.

"I think you are misunderstanding something," Khan guessed. "You are the ones who should pledge promises to me."