Part 2. Shouta

Shouta was, according to public opinion, one of the most beautiful planets in the Galaxy. This wasn't just because of its vast and radiant ocean that covered the entire surface but also due to its magnificent capital deep below the surface.

A civilization had developed here, choosing to build their structures underwater, thus preserving the sacred surface above. Over time, they constructed the capital city of Shouta, known as Mirellonos, named after their goddess. It was entrusted to her protection. The result was a city that blended modernity with traditional elements in every aspect.

They sourced various metals from all corners of the Galaxy for its construction, and the majority of the walls were made from resilient glass. Thanks to these materials and the lighting, the entire city seemed to glow from within. Although there were residents who preferred to live in caves and smaller villages rather than the capital, all of them acknowledged its beauty.

Another merit of the planet was its splendid, diverse, and colorful flora and fauna. They were undisturbed by the construction and could be admired in their entirety by those traveling from the surface downward, until they delved so deep that they could no longer see beyond the lights of the landing platform.

Shouta was considered the jewel of the Galaxy in every sense, but that didn't distract the passengers aboard the spacecraft.

"Come on, move already!" grumbled Hyraus, dragging his son along.

Quilen felt uncomfortable in a world so foreign to him. The thought of being deep beneath the ocean was terrifying. He wasn't even a good swimmer. If the city's glass walls were to crack, he'd drown, and that thought scared him. Although, he realized the pressure would kill him first.

He wished his brother had come with them, but Alsen stayed at the Emperor's palace. When Hyraus smacked him on the back again, Quilen straightened up and walked down the spacecraft ramp.

Waiting for them outside was an escort to take them to the king of Shouta. Quilen had never met him and didn't know how he should behave. He didn't even know who the king was exactly, although he wouldn't admit this to his father. Hyraus constantly scolded him for being scatterbrained. Perhaps that's why the man wanted his younger son there, so he could learn how to behave in such situations. Alsen learned much faster, and he was confident, polite, and disciplined. Hyraus wouldn't have worried about him in the presence of a high ranked person.

As they moved through the glass-walled city, Quilen's fears began to subside a little. The city was beautiful and dazzling, sometimes almost breathtaking. However, there wasn't much time for sightseeing since every time he slowed down, Hyraus urged him to hurry.

Finally, as they reached a white marble gate, two guards blocked their path. The man introduced himself firmly, and the door opened immediately.

Quilen tried not to gape his mouth with amazement when he entered the throne room. The walls sparkled with pearly shine from the lamps' reflection. The floor was covered with a shiny, polished white marble. A soft pale blue carpet led to the carved glass throne on the dais. Statues adorned the sides of the room, and he assumed they were of past kings and queens. In the center, behind the glass throne, stood a towering statue of a woman that Quilen guessed must be their goddess.

When he took his eyes off the walls, he immediately spotted the king. He was a tall man, much taller than the average citizens, just like all Shoutans who chose to have humanoid legs. His scales shimmered with a pale blue hue in the reflected light. His eyes were deep blue, much like his long, braided hair. He wore no crown or other headpiece, yet he was unmistakable. His silvery attire was impeccable. His dignified demeanor exuded a pride that immediately captivated the boy. Even his movement, as he turned his head towards them and raised his hand to smooth over his attire, exuded an extraordinary elegance.

The boy now understood why his father had insisted he wear his finest clothes. Although he hated the tight-fitting, red silk robe, Quilen eventually complied. He realized that perhaps he should have combed his long hair and tied it back.

Beside the king, two others stood. An older man, elegantly dressed in white, and a younger boy who bore a striking resemblance to the king but had messy, blue hair, a more casual posture, and wore black attire. He lacked the same elegance as the older men. They appeared to have been discussing something important, but they fell silent. With a calm smile, the king turned his gaze toward them. The older man took a step back with a slight bow, while the young boy crossed his arms and shook his head in irritation, as if he was annoyed at the interruption.

Hyraus knelt on the blue carpet, bowing his head almost to the ground. His golden hair nearly brushed the floor. His son followed suit. He didn't feel humiliated by the gesture since living alongside the Emperor, both he and Alsen had become accustomed to setting aside their pride. After all, His Majesty hardly allowed them to rise.

"Your Highness, please forgive us! It seems we have interrupted something. My name is Hyraus, and..."

"You come from the Emperor," the king added, smiling, completing the introduction. "I've heard of you, Royal Advisor."

Hyraus nodded, but he didn't rise. The king turned his gaze curiously toward the boy, studying him with interest.

"My son, Your Highness. The younger one."

The king stepped down from the platform and stopped in front of the boy. Quilen looked around nervously, alternating his gaze between the king and his father, and had no idea what he should say or do.

He gasped with fright when the king took hold of his chin to turn his face towards him. The touch of the king's fingers felt peculiar, cold, due to the scales on his skin.

The boy silently stared into the deep blue eyes for long moments before speaking in a quivering voice.

"Your Highness?"

"What is your name?" the king inquired.

"Quilen, Your Highness."

The king smiled and released his chin.

"He seems like a kind boy."

"He is. Sometimes, maybe a little too kind and scattered..."

"He's just a child. Don't be too strict with him," the king replied. He glanced at the younger Shoutan boy. "I'm also trying to stay patient with mine when he thinks he knows better than me and starts arguing with me. Angron, don't be impolite!"

The young prince let out an exasperated sigh and approached them with an arrogant look. He had none of his father's easygoing, charming demeanor. He looked down at them with an almost disdainful expression, and his movements were aloof.

"At least none of them know what the Kha is," he spoke dismissively, but his attitude immediately shifted when his father shot him a stern look. "I apologize..."

The king shook his head.

"This is my son, Angron... He can be terribly impolite at times."

In the background, the other, older man muttered something about the prince being right, but then he chose to remain silent. Hyraus began to offer apologies.

"We were the ones who were impolite. I'm familiar with the Kha's customs; I just overlooked it... I'm deeply sorry."

"Naturally, we don't expect anything like that from outsiders. We are fully understanding in that regard."

Quilen stared at his father. Hyraus would never forget diplomatic protocols. If he didn't do something, it was done deliberately.

The king turned and walked to his throne, taking his seat. Quilen was mesmerized, watching his every move. He wished he could be as confident and elegant as the king. It was almost intimidating.

Angron quickly followed his father and stood beside him. He didn't receive permission to leave, so he simply observed, just like the chancellor.

"Well, let's hear it! What does the Emperor want from me this time?" The king inquired.

Hyraus uncomfortably adjusted his collar. "It would be best if he could explain it personally. But he mentioned that there have been precedents before..."

The other, older Shoutan responded, "Indeed, we have had the pleasure of meeting him before."

The king nodded in agreement.

"As the Chancellor says, his face and he himself couldn't fit through the gate."

Quilen lowered his head and bit his lip to stifle his laughter.

"Nevertheless, he would very much like it if Your Highness would consider his new proposal."

"I've already heard the previous one. I must convey that he cannot say anything that would make us join the Empire. Shouta has always been an independent planet and will remain so, as far as I'm concerned. We don't seek his dominion."

At this point, Hyraus closed his eyes to take a deep breath before looking up again.

"I hoped you would at least listen to me, Your Highness. In this case, though, I must ask you to tell him to his face that you are unwilling to negotiate in any way."

"I beg your pardon?"

Hyraus smiled and raised his hand to press a button on his wristband.

"The Emperor will be here within a minute. You can tell him personally what you think of him. Although he has heard everything so far."