Tidhild's assistants distributed layers of documents to the twelve rulers. On it was the accumulated data and research in other fields, as well as solutions in everything that relates to the Nusterran economy.
Aside from the Regali queen, Runa, everyone's full attention was directed at Tidhild as she spoke. The summit is composed of three meetings held on different days. The first one would be for the introduction of new rulers, and the council to present data in respective fields such as the economy, research, and world laws. As well as suggesting methods or ways to combat problems that occur in Nusterra. Rulers would receive a copy of every document and could return to their kingdoms. Held on the thirteenth of the month, the second meeting would be to continue the first, and for the twelve rulers to verify anything that they've noticed in the documents and the suggested methods of the council. The next few days would also be the time for the official games where representatives from each kingdom would face each other through a game Decatris designed. And the last meeting of the twelve rulers would be on the last day of the month. Where everything would be finalized, and they would retake their oath to keep peace with each other.
The economic division of Decatris, which is supervised by Tidhild Gage, has branches in all of the twelve kingdoms. It is part of the agreement to ensure that all kingdoms would have a decent economy and that the trade between the twelve would be fair and under the supervision of Decatris. Especially when it comes to staple goods and services.
After speaking, and presenting what's inside the documents she and her people accumulated, including problems and solutions they came up with, Tidhild ended her presentation.
Runa raised her hand, "I have a question," she said.
Tidhild turned to Runa, "What is it, Queen Runa?" she replied
"When would this meeting end?"
Tidhild looked at Runa with a blank stare. The Regali queen's right-hand man apologized and advised her not to say anything if it wasn't about the current topic. Steinar pleaded with her to remain silent and told Runa that she didn't have to listen to the meeting if she didn't want to since he'd do it himself.
The king of Meena raised his hand. He wore a golden silk vest without anything underneath paired with silky pants also gold in color. The Zeal of the Gentle Fishes is on full display on his left upper arm. His hair was black, his eyes dark brown, and had brown skin that had a surface comparable to that of a pearl.
Ishwar Gaur, the democratic king of Meena, said that their supply of black pearls was still on the lower side. Black Pearls are mainly found in the seas surrounding the land of Meena. It could store water and release it, making it a valuable item to have. It used to be common but is now on a decline. Ishwar's voice was kind and apologetic, weirdly, it doesn't lower the respect of the other rulers towards him. Behind the Meenish king was his right-hand man in his golden vest armor and golden bracers. He has a darker complexion than Ishwar and is more muscular.
"We've accounted for that, King Ishwar," Tidhild said.
Ishwar smiled and nodded at Tidhild as his response.
Before officially ending her turn, Tidhild asked if any of the other rulers had any questions for her. All of them shook their heads in reply.
"Please review and verify it or ask your questions in the next meeting," Tidhild said for the last time.
Their next issue was about the growing number of maddened beasts that all of the thirteen territories experienced. Vandrad presented the case from the perspective of a scholar. He has proposed theories and other findings scholars and researchers in the world academy have. All of which appeared nothing but unappealing assumptions to the twelve rulers.
"Principal Vandrad," said the democratic king of Portaos. He caught not only the council's attention but everyone else's. Osmer Campion is known for being an intelligent individual. The Portaosi king has short black hair, light blue eyes behind his rectangular glasses, a slim body, fair skin, and a clean-shaven flawless face. His white fancy vest and suit scream nobility, and the Zeal of the Cup Bearer rests behind his right ear.
"You said that the cause of the increase in the cases of maddened beasts was because of the increase in the amount of chaos in Nusterra, have you found out why?"
In Nusterra, two energies are working together to create balance. One of which is mana, the energy responsible for life and magic. And the counterpart is chaos, the energy responsible for death and uncertainty.
For great balance to exist, the amount of chaos should be a fourth of both energies combined. Scholars and researchers haven't made good progress in understanding chaos compared to mana. The remaining books from the Age of Insanity weren't helpful as well.
Vandrad stared at Osmer as he stroked his beard, "Forgive me King Osmer, but we haven't found actual proof for that theory," he paused and took a glance at the other rulers, "But, have you all heard of that rumor?"
"R–rumor?" Castor, of the conjoined twin, asked.
"It's that rumor, brother. The one about our Zeals," Pollux, the other of the conjoined twin said.
Castor's mouth widened, "Ah, That!" He muttered.
Head council member Vandrad said that they were considering turning the rumor about the use of magic through Zeals as the cause of the increase of chaos into a theory. His suggestion didn't sit well with some of the rulers. Some even felt that Vandrad could only say it since he was a boman.
The queen of Semperio sighed, "Baseless assumptions and rumors. So in the end, you don't know anything?" she said. Her name was Winfrith Stewart. She's in her mid-sixties yet only has a few subtle lines of wrinkles on her face. Her long wavy blond hair was tied in a ponytail, her eyes were green, and her skin was the lightest in the room. Winfrith wore a light blue dress and a cloak with a hood covered in thick fur. The Keen Archer's Zeal is visible on her right forearm.
"As I said, we have to approach this with an open mind, Queen Winfrith," Vandrad replied.
"Still, we must do something. Innocent people die from this madness every day. Our immediate action is necessary," the democratic king of Akrisia said. He had short white hair, gray eyes, fair skin, and he wore a black suit and vest. His name was Gallus Logea. The Zeal of the Envoy of Balance rests on the back of his neck.
"I agree with King Gallus," the king of Kankavi concurred. His name is Wulgan Ryder, the burliest person in the place. He has long brown wavy hair, light-blue eyes, a fuzzy full beard, and a medium skin tone. Wulgan wears a black suit under his green vest and a brown cape with intricate designs. The Zeal of the Adamantine Crab lies on the back of his right hand.
"Action must be done," Wulgan continued.
Vandrad sighed, "You speak the truth, my kings. And action is being done." Then, the principal turned to Kyrios and asked him to speak.
Kyrios said that elite units of the Order Against Chaos have been deployed all over Nusterra.
"They are with researchers, trying to uncover the truth behind this madness. Please bear with them and give your aid whenever needed."
The Aakdani king snickered as he tapped his face with his left index finger. He was seated next to Tidhild.
"Is there something wrong, King Scythas?" Vandrad asked.
Scythas Conium was in his early forties, the youngest king in the room, and only next to Runa overall. His natural short dark purple hair and dark purple eyes were unique in Nusterra. It is believed that few people in Aakdan have such features due to the Zeal of the Noxious Scorpion. A Zeal that enables its bearers to turn their body fluids into something toxic, be it poison or venom. The dark purple coloration of hair and eyes was a sign that the individual bears potent toxins since birth.
"The cause of this madness is nothing new. It's evil Gods. We must resurrect the Bloodhounds and call for another Incursion," Scythas said.
"You have mentioned that in the last summit, King Scythas. And as we have said then, the last Incursion a hundred years ago only caused unnecessary bloodshed. It didn't decrease the cases of maddened beasts, some would even argue that it increased it. Killing people just because they bear a Zeal that isn't from the Zodiac, does not seem humane," Vandrad said.
The two council members and most of the rulers were nodding their heads in agreement.
Scythas shook his head in disbelief, "They are bearers of evil Gods, of demons. I have a few of them in my custody. One could cast dark magic and hide beneath a shadow. If it wasn't a clear indication that they were spawns of evil, I don't know anything else to convince all of you."
Some of the rulers were also thinking that the king of Aakdan might be speaking the truth.
"You have a few of them in your custody. Isn't it against the world laws to imprison someone because of their Zeal?" Gallus, the king of Akrisia, said.
The king of Aakdan laughed, "They were criminals, I only found out about their Zeal when they were caught. It's humorous if you think about it," he said.
"Hmm," Gallus muttered.
Still with a grin, Scythas turned his gaze towards the Panteran king who remained a silent observer the entire time, "Do you know what's more ridiculous King Gallus? One of them escaped to Pantera, and King Ander refuses to return her to my custody. I even had to banish a useful servant. Isn't that ludicrous?" he said.
Ander stared at him with a stern expression, "The girl bears the Zeal of the Great Wolf. Her people were Pantera's benefactors and were the ones who helped quell the evil in the Age of Insanity. You all know that story, and the oath my ancestor took, yet, you dare call her evil, King Scythas?"
Scythas's grin began twitching, "Well, let's not argue semantics whether she's a spawn of evil or not. But, she's still my prisoner. I suggest you return her to my custody, King Ander. I wouldn't want a strife between our kingdoms."
All that was seated at the round table, and the ones standing behind their respective rulers, felt the intense aura seeping out of the Panteran king.
"Did you just threaten my kingdom, King Scythas?"