Threads 377-Finishing…Interrupt

The hall was silent.

Inspector Cao continued. “I had already suspected such before the specter of this Sky-Palace was raised. I now understand why your people can manage with such low realms in charge. These ‘mantles’ in your cultivation, the amount of power they can draw is not so small, is it?”

At that, a great deal of murmuring and words whispered back and forth sprung forth. Ling Qi’s eyebrows rose as she swiftly scanned others’ reactions. Dzintara’s expression was sour, but Inzha’s was mildly impressed.

“Inspector, Lady Cai, and other worthies, this is true,” Jaromila replied. “We may more fully mantle ourselves when acting in accordance with the gods and our own soldiers’ councils. There was no intention of deception here. The techniques in effect with the sky sledge are normal military arts, common throughout the White Sky. It is only our innovations with flight and powered vehicles that are new.”

Luo Jie rapped his cane on the floor for attention. “It seems there should be some amendment to our agreements then, on the movement of such devices.”

“Or more immediate study,” one of the courtiers murmured.

“We should not let unknown techniques…”

“Shall each and every one of us share our clan cultivation arts then?” Ling Qi asked, raising her voice over the noise. “The formations which empower our soldiers, which we use in the cultivation of armies?”

Cai Renxiang spoke. “Indeed. Let us not be caught up in fear. I am certain our guests have already considered any formation capable of generating a sovereign’s power to be within the remit of our treaties.”

“It is so,” Dzintara said tightly. “It is our way that the power of the mightiest is best used through the hands of we who stand in the mortal world fully. You clearly do not believe so, but we do.”

“The active exercise of what you call sovereignty is taboo outside of dire emergencies, regardless,” Inzha said.

“Like, is it really a big deal?” Hanyi wondered aloud. Ling Qi gently tapped her shoulder and shook her head

“And how are we to know that?” Cao Chun demanded. “It took time even for myself to detect this.

“How are we to know that you do not have those who have carved away all but their shadows sneaking and watching through our borders?” Dzintara retorted.

Ling Qi did not glance down at her own shadow. “Some measure of trust is necessary. And have the White Sky not discussed the possibility of allowing inspection of the devices in time?”

“We deal in good faith,” Jaromila insisted.

Meng Deming frowned. “This business of theirs does not show the signs of a trick.”

Wang Lian stroked her chin. “If it calms my colleagues’ hearts, a minor adjustment to the words of the movement treaty may be made. Perhaps we can place a requirement that cultivation-powered vehicles must be registered and announced before crossing.”

“Not merely our sky sledges?” Inzha asked, amused.

“Future proofing,” Wang Lian maintained.

There were a few titters among the imperials and grumbling among the White Sky.

“What would even count under this proposed provision?” wondered the younger dragon priest. “Not beast-pulled vehicles, I assume. Self-powered devices only? Many common formations in transportation require the active qi upkeep of their drivers.”

“It would be hard to define…”

“Can’t just let the foreigners do as they please!”

Ling Qi grimaced. Despite her words, many on her side had gotten it into their heads that they had been tricked. Among the White Sky, she saw affront at being treated like they had lied.

“I have no doubts that the White Sky has not acted with any intent to deceive,” Ling Qi placated. “However, we must not write our treaties with only ourselves in mind. One day, if we are successful, those who come after will be bound by them as well, and they may not know of intent. Thus, it is best to be very exact in our meanings.”

It was a hasty recovery. In the end, it was better to have arguments about red tape rather than simmering tensions arising from misunderstandings.

“To that end,” she continued, “while I would never ask the White Sky to share its cultivation secrets, perhaps some clearer description of the deployment of sovereign energies and law might calm everyone’s minds. You have seen ours; there is nothing subtle about it.”

Barring those like Shu Yue, who the White Sky was certainly aware of to an extent.

Dzintara glowered at her, and there was still much grumbling among the White Sky delegation, but it felt like she had arrested the escalation of the argument. Her own side had simmered down to let her speak.

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“Only the broadest possible strokes,” Cai Renxiang agreed. “Like the baroness, I fully trust your intentions.”

Jaromila glanced at Inzha.

The tall woman smiled, showing none of the bother of her peers. The faint whirring of gears and clockwork in her aura was loud and quick in Ling Qi’s ears though. Her thoughts were certainly flying.