Ascending Descent

Another day....another dollar. At least, that's how the saying goes. Josephine and Phitsamai continued their patrol of the western border, carefully searching for any wannabe traders. A group of them was captured the previous day, the slaves set free before starting a resettling process in Seikyō. It was a good end to what had been a horrible story; nevertheless, both patrollers knew the Empress's patience wore thin. While her mother had focused on building her nation and people, the new sovereign turned to conquest; spreading the empire's wings and influence. This continent needed a new juggernaut after all; at the very least, someone to counterweight Pergrande's reach.

"How long until she invades Minstrel?" Josephine asked, slowing down their pace a bit as they closed in on a patrol headed the opposite way. Each pair nodded at the other before continuing on their respective paths.

"Pretty soon; honestly, I'm surprised she hasn't done so already. I mean...Minstrel may be big but their central admin is pretty weak. We could steam roll most of the country easily. Especially with them hating magic and tossing away their own citizens for cash; they've made themselves vulnerable," Sama smirked.

"Speaking of which, why do they even participate in such a trade? Sure they hate magic, but those people are their own neighbors, their friends and even family members. Why do such a thing?" her partner continued.

"Dunno; humans are nasty, petty creatures with super survival instincts. Those survival instincts will probably be the death of their species someday though," Samai responded, shrugging, "they make demons look saintly sometimes with some of the stunts they pull. Oh we-" she stopped suddenly, picking up a new presence. A murderous grin not dissimilar from her creator peeked through.

Josephine noticed Samai's sudden silence, as well as the young woman's diabolical smile. At first, she was confused; that is...until she recognized the source of Phitsamai's intrigue. They all knew what felt like; probably knew it from birth, given their primary purpose. She sighed.

"So they're showing up again...guess there's only one appropriate response no?"