Avatar - Conquering the Elements-Chapter 124. Continuation.

*Van. The Fire Lord's Palace meeting hall.*

What began as a civilized postwar assembly degenerated into utter chaos within a mere fifteen minutes—loud voices, shouting, and even a few colorful curses I'm pretty sure I heard. The contrast with the pre-war meetings was staggering, all because new faces now occupied some seats. Despite my efforts to minimize losses, many high-ranking officials had perished. At Fire Lord Azula's initiative, their places were filled by young talents with less rigid minds.

The source of the dispute? The Earth Kingdom's air forces. The aerial strikes they demonstrated had left a profound impression on everyone present. Imaginations ran wild, conjuring grim images of the Fire Nation's islands consumed by their own element—engulfed in flames and shattered by explosions. Given their years-long war against the Earth Kingdom's forces, doubts were scarce.

"Kid, you still have milk on your lips!" one of the oldest assembly members spat, nearly frothing at the mouth. "With such power, they'll launch a full-scale invasion! If I were in the Earth Kingdom's leadership, I'd do the same... First, our colonies will crumble, then our homeland! We must strike first while we still can!" He slashed the air with his hand, as if demonstrating the necessary action.

"With all due respect, General," the leader of the youth faction calmly interjected, his nerves frayed but his tone measured. Lacking the authority for sharper words, he was, by my knowledge, the top military academy graduate in a decade and the author of a book outlining his vision for the nation's future. He had every right to be here. "Such aggression will only escalate the conflict. Despite our strained relations, the new Earth King showed generosity by sending his air forces to aid us. We must accept that our people's hegemony is no longer in question—it's history. Many disliked his blunt words, but they couldn't deny his logic.

"Continue," I murmured, my voice carrying like a command. My demonstrated strength against the Sages had elevated my authority to its peak. Despite our advanced technology and rich culture, the Fire Nation still revered the Cult of Strength.

"Yes," he bowed to me. "We must face reality and preserve as many colonies as possible. Let's not forget where most of our islands' resources come from."

As he spoke, I turned to Azula. Propping her head on her hand, she stared intently at a spot on the wall, her golden eyes piercing. Had I not known her well, I'd have thought she was deep in thought. In truth, she was clearly bored. We'd already discussed our next steps, but the assembly was called in case someone offered valuable insights.

Beside Azula, Mai made no effort to hide her disinterest, obsessively tending to her nails. She was here solely as Azula's close friend and part of her entourage, lacking the achievements for independent high-circle entry. Another colorful character stood out even more... Ty Lee had fallen asleep within the first minute of the assembly, during the participant roll call, and despite the noise, she slept soundly.

"When can we develop our own airships?" Azula asked the Minister of Innovation.

"I can't say for sure," the man replied helplessly, spreading his hands. "We're still interviewing witnesses to understand the airship's design. Replication is unlikely—we'll have to invent it ourselves..."

"The Fire Nation is vulnerable," Azula stated. "So, we're moving toward alliances with other nations," she continued, gauging reactions to identify supporters and opponents. "We'll discuss the rest at the next meeting," she dismissed the assembly.

"I need to blow off steam," Azula told me. "Let's spar."

"No problem," I nodded, recalling her tension since morning. Burdened with too many responsibilities, even with my help, much remained to be done.

The sparring was intense. Azula's techniques betrayed her inner turmoil, and her conflicting glances at me spoke volumes. Within minutes, her energy was spent.

"Is something wrong, Azula?" I asked cautiously. "You know I'm always here to help."

"You probably can't," she turned away. "Van, do you have someone you love?" she asked abruptly, facing me.

"I have many people I love!" The conversation was veering off-track. "You, Zuko, Ursa, Mai..." I began listing names.

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Van," she said seriously. "I see something's going on between you and Mother... And it's been happening behind Father's back," she shook her head.

"Azula—" I started, but she cut me off with a wave of her hand.

"Give me time to process this... The fight actually helped," she attempted a smile, but it fell flat.

Afterward, she didn't overtly distance herself, but her thoughts were clearly elsewhere. Her attitude toward Ursa hadn't changed much; she valued their bond. Ursa, feeling guilty, tried to smooth things over. She'd once believed Azula's feelings were mere admiration for her teacher, destined to fade. I, too, had known and seen that I mattered to Azula, yet I'd delayed an honest conversation for so long.

In recent days, Ursa had reconnected with Azula. When I asked, she said she was making up for lost time. I didn't use my abilities to eavesdrop on their conversations. It was enough that Azula was no longer so "burdened."

Amid our personal dramas, the world moved on. The islands began targeted propaganda campaigns promoting inter-nation friendship. In an absolute monarchy, one might assume unchecked power, but many citizens still believed in their nation's exceptionalism and would stir unrest. It was crucial to prepare people for a century of unity. Similar efforts began in the Earth Kingdom and the Northern Water Tribe.

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Next month, official negotiations between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom would take place. Unofficially, Van and I, Roku, had already resolved things... Amusingly, we'd represent both sides. Azula and Lao shared practicality, thinking alike. Azula, without my input, understood that biting off more than necessary was unwise. We'd fight only for the oldest colonies where the Fire Nation's population exceeded forty to fifty percent—several coastal cities capable of sustaining the Fire Nation.

Lao was also willing to compromise. Cities like Yu Dao inherently had an "island" mentality, less loyal to the Earth Kingdom. Many still remembered paying exorbitant prices for food. Ceding some territories would prevent unnecessary conflicts. Of course, as the aggressor, the Fire Nation must prove its sincerity. The first step? Returning imprisoned POWs to their homeland. Slowly but surely, the foundation for a future alliance would be built.

In six months to a year, a national conference would be expected. I'd have to push people toward peace and friendship. Fortunately, it's easier when you're at the helm of all nations.

"What bliss it is not to be watched!" Yet those gazes still felt uncomfortable, especially knowing you're observed but powerless to stop it.

Today was no different from yesterday or the day before. Morning and afternoon were consumed by state affairs. But all day, I felt as if I'd left the iron on. The problem? The world's first and only iron prototype was in the Mechanic's workshop... It had nearly caused a fire, saved only by Ren's responsible assistant.

I planned a leisurely walk to the estate but unconsciously quickened my pace. That elusive "iron" nagged at my mind. Within minutes, I entered the estate. As soon as I stepped inside, I understood...

A quick dash across the warm floor to the utility room. My hand swiftly pulled a hidden lever. Stone slabs in the floor began moving, and before they fully opened, intense heat wafted out. Descending the steep stairs, I involuntarily bathed in golden fire a few times.

"Is there a fabric in this world that won't burn off every time, leaving me naked?" I wondered as my clothes were incinerated yet again...

Soon, the "iron" itself appeared—beautiful golden scales, small horns, and an aggressively snarling face. The newborn dragon's intelligent, living eyes glared at me with fierce anger. I wanted to say, "Hey, I fed you for years! Is this your gratitude?!"

"Easy, it's me!" I began, approaching and emitting neutral energy from my hands. She was still fascinated by it. Prepared this time, I'd read about gold dragons, confirming it was a female. She'd panicked in the enclosed space, setting everything ablaze, as the melted walls attested.

What's the correct term—dragoness? Dragon she? Female dragon? Is there even a proper feminine form for "dragon"? Oh well, "dragoness" will do; it's not too grating. After eating, the dragoness, the size of a large cat, climbed onto my shoulders, wrapped her tail around my neck, and fell asleep. Her temperament would clearly be tougher than Unagi's offspring. Her build differed from the dragons I'd seen here, resembling Western dragons more.

Gently stroking her tiny body, I checked her magical reserves multiple times. Peak mid-level at birth! No wonder they were called the royal dragon lineage. Her golden fire was clearly stronger than normal. I imagine more surprises will come as she grows...

"Now I can truly be called the Father of Dragons!" Four of them—one more than Daenerys! And it sounds far better than some "Dragon of the West." After all, there were once Dragons of the South, East, or North, but never Fathers!