Chapter 8 - Why is that guy wearing a beanbag chair on his head?

"I demand that this republic," the ambassador from Harmonia, High Priest Sasarai, said the word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth, "withdraw their troops immediately from Highland, and a formal apology for that ridiculous message and I think you well know what I'm talking about!" Sasarai critically regarded the acting head of the Toran Republic. How am I supposed to take this girl seriously? In all the centuries he'd been alive, he'd seen countless rulers come and go. These days it seemed that any kid could usurp a country if they put their mind to it.

Apple looked at High Priest Sasarai, her face set in an expression of iron determination. Not because she was trying to intimidate him, but because she was trying desperately not to laugh at the ridiculous hat he was wearing. It looked like a blue beret that had swallowed a tire. How am I supposed to take this guy seriously?

"As it was once a part of Harmonia, entrusted to the Blight's stewardship, it is only right that it return to us."

There was something about the high priest that struck Apple as very familiar. The cut of his hair. The color of his eyes. The aura of self-superiority. He was a perfect mirror image of Leknaat's apprentice, Luc.

"I know very well that your claim to Highland is legitimate. I just don't care."

"Hmph. I'd hate to see a war break out over this petty argument." Sasarai's tone turned unnervingly friendly. "As a token of Harmonia's good will, I'd like to present you with a rune to symbolize your sovereignty."

Beware Harmonians bearing gifts. OLD adage. She'd heard the story from Luc that Sasarai had presented the Beast Rune to the Blight family when Highland seceded. That kind of power was a mixed blessing on the best of days. Apple suspiciously examined the rune presented to her. "Oooh, a Rune of Painful Misfortune! Just what I've always wanted! Come on now, I wasn't born yesterday. I'm afraid I must decline this generous token of your good will. However, I will agree that it would be unfortunate that our nations bear animosity towards each other. Harmonia was our mother country, too. If you want Highland so badly I'm sure we can come to an arrangement."

"What do you mean?"

"I think you could help me."

"Do I look stupid?!"

Apple looked at Sasarai, and looked at his hat, and could no longer contain her laughter. She keeled over in a fit of uncontrollable sniggering.

"Why would I want to help you? I could level this entire city with a mere thought if I chose to. . . . . Just what is so damn funny?"

"Ahem. Ah. Sorry. Tell me, Sasarai. Are you happy with your current station in life?"

"Wh, what?"

"You've been a high priest for how many centuries now? You have all the power you could ever hope for in Harmonia. Why stop there?"

Sasarai found himself starting to like Apple for some reason, despite his better judgment. She was just as ambitious and evilly manipulative as Leon Silverburg ever was, and a lot cuter.