The Diplomatic Reception

The sun slowly set in the west, leaving a golden-orange glow reflecting off the glass walls of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. City lights began to twinkle on one by one, transforming New York into a sea of perpetual light.

As soon as the emergency session concluded, delegates did not immediately return to their accommodations. As per the long-planned agenda, the UN Secretariat hosted a diplomatic reception—an event to strengthen international relations amidst the busy sessions. The event took place in a magnificent ballroom not far from the UN headquarters. Crystal chandeliers glittered from the high ceilings, while member nations’ flags lined the walls, creating an atmosphere both dignified and warm.

Verlando Asterian entered the room accompanied by Nathan Elric. His black suit appeared simple yet charismatic, a contrast to some delegates who wore their elaborate national attire.

Nathan observed the surroundings.

“Very crowded, Minister.”

“Indeed.”

“Frankly, I prefer the assembly hall to events like this.”

Ando offered a faint smile.

“Because in the assembly hall, people debate openly. Here…”

Nathan finished softly.

“…they negotiate with a smile.”

Ando nodded slightly.

“Precisely.”

They took glasses of mineral water, then greeted several diplomats who had arrived earlier.

Shortly after, the atmosphere shifted slightly as the Velorian delegation entered the room. Zera Della Naviera looked stunning in a deep blue gown paired with a formal white blazer. Her appearance remained understated, yet exuded a gravitas that invited anyone to greet her.

Several delegates immediately approached her.

“Good evening, Minister Zera.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet again.”

“Your speech this afternoon was truly moving.”

Zera returned all greetings with a sincere smile.

“Thank you. I only expressed what should concern all of us.”

On the other side of the room, Nathan gently nudged his superior’s arm.

“That’s the Velorian Minister.”

“I see her.”

“No intention of greeting her?”

Ando shook his head slightly.

“Later.”

Nathan sighed playfully.

“If all diplomats were as quiet as you, this event might end in five minutes.”

Ando chuckled softly.

“Thankfully, not everyone is like me.”

The official event began. The Secretary-General gave a brief address, then invited all guests to enjoy the dishes served. Soft orchestral music filled the room, accompanying conversations that flowed among guests—ranging from economic cooperation, student exchanges, to the latest technological developments.

In one corner, Verlando was engaged in a lively discussion with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Nusadarma.

“Minister Verlando, President Prabawa Santosa sends his respectful greetings to the Government of the Republic of Arvenia.”

“Thank you,” Ando replied warmly. “Please convey my respectful greetings to him as well.”

“Southeast Asia truly needs allies who prioritize dialogue and brotherhood.”

“That is also our greatest hope.”

Their conversation continued for a moment before they parted to greet other guests.

Meanwhile, Zera was discussing with the Gallian and Albionese delegations about plans to expand inter-university educational cooperation.

“It would be excellent if opportunities for student exchange could be broadened.”

“We fully agree.”

Livia stood beside her, occasionally jotting down key points of agreement.

Soon after, the host announced the open session: all guests were invited to move freely and socialize more closely.

Ando took a small plate of snacks and walked towards a slightly quieter corner. Before he could sit down, someone pulled a chair opposite him.

“Excuse me, is this seat taken?”

Ando looked up.

It was Zera.

“Of course not. Please sit.”

Zera sat down, placing her warm tea glass on the table.

“Still faithful to coffee?”

Ando smiled faintly.

“And you haven’t changed from tea.”

“It seems our habits are hard to shift.”

“Hm.”

A moment of silence enveloped them. But this time it didn't feel awkward—it felt comfortable, as if the world outside that table had momentarily stopped spinning.

Zera broke the silence softly.

“About Arvenia’s statement this afternoon…”

Ando looked at her.

“I liked it very much.”

“Thank you.”

“You sounded so calm, even though the situation was quite chaotic.”

Ando smiled faintly.

“If leaders themselves lose control, what about the people who place their hopes in us?”

Zera chuckled softly.

“That is very true.”

She then added in a quiet voice.

“Honestly, sometimes I envy you.”

“Envy?”

“You always seem to know what to do.”

Ando shook his head slowly.

“Believe me, I often have doubts too. It’s just… I cannot show it.”

Zera was silent for a moment, looking at the man opposite her with a gaze different from before. For the first time, she realized that behind his firmness and calm, Verlando also bore a burden just as heavy.

Not far away, several invited journalists began to notice them.

“Hey, isn’t that the Minister of Arvenia and Veloria?”

“Yes. They’re meeting again.”

A photographer slowly raised his camera.

Click.

Another photo was captured—a moment where the two conversed casually with faint smiles.

The photographer smiled, looking at his shot.

“First day, and already three times in one frame.”

His colleague raised an eyebrow.

“Are you starting to sense something?”

“I’m just following my instinct.”

On the other side of the room, Nathan and Livia coincidentally stood side by side at the buffet table.

Nathan offered a polite smile.

“Excuse me, you are Livia Moreau, Minister Zera’s secretary, aren’t you?”

“That’s correct. And you must be Nathan Elric.”

They shook hands briefly.

“It seems our superiors have crossed paths quite often today.”

Livia glanced briefly towards Ando and Zera’s table.

“Perhaps it’s just the session schedule.”

“Perhaps.” Nathan chuckled softly. “Or perhaps fate is at work.”

Livia offered a faint smile.

“As a diplomat, I trust written schedules more than fate.”

Nathan laughed heartily.

“A very diplomatic answer.”

The night grew late, and the event slowly came to an end. Delegates began to leave the room. At the exit, Verlando and Zera crossed paths again.

“Tomorrow’s session begins at nine AM.”

“Understood.”

“Hopefully, no more surprising emergency sessions tomorrow.”

“I hope so too.”

Zera extended her hand.

“Until tomorrow, Minister Verlando.”

Ando accepted her handshake.

“Until tomorrow, Minister Zera.”

The handshake was brief, but enough for cameras to capture it once more.

Not far from the crowd, someone in a gray suit stood quietly behind a pillar’s shadow. He carried no camera, wore no identification. He simply observed, then raised his phone.

“I have seen them meet again.”

The voice on the other end sounded flat.

“Keep monitoring. Report every move.”

The call ended. The man put his phone into his pocket, then walked away without attracting anyone’s attention.

As Verlando and Zera stepped into their respective official vehicles, they were unaware of one thing: it wasn’t just the media beginning to notice their proximity. Other eyes were watching too… with purposes yet to be revealed.

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