Prosperity of the Eclipse Palace

The drill line loosens at last. Kaungshen and his three fiancées step out from the practice pace, drifting with the masters toward the weapon racks while the thinner crowd of trainees keeps its distance.

Toujin’s grin sharpens as he rolls the Eclipse Palace scroll between two fingers. Khan stands like a stone wall beside him, broad arms folded, watching the yard with half-lidded patience.

Charlotte smooths a loose strand of hair back into place, already counting the next hour. Rina shifts closer to Kaungshen’s side, her posture protective even in rest.

A few nearby onlookers glance over, then wisely look away as the little circle settles. The gate waits ahead, but for the moment the morning slows, making room for an answer, a meal, or the next practical order.

The training yard remains crowded with restless students and the watchful eyes of the other masters. No secluded corner presents itself, and the constant hum of activity makes a private discussion impossible.

The words carry cleanly over the yard, brief and measured. A few nearby trainees slow, then keep moving, but the opening is made.

Toujin folds his hands behind his back, but the tightness at his eyes lingers. Kaungshen gets the promise he wants, and the cost is plain, everyone now knows a private conversation is coming.

As the group disperses, Kaungshen catches a glimpse of the scroll's inner parchment, where the fine print details the financial stipends for the Eclipse Palace representatives.

Kaungshen lowers the scroll and speaks of the market, medicines, soaps, and clean cloth, the kinds of goods every representative still has to buy. He adds that funds also buy food, tools, and better instruction, not just prestige.

Toujin huffs once, almost a laugh, then taps the scroll with two fingers. Kaungshen asks where his sword is, and the older man answers with a glance toward the rack behind the trainers.

A few students part as the designated rack comes into view, and the familiar dark sheath waits among the weapons. Sam straightens, watching Kaungshen with quiet approval while Rina’s attention stays fixed on the sword.

Toujin’s eyes flick from the scroll to the rack, and the anxious tightness in his shoulders eases by a fraction. He lifts one finger, counting off terms like a ledger in motion.

Kaungshen steps into stance and draws Iron Star in a smooth, quiet arc. The black blade catches the yard light, then releases it cleanly as his wrists settle.

He begins the basics of Starbeaker sword style, precise footwork, compact cuts, and crisp ki through the edge. The blade answers at once, carrying his intent with unsettling ease.

A nearby trainee stops mid-step, staring at the control in Kaungshen’s hands. Rina’s posture sharpens with obvious pride, while Khan gives a small, satisfied nod.

The quartermaster requires no formal proposal, but he demands a demonstration of the weapon's quality to ensure it meets the palace standards.

Kaungshen stills beside the rack, Iron Star low at his hip. The blade drinks the light, and the air around him wavers, heavy, then light, in a tight ring that makes nearby trainees blink and step back.

Toujin's approval comes quick, but his shoulders stay tight. Khan's gaze flicks once to the blade, then to the path opening through the yard.

Toujin turns at once and beckons Kaungshen toward the narrow path. The crowd parts further, and the training ground feels less like a ring of drills and more like a corridor to business.