The Fire Lord's Palace. Wan.
Standing with my hands clasped behind my back, I played the role of a wise ntor, watching with growing pride as two generations—father and daughter—sparred. Even Ozai seed genuinely surprised by Azula's progress, a flicker of sothing passing through his eyes. Lately, he'd been preoccupied with the Sages, so he'd had less ti to oversee his daughter's training. Today was an exception. Ozai had insisted on witnessing my claim that Azula had reached the level of a Firebending Master.
For months, at the girls' request, we'd focused mostly on their teamwork, neglecting Azula's individual training. I was pleased to see she'd continued to improve on her own.
"Ready yourself, Father!" Azula declared, preparing to generate lightning. With a swift circular motion of her hand, a bolt of blue energy shot forward. Her lightning technique alone could outclass half of all masters.
Ozai absorbed the strike with crossed arms, dissipating the energy in all directions. After a brief display of light, the Fire Lord stood unhard.
"I've seen enough," he finally said. "From this day forward, the Fire Nation has another promising Firebending Master!" He nodded to Azula, who accepted the praise with a calm expression, as if earning such a title was routine. Though I'm certain she'll subtly seek my complints for days...
"Advisor Wan, your reputation will soar even higher in the coming days," he said, his lips curling into what looked more like a smirk. No doubt he's pleased the Fire Sages will focus even more attention on ...
Why "Advisor Wan"? Thanks to Elder Jiang, who often accompanies Ozai, I've "predicted" several significant moves by the opposing side. Dria and Yo have shown remarkable progress in espionage. The challenge was framing this information as a product of my strategic and logical talents.
My intelligence, delivered through Jiang, has saved many of Ozai's people. Within a week, the Fire Lord took notice of my humble self, recalling my family's lineage. After proving my insights weren't coincidental, I earned his favor and the title of advisor.
I've decided to act more boldly, as Van Shi Tong's plan requires as many Firebenders as possible. The Sages could hinder this, so I've arranged for the rescue of many Firebenders on Earth Kingdom borders. To avoid friendly fire, they surrendered to the Earthbenders. Lao already knows about my other bodies and plans, so he's prepared to accept enemy troops. After all, the two nations will eventually exchange prisoners.
Returning to my estate that day, I quickly noticed soone had searched the place. Thankfully, Roku had done his job well, so the underground floor remained undetected. It felt like my first month in the Palace, every move tracked overtly or covertly. It wasn't just —this situation strained my ti with Ursa, leaving her often unsatisfied. She's grown accustod to "sweetness"...
But that wasn't enough. Soon, a letter arrived from Iroh. He and Zuko had been attacked. Likely, multiple letters were sent to the Fire Nation—one for the family, omitting key details, and a more detailed one for Ozai. Through the Order of the White Lotus, I learned the attackers were a group of Firebenders led by a Junior Fire Sage. Iroh fought them off, but Zuko... lost his hair. It seems he was destined to face the flas.
No serious injuries, but fearing another attack, they decided to wait in Yu Dao City, near the skirmish site. They're unlikely to cause trouble in one of the oldest, strongest colonies, especially under Mayor Morishita's roof, where they're staying.
Ursa didn't calm down until she saw a letter from her son, instantly recognizing his slightly clumsy handwriting. Her logic was simple: if he could write, things couldn't be too bad.
Ozai quickly appointed soone he sowhat trusted as Azula's permanent protector—a prestigious position many would compete for. But he gave it to again... Now I'm not surprised by the attention I attract.
"As always, I expect you at today's eting," he said, glancing at . "Azula can attend too," he added after a pause. Ozai clearly favors his daughter, which I appreciate.
As soon as Ozai left, Azula joyfully leaped into my arms.
"Finally, Father's taking seriously!" she said after hugging tightly. Lately, Ty Lee and Azula have been, let's say, getting closer to . For now, I'm still playing the oblivious fool, but in two or three years, if this continues, I'll have to act.
"I want to warn you—don't speak up at this eting," I said seriously. "It's your first ti. Just listen and observe. Share your thoughts privately later."
"Old fogies don't like young people teaching them," she replied, nodding knowingly. I forgot she's not Zuko and reads situations well.
"Well, you could say that," I winked, recalling my first Northern Water Tribe etings.
*
"I believe it's wise to send General Ming's troops to Omashu's borders! The suspension bridges are ready, and a boy sits on the throne with no experience! There's no better ti to attack!" One of the admirals, a Sage puppet, spoke passionately, practically foaming at the mouth.
He wouldn't send his own n, of course. His goal was to divert Ozai's forces from the islands. Ozai's allies looked uneasy, while the other side nodded wisely at their comrade's absurd words. Anyone with a brain knew the Earth Kingdom was far stronger now, and Omashu couldn't be taken by surprise, especially with Bumi still alive.
"I don't think it's a good idea," I shook my head. "We could take the city, but at what cost? Are you ready to replace the thousands of soldiers who'd die at Omashu's walls?" I bombarded him with provocative questions, the unspoken one being, "Which side are you even fighting for?"
"Honorable Advisor," he said, his tone dripping with venom. He, like others here, still resents soone so young being present. "The Fire Nation's army is far stronger than those mainland rabble! Losses are inevitable, but the result is worth it!" Oh, you've clearly been under Vatū's influence too long. His bloodlust is palpable—he doesn't care which side suffers, as long as chaos reigns.
Glancing at Ozai, I saw his stoic expression... though one vein on his forehead was clearly throbbing. Ozai, stay calm! Don't let these fools provoke you!
"Alright, alright!" I said louder. "I see your confidence and patriotism, Admiral! You're exactly who our nation needs!" As I spoke, everyone looked at with growing confusion. Soone even pretended to twist their finger near their temple. Only Azula—my pride—sat with a "stone-faced" expression.
"General Ming, unfortunately, lacks your resolve... Why not lead the attack yourself? With the Fire Lord's permission, I'll petition for your transfer from Admiral to General!"
By the end of my speech, the Admiral was gasping, clearly at a loss. If he backs down, he denies his own words. If he agrees, he'll lose all his ships based in the Fire Nation—the Sages wouldn't forgive that.
But he's been an admiral for years for a reason. He managed to wriggle out of the verbal trap. Another eting ended in stalemate.
After the stifling eting—both literally and taphorically—Azula wanted to walk the capital's streets for fresh air.
"What did you think of the eting?" I asked as we walked.
"Sad," she said. "I didn't expect such obvious division among them..."
"That's why we need to remove certain people as soon as possible," I said, earning a thoughtful nod from Azula. She already knows who's stirring trouble. The princess is mature enough to handle the truth.
As we walked, my eyes caught a fashionably dressed elderly woman. She seed familiar...
"Auntie Lan!" I rembered her portrait from the second page of one of her books. Her forr beauty had faded, but she still looked well-kept.
I hadn't expected to see her. She's a frequent guest among socialites, her advice in high demand. Of course, no one publicizes it—her past isn't sothing to flaunt.
Shaking her from my mind, I thought of more important matters. Next week, I'll visit all Fire Nation prisons. I'll need a good excuse—even an advisor's actions are scrutinized.
I want to see the conditions of the prisoners of war and learn their numbers. The show only showed Boiling Rock, the best-guarded prison, but there are many more. Boiling Rock holds the most dangerous criminals, traitors, and high-ranking POWs. Most prisoners are weaker Firebenders, held in other facilities.
"Ozai likely won't gather all his forces for the final island battle..." So the question arises: should the Earth Kingdom forces participate?
The chanist has created the first prototype airship. By the end of this year and the start of the next, a dozen are expected. I plan to use them to siege the Sages' bases and drop bombs on ships. This way, the Earth Kingdom will aid the Fire Nation, proving the war is futile. If attacked, they can counterattack from the air.
There's no such thing as too many Firebenders. Each will be a brick in the wall against Vatū.
"As if I didn't have enough worries..." I still need to gauge the mood among ordinary soldiers under different commands. Why kill rank-and-file soldiers who can't defy their officers, who in turn obey the Sages?
The priority is saving as many lives as possible. I should contact my tournant friends—they know more than I do, having been in these circles for months. Or should I call Yo and Dria?
I can't wait to be done with these fanatics...
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