"We'll begin by recounting what happened over the past six months," Lily announced, standing with arms crossed.
Akha nodded wearily from her seat, dark circles under her eyes.
"Finally," she muttered, "Maybe someone can explain why I haven't had a single day of peace…"
Khani and Kathum leaned toward her, whispering in sync,
"Sister, are you okay? Should we get you some water?"
Their voices were sweet, maybe too sweet.
Mati, sitting beside them, sighed and pinched both their ears.
"Quiet, you two. This is an emergency meeting, not teatime gossip."
She let go, and the duo winced, straightening like scolded schoolgirls.
Then Aqua stood up, adjusting his robe.
"Master—" He paused as Lily cleared her throat with a loud ahem.
"—Sect Master," he corrected quickly, bowing toward Ace.
"In the past six months, my fishery department has made remarkable progress in improving the villagers' livelihoods."
He held up a scroll for reference, but no one looked.
