Chapter 15: Days to remember

"Hey, Darius! I need to show you something!" Shuri's voice was enthusiastic and loud enough to break through the intimate bubble that had formed around Darius and Ayo.

Darius turned to see Shuri bounding towards them, her eyes gleaming with excitement. He couldn't help but smile at the young princess's infectious energy, even as he felt a twinge of disappointment at the interruption.

"Shuri, can't this wait just a moment?" Darius asked, trying to keep the conversation with Lana alive.

"Nope, it's really important! Trust me, you'll want to see this," Shuri insisted, grabbing Darius's hand and pulling him away before he could protest further.

Lana laughed softly, giving Darius a playful wave. "Go on, Darius. We'll continue our conversation later."

Darius sighed but smiled back at Ayo, mouthing, "I'll be back," before letting Shuri drag him away.

"What is it, Shuri? This had better be good," Darius said, trying to sound stern but failing to hide his amusement.

Shuri grinned up at him. "You were getting too serious over there. Besides, I really do have something to show you." She led him to a quieter part of the feast, where a small group of children were gathered around a holographic display she had set up.

The display showed a miniature version of one of Shuri's latest inventions, a tiny robotic panther that moved with lifelike grace and agility. The children watched in awe as the panther performed a series of tricks, their faces lighting up with wonder.

Darius watched, impressed. "Quite the little invention you have there Shuri."

Shuri beamed with pride. "I know."

Darius shook his head at her remark. "Thank you for showing me this, Shuri. The interruption was worth it, hopefully"

"You're welcome," Shuri said, her eyes twinkling. "Now, go back and talk to Lana. I think she likes you."

Darius laughed, patting Shuri on the shoulder. "You're quite the matchmaker, aren't you?"

"Just making sure you don't get too distracted," Shuri replied with a grin.

Darius returned to where Lana was waiting. He found Lana smiling at him, her eyes full of curiosity.

"Did you enjoy Shuri's little demonstration?" Lana asked.

"I did," Darius replied, his smile warm. "She's remarkable, just like you. Now, where were we?"

Lana laughed, and they picked up their conversation where they had left off, the night still young and full of possibilities.

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[Darius POV]

[A/N Haven't done one in a while]

Time quickly flew past. In a matter of moments it was already approaching dusk. Lana had turned in for the night a couple hours earlier, saying she was quite tired, a lie ofcourse.

I did however thoroughly enjoy my time with her. Her nature intrigued me, it was a thrill trying to find out exactly what type of person she was underneath that mask she wears all the time.

I planted a slither of my essence on her body, so now I know where she is at all times. Also to protect her in the event she needs it. I can't let such an interesting person die off like that.

No other reason.... Absolutely. Maybe there were some feelings involved-- but we don't talk about that, shushhhhhh~

A few days passed after that and all was well. I acted as an advisor for the king a cuple times, solving disputes between neighbours, lovers, store owners and so on. They were fun.

Wanna hear about one of em? Sure why not.....

[Flashback]

I had quickly become a trusted advisor to King T'Challa, my wisdom and calm demeanor proving invaluable in the day-to-day governance of Wakanda.

My background in diplomacy made me an ideal mediator in resolving disputes and fostering harmony within the kingdom.

One sunny afternoon, I sat beside King T'Challa in the royal court, a grand chamber adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant tapestries.

Citizens of Wakanda streamed in with various concerns, seeking the king's wisdom and judgment. I observed carefully, ready to offer my insights when needed. I didn't have to wait for long.

The first case of the day involved two farmers, Mosi and Nia, who had a longstanding disagreement over a piece of land bordering their properties.

The tension between them was obvious to the naked eye, sparks flew between them as they approached the throne, each casting wary glances at the other.

"Your Majesty," Mosi began, bowing deeply. "Nia here claims that a portion of my land belongs to her. We have been cultivating our respective plots for years, and only recently has she started to encroach upon my territory."

Nia stepped forward, her expression resolute. "Your Majesty, the land in question has always been part of my family's property. My father and grandfather before him tended to it. Only recently did I realize that Mosi has been encroaching on it, not the other way around."

King T'Challa listened intently, his eyes thoughtful. He then turned to me. "Advisor Darius, what is your perspective on this matter?" Heh, Advisor Darius, how long has it been since I assumed a similar post?

I nodded, rising to address the court. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Mosi, Nia, it seems there is a significant history attached to this land, which makes the situation more complex.

I propose we look into the historical records and maps of the area to ascertain the true boundaries. Additionally, I suggest we appoint a neutral arbiter to inspect the land and provide an unbiased assessment."

The king nodded in agreement. "A wise suggestion, Darius. We shall appoint an arbiter and review the records.

In the meantime, both of you must refrain from any further cultivation of the disputed area until a decision has been reached."

Mosi and Nia exchanged reluctant nods, agreeing to the terms. Darius then approached them, his tone gentle yet firm.

"It is clear that both of you care deeply for your land and your families' legacies. Finding a peaceful resolution will benefit both of you and the community as a whole. I urge you to keep an open mind and respect the process we have put in place."

As the farmers left the court, King T'Challa turned to me, a smile of gratitude on his face. "Your approach is both fair and considerate, Darius. You have a remarkable ability to see the heart of a dispute and propose solutions that honor our traditions and values."

Darius bowed his head modestly. "Don't thank me your Majesty, just doing what I do best.

[Flashback end]

The case was solved a day later with the both of them coming to a consensus to share the piece of land. If all goes as how it's supposed to be, those two should get married in a couple years, hehehehe. 

That was one of the most civil cases I had to solve, the same couldn't be said about the others. 

Let me enlighten you then....

[Flashback]

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the royal court, the next pair of petitioners approached King T'Challa and his advisor, Darius, me. Blood lust oozed in the air even before the two men spoke.

One was a burly fisherman named Bako, and the other was a slender, sharp-eyed merchant named Jabari.[A/N not a Jabari] They glared at each other with barely contained animosity.

"Your Majesty," Bako began, his voice booming through the throne room. "This man, Jabari, has been spreading lies about my fish. He claims that they are tainted and not safe to eat, which is absolutely false. His lies are ruining my business!"

Jabari stepped forward, his face a mask of indignation. "Your Majesty, I only speak the truth! Bako's fish have been causing illness in the village. I have seen people fall sick after eating them. It is my duty to warn others."

King T'Challa sighed, rubbing his temples as he turned to me. "Advisor Darius, what do you make of this situation?"

I rose from my seat, assessing both men carefully. "Gentlemen, accusations such as these are serious. We must first determine the facts. Bako, have there been any recent changes to your fishing methods or the waters where you fish?"

Bako shook his head vehemently. "No changes, Advisor. I've been fishing these waters for decades, and my methods have always been the same."

I nodded, then turned to Jabari. "And you, Jabari, do you have any evidence to support your claims that Bako's fish are causing illness?"

Jabari hesitated, then produced a small vial from his robes. "I collected water samples from where Bako fishes. It has an unusual smell, and I believe it is contaminated."

Before I could respond, Bako lunged at Jabari, his face red with anger. "You lying snake! How dare you slander my name!" He swung a fist, and chaos erupted in the throne room.

Jabari dodged the punch, and the two men grappled, knocking over a nearby table and sending scrolls and ceremonial items crashing to the floor. The court guards rushed forward, but the two men were already rolling on the ground, exchanging blows and insults.

I love chaos as much as the next guy but this had to stop. However, T'Chaka spoke before I could take ay action, bummer~.

King T'Challa rose from his throne, his voice commanding. "Enough! Cease this madness at once!"

The guards finally managed to pull the two men apart, each panting and disheveled. I stepped forward, my expression stern. "This behavior is unacceptable. We are here to resolve disputes, not to engage in violence."

Bako, still seething, pointed a finger at Jabari. "He started it with his lies!"

Jabari, nursing a bruise on his cheek, shot back, "I only spoke the truth!"

King T'Challa held up a hand, silencing them both. "The truth will be determined through proper investigation, not through accusations and fists. We will have the water and fish tested immediately.

Until then, both of you will refrain from any further public statements or actions against each other."

I couldn't but add, my voice calm but firm, "If either of you engages in further violence or slander, you will face severe consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

Both men nodded reluctantly and fearfully, muttering apologies under their breath. The guards escorted them out of the throne room, and a tense silence followed their departure.

King T'Challa sighed heavily, turning to me. "Thank you, Darius. This is not the kind of dispute I expected today."

I managed a small smile. "It seems even the smallest issues can spark the greatest fires."

[Flashback end]

I never really saw the end of that dispute, maybe I'll check up on them some other time. Well that's how I spent my days, dealing with concerning and sometimes idiotic cases.

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[Lemme see if I can wip out another chap soon]