"Let's start with a recap of the happenings of our last meeting. The minutes from our previous meeting are going to be read aloud," Chief Brianos said.
A slender, raven-haired woman stepped forward, her eyes cast downward. Her voice trembled slightly as she began to speak. "M-meeting of the Council, convened on the twenty-first day of—"
Chief Bane, however, interrupted her.
"Enough with the foreplay," he said.
"We don't need some scribe reading back to us what we already know. We were all there, and we all received notes."
"Did you even bother to read them?" Chancellor Klarian asked.
"Shut up, you stinking elf!"
"Profane as ever," the elven king said, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Not that you'd understand even if you attempted to read."
"Let's skip the formalities and get to the real issue at hand," Bane said, ignoring the jab from the elf, his gaze locked onto Mikael, who sat still and maintained a neutral expression.
"Just as I thought," Mikael thought. He looked around the room and noticed the other Rulers looking at him.
"All within expectation."
"Tackling the beast by the head. As expected from the Chief of Granoa. You're right, we are here to discuss the most recent developments on our continent, but I must insist that all due protocols must be carried out. We must do this in order," King Brianos said.
"King Brianos, I must agree with Chief Bane; we did not come here for protocol, we came to deal with a problem, so I believe it's better to go straight to the point instead of dragging things needlessly," Xevia spoke up.
"I concur," the Dwarven King said.
"As do I," King Klarian added. He glared at Bane.
"Very well then," King Brianos gave in, then turned to Mikael.
"Lord Mikael Listowell, a week ago we received word that you used a spell classified under Devastation Magic at the border separating our nations. We also heard that there was a conflict between yourselves and the goblin nation as well. Finally, we were made aware that a cataclysmic event took place on the Savage Lands and broke the continent apart into a cluster of islands, though it may be totally unrelated to the two aforementioned occurrences. However, we need you to tell us what exactly the Kingdom is planning."
"Under normal circumstances, he'd insist that all things go on in accordance with order, but he seems to be just as interested as the others. Not surprising since we did close off the border to his country," Mikael thought.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Just fortifying our borders. It's nothing you need to concern yourself with," he responded.
"But it is. Remember, your nation isn't the only one affected. The use of that magic has changed the landscape and created a large lake at our border," Bane said.
"And is it bad? We solved the border problem the elves and beastmen have been facing. Now it's going to be harder for kidnappers and poachers to enter into both your territories while making it easier for you to defend, no?" Mikael answered.
"While it is true that it could benefit both us and the people of Granoa in that way, you should have considered certain things. I hear that the early winter was caused by a mage on the Archadian side that spanned across the entire continent. That and the shattering of the Savage Lands will have adverse effects on the world as a whole," Klarian said.
"I agree with the elf. That continent was deflecting wind and ocean currents and was essential in maintaining the seasons. Now that it's been shattered and the winter has begun, the seasons will be rearranged. This could lead to problems like food shortage and drought, as we did not prepare for the shuffle of the climate," Bane said.
"Oh, I knew foxes were wise, but I thought you were just lacking. Hmm, guess even you are capable of some level of cognition," Klarian said.
Bane glared at him, but Mikael began speaking before he could say anything.
"I understand your concerns, but I assure you, the creation of this lake will not have the catastrophic effects you're imagining. Yes, it's true that the lake will cause a difference in climate. However, I'd like to point out that both Tessaloni and Granoa are heavily forested regions. The effects of this change will be mitigated by the natural buffers of your forests."
"And what of us dwarves?" Vontimr asked.
"The dwarves live in a mountainous region. It's doubtful you will be affected by this alleged catastrophe. The mountains in your region will shield you just as the forests."
The Dwarven King grunted.
"And what of the mage who cast this spell?" King Brianos asked.
"Worry not; while I myself was surprised that she commanded such power, she is not someone who isn't responsible enough to take care of all this."
"So you know the mage?" Klarian asked.
"Yes, I do; she's my niece, after all."
There was silence as the council considered this information.
"Besides, the creation of this lake will be of merit to all of us here," Mikael said.
"Pardon me, but benefit us in what way?" Xevia asked.
"This lake could serve as a channel to link trade to all our nations," Mikael said.
"We can now transact better with each one of you without the hindrance of mobility or crossing borders. Its position makes it easily accessible."
Chancellor Klarian's brow furrowed. "It sounds like this was your aim from the start, but I'll indulge you. Tell us, what could you possibly have to trade? Respectfully, of course."
"Nothing gets past you, huh?" Mikael thought.
"Mystium," he responded matter-of-factly.
Seeing as everyone was expecting a better explanation, he continued.
"In recent months, we've made significant advancements in extracting the crystallized energy shards. It's become remarkably simple, and we're willing to exchange the surplus of the resource for other things."
Bane's eyes narrowed.
"And assuming we were to go along with this, how do you propose we get access to this resource?"
"Have your spies not informed you?" He felt them tense up but continued anyway.
"We've made tremendous progress in technology. We're on the cusp of completing a steam-powered boat, capable of traversing the waters with ease, making travel over the waters simpler."
They were still silent.
"What? It's common knowledge that there are spies in Archadia, just like there are spies in each nation from each nation, or did you all forget?"
He observed as the leaders subtly glanced at each other with suspicion. Even though they were all a part of this and had the treaty signed, they were far from being on friendly terms, Mikael knew and was taking advantage of this to push his agenda.
"Divide and conquer," he thought. Now the big fish. He glanced at Emperor Brianos and noticed a slight change in his demeanor. The ruler's expression had grown more guarded, his eyes clouding over with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Mikael chose to ignore it for the time being.
"I've got him right where I want him. All that's left is for him to take the bait," he thought.
"And what benefits do you get from this?" Xevia asked.
Mikael glanced at her. So far, he'd been able to read every person in the room with the exception of the Dwarven King and the representative from the Necroleonic Federation. They didn't seem to be drawn to the bait, and their calmness and neutrality made it hard to tell what they were thinking.
"The benefits are just the benefit of trade. And we will, of course, collect a toll for allowing passage through our territory."
"What do you mean 'your' territory?" Brianos spoke.
"I'm going to have to stop you there. You believe that the lake that's been carved out lies directly on the border and so partially belongs to you, but that is not the case. The lake lies within our territory, with the Eastern shore lying directly at your border."
"What are you saying? Are you trying to keep all the benefits for yourself? I think it's best not to do that, Duke," Emperor Brianos said with a smile on his lips.
"We haven't even approved of this proposal, and you're already making claims."
"He's trying to intimidate me to get a part in this. But it is to be expected; it means he took the bait of the steam engines and Mystium I laid. And now it's time."
"I'm not trying to do anything of the sort."
"Good," Emperor Brianos said.
"I'm just drawing your attention to the mistake the guards at the border made in their report, as well as the 'Surveyors' you sent into our territory the last time."
The emperor's eyes widened.
"W-what?"
"Oh, a while back you sent some people into our territory without permission during a very odd time in order to survey the land for academic purposes. I contacted the same people to come check if our lake has gone beyond the border. For academic purposes."
At that, one of the attendants Mikael came with passed around a document to the seated rulers. They took these and looked through them.
"He's right, the river and lake are only within Archadian territory."
Brianos grit his teeth.
"There, now that that's settled....."
"Wait," Vontimr interrupted.
"This is a truly exciting development on our continent, but then there's one question that needs to be asked. Doesn't the Kingdom have too much power?"
"What do you mean?"
"A mage who can easily change the climate of a continent and another who casually wields Devastation Magic to reshape landscapes. It's unconfirmed if the one who shattered the savage lands is affiliated with you or not, but let's put it aside for now. It's common knowledge that all of us gathered here do not fully trust each other and so have taken measures to defend ourselves in case of any developments. But then a single nation having two people and possibly more that are that powerful brings imbalance to the entire board."
"So, that's what he was thinking about. The waters have suddenly become deep."
"I see what you mean," Mikael said as beads of sweat began to form.
"So tell me, Lord Mikael Listowell, Duke of Carnelia and representative of the kingdom of Archadia, is Kojo Atari, the Champion of Archadia, truly under the direct control of the Kingdom, and if so, what measures are in place to prevent him from becoming a force of unchecked destruction?"