June 18th, 1427

  Lassesanta, Yarian Empire.

  Sergeant Boris and his squad took a rest in a tent away from everything as they observed the Yarians being processed for prisoner transfer, not to mention the long line of civilians waiting for their turn to board the massive UH-48 quadrotors on the grass field. Tanks and IFVs armed with dozers push the bodies and rubbles aside, making sure the paths are clear. The bodies of the goblins were piled up high before being lit on fire via gasoline and magic. Many of the goblins were also put in cages, being shipped off to the hospital ships via helicopters separated from those of the civilians, escorted by plenty of guards onboard with automatic weapons, ready to kill any that attempted to break out.

  “That was the longest night I think I’ve ever had…” Rita let out a long exhale as she entered a large tent, tired from dealing with the injured and crying civilians. She took off her flak jacket and laid down on the foldable canvas bed in a barrack tent, trying to catch some rest before quickly falling asleep.

  Milton was sitting on his own bed, cleaning his rifle in the meantime. Joker walked inside the tent. “Sup, mate.” He opened a small pack of standard issued powdered instant coffee, pouring it into a metal cup before filling it with hot water and stirring. He took a sip of the coffee, savoring the taste before turning to Milton. “You still want to fuck’em hookers in Anzuri? After all that happened here?”

  “I’m not a wimp, dude. I wanna have my first time inside an elf.” He strikes back, but quickly adjusts his voice to be smaller, noticing that Rita is sleeping next to both of them. “A nut bustin’ Marine is a happy Marine.”

  “Well,” Joker took a long gulp, finishing his cup of coffee before tossing to Milton a paper check with his name on it.

  OFFICE OF PERSONNEL SERVICE. – – – – – Date: 17/6/1427.

  PAY TO THE ORDER OF: Jorel Kerry

  SERVICE I.D: MAR5B1A1NUM004

  Two Thousand Credits - 2000 CRD.

  FOR: Transfer to Milton Woodrow - I.D: MAR5B1A1NUM005

  STATUS: COMPLETED

  As Milton smiled deviously while reading the check given to him, Joker let out a long sigh. “Just to let you know, I ain’t doing bets with you ever again. I’m gonna go broke at this rate…”

  Richard stepped inside, having heard of their conversation through the thin tent, he joined in. “Don’t leave me out, fellas. You two ain’t the only ones that can’t control their own sticks.” He chuckled, thinking of the short time they had when transiting through Anzuri. “I don’t blame ya, they have the curves.”

  Rita turns around on her bed, eyes opened. “You guys are fuckin’ disgusting.” She said before turning to the otherside to try and fall asleep again.

  “Haha…” Joker chuckled at her expression. “Gotta enjoy life while you still can. Never know when you’re gonna catch a stray round to the head. You fuck with anyone before? Me neither.”

  “Shut up… idiot.” She rolled over, covering her ears with the flak jacket. “Leave me be from your horseshit…”

  Presidential Office, Arden. United Federation of Elysia.

  June 24th, 1427.

  “How is our operation going on in the Yarian Empire?” President Irwin asked his assistant, twirling and spinning a pencil on his right hand.

  Loyd read the report out loud. “We’re wrapping up the combat phase of the invasion already. The 5th Marines is now switching to counter-insurgency instead while the Department of State works on a plan to dissolve the Yarian Empire and restore the conquered Elvish Kingdom into our image.” Loyd read from the report on his hand. “Most of the original Yarians were… very angry about losing their empire. But they are a minority without their orcs and goblins to conquer and subjugate others, I doubt they pose a real threat in the long run.”

  “So their leader surrendered.” Irwin leaned back, folding his arms.

  “That’s correct, Mister President. King Yaria offered his surrender last week to General Stanford of the 5th Marine Mechanized Brigade. He also gave us a biological weapon, we and the Azurians are still trying to figure out what it is.”

  The mention caught Irwin’s ear. “Biological weapon?”

  “King Yaria, now currently incarcerated in a center in Prymoriv, has given General Stanford a strange dark substance contained within a strangely modern-looking bottle. He mentioned that his grandfather was the one who discovered it and took it from somewhere.”

  “A weapon… then it must be dangerous, no?”

  “Yes, Mister President. King Yaria gave us instructions on what it does. After extensive testing for the past few days by AMRA (Advanced Military Research Agency) and the Federal Institute of Health on some goblins and other beasts, we discovered that the substance apparently could target specific species that had their blood or DNA mixed with it, quickly causing blood clotting and painful death within minutes of exposure to members of the species.”

  “A biological weapon that could target a specific ethnic group.” Irwin thought of the implication, fearful for what the substance could do. “What if human blood is mixed into it? Do they just kill specific ethnic groups based on the donor or…?”

  “We’re still figuring it out, Mister President.”

  Irwin recalled his time in the Federal Security Service, doing some spy work in far flung countries. What the United Federation has right now would’ve made the fascists and ethno-nationalists back in his homeworld cream their pants. Whatever this thing is, it’s clearly too dangerous to be used, lest it falls into the wrong hands.

  “The Azurians have also joined in the testing effort, using their Life Gems to find cures if humans or demi-humans are exposed to this substance. We have to pay the Azurian mages pretty exorbitantly though, as the Life Gems are the rarest type to get ahold of. Many people in the Eastern Continent rely on it to cure diseases.”

  “Simple supply and demand.” Irwin states. “Don’t worry, once we introduce modern medicine herbs and technology into Azuria and elsewhere, the price of these Life Gems would certainly drop.” Irwin flipped the pencil in his hand, a move he had been practicing in his downtime for a while. “What can they do? The Life Gems I mean. I get that they can heal wounds judging by their use by Azurian troops, but what else?”

  “Well.” Loyd smiles. “I think we found the cure to cancer and many other terminal diseases.” He said, thinking of the endless potential breakthroughs in medical research.

  Irwin stopped twirling the pencil in his hand, shocked by the news. “W-what? I-it can cure cancer?”

  “Yes. But apparently the technique used by Azurians requires a week worth of constantly applying a Life Gem’s energy into the victim, not to mention you do need several high tier mages as well for some more complex procedures.”

  “O-okay then… that’s still better than no cure.” Irwin looked around for the document related to the Department of Health, wanting to sign a proposal for a subject for research into the power of the Gems. “You see the documents related to the Federal Institute of Health anywhere, Loyd? I swear it was here-”

  Loyd let out a sigh. “I knew you would do that, so I submitted the proposal in advance for you already… again.”

  Irwin stopped looking for the file, chuckling a bit. “Heh… sorry for bothering you then.”

  “No big deal, Mister President. I’m used to running errands without you asking for it already.” He chuckled.

  Irwin leaned back on his chair and began to twirl his pencil again, thinking of future plans for the Eastern Continent.

  King Yaria has been imprisoned. Good riddance, he thinks to himself. Defeating the Yarian Empire is just about the easiest part of any military campaign if you have an overwhelmingly powerful military. The real headache is what usually comes after: occupation and rebuilding.

  As hard as it is to admit it, one of the unintended benefits of the Yarian’s brutality towards others was that most of the countries and kingdoms they overran were almost destroyed, with their institutions all but collapsed completely without the people who knew how to run them, having been killed first to prevent rebel leaders from rising.

  This was a blessing in disguise for the United Federation, who could help the Elvish rebuild their institutions in the image of Elysia. Democracy, freedom of choice, freedom of conscience and open market. It would not only provide a market for Elysian and Azurian businesses to export their goods to, but would enrich everyone through trade. Afterall, freedom of commerce and trade is what built the wealth for Elysia in the United Federation’s old homeworld, not conquest of land nor subjugating others for puppets like how Socialist Yarik did to neighboring countries.

  The United Federation is still reeling from the sudden Transference event, sending an entire brigade along with their associated heavy equipment for a war on another continent didn’t help with the economic situation either. Although the censored combat and documentary footage given to the media had boosted war support somewhat, it didn’t do as much as Irwin had hoped. Without sufficient war support, it would be difficult to justify more military and economic interventions in the Eastern Continent.

  Irwin thought about the geopolitical situation that his country is in.

  In regards to Azuria, he has already successfully opened their market and exchanged modern scientific knowledge and social ideals with them. It would only be a matter of time before a new class of Azurian capitalists and business owners rose to challenge the power of the established Azurian aristocrats, resulting in political reform.

  However, due to their reliance on raw resource export to Azuria and Elysia alike, it’d be hard for the United Federation to influence the political elites of the Principality of Lior to change their mind. The influx of Elysian money for the purchase of mineral resources had already entrenched the power of Liori mining guilds, causing them to stop Elysian companies from establishing a foothold in the Principality, leading to extremely low productivity due to the guilds’ obsolete mining methods despite the imports of modern mechanical mining tools.

  Irwin facepalms as he found the situation in the Principality of Lior similar in comparison with several labor unions who rose up within the government a few years back, trying to stop the digitalization of bureaucracy for fear of losing their job. Only extensive executive crackdowns by Irwin’s old friend - the former President Lucius, did the Federal Digitalization Act was passed without further protest by the unionists, helping the government to become more efficient, cutting more taxes yet leaving more room in the state’s budget to allocate to the military to counter the Socialist threat.

  The path is already laid bare for Irwin to see: there needs to be extensive rebuilding and restructuring of the Eastern Continent, one that would benefit not only the United Federation itself but all the continent’s inhabitants. He’d need to do it quickly and decisively, yet discreetly as the country needs the resources in the Eastern Continent urgently before winter arrives, but he also couldn’t afford to damage relations with the only two kingdoms providing most of the raw resources needed in Elysia.

  Extensive construction currently being done in Azuria could barely keep up with the United Federation’s demand for imports, prompting the hiring of local mages and workers to help with lighter construction jobs. While with the Liori, he could send operatives into the kingdom to further destabilize the mining guilds’ power and influence to force reforms. He could also get Azuria onboard with the idea as well, making sure Elysia’s relationship with Azuria is rock solid despite what could happen to the Principality.

  He moved on to the next topic, wondering about the post-war situation. Whoever’s left of the original population of the Elvish Kingdom wouldn’t be happy about the United Federation’s occupation of their homeland for a while for reconstruction and restructuring, no doubt, but Irwin believes that he could work out a deal with them.

  Convincing the Federal Parliament to accept his proposal would be a headache, as it was as imperialistic as it gets by most definitions. But that wouldn’t be a problem right? This is another world, afterall. The Yarians were threatening Azuria and Lior with death and enslavement, worse than starvation and poverty by the Socialists! So stepping in to defeat and dissolve them would be nothing short of an act of a saint for the Azurians by the United Federation.

  If the Elvish couldn’t reestablished themselves even with the United Federation’s help, then all their land would be ceded to Azuria. Satisfied with his idea, he smiles internal-

  “-esident!” a faint feminine voice caught Irwin’s ears before becoming clear. “Mister President!”

  He snapped away from his deep thought, turning his gaze to find one of his other assistants standing there next to Loyd. “Mornin' Ellen... What are you here for?”

  She turned to the President. “Sir, you have a-”

  “Oh right! The Azurians!” Irwin yelped, leaping from his seat and dropping the pencil. He had almost forgotten an important meeting today, rushing to his computer terminal to print several copies of the documents needed for his proposals. “Uh, Ellen. Do you mind helping me with this?” He gestured at the printer.

  “Yes…” She sighs internally as she grabs the small stack of paper, still warm from the fresh ink of the printer. “The Azurian’s big man has arrived just now, Mister President.”

  Irwin checked the time on his watch: 10:15 AM. “I know… Thanks for the reminder though.” He stood up and walked toward Loyd, giving him a check. “Get yourself a coffee or something, I got somewhere to be.”

  Loyd accepted the check, smiling slightly. “Thank you, Mister President. Don’t overwork again.”

  “Not when you’re here.” He tapped Loyd’s shoulder before exiting the office. “See you again, Loyd.”

  – –

  Irwin hurriedly pace through the garden within the Presidential Complex as he made his way to the meeting room, escorted by two armed members of the Federal Security Service assigned to his protection. While he disliked being followed everywhere like this, it had become official security policy ever since his predecessor - President Lucius, was killed by Socialist rebels while on diplomatic visit a couple years back. He continued to make his way to another section of the complex, navigating through twists and turns of the hallways before ending up on the largest set of doors at the end of a hallway.

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  “Phew…” Irwin adjusts his tie, making sure his appearance is proper, gesturing to the security members to stand guard. “Let's do this.”

  Irwin stepped inside the meeting room, with his secretaries from multiple other governmental departments already present as well as several Azurians. “Good morning, everyone. I’m sure you all know why I gathered you here already?”

  Several replies came up from the secretaries which affirmed Irwin’s question, save for the Azurians. He adjusted his gaze at the Azurian man in an outfit that just screams ‘important’, already knowing who he was as he walked towards him. “It is a pleasure to meet with you, Duke Kalush ad Azuri.”

  The man in bright purple attire offered a handshake first, having been advised by Ruprecht and Evatyr standing besides him on how these people conduct themselves. “Indeed, President Irwin. Due to the strengthening ties between your country and my kingdom, I have brought up many topics to discuss today.”

  Having been flown in via the Elysian’s ‘aircrafts’ and stayed in their country for a few days before, Kalush had truly understood what Ruprecht and Evatyr meant in the letters sent to him on their first diplomatic mission here. Their cities shone brighter than the stars in the sky, their machines did in a day what a blacksmith could do in a month, and their vehicles could run many times faster than a horse could while doing much more. The moment he had set foot on the airport’s tarmac, he knew Azuria had no choice but to cooperate.

  “And that shall be one of the topics we shall discuss today.” Irwin gives out a light hearted smile. Knowing how barbaric this world has been so far, especially regarding the Yarians, he was glad that civility and respect also existed.

  Irwin gave the signal for everyone to sit down while Ellen distributed the copy of his proposals to everyone sitting in the room. Paper and documents shuffling about as the Secretary of War spoke first. “We recognized the need to modernize the Azurian military who is now our trusted ally despite having been in contact for just over a month.” He said, flipping a page on the folder. “I believe that Azuria deserved an effective military, not only to safeguard their sovereignty but to also help protect our assets on the ground in case of war breaking out. We cannot keep a large military presence forever.”

  “However,” He paused, ready to emphasize what he had to say. “Due to the less than ideal infrastructure present in the Kingdom of Azuria, I can only suggest modernization of lighter equipment like rifles, body armor, uniforms, helmets and radios. More sophisticated hardware like vehicles and aircrafts will have to be held off from sale until the infrastructure in Azuria has matured sufficiently. Is that alright, Duke Kalush ad Azuri?”

  “It is reasonable. You have my utmost gratitude, Mister Raynard.” Kalush replied calmly, but internally he was overjoyed to hear the approval by the Elysian. His soldiers no doubt would’ve appreciated new weapons and equipment provided to them, even if it was only basic small arms. But there were several unresolved problems.

  “I still have questions regarding this, Mr.Raynard.” Kalush straightened up, switching to a more professional tone but his worries can still be felt. “How can the kingdom afford these military paraphernalias? I have seen the pricing of these advanced equipment converted to our currency, procuring them would be a very expensive endeavor. It pains me to admit this, but my kingdom has little to offer to your country but food as we are a majority agricultural society, with very few activities we could tax now that tariffs have been abolished. We aren’t wealthy by any measure.”

  “Don’t worry about that, Duke Kalush.” Irwin spoke up. “I already got Secretary Yosef, who is in charge of the Department of the Treasury, to get on board with the plan. A large majority of our Federal Parliament have also commended your men’s action during the war on the Yarian Empire, thanks to the somewhat good press coverage. Our country will pass the Strategic Assistance Act soon which will allow us to send money to your country to be spent on the purchase of our military equipment until your economy has sufficiently developed. Your kingdom may spend a small amount of twenty million Credits per month - totaling two point four billions, on the purchase and maintenance of our military equipment, this is to allow you freedom to choose the equipment most appropriate for your kingdom’s needs.”

  Duke Kalush’s eyes lit up, finding the generosity of the Elysians hard to believe. “My, I can’t express my gratitude enough! I assure you that under my rule, we will spend the amount wisely.” He bowed lightly, thankful for the aid.

  Irwin cleared his throat. “That’s good to hear. Gentlemen, now for the topic of the post-war treaty with the Yarians.”

  The Yarians. Kalush’s eyes frowned slightly at the topic. The Yarians were as barbaric as they get, a peace treaty with them would often be broken as soon as they regained their strength. Although grateful for the Elysian’s help, he couldn’t sympathize with them in regard to how they treat defeated enemies, especially one as ruthless as the Yarians. Compassion could be a double edged sword.

  “Due to his detainment, King Yaria cannot be present at this meeting. However, he has sent us his demands. One of which is the preservation of his power on the throne and to continue ruling in peace.”

  Shocked by this, Kalush stood up in protest, barely containing his distaste for King Yaria. “That’s not possible! What if he built another army to attack again like his forefathers?! Kingdoms have fallen just because many before you people have spared the Yarians of complete destruction!”

  Seeing everyone’s surprised reaction in the room, he quietly sat down on the soft chair. “I apologize for my outburst, it’s just that I cannot see any other way but to put Yaria's reign down for good.”

  “We understand your concern, Duke Kalush. But the cycle of violence has to be stopped, no matter what. Putting King Yaria down will cause a power vacuum which could accelerate into a civil war.” Marvin explained, using his position as Secretary of State to back up his claims. “The risk of that happening is too great and our country is in no position to intervene should the situation spiral out of control. It is also why we have decided to help modernize your armed forces as well, to help share the burden of security on the Eastern Continent.” he said.

  “This is the post war treaty.” Irwin gestured at Ellen to distribute the copies in her hand. “I hope you’ll find this acceptable, Duke Kalush.”

  The President sat in silence, watching everybody read the copies in their hand slowly.

  Duke Kalush reads one of the terms out loud: “Article I - The Yarian Empire, acting in conformity with the wishes of the people and every department of its government, are to return their conquered land back to their former sovereign owners. This cession includes all public lots and squares, lands, mines, minerals, salt lakes and springs, public edifices, fortifications, barracks, ports and harbors, navy and shipyard, docks, magazines, arms, armaments and accouterments, archives and public documents, public funds debts, taxes and dues unpaid at the time of the exchange of the ratifications of this treaty.”

  The rest of the treaty stated the reparations by the Yarians to former slaves as well as disarmament, completed with the disbanding of units and seizure of all Yarian military assets to be destroyed or disposed of. Trade agreements were also included, with the Yarian having to sign a trade agreement with the United Federation, allowing for tariffs-free exchange of goods and services.

  The peculiar focus on the free exchange of goods like this was strange to Kalush. Tariffs and land-based taxation of the aristocrats is how his kingdom gets most of its governmental revenue, yet these people seemed to despise taxation in regards to trade almost religiously. Evatyr explained to him that they preferred to tax the consumption of goods, as well as taxing the income of each individual, which was totally bizarre as the average Azurian peasants’ taxes are handled by the aristocrats ruling over them. How do they even do that?

  “We will be setting up an occupational government in the former Elvish to make sure those refugees get help first and to maintain some semblance of order. Of course, most of the manpower would have to come from Azuria until we have recovered economically.” President Irwin said, crossing his arms.

  “This… I find this acceptable, President Irwin.” Kalush said with neutrality in his tone, but internally he was overjoyed. The Elvish Kingdom has been a rivalry to Azuria for generations, prompting both to pour much resources into waging small wars with each other once every several decades. In truth, having the opportunity to handle most of the occupation duty is nothing short of a final statement by Azuria to their former rival: We won.

  While uncertain, Kalush hoped that in time, both the people of the Elvish Kingdom and Azuria could find common ground and coexist together, just like the Elvish refugees that came to Azuria a few years back when the Yarians invaded. They integrate into Azurian society just fine, making him wonder why his kingdom and the Elvish even hated each other for so long.

  Some of the Elysians’ secretaries didn’t share Kalush’s excitement, especially Secretary Yosef Yechezkel, who was in charge of the Department of Treasury. “This is quite the serious proposal, Mister President. How will the budget even hold up? I have already diverted most of the older foreign aid budget to the police to allow the Department of Internal Security to keep social order. The mess that this military occupation would cause will be enormous even with the expanded budget. If there are insurgencies, then we would have to expand security spending to ensure stability in the Eastern Continent.” He explained with some annoyance in his voice, fearful that the treasury would run dry.

  “That won’t be a problem, Josef. Just do your job. I have already decided on how to go about achieving this endeavor.” Irwin reassures him. “Once our presence on the Eastern Continent is assured, and Azuria’s and Lior’s infrastructures developed sufficiently, we won’t need to worry about money as much.”

  While he wants to counter, Josef finds no reason to oppose the President’s decision on the matter. “… I understand, Mister President. I’ll try my best to make it work.”

  “Very well then. Now,” Irwin turned his chair to the projector, looking at the new satellite photos taken by Evalyn Aerospace. “What in the living hell am I looking at here, Mr. Raynard?”

  The secretaries and Azurians looked at the projector, streamed from the data inserted into the room's computer terminal.

  The blurry images depicted a fleet of what he presumed was warships. While the images were fuzzy at best, he could tell that these are no ordinary warships. If they were only regular naval warships, then he wouldn’t be so worried as modern missiles from the venerable David-class guided missile destroyers and Challenger-class guided missile cruisers can outrange even the largest of guns able to be fitted on the old Bunker-class battleships, which were sitting dormant as empty husk acting as reserves in the Naval Museum in Arden City, stripped of their electronics and equipment.

  What worried him are the next photos, showing the presumed naval vessels over a city-like landscape. “Are these warships flying?” He asked Raynard, the Secretary of the War Department.

  Raynard maintained a neutral expression on his face, focusing on the task at hand. “I supposed they are, Mister President. These ships represent a significant capability and diversion in military doctrinal thinking. Due to their nature, we have been unable to determine their capabilities and tonnages.”

  Kalush’s eyes widened in surprise. “I know those ships…”

  Everyone in the room turned their gaze upon him, with Raynard's expression turning from neutrality to one of peculiarity. “Duke Kalush ad Azuri, you know these crafts?”

  “Yes.” Kalush straightens up, recalling from memory. “They’re called Heavenly Ships by the Holy Celestial Empire, with the name dating back to two thousand years ago used to refer to the ships of the Khanterran’s. I am not equipped to explain who the Khanterrans were right now, but you should know that they were the worst oppressors in the history of Sorval. The ships were and still are considered the pinnacle of what the Celestials referred to as magitech - combination of both mechanical and magical technology. Only the Holy Celestial Empire operates these Heavenly Ships now, as they are the only ones with the knowledge and resources to construct such ships.” Kalush paused, thinking of the many aircrafts that the Elysians had. “Though your ‘aircrafts’ are also quite capable by themselves, able to replicate the power of magitech with only pure mechanical technology.”

  “Thank you for your compliments, Duke Kalush. We are also quite proud of our aircraft industries.” Irwin thinks of the implication. Whoever these Celestials are, they are clearly not a force to be taken lightly. Flying ships are still in the realm of fantasy and sci-fi in the United Federation, yet these Celestials have not only operated such ships, but have used them for millennia, giving their armed forces valuable experience on how to operate their Heavenly Ships.

  Irwin stopped overthinking, opting to find information directly. “If you excuse my questioning, Duke Kalush, is there anything more you know about these ‘Heavenly Ships’? We would like to know as much as possible about the Holy Celestials Empire before making contact.”

  “I’m afraid I do not know much, as the Celestials do not come to the Eastern Continent often. Your scholars can find information in our archive, that much I know. These past few months I have been busy with war preparation against the Yarians.” He widened his eyes, remembering something. “Oh right! There will be a small Celestial fleet coming to the Eastern Continent in September in three months time!”

  “What do you mean by that?” The Secretary of State spoke up.

  “Mister Marvin, allow me to explain.” Kalush cleared his throat. “The Holy Celestial Empire conducts a world tour every five years, going around Sorval to recruit magical talents and to conduct trade, often buying much of our produce in bulk to bring back to their country. Many aspiring Azurian mages often emigrate to Celestia, where they could continue their magical studies with much greater resources than what we have here, others board to look for a better life for themselves, as Celestia always needs more labor for their rising industries.”

  “Sounds much like us.” Marvin comments, comparing both Elysia and Celestia’s position within their own respective world, although Elysia’s immigration rules are much tighter in comparison to the Holy Celestial Empire. Many people from around Elysium - the United Federation’s homeworld, had wanted to move to Elysia itself in order to find a better life for themselves, but due to strict immigration laws to prevent Socialist spy incursion, this was rare. Mostly through military service, could an outsider earn Elysian citizenship unless stated otherwise.

  “This could represent an opportunity.” Marvin continued, speaking out his mind as he turned his head to Kalush. “We can benefit from trade with the Holy Celestial Empire, probably even obtaining these magitechnologies for ourselves in exchange for our commercial mechanical technologies. What do you think of this, Duke Kalush? Azuria could benefit from this as well, since we’re not picky on the topic of trade. I hope you will support this decision of ours.”

  Kalush was taken back a bit by the question. These are the most powerful people who decided to save his kingdom, and although they have their demands, they have been far more respectful towards Azuria and Lior than a country this economically and militarily powerful would usually act. More than the Celestials, who sometimes look down on Azurians and the rest of the Eastern Continent as underdeveloped peasants.

  ‘Might Makes Right.’ That was the rule of Sorval. Established even before the Khanterran’s dark age two thousand years back, which had continued on in one way or another by many conquerors through the ages. The Holy Celestial Empire, which eventually triumphed against the Khanterran’s rule, also abided by such rule and embarked on a series of conquests until Empress Celestia the IV’s reform around three hundred years back, bringing peace to the Western Continent. Kalush smiles internally, happy that such civility and humility exists in Elysia. He might not know of the history of the United Federation, but eventually he’d catch up to find the answer for himself on how these people came to be. Their libraries and archives are opened to Azuria, after all.

  “The Kingdom of Azuria has no objection to your decision in regards to the Holy Celestial Empire.” Kalush states with a firm tone, nodding his head in approval.

  “I’m happy to hear that.” Irwin gave Kalush a smile, changing the topic once more. “I know that your kingdom’s relationship with the Lioris is a bit…” he paused, trying to find the right word. “-contentious.”

  “Indeed, President Irwin.” Kalush rolled his eyes at the mentioning of the Principality of Lior. “They are a troublesome ally to have, especially during emergencies.”

  “We know that Azuria has resumed shipments of food to the Principality due to the war’s end.” Marvin states. “But you have also threatened the Principality with sanctions on food imports prior to the Yarians attack as well, Duke Kalush. That left quite a mess when one of our ambassadors paid the Principality a visit.” He explained with concern in his voice, not understanding why a civil person like Duke Kalush would do such a thing like that.

  “They refused to aid us as per our mutual defense agreement before the Yarian attacks. Only with your country’s timely intervention did Azuria not fall.” Kalush explained, fed up with the Principality’s unwilling commitments.

  “I see, we’re also having problems with them as well.” Irwin said. “The mining guilds within the Principality aren’t willing to let our companies mine in their territory, the only thing we could mine currently is oil as there is no guild that drill oil. It is in their rights to reject but… our economy needs more metal and more minerals in order to sustain itself.” He facepalms, trying to get the Duke to understand his country’s plights.

  “The Liori mining guilds have also been a problem for Azuria as well.” Kalush recalled from his memory. “There are times that they banded together to raise the price of iron, causing much trouble for the blacksmiths in my kingdom. We were practically being scammed out of our pocket, but we have no choice but to buy from them as the Principality is richer than anywhere else in the Eastern Continent when it comes to mineral wealth.”

  “Without the minerals and materials to make cheap goods, the power of the Liori mining guilds is absolute. Despite the trade agreements, our commercial goods won’t be able to get any cheaper without cheap materials backing them up.” Irwin comments, drowning himself in thought.

  The men in the room fell silent as they shared a look with each other, almost as if they were all thinking of the same thing without a single word being traded between them.

  “…”

  “…”

  “…”

  “You’re thinking what I’m thinking?” Marvin asked the others, breaking the silence.

  “I’ll contact the head of the Federal Intelligence Agency, finding ways to send operatives into the Principality.” Raynard answers, picking up the phone and typing into the computer terminal installed into the large table.

  “The Kingdom of Azuria will provide support and entry for your spies. I see no reason to oppose this. The winds are changing, and it is time for some real change in the Eastern Continent.” Kalush states, adamant about his stance against the Lioris who had almost screwed over his kingdom's existence.

  Irwin stood up from his seat, adjusting his ties. “Very well, gentlemen. Perhaps it is time for us to get to work.” He turned to Duke Kalush. “But before then, would you care to join us for lunch, Duke Kalush? We’re serving the highest quality Rostislav steaks, I’m sure you would find them most delectable.”

  Kalush smiled, excited about tasting Elysian food for the first time. “I’ll gladly take on your offer.”

  I'm currently working on the Lior Arc before moving to redone Harukami Arc.