In the end, Leland did not tell Ves much beyond what Calabast already outlined.
The Bright Republic's unofficial stance completely matched her predictions.
"You're our insurance policy." Leland set forth. "In the event the Hexers win a decisive victory against the Fridaymen, our ties with the latter will turn into liabilities that will weigh us down. Hexers aren't known to be charitable to those who oppose them, so our state will certainly be subjected to significant penalties and sanctions in a possible post-Hexer star sector."
Ves pursed his lips. "I'm just one person, though. I can't overturn centuries of friendships and trade relations by myself."
"We hope you can convince Miss Gloriana to plea for leniency on our behalf."
"I think you are overestimating my girlfriend's influence. Even if she's a part of the Wodin Dynasty, she's purely a mech designer and an engineer. She is completely uninvolved when it comes to politics."
