Lucian continued. "Of course, Jayce understands that you have your own interests and concerns as well. He knows that you represent different factions within the fire Kingdom: farmers who produce food for our people; merchants who trade goods with other kingdoms; industrialists who own and operate industries that fuel our economy; aristocrats who inherit privileges and traditions from our ancestors."
He looked at each representative in turn and said. "He respects your roles and contributions to our society. He does not wish to impose his will on you or take away your rights or freedoms. He wants to hear your opinions and suggestions on how to improve our Kingdom. He wants to make a deal with you that will benefit both you and him."
The representatives were eager and interested as they glanced at each other. Chief Daimler asked Lucian: "What kind of bargain is Jayce proposing to us? What can we expect from him in return for our backing?"
Lucian said. "That, gentlemen is up to you, I ask you: what do you want from Jayce? What can he do for you that will make you support him as the new King of the fire Kingdom?"
He leaned back in his chair and waited for their answers.
Elder Cato spoke first. He was a tall and sturdy man with a weathered face and a long beard. He wore simple clothes made of wool and leather, and a straw hat. He had a green phoenix emblem on his chest, symbolizing his connection to nature and life.
"I speak for the folks who grow food and raise animals for our people. We work hard and fair, but we have many troubles and hardships. We want the government to build roads and bridges that will help us bring our goods to the markets. We want low taxes that will let us keep more of our earnings. We want protection from cheap goods from the Earth Kingdom that lower our prices and endanger our living."
He looked at Lucian hopefully, wishing that he would pass on their wishes to Jayce.
Captain Amaro spoke next. He was a rugged and adventurous man with a tan skin and a scar that split his left eye and ended on his cheek. He wore a shirt of cotton and linen, and a leather jacket. He had a yellow phoenix emblem on his chest, symbolizing his ambition and wealth.
"I speak for the traders of the fire Kingdom. We buy and sell goods with other kingdoms, bringing in money and resources for our people. We are smart and clever, but we face many dangers and doubts. We want a free market that will let us set our own prices and conditions. We disagree with the farmers demands and want lower tariffs that will cut the cost of importing and exporting goods. We want access to all kingdoms, especially the Water Kingdom, which has a big demand for our products."
He looked at Lucian confidently, expecting that he would agree with their requests.
Chief Daimler spoke third. He was a short and stout man with a bald head and a thick mustache. He wore a suit of fine cloth and a monocle, and a gold watch on his wrist. He had a cigar in his mouth and a briefcase on the table in front of him. He had an iron phoenix emblem on his chest, symbolizing his innovation and progress.
"I speak for the entrepreneurs of the fire Kingdom. We own and run industries that fuel our economy. We make weapons, machines, and other tools that give us an edge over our enemies. We are creative and daring, but we face many barriers and rules. We agree with the farmers and want low taxes that will motivate us to invest more in our businesses. We also want protection from foreign competition that will let us dominate the market. We want subsidies and incentives that will support our research and development."
He looked at Lucian proudly, believing that he would appreciate their proposals.
Lord Winston spoke last. He was a handsome and elegant man with a fair complexion and a curly mustache. He wore a coat of velvet and silk. He had a grey phoenix emblem on his chest, symbolizing his authority and tradition.
"I speak for the nobility of the fire Kingdom. We inherit privileges and responsibilities from our ancestors. We hold titles, lands, and influence that make us respected and powerful in our society. We are noble and loyal, but we face many threats and challenges. We want the government to maintain the status quo that preserves our rights and privileges. We want exclusion from any reforms or changes that will affect our position or status. That is all."
He looked at Lucian arrogantly, assuming that he would accept their demands.
Lucian listened patiently to each representative's speech, nodding occasionally but not saying anything. He knew that they all had valid points, but also conflicting interests. He knew that Jayce would have a hard time satisfying them all, or even any of them.
He decided to end the meeting before it turned into a heated argument.
"Thank you for your input, gentlemen. I will convey your wishes to Jayce and see what he thinks of them." He said diplomatically.
He stood up from his chair and gestured for them to follow him.
"Please, come with me. I will show you to your rooms where you can rest until Jayce is ready to meet you."
He led them out of the great hall, leaving behind an empty table with four different emblems on it.
He walked with a dour expression on his face, wondering how he could bring the output of the meeting to Jayce without disappointing him.