Once again, Gale found himself in the palace, surrounded by all the counselors, except one who had passed away due to a heart attack.
As he surveyed the now silent room, Gale nodded in agreement as he circled around, evaluating the faces of the counselors. Those who had joined him displayed determined looks, indicating they had chosen the right side; the previous fear had disappeared, replaced by a new feeling: pride.
Meanwhile, those who disagreed with Gale were desolate, lacking the courage to face the man they had previously called a "child."
"Friends, friends, what are these faces?" Gale said, pointing towards the now-submissive counselors.
Upon hearing the boy speak, they trembled in their seats while controlling their breath.
"I know you were afraid of risking the lives of our southern brothers for a war you deemed 'foolish'? I think so," Gale said, looking at the chief counselor who had opposed him.
Hearing Gale's words and the gaze directed at him, the counselor quickly made an effort to retract.
"That never crossed my mind, sir. I was a fool to think that way. I'm grateful that the master spared my life," the counselor said, choking on the words.
On the other hand, those who had joined Gale now wore disdainful expressions, and a faint smile could be seen.
"Truly, the human heart is like this," Gale thought internally as he observed both sides.
One side was enslaved by a technique, and the others were enslaved by fear.
There were no differences between the two sides, yet they felt proud to have stood with Gale, the victorious side.
"Truly, despicable."
Spending more time in the spirit world, Gale understood the beauty behind spirits. He did not judge one side as right or wrong in the story, but his morality was slightly inclined towards the spirits.
Gale thought that perhaps this inclination towards the spirit world was because he was a spirit in his past life, but soon this thought was dismissed.
He was not influenced by his past lives; in fact, Vaatu mattered little.
Like everyone else, they were pieces to attain power, power so that he could no longer be controlled or influenced by others.
If he were stronger, he could have saved his family; if he were smarter, he would have realized the madness taking over his father.
In the end, strength was the means he could think of to achieve all his goals. So, he embraced that feeling. Whether it was right or wrong, who could say?
Interrupting his thoughts, he quickly returned to the scene he needed to deal with.
"As you know, I've removed your bending abilities and a slave seal," Gale said, continuing to circle the room. "I would like to say that this may not be permanent. If you prove to be of value, I am capable of returning your bending and your freedom."
Upon hearing Gale's words, the sparkle in the counselors' eyes slowly returned. Hope.
"But remember, you need to prove it. So, it's up to you to decide what you'll do for me to reconsider your freedom," Gale said, staring intently at the counselors.
Gale considered whether he would explain how the seal he imposed on them worked but decided it was better not to reveal that information.
When their heads exploded like melons, he would explain. It would be a practical lesson.
"Any questions?" Finishing his sentence, Gale sat in the chair.
And after a few minutes of silence, no one opened their mouth to speak.
"Well, I'm glad you have no doubts. I believe you've understood," Gale said. "Any news from the letter you sent to Republic City?"
Upon hearing that it was about the letter Gale had asked them to send, Eric and Lysa stood up, asking for permission to continue.
Both exchanged threatening glances, both wanting to climb in Gale's trust hierarchy.
Observing the two exchanging threatening looks, Gale continued. "Eric, proceed."
After hearing Gale's confirmation, Lysa sat down while Eric wore a smile as if he had won the lottery.
"Sir, as we sent the letter this morning, it will still take some time until the Republic's response. But I believe everything will be fine," Eric said as he sat down.
Gale only heard half of what the counselor said, making a point to ignore the man's flattery.
"I would like to inform you that I am heading to Republic City tomorrow. By then, I anticipate the Republic's council will have been apprised of the change in representation," Gale announced as he rose from his chair. "Before I forget, Lysa has been appointed as the chief counselor of the south. She will oversee the decisions made on my behalf, and I expect you to follow her lead."
Lysa, who had an irritated expression because Eric had taken the spotlight for himself, smiled proudly upon hearing Gale's words.
"Thank you for your trust, sir," Lysa said, standing up and bowing towards Gale.
Gale, on the other hand, just waved for her to sit down again.
"I hope you superficially obey Unalaq as if he were the true leader. Of course, I don't need to say that you will tell me what he is ordering," Gale said, showing an expression as if seeking approval.
All the counselors agreed mutually, nodding in agreement.
When Gale had finally left the room, everyone who had been holding their breath could once again feel the fresh air.
They couldn't believe they had survived once again in front of that monster.
It wasn't long before one of the counselors shouted.
"HAVE A SAFE TRIP, MASTER GALE!"
Looking at who had said that, they noticed it was Hakoda.
Everyone in the room disapproved of the man with their eyes; an unabashed sycophant had emerged.