The grand mansion in Port Java was a monument of elegance, its marble columns rising like stalwart sentinels against the backdrop of the bustling port. Aqua Wynter paced in front of the open window, her tall figure backlit by the golden rays of the setting sun. The distant sounds of sailors shouting and merchants haggling crept into the room, mixing with the fragrant breeze from the ocean.
"Isn't it breathtaking?" Countess Milana stood beside Aqua, her green eyes sparkling with wonder.
"Indeed," Aqua replied, her brow furrowed as she looked out at the vibrant docks. "But we must remain vigilant. The Empire is a land of mysteries, and we are mere visitors in their domain."
Count Sam Rick, a sturdy man with kind eyes, joined them at the window. "Aqua's right. We've heard much about the Empire's innovations, but we must tread carefully. Their ways may not align with our values."
"Values are subjective," Marquis Nile interjected with a scoff, lounging on a plush divan, fingers stroking his finely trimmed beard. "What separates us is precisely what makes us unique. If the Empire can provide us with riches and advancements, then we should embrace it—no matter the cost. Also , I hope they can help us against the Indiana Empire. Several of their warships have been spotted in our waters recently. Their movement does not seem convenient."
"I heard about it too," Count Sam said. "Also, a few months ago, one of their spies was captured in my region. You may have heard about it. But the representatives of the Indiana Empire denied it."
"Haa! It's very enterprising,"
"Also," Countess Milana added, "The Anniliess Empire has started to increase their borders. They are currently at war with the Venus Republic."
"Ah, why are these huge countries so greedy?" Aqua asked. "Even after they have so much land, they want more land. Can't they let countries like us live in peace!?"
"Power breeds ambition," Sam murmured, his tone somber. "They see themselves as superior, and we, as obstacles."
"But the matter of the Anniliess Empire is of great concern to us and to our continent," Countess Milana asserted.
"But they are far away from us," Aqua countered, turning back to face the others "They are in the western continent. If they want to come to Us, they have to cross the Blue Ocean and North Ocean. It's not that simple."
"True, the distance is a factor," Sam conceded. "But we have formed an alliance with the countries in our continent. And after the Anniliess Empire's forces capture Venus, their next target will be Amazonia. Which will not be far from them. If they attack Amazonia, we should send help to Amazonia, and on the other hand, to our west, the Indiana Empire awaits their opportunity. Our alliance is not so strong that they can go against two super countries. So it is a matter of great concern for us."
A palpable tension settled over the room as Aqua's face paled.
"Then we must seek the Cung Dynasty's aid," she declared, her voice laced with newfound urgency. "The Indiana Empire and the Cung Dynasty are not on amicable terms."
"But do you think they'll fight Indiana for us?" Milana regarded her with a skeptical gaze. "This world knows nothing but self-interest. They won't fight for us."
"And let's not forget our own internal strife. Many of the Nobles turned against the Queen because of her abolition of slavery, although we managed to pacify them. However, many still have resentment against the queen."
"You are right. Even if I support the Queen, I don't think she should have done it. I too have lost a lot of money."
"Huh? ... But don't forget, you got many benefits from the Queen." Sam fixed him with a sharp look
"What do you mean? I am loyal to the Queen, and she gave me these as rewards. Also, don't forget you are talking to a Marquis." Nile retorted, his voice laced with indignation
"Uaa, Marquis... Excuse me," Sam scoffed "But... even though I am a Count, my territory and wealth are not less than yours. I have 550 islands under my control with more than 2 million people living, which is more than the population of your region."
Nile bristled, but before the argument could escalate, a voice cut through the tension.
"Enough!" Lyra's tone brooked no argument. "Urag! You two. We are all of the same faction. We shouldn't fight each other. Do not forget that we have many enemies inside and outside the country. We have to deal with them. We can't make trouble among ourselves!"
"TCH!"
A tense silence descended upon the room. Just then, a servant entered, bowing low.
"Excuse me, milords and miladies," he said. "Several officers of the Imperial Navy have arrived for your medical checkup."
The group exchanged curious glances.
Countess Milana said. "Ah, Yes. We were informed that the Empire requires a medical checkup before we depart. Let us proceed."
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