"So Your Highness is saying that Jann, leveraging the power and credibility of Kevendill, has strung together layer upon layer of new chains of interests..."
A quarter of an hour later, Federick sat opposite Thales, his hands crossed, pondering deeply.
"...and has wrapped Emerald City so tightly that not a breath of air can get through. And by taking him down, you'll have damaged the ruling order and institutional foundation of Emerald City, thereby affecting the current industrial landscape, sources of funding, and market trends, up to endangering public safety and public confidence."
Thales sighed and nodded:
"When Emerald City needs to preserve its way of life, it must protect the ducal family; even central royal power can't overthrow Kevendill's rule without disturbing Emerald City in the slightest or affecting the current interest structure."
Federick's expression was grave:
