[h2][center][b]Therux Capitol[/b][/center][/h2]
[center][img]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NmRoc7_jVdo/hqdefault.jpg[/img]
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All in total there were 18 men, 2 officals with each having 8 personal guards, gripping their weapons tightly. Even for these trained bodyguards, this particular situation was frighteningly tense. For this was not a standard meeting, it was negotiations between Hyloian and Theruxi diplomats.

On the Hyloian side was [b]1st Duke James Fallborough IV[/b] highly respected and feared royal emissary to the queen. He was draped in offical Hylo uniform, shimmering gold and blood red armor. On the other side of the discussion was [b]Craig Semyon[/b] Vice President of Therux, a somewhat weak and weathered looking man, due in part to the stress of rebuilding a shattered post-war nation with the constant threat of war. After somewhat polite introductions Duke James decided to cut to the chase.

[b]James:[/b]
[i]You know I have no personal issues with you Mr Vice-President, but Hylo must put the interests of its people before shaky truces especially in this climate.[/i]

Craig Semyon stirred in his seat, his guardsmen flinching with his every movement.

[b]Craig:[/b]
[i]Climate? You mean the fact the Northern Frontier have been stockpiling elementum twice as much this year as they were the last? Breaking this truce only leaves us both vunerable, we find it curious that you only want to break the truce AFTER we managed to solve your hunger crisis with our produce deals and aid. I also remember a certain mech project that you pulled out of once your nation was able to reap the benefits of research, can you see why this sudden break is making me nervous?[/i]

James chuckled slightly under his breath, before returning Craig's panic with a cold stare.

[b]James:[/b]
[i]Yes, everything you said is true, we were putting our interests first, and our temporary truce was a means to an end. But now we must focus on frontier. But you are in no position to criticise the empire, dont think we dont know about all the mech factories you have been building in the free region, taking advantage of an area without a government to expand territory without any regulations sounds like you are taking shortcuts Semyon, why the sudden need for so many more Mechs?[/i]

Craig lowered his head in shame, couldn't return James' icy cold stare so he continued to look at his desk.

[b]Craig:[/b]
[i]We...we have the smallest army in the world! Hylo have been building mechs since the war, your army is 4 times the size of ours, and the Northern Frontier is pretty close. If they were to attack what do you expect us to do? The fortune region ALSO has been ripe for Elementum smuggling operations into Hyloian factories, but YOU wouldn't know anything about that would you? Not to mention that Lithin boy working for the Outcast Guild, Hylo is pretty involved in the freelands as well.[/i]

James was taken aback by the retort, and his body jolted very slightly before settling back to its original state. He cleared his throat and his voice became eerily calm again.

[b]James:[/b]
[i]I best be getting back to the Empire. Craig, don't let this broken truce escalate into anymore skirmishes, I'm sure none of us want that. The Queen will write to you very soon with the official terms, take care of yourself. The North are getting stronger every day.[/i]

The Duke and his men left the office at once, and there was an audible sigh from the Theruxi guards, all very relieved that no one was shot. Craig Semyon laid his head on the desk in front of him but was quickly interrupted by one of his staff, who looked very panicked and flustered.

[i]There is a call for you Mr Vice President......its from [b]Commander Vosen[/b]....[/i]





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