Narrator: The meeting takes place in White Rock City, North Kingdom's only neutral city, at an ancient palace built of white stone exclusively for this occasion.
Norwin: ...This is a general outline of our meeting. Specific details are in the documents before you. Following this, we'll have a discussion and a vote on each term.
Frozenstream Delegate: Tsk, what's the point?
Narrator: This delegate is a trusted man of Fräzen Sr. of Frozenstream. He grabs the documents and contemptuously snaps them back on the table after a quick glance.
Frozenstream Delegate: You Blakes may seem strong, but you're weak inside. And you're the reason we're losing the tradition of power rule in North Kingdom!
Norwin: Black Water City believes in the importance of power rule, and it's exactly because of our strength that the Blakes are able to preside over this meeting.
Frozenstream Delegate: You!
Norwin: But simply "having" power is not enough to maintain peace. True power lies in using it to bring order, peace, and prosperity to North Kingdom.
Norwin: Using power to start fights only accelerates internal conflict, which is not beneficial to North Kingdom's development.
Narrator: The man stands up and gives me a villainous look.
Frozenstream Delegate: Who can't spout pretty words that don't mean anything, right? If Zoey hadn't stepped up last time, would you even be talking right now?
Frozenstream Delegate: The illegitimate daughter of the Blakes is a force to be reckoned with, but this so-called "honorable" son defects to Apple in the name of peace. What a shame...
Norwin: Zoey is our pride and joy. It's too bad the Fräzens have a bunch of illegitimate kids who can't even produce a decent general, let alone a smooth talker like me.
Norwin: And by the way, did Fräzen Jr.'s leg still act up in the rain? Black Water City's got this special ointment imported from Apple that could help him out.
Narrator: The man's face instantly turns red with shame and anger, the pulses on his arms bulging as if he wants to rush up and tear me apart immediately.
Narrator: But he doesn't do it after all. He curses viciously and then storms out of the room.
Choose "How frustrating."
You: Don't you think the Fräzens deserve a good smackdown?
Narrator: Let's be real. Their petty provocations aren't even worth our time. The Fräzens' got some real power, and that's why they act so arrogant.
Narrator: A war between Black Water City and Frozenstream would be a disaster. Other nearby cities and states would pounce on the chaos, leaving the Kingdom in ruins like before.
Narrator: The Fräzens are causing headaches for nearby regions, who prefer peace and stability, but it's best to hold off on any action for now and keep a close watch.
Narrator: The meeting continues.
Norwin: So, Frozenstream decides not to participate in the discussion, and their vote is treated as an abstention. Now, move on to the votes.
Norwin: First, the introduction of new materials from Apple Federation to repair the roads, with priority given to cities that join the commerce program.
Narrator: The meeting proceeds with a mix of topics involving favors, interests, and politics, an area in which I excel.
Narrator: By dusk, all terms are agreed upon, and I'm about to make concluding remarks when a loud blast interrupts me.
Attendant: Fräzen's crew blew up Apple's communication station outside the city! And there is a whole bunch of chaos and rioting going down in various parts of the city.
Narrator: At that moment, shouts from the delegates of Frozenstream can be heard coming from outside the conference hall.
Frozenstream Delegate: If I took out the whole Apple gang, Norwin wouldn't dare lay a finger on me. That guy's a total joke!
Narrator: The other delegates' gazes immediately converge on me.
Narrator: It's clear that the Fräzens' definition of "peace" differs from mine. Self-importance is in their genes.
Narrator: Beyond the conference hall, smoke from outside the city obscures the silence of the icebergs. I take out my prepared communicator.
Norwin: It's time to start.
Narrator: The Frozenstream delegate's face is red with cold, and his breaths are deep and labored, resembling a fish gasping for air.
Narrator: The banners of Black Water City and Frozenstream confront each other silently in the bitter wind. The air reeks of smoke and blood.
Narrator: Perched high on a pedestal, the snow eagle merges seamlessly with the marble carving of the White Rock City crest. Its watchful gaze surveys the crowd below, while the once aggressive hound now cowers in silence.
Narrator: The accompanying delegates remain on the raised platform, their hushed whispers carrying through the crisp winter air, eagerly awaiting what unfolds next.
Delegate A: The Fräzens are getting out of control...
Delegate B: Man, the Fräzens really know how to push the Blakes' buttons, and yet they never seem to get what's coming to them.
Delegate C: Back in the day, they didn't have any big beef, and they're technically distant kin. But if the Blakes don't step up this time, they'll look like chumps.
Delegate D: You don't know anything. The Blakes aren't the powerhouse they used to be, and they're scared of the Fräzens. So, I doubt anything will happen this time either.
You: Looks like you're stuck in a dilemma, huh? No matter what you say or do, nobody's going to buy it.
Narrator: Don't worry. The north wind always blows strongest right before spring.