14 Chapter 14: The Council of Four Nations

Dread. That was the most overwhelming emotion I held inside me as I prepared to step into the council chambers. I had been in there so many times before, had grown accustomed to seeing it as home. But not like this. What I discussed in there could quite literally alter the course of history in our world as we knew it. That would happen regardless of how I acted, whether I was firm or if I took a more passive role. History had its eyes on the four of us, in that room.

It was only the four leaders and their personal guards allowed into that council room. As such, I was on my own once I stepped in. Adoria would certainly take my side in what I said, but it was not the place of guards and knights to speak during the councils unless it was of the utmost importance or a dire emergency. Dahlia would not be able to save my skin in here. Wiping a cold bead of sweat off my forehead, I strode forward with gusto doing my utmost to keep up my façade, appearing confident, calm and composed.

Pushing against the large wooden doors, I finally made my entrance into the Council chambers. The others were already waiting for me. In that moment, I could feel every pair of eyes in that room fixated on me. They were not just admiring, they were analysing. They were looking for signs of nervousness, already attempting to determine if I had any tells when I was lying, my expression as I entered. They were trying to pick at every little bit of my character that they could. That was the norm for these kinds of situations, of course but that made it no less nerve wracking.

To say that I felt chills running down my spine would be far too much of an understatement. Frozen in place. I felt like I could not move. Suffocated by this intense atmosphere and the expectant looks from those before me. In this moment, it was do or die. There was no turning back once I took the next step. And who could possibly know where my path led? Striding to my seat, at the head of the table as the Host of this year's Council of Four Nations.

Once I was seated, a few of my guests bowed their heads and murmured greetings though the silence from King Enji and his security was overwhelming. No words nor sounds came from the pair of them but the intensity they radiated drowned out all the other noise that I should have been able to hear. As if I could not take my eyes off of them. I was not sure if it suddenly felt hot in here, but I was almost certain I could feel the sweat dripping down my body, tightly clinging to my clothes. I had no intention of doing anything to make myself more comfortable in that regard however. My time where I could appear weak or nervous was gone. Before I stepped through those looming wooden doors.

"So, you finally made it, Your Majesty." The emphasis that King Enji put on the last part of his greeting was irksome, you could feel the sarcasm and the disrespect flowing out of this man. I assumed he was not used to being challenged before in his life. That growing smirk did not help his case.

No, I thought. I cannot let this man get to me. That is what he wants. He wants to see me fall. To break. I will not allow that.

Clearing my throat, I began. "Well, let us get to the first order of business then. As the host of this year's council, it is my right to begin with my own priorities." I could see mocking 'We know' facial expressions from not just the old King Enji but the young and friendly Luo that I had gotten along well with just yesterday, or so I had thought. Perhaps part of those greetings were games just as much as the council itself. That was the biggest lesson I was beginning to learn. People who get into power often see it as a game more than anything. 'How can I get this individual to assist me? Well, I will agree to this move and that will clear the way'. Those kinds of thoughts and strategies. Often their people and their livelihood's simply acted as pawns.

"As such, I would like to first speak of a thought that has been plaguing me for some time. We all know of the World Rail's ingenuity and how amazing the technology is. That being said, construction on it has been inactive for nearly a decade now. Personally, I think this is a great shame. We should work to further expanding the World Rail. As such, my first proposal is an agreement between the nations of Terra and Aqua for the World Rail to add new stops at The Western Isle of Aqua, just off the coast of Port Terra. We would begin small with just this isle, and expand further based on the success, creating transport links for the entire world, not just three of four nations." Taking great care in my posture, expression and gait as I spoke, I spilled my heart out to the others in the room. They were polite enough listening, but the real test came next. I could already see King Enji rising from his seat and with it my heart was rapidly sinking. I could not help but imagine at least twenty different scenarios of him loudly and passionately dismissing what I had said to the applause of everyone else in the chamber.

Rising as he stood, I quickly came to understand how his people could follow a King like him. Though I still thought him foolish and annoying, you could feel his passion and his pride as he spoke.

"No! That's ridiculous!", he cried. "Aqua has the benefit of being the only nation surrounded by water. If they are so desperate for better transport, they can easily develop more ships and ferries. How would you even begin construction with this ridiculous idea? How could it work underwater?"

I hated to admit it, but he did raise a point. Perhaps it was not the biggest necessity in the world right now to give transport links like these. Despite the rational thoughts in the back of my mind, I could not help being as stubborn as I was. I continued to insist.

"Well that would be simply, your majesty. It would be floating structures. The rail could be above ground with supporting structures underneath. Like a bridge."

Marina broke the silence that was my pause for breath this time. "I must admit young Queen Lutum, I wondered what you would have in store for us. I am happy to be pleasantly surprised. I am very much in agreement that the World Rail has been an afterthought in our heads for far too long, though I do have some concerns."

She was on my side! With that, I already felt as if I had achieved a small victory. One of my goals set out for this council was essentially to 'befriend' Lady Marina and her contingent. To set up a foundation for future issues and a strong relationship going forward. Having just one leader on my side meant that any issue will become an even split, two to two. Failing to not let myself get carried away in the excitement, it barely registered that she was still speaking. I quickly tuned myself back in to the conversation and listened attentively.

"That is to say, though we would much appreciate having the World Rail in our own territory, we also believe that we must think through several issues of it before we can truly make a decision. Firstly, King Enji is not wrong in that we are the only nation with ships and ferries to transport both people and goods, though none compare to the World Rail. As such, it would be unfair to only include our own nation in this matter. There are several cities across each of the four nations still lacking links to the World Rail. I would advise that each of this has a railroad constructed, connecting them to other cities as far too many are still remote and largely inaccessible without weeks of travel by horseback. Secondly, who will pay for it? With the World Rail's first construction, each nation contributed an even amount aside from my own, Aqua as it would see no use of the technology without having any of it in our borders. Would it become a four-way split? And would that be fair to other nations who have already developed it enough? I hope you will not demand that we pay the same amount that was paid at the time of the World Rail's completion all those years ago. Quite frankly, that would be ridiculous for just one station." As Lady Marina fired off that rant, I was stunned. She looked so cool and composed. I was not sure how much I agreed with what she was saying and how much I was simply stunned by the sheer aura and presence she exuded. It was far too easy to look at her and believe anything she said simply because 'well, she must be right' with the way she speaks and carries herself. Much to my surprise, this time it was Luo who spoke up. His loose fitting garb fluttered as he stood, and in that same carefree voice he spoke.

"Well, if we're getting rails everywhere, perhaps you'd think about setting up a few more across the flatlands and our mountains? Basically only the major cities that have access to the rail and that's slightly hard to deal with." What was most surprising about the way that he spoke was that he barely seemed invested in what he said. As if he did not really care one way or the other. Clearly only older than me by a few years, it was shocking to me to hear and see how he carried himself. Not only was he still in the garb that revealed his strong chest, he chatted with the leaders of the world casually as if he was talking to his friends or his parents.

"Of course," I answered, my mind still swirling with thoughts and confusion over this man. To be that cheerful and carefree upon meeting me was one thing, but in the council?. This man was truly fearless. "I am not saying we should not expand to other cities and even major towns in other nations, simply stating that my own thoughts were that Aqua had no use of it as of yet. As for payment for it, I believe that we should carefully calculate how much it will cost to construct the rail in our own nations, and pay as so. Once the rail hits the 'border' of Terra to Aqua, the rest of the payment will be deferred to Lady Marina, so on and so forth." Evidently, King Enji was not pleased about this. He stood once again, in that fiery rage, his face as red as his temper as he stomped and shouted.

"That isn't right! We had a way of doing things then for a reason! The World Rail is a project for the World, not one nation alone! So we should all pay an equal amount, to be fair!". The large man's seething anger filled the room. The tension was rising and I could not feel the sweat on my own body, but see the sweat dripping down everyone else in the face of that rage as well.

"No, Enji." Luo retorted in a very matter-of-fact manner. "This is way fairer. The ones who benefit the most pay the most and for what they need. Sounds like a good idea to me." That cheeky smile he gave the seething King of flames was something that scared me nearly as much as the King himself. This young man not only stood up to the face of such denial and indignation, he did it with a smile as if he was mocking the King. Luo truly had no limits or fears, I silently decided.

"You are but a simple, foolish young man! I see that you still do not understand how the world works!" King Enji desperately tried and tried to break the spirit of Luo, but each time he was presented with yet another obstacle that only made him more frustrated. In the end, it was decided that we would have further discussions about the construction of the World Rail one to one, at later dates between the nations affected by the plans. We would remotely begin our plan of bringing the World Rail to the height of its glory.

It was King Enji's turn to speak next. I was already beyond worried as he stood to speak once again. Speaking as assertively and with as much confidence as he always did, I froze in place again. "It has become very apparent over the course of this council that I must do away with my old plans and requests. We have not just one, but TWO leaders unfit to preside over a nation! Young Lutum and Luo have surely realised by now they are far out of their depth. It does not do such great nations to have leaders so inexperienced. As such, we should find interims to manage their positions-"

As much as I wanted to keep my anger in check, I could not help but take the bait that the King set out like a rebellious child, trying to go against their parents as I interrupted the King.

"With all due respect, Enji. You have no say in what goes on in my Kingdom. To even suggest such a thing is not only disrespecting me, but the culture and traditions of my people! Something I will not stand for while you are, may I remind you, MY guest!"

Once again, I felt almost instant regret. There was no one who could assure me I had done the right thing this time. I was simply left to simmer in the awkward silence that followed. It took at least a minute of serious looks without anyone opening their mouths before I finally caved in and broke the silence myself. "Now, moving on. Lady Marina. What was it that you had planned for today's council?"

Lady Marina smiled softly as she stood to speak, in a much calmer tone than I had expected. "If I am honest, I did not bring many demands or requests with me. Put simply, I would like to propose that hold this council more often. I know the journeys are very demanding, but once a year is far too little to properly iron issues out I have found."

"How often would you suggest?" I replied, stroking my chin with my finger. Solely focused on Marina and her strong presence, I simply ignored Enji to the best of my ability while he did not speak. Marina deserved my full attention right now anyway.

"Well, bi-annually at least. Perhaps once for every season? This way we could truly keep up with rapid developments and imminent problems in each nation."

For once, the entire council came to a unanimous decision. King Enji spoke up next, now drenched with sweat from the shouting and screaming he had been doing today. "Lady Marina is right. If we are able to convene more frequently, our issues can be solved far quicker."

Luo was next, still wearing that cheeky smile. "Yeah. Only problem is the travel time, but since we're so dedicated to this World Rail project, I bet it'll be fine." You could hear the childish glee in his voice as he emphasised the last part of what he said, looking for a reaction from King Enji who Luo had unfortunately failed to get a rise out of.

Finally, it came to my turn. "If that is what we are agreed upon, where shall we hold the next council?"

King Enji clicked his tongue.

"Isn't it obvious, girl? The next one will proceed wherever it would have been in the next year. So this time we will visit Aqua, then Ventus, then Ignis and so on. It is that simple."

I was growing ever so tired of this man. It felt as if he had a vendetta against me from the very moment we met. Could there be something other than my age that bothered him? There had to be a reason for this, surely.

"Well, I would like to make sure we are all on the same page and all prepared to go ahead with that plan. All in favour, say aye."

Immediately, I could hear the other three 'aye's around the room and sat back down, relaxing somewhat. I had to become less stiff. It was getting painful and becoming too tense would surely show if I was not careful. I could not afford to show signs of tiredness or pain like that. No, it was imperative that I left this room having made as best of an impression I could today.

"Finally, Luo. What issues do you wish to bring up today?" I asked, desperately trying to hide my sore throat.

Luo shrugged. "Well, I don't really have much of a plan, but thinking about it," I could barely believe what I was hearing. We spent so much time preparing. Thinking. Strategizing on how we could improve our nations, befriend allies and deal with possible threats in the nations and THIS is how Luo turned up?! Unprepared, yet seemingly assured in every single thing he said. This man was an enigma. You just simply could not understand him. He was a true free spirit. "Maybe we should improve security and the, well, facilities of Aer Calidus. I know it's technically my territory, but it's your problem too Enji."

Enji spoke calmly for the first time that day. Almost as if just in saying that, Luo had earned a point of respect in his book. I was not exactly sure what for. Perhaps simply for involving Ignis in his concerns for once?

"Well young Luo, finally something sensible leaves your mouth I see. Agreed, both the World Rail station and the accompanying accommodation have been left lacklustre for some time now. We would do well to fix that!"

"How do you plan on doing so?" Luo asked calmly, clearly leading the King along.

"Well, we should have more frequent guard patrols around the station as well as more thorough checks on each passenger planning to cross the border."

Luo nodded with a smile, waving his hand in a gesture telling Enji to go on with this thought.

"Perhaps not just patrols and guards are needed, but more regular spot inspections for the staff of the train as well as the passengers. We cannot afford to become lazy." King Enji was wearing a smile for the first time today. If not for the absolute disrespect this man gave me earlier, perhaps I would think it was a somewhat endearing sight after he had been so frustrated. It was becoming clear to me that this man clearly cared about his kingdom and his people, despite his demeanour and his temper.

This entire exchange between Luo and Enji, Luo would only ever speak short sentences. Vague, open questions about how this entire thing would work. He brought a problem and was making the King solve it, like a schoolchild. I was in awe of how effortlessly he had Enji do exactly he wanted him to do.

"What of the accommodation, Your Majesty?" Luo asked next.

"Well, put quite simply it is a mess. The housing and hotels are scarce and do not fit nearly enough people as we will need going forward to be a true border crossing, celebrating the friendship of our lands."

"We should make a big resort, just like you're saying then, Your Majesty. It's only right our great people are treated to great things."

"Yes, exactly Luo! You do say the right things at times, I see." King Enji was still completely oblivious to what was going on in this situation. He must be unaware of it at least, I thought to myself. How could he not see that Luo was making him do all the thinking? All the work. Luo was only giving ideas and questions after all.

"It's settled then," Luo started, relaxing in his seat with his hands on the back of his head and a smug smile still plastered to his face.

"Yes." King Enji smiled back, as the conversation moved on. Our next topic of discussion was the safety of our nations. How safe did we feel? What could we do to keep the peace?

It was Lady Marina who spoke first this time.

"The Leviathan is something I must admit I continue to be wary of, despite the good intentions of our predecessors. Recently, we have had reports that it is coming in, closer to civilisation, further away from the darkness of the edge of the world." For once, Marina became less calm as she spoke, rather clearly slightly agitated when speaking of this topic.

Speaking next, I could not help but notice Marina shifting slightly as I did.

"Well, if it has not made any hostile moves or motions towards you or your people, the most we can do right now is be prepared for anything. We cannot afford to act foolishly. We do not want more infighting, or a repeat of The Great War."

When King Enji spoke this time, he did so without a look of smugness on his face. His usual anger was replaced by an unnatural calmness.

"Young Lutum, I believe you have infighting of your own to worry about."

"Excuse me?" I retorted, glaring daggers at the man. How could he waltz in here, simply trying to throw me off my throne and now accusing me of being unable to keep the peace? How dare he! Absolutely despicable.

"You have not heard? I assumed the rumours would have travelled across every corner of the four nations by now."

"Explain!" I demanded.

I had quizzical looks thrown at me from Luo and Marina this time, as well as Enji. It seems that he had not been lying. The rumours really had been travelling across every corner of the world. Internally, I was beginning to panic.

"If you truly have not heard then well, this may be difficult to accept. We have all been hearing reports from Port Terra that Lord Contra and many of those loyal to him are not accepting of you as their new ruler. It is only talks, but there are talks of demanding that you step down. Naturally, these are just rumours but these rumours also suggest talks of escalation should you refuse."

I was dumbfounded. Stunned. How could I possibly process this? I should be able to. It was only natural that as a Queen I would be making enemies as well as friends. But this quickly? I had barely spoken with this man and he was thinking of leading a revolution to dethrone me!

"I…I see." That was all I could manage. The talks proceeded on from that swiftly, the others seemingly taking pity on me. From that moment on, I found myself barely able to contribute more than a few simple sentences and "yes" or "I agree." How pathetic that was. One slip up and suddenly I felt crushed. But how could I not be? People might be trying to kill me sooner than I know. Obviously that was always an accepted risk with taking up this responsibility, but I suppose I had simply thought it would not happen. Not so soon at least. The most I had expected and experienced up to this point had been formal complaints.

As the council came to what felt like an abrupt close, after ensuring that my guests had been escorted out safely and comfortably and we had said proper farewells as they all headed to retire for the night, I stayed back in the council room, deep in thought. Adoria thought about breaking the silence several times, but always stopped herself instead opting for a gentle hand placed upon my shoulder.

I had faith that Adoria would protect me if the worst came to it, but at the same time I could not help but feel disgust that blood may end up being spilled simply because I am too selfish to relinquish my position as the ruler of Terra.

The Great Oak Spirit's tale came to mind. I could not afford to become another story like King Finch. My own pride could not allow it, and neither could our nation. It would be far too tragic to lose two rulers like that. Or perhaps I was being selfish in thinking that my death would be a tragedy rather than a victory for Terra? I was unsure, my head swimming with doubts.

Dahlia came rushing in after an hour or so of Adoria and I simply sitting in silence as I stained the great table with my silent tears. I did not even have the energy to sob as I felt like doing in that moment. I could only sit and wallow in my sorrow. "I take it the first council meeting did not go well then, Miss Sylvari? Fear not. Mine went terribly too! It took me a few years before I could even get the others present to listen to what I had to say." Dahlia's cheerful demeanour, as wonderful as I found it for once, did not help me in the slightest to raise my mood. It seemed that she registered rather quickly what had happened.

"You have heard of the rumours then I take it, Miss Sylvari?"

I could only nod. The energy and desire to move my mouth enough to form coherent speech had completely vanished from me. With a sigh, Dahlia sat down next to me on the opposite side to Adoria who kept her comforting hand on my shoulder.

"It is unfortunate that it happened so early, but I'm afraid every ruler will have to deal with these sorts of things Miss Sylvari. You will be fortunate in that you have support, guidance and counselling no matter what your next decisions are. Everybody in this palace serves and supports you. You would do well to remember that."

Again, I could only manage a nod. This time, Adoria spoke for the first time that night.

"As I am sure you know, you need not fear for your life. Before they get close to hurting you, I will separate their bodies from their heads."

Adoria's morbid encouragement stirred up a number of feelings in me. I felt touched, that she would say that to me, though I also felt that same disgust that people would die because of my actions. It would not be too late to step down.

But I could not do such a thing! That would be a slap in the face to all those people who had helped and supported me thus far. I could not fall at what was one of the first hurdles.

Finally, I found enough strength to speak again.

"Dahlia, what should I do? They are only rumours at the moment, but…what if it is true?"

"That's simple, Miss Sylvari. You do whatever you think is best in that moment. What do you think the best thing to do is right now?"

I sat in silence for a few moments. The tears had dried up, but I could still feel how wet my eyes were and rubbed my face in an attempt to rid myself of that feeling. It did not work, but I managed to speak again.

"I should..." I started, watching for Dahlia's reaction as she gestured for me to continue. "I should wait until we can verify if these rumours have any truth to them. From there, perhaps I could set up a direct meeting with Contra to discuss why he is unhappy and how we may fix that?"

Dahlia nodded with a gentle smile.

"Good! See Miss Sylvari, you're not quite as inept as you like to pretend sometimes. You simply have to apply yourself."

"But what if it blood ends up being spilled anyway?" I asked, a thousand different imaginary disastrous scenes playing out in my head with an abundance of red in each of them.

"Then you must do what you need to do as the ruler. If you cannot put a stop to the fight, you must be able to defend yourself and your people. We will be following your orders, Your Majesty. Oh, you'll have a plethora of experienced generals and tacticians to assist you of course. Assuming it gets that bad, that is."

"Then, for now I should not worry about that and simply prepare to talk with Contra?"

"Not exactly. There's that inexperience talking again." I gritted my teeth as I prepared for yet another lecture at the hands of Dahlia, but it didn't quite come. Instead, "You still must be prepared for any and all scenarios, Miss Sylvari."

"So should I be ready for war?"

Dahlia paused before she spoke again, carefully weighing her options of what should come out of her mouth next, her wrinkles becoming more apparent as she scrunched her face in thought and concentration. "You should be ready for the possibility. You should have a plan for if these talks are unsuccessful or other factors lead to the worst scenario, which in this case is civil war, yes."

It was hard to swallow, King Enji had been right about that.

How could I ever hope to manage something like this?