The meeting room of the city's bigwigs creates a tense atmosphere with heavy decisions to be made. The imposing walls adorned with large stones gave a strong impression of the power they represented. Lord Elias, the leader of the land of Blanchill, sat in a large chair that took center stage in the room. He was surrounded by the city officials present, their faces reflecting deep concern and deliberation. Next to him, General Dorgs, a loyal and influential official, stood tall, ready to lend his support in the face of a difficult decision.
Lord Elias, with a serious face that reflected the weight of the decision to be made, began the meeting by taking the initiative to speak. His voice rang out loudly, filling the room that had previously only been filled with the whispers of a disapproving wind.
"My Brothers," said Lord Elias, his voice echoing in the opulent room, "we all know how severe this plague is. The more that are infected, the more that die. We must act quickly."
Councillor Folds, one of the councilors who was always firm in expressing his opinion, immediately interjected, impatient for their leader's plan. "So, what is your plan, my Lord?"
Lord Elias replied steadily, the detailed plan guide held tightly in his hand. "I have spoken with the Band of the Sun. They want to help us overcome this plague. The doctors are also searching for the right antidote."
Treasurer Oyirs, one of the higher-ups who had a key role in the city's financial matters, looked disapproving. "I disagree, our city's finances are dwindling because of this plague. Not to mention that our source of income continues to dwindle as our livestock also fall victim."
Instantly, the atmosphere in the meeting room became more tense. The higher-ups looked at each other, each scrutinizing the reactions of their colleagues. Lord Elias, despite his serious look, seemed resolute in his belief that action must be taken immediately to contain the growing plague.
Lord Elias massaged his temples with trembling hands, his eyes closed for a moment as the weight of the decision he had to make fell upon his mind. The room that was once magnificently adorned by massive stone walls that bore witness to the power and majesty of the city of Blanchill, now bore witness to the inner struggle of the city's leader.
"I know that," Lord Elias said hesitantly, his voice hoarse, "if we fail to find an effective cure or antidote, we will inevitably have to execute the infected citizens."
When Lord Elias' words were finished, the city officials present began to debate. They voiced their various opinions and concerns about the risk of the outbreak spreading if the Band of the Sun was given access to the storage room.
Lord Elias listened to the increasingly heated debate among the city officials with a mixed expression. His eyes pondered far away, searching for answers amidst the clash of conflicting ideas.
Dariyo, who was always firm in his stance, steadfastly replied, "We don't have time to wait. The plague is spreading too fast, and the risk of more being infected is growing. I agree with Lord Elias."
Counselor Folds, with his hopeful gaze, tried to plead, "But there must be another hope, Lord. There must be a way out that does not require the sacrifice of lives."
Treasurer Oyirs, his eyes flashing with exasperation, replied firmly, "No one can guarantee that this course of action will succeed, Lord Elias. What if the medicine or antidote is in that storage room, and we kill our citizens for no valid reason?"
Lord Elias rubbed his temples hard, trying to ease the tension that was increasingly dominating the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, I understand that this is a very difficult decision. We all want to save the lives of our citizens, but we also cannot let this outbreak spread unchecked. Do you have any other suggestions?"
The city officials looked at each other, searching for a solution amongst their diverse corners of the mind. Some bit their lips anxiously, while others pondered in tense silence. Councilor Folds finally spoke in a soft voice, "Perhaps we can seek outside help, bring in an infectious disease expert to help us deal with this outbreak. We can try all options before taking this extreme step."
Dariyo nodded in agreement, "Yes, seeking help from infectious disease experts is a good idea. They may have the knowledge and experience necessary to contain the spread of this outbreak."
Treasurer Oyirs also spoke up, though he still seemed hesitant, "But we must move quickly. Time is running out, and this plague will not wait for us."
Lord Elias still looked doubtful, but he knew that he had to make a decision soon. He pondered for a moment as if searching for answers within himself. The city officials continued to speak out, and the room was filled with the noise of heated debate. However, Lord Elias finally let out a long breath, deciding to end this endless debate.
"Very well," he said in a calm voice, but the content was loud. "We will carry out the extermination. May God protect us all."
Once the decision was made, the atmosphere in the room remained tense. The city officials looked at each other, each still feeling confident in his or her stance. Lord Elias' decision had brought them to a dark crossroads, and they had to prepare for the consequences, both bad and worse.
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