Drawing heat

"Does Prince Sullivan believe we should attempt another round of negotiations?" Harris asked, his gaze shifting toward General Cornell.

"Your Highness," General Cornell began, his voice steady with the weight of past failures, "we have already tried that. The negotiations have led nowhere. The tribal leader remains obstinate, refusing to yield. By the King's order, I personally offered him the position of provincial governor if he agreed to surrender. Yet, he rejected it outright, insisting on ruling his territories independently. In doing so, he has even encroached upon our lands near the border."

Sullivan leaned back slightly, his brow furrowed as he considered the information. "I see. In that case, I'd like to visit the occupied territories myself. The water route seems to be the most practical option for reaching the area swiftly." He gazed at the map lay before him.