He is surprisingly daring

News spread like wildfire throughout Hasounga, and it served as a deep shock to every single citizen regardless of social status.

Bogdan Piaskowski, Chief General and Prime Minister of Frindia, was personally making his way to the ex-Danubian capital of Griesdrungen with a huge entourage in tow, accompanied by several of Frindia's best generals and bureaucrats. The fact that King Stanislaw was not part of the entourage spoke volumes of the political situation in Frindia.

"Why of all times are they coming here now?" Questioned Olga, a deep frown on her face, "I'm of the mind to take his head right here and now, offer it to my mother's grave."

"No, the fact he's coming here as a diplomat makes things even more unsettling," You said, "And if we play our cards wrong, we may risk doing damage to our political ventures."

Olga grit her teeth, saying, "Even so, I do not want to entertain this visit by one of our hated enemies."

"Beg your pardon, Mein Kaiser, but I must agree," Said Matilda, "Him coming here means ill for us all."

"Perhaps, perhaps... but I don't think we can avoid it either," You said, "Either way, we'll just have to see what he wants of us."

Bogdan was an aged man with white hair and several wrinkles, and if he were an ordinary man, he would be less energetic and more feeble. Yet the man who stood before you was anything but that.

His posture and demeanor reflected supreme confidence, and his body itself held great energy and vigour as if he were in the prime of his youth. His clothes belied his muscular physique - a shock to anyone who would hear he was fifty-seven. Each of the generals and bureaucrats who accompanied him reflected similar stately auras, as if they were powerhouses.

"My humblest greetings, Kaiser Xarric, Kaiserin Olga," Said Bogdan, his voice a deeper mezzo-soprano, "I am Bogdan Piaskowski, Prime Minister of Frindia."

"At ease," You said, "So tell me, Bogdan, why have you come here to Griesdrungen, the heart of the nation comprised of your nation's bitter enemies?"

"To seek an alliance," He said.

Immediately there is an outpouring of anger and frustration, and confusion over this sudden declaration, and understandably, many of your side's generals vehemently object to this move.

"Mein Kaiser, we should not listen to his prattling! Give me the order, and I shall lop off his head!"

Claudia Kupferblum, a veteran general of fifteen years and matriarch of her House at thirty-one, she is a matronly figure belying motherly compassion and iron discipline, and one of your most powerful defense-oriented generals. Losing her husband to a prior war with Frindia, her yellow eyes are bloodshot at the sight of the Frindian delegation.

"Be quiet, all of you!" You bellowed, your voice thundering like a volcanic eruption.

Shocked and shamed by your outburst, your courtiers quieten down with great ****, eyeing the Frindians like a pack of wolves on the hunt.

"You've a lot of nerve, trying to seek an alliance like this," You said, voice even, "Give me a good reason why."

Silently, you gently squeeze Olga's hand for support, and the Dark Elf Sorceress nods at you in appreciation.

"Simply put, we're in the middle of a campaign ourselves, and due to the changing political climate throughout the rest of Euronia, we need assurance that our rear flanks will not be hit," Said Bogdan, "To that end, we are willing to seek an alliance of five years. We will not request for anything much, just a guarantee that we'll not bare our swords at each other and leave us in peace."

More whispers followed, and you knew his move to be exceptionally mindful of the others around him.

"My love..." Olga whispered.

"I know," You said, "Honestly, this deal seems rather good - almost too good - but it's extremely difficult to ignore as well."

"Meaning we may not be in a position to decline?" Whispered Matilda.

"Since when did I say that?" You said, "Rather, if we do decline, we have to be very careful with how we word it, or it will greatly slight them."

Chloe grit her teeth, whispering, "Why should we even consider their offer in the first place?"

"Haven't I already stated the reason earlier?" You said.

Chloe nodded and remained silent.