Negotiatons starts

The air feels heavy, but you tell yourself that it's just your nervousness wreaking havoc on your psyche. "Duke," you begin, "I'm not going to pretend that I don't know the issues and problems between our respective lands, but I need your support, and in return, I pledge mine to yours."

"Easy for you to say. The problems have been there all the while."

"Yes, it is easy," you reply, surprising the older man. "I'm puzzled why you can't say it as well."

"Explain."

"As I said earlier, I'm here for the good of my Kingdom. Pretty words, yes, but that's all to it. If my Kingdom prospers, l'll prosper as well. If making sure my Kingdom prospers means I'll have to ensure your Dukedom prospers, then, that's what I have to do. That is where I'm standing on. So now, what do you want?"

"I want the same thing."

"Then, let those be our guiding principles. We can now start to talk about our shared problems and differences."

Jan let out a long breath. "Very well. Let's convene in another hour."

The subsequent discussion is a long one, interspersed with screams and shouts, as you learn first hand what strong lungs Jan has; you can match his intensity just fine. Eventually, both sides manage to agree on certain critical issues such as security and trade.