The Martial Unity

In a wide hall was a large number of individuals seated semi-circular, facing a podium at the center.

The atmosphere prickled.

The air was wrung taut with tension.

The many men and women seated were garbed in ostentatious business attire, yet none as much as the man standing at the speaker's podium.

"…And on to the main agenda of the day," Guildmaster Bradt announced. "Motion for the re-consideration of the Shionel Confederation's neutrality stance towards the candidates for ruler of the Kandrian Empire. Agenda proposed by…"

Guildmaster Bradt glanced up from his paperwork. "…Me. I hereby commence an open-forum unmoderated caucus on the motion."

The first thing that Guildmaster Bradt did when the revelation of Rui Quarrier's princehood and heirship had reached his ears was pass notice for the termination of some of the more ambitious agreements with Princess Ranea that involved her becoming Empress.

The moment he learned that Rui was of royal blood, he knew that Princess Ranea never had a chance of ascending the throne.

Even when he removed the fact that Rui Quarrier was a powerful Martial Senior, the gap in competence and ability to navigate circumstances by exploiting opportunities prudently alone would have been enough to make him deeply reconsider supporting Princess of the Seas. He would most likely still defect from her to a certain extent.

all, he was still connected to the Kandrian Seafare Association, and that connection was

mind when it

to approach Rui as the chairman of Bradt Distribution Services. Unfortunately for him, Rui's status,

Rui

Confederation as a whole. If he could approach Rui with the authorized support of the entirety of the Shionel Confederation, then he would have much stronger bargaining

of the Merchant's Guild to do that. Unlike the Emperor of Kandria, the position

ensured that the guildmaster

authority and decision votes to essentially force his way through the voting session, having exhausted his limited supply for them this guildmaster

that he was going to have to compel the cabinet merchants of the Guild Council join the yet-to-emerge

not going

am against it!" One cabinet merchant boldly declared, drawing

to drag the Shionel Confederation into your secret alliance with Prince Rui Quarrier Kandria! I refuse to allow it! I, along with many others, have been deeply disenfranchised at the hands of

hit after the fiasco of the massacre on the final floor of the Shionel

the previously sinking company, to become the second-most powerful merchant in the

to stop the sinking company and even cause a small hint of growth for the first time in ten years, it was

objectively the most profitable option by any metric of evaluation," Guildmaster Bradt narrowed his eyes sternly. "Prince Rui Quarrier Kandria

of victory is not the only variable to be considered when evaluating the merits of forging alliances," Her eyes sharpened in retort. "Compatibility of interests and history of

him and entrust our lives in his hand. However,