They say King Alexander was known for his ambitious expansionist policies, seeking to consolidate Aurel's dominance in the region. Queen Genevieve, on the other hand, was a diplomat at heart, advocating for peaceful negotiations and alliances.

The flashpoint occurred when a disputed border territory, rich in rare and highly sought-after resources, became the center of a heated territorial dispute between Aurel and a neighboring country, Eldoria. Tensions escalated as both sides mobilized their armies and diplomatic efforts faltered.

According to the rumors floating around. It is possible a network of secret societies and shadowy factions sought to exploit the growing unrest for their own gain, manipulating events behind the scenes. The assassination of a prominent Eldorian diplomat, orchestrated by one of these factions, became the catalyst of these tensions

Alliances are being made and the conflict is drawing in neighboring realms, each with their own interests and grievances. In the midst of this turmoil, King Alexander and Queen Genevieve face the harrowing challenge of leading their kingdom through the chaos, while grappling with the consequences of their decisions and the toll it took on their people. The trip to the Academy was supposed to boost morale, to show that the Royal Family is confident in handling the situation. Now their legacy is forever entwined with their assassination.

The sound of a train on the tracks. That constant juggle of noises alongside the murmurs of the passengers made for quite a background noise as they rhythmically flipped the pages of their newspapers.

Milo loosens up as he smells the grass. The trains of this world have no awful smell. Though it does sting if you get too close.

“Is War Coming to the Mence?”

The uninspired headline is blunt and straight to the point. Milo does admire their straightforwardness here since this nation is quite sincere about freedom of their press.

Which is somewhat a natural for a country separated by thousands of islands who have rural areas and places where contact is bare. To spread news they rely on companies who are eager to write their news and deliver it to them in batches.

The news isn't daily, but weekly. So rural areas sometimes have to buy four issues a month. Milo always takes time to read the papers. Attune to the state of the nation and he does enjoy the occasional commentary from the columnists.

It has been two hours since he left for the Capital. Milo’s sitting in the cabin, drinking juice, and sometimes taking in the scenery.

He’s dressed rather smoothly this time. White hair styled left parted and pomade to make his hair look shiny. He is also wearing a new tie, vest, shirt, and coat to go along with his new pants and shoes. Milo would have preferred his old suit, but he's going to the capital this timl. He is carrying the name of the Parish and is presenting himself as a Doctor. It would have been fine if he was going in the middle of nowhere again. But the Capital of the Republic is where civilization prospers.

Besides, he’d rather not look foolish in front of the nation’s representatives.

Speaking of representatives. The person sitting across Milo is Mayor Solra and his wife. The couple’s around their fifties and so far they’ve been ruling Arksh for a long time now. Their family’s well-respected and are fervent believers of the Merciful God, in which their faith demands them to serve their people.

“A terrible times” said Mr. Solra, shaking his head at the headlines.

Mrs. Rieta shakes her head and takes a bite of the berry on her plate. “Indeed, husband. It seems trouble is afoot.”

Milo places his newspaper down and takes a sip of his drink. “How is your health, Mayor?”

“Fine, my dear boy,” Mayor Solra smiles and palms the hand of his wife. “I’ve been sleeping well since you recommended the diet.”

“He is done fine, Mr. Stiv,” said Mrs. Rieta, turning towards Milo in clear concern. “Doctor, I’ve heard news of your illness. I was worried we would lose a physician of your caliber!”

“It was because of my lack of sleep, Madam. I forgot to care for myself again. I am ashamed I suffered. A Doctor who gets sick is surely an embarrassment.”

“I heard you took care of the sailor very well. They might have crude words sometimes, but I know you did good when they think of you so well.”

“They do,” Milo smiles. The crew of the Grand-Galleon was polite to him. They offered him fresh food and foreign products they are willing to share. Even the Doctor, who returned from his business, had written him a letter in thanks for his care for the sailor.

“You manage to win their hearts, good Sir. I applaud you.” Mayor Solra complimented.

“As they say, Sir. It’s hard to hate a man who would tire himself out to help you. Perhaps it was my sincerity.”

“It is!” Mrs. Rieta raises her voice slightly. “You showed compassion and those foolish boys appreciated your hard work.”

Mayor Solra laughed. “I was worried they would have taken you!”

“Ah, that would be flattering.” Milo smiled and shaked his head. “But I do not fancy myself as someone who’d work in such a vessel like that.”

“Indeed. How our ancestors manage to stay sane on the Great Voyage shows their spirit! I can’t imagine spending years inside a ship.” He laughs while holding his stomach. “I would have gone mad!”

“I cannot imagine it too,” Milo said honestly.

He has no problems with ships. But to be in it for years would have been maddening. And if the stories were true. Milo simply can’t imagine how life would have been in such a long voyage. Not to mention the anxiety of not knowing if there are giant underwater beasts lurking. The fear of them would have been anxiety-inducing.

Milo has been traveling. And there are times where he’s close to waters where he’d see creatures larger than whales jump out of the water to take a bite of a land creature and then crawl back to the sea. And according to the people he encounters usually near these waters. The creatures he can see are somewhat inferior to the ones in their ancestor’s great voyage have faced.

“Mayor, I have a question,” Milo changed the subject casually. “You have been through this. What should we expect from this?”

Mayor Solra thought deeply with a hand holding his chin. “It will certainly focus on the subjects we are called for. And if it’s as we feared, then it will be a war council and the drafting of conscript.”

Mrs. Rieta looks concerned as she chimed in. “I doubt we would be involved in this battle, but war does not tolerate those who don’t choose their sides.” She raises a finger. “But there is no harm in not choosing either as long as the interests of the republic are set properly.”

“And what are those interests?” Milo asked sagely.

“Our lands and people, always. This republic was not made in cowardice. Our people are strong. But we are also spread wide. Even if they do take interest in our Republic, it will take time for them to find the right locations. And believe me they will understand what it’s like to fight a war on an island as big as ours.”

“True. But they will choose strategic positions. I have seen our borders and have crossed lands. But we have well-armed militias and we are superior in terms of creatures who can conduct war.”

Milo had seen the machines of war. The skyships of the republic are quite developed. Patrolling the borders from island to island. The island bridges are important to the trade and economy of the republic no doubt. But the majesty of the skyships armed with fixed cannons and artillery is what keeps the trade rolling.

Sure, the train can carry much more cargo than the skyships. But the skyships compensate by the speed it is transported. Certain skyships are modified to carry tons of goods. Although expensive to operate and maintain. These skyships can pass through thick forest, small hills, and mountains.

The height to which these ships fly also adds to their security and the only way to reach them is through skyships. The other kingdoms are quite inferior compared to the republic in terms of how they build their skyships. While theirs are crude and bulky and somewhat archaic. The skyships of the republic have been streamlined, made with the finesse and elegance of the elven allies who truly understand the winds more than anyone in the Mence.

But despite the air superiority of the republic, it itself is not invincible. However, there is no doubt if conflict does come to the republic. The republic will fight earnestly and with little mercy. The history he had read. The campaigns of the past had somewhat enlightened Milo of how this republic came to be and what it stood and fought for. With a disciplined army and a culture made out of hardship. It’s clear to Milo why despite being near an expansionist empire. The Republic can stand on its legs without fear.

And it’s why this council is important. For this gathering will decide how the Republic will act against their accusations.

Hence why Milo couldn’t help but asked. “Will we go to war, Mayor Solra?”

Mayor Solra said nothing. He stayed his gaze on the blurry scenery before wiping his glasses and answering calmly.

“It will depend. I simply do not know. Many facts are hidden and the interests of our own people can differ. This council’s agenda is not known and even my people who are quite informed have nothing to say.”

Milo raises a brow. “Even your birds don’t know?”

“I am surprised too. My people are competent and I thank God for that every single day. But it bothers me because they have nothing to say.” The Mayor hesitated for a while before quietly whispering it. “And some believe that there is a faction among our people who truly wish to go to war.”

“And which faction do you think they are?”

Mayor Solra shrugged. “I simply don’t know.”

“The sphere of politics is troublesome as of late, Doctor,” Mrs. Rieta said calmly. “Many new players. Many fools who are quite hoping for a more radical change. I’d call them dreamers who wish to undo our peace to get more gains.”

The way she said it made it seem like she’s referring to children. Bratty children who don't know the reality is. “They are coddled and are lacking in the wisdom of those who have experienced.”

“And yet we must allow and teach them. Guide their ways so they may understand that it is not so simple. Let them understand whose blood they are trying to spill,” Mayor Solra added. His expression is far from the usual mask he wears.

“It is wise to teach. But will they listen? Will we listen?” Milo pointed out. “It shouldn’t be only us whose ears are perked. We will not understand if we do not talk.”

“Wise words, Doctor,” Mayor Solra smiled calmly.

Whether the talk will be fruitful depends on the ones who are gathering. And judging by what the Mayor was implying to him. The council’s going to be full of younger politicians who have seen so little and have not experienced the hardships the older ones have suffered.

Opinions will differ and in Milo’s experience most people do not listen with the intention to understand and would rather listen with the intent to answer to what was asked. They do not listen to what they know and instead insist on listening to what they fear instead.

This world or the other. People are always motivated by self-interest. Milo doubts it’ll be different here. But he needs to see and judge for himself first.

He smiles.

It’s going to be something. A gathering of the young and old politicians. Representatives who are going to be questioning their Premier on what must be done and how it should be done.

A different age is coming to the thousand islands and Milo has a feeling he’ll be there to witness it unfold personally.