'For this Southern Count, a man directly under the Royal Family, to be so eager to court the Northern Territory and offer a tangible partnership benefiting the Monte Territory… it was happening right after Alonso made his shocking declaration. This doesn't align with the Count's reputation for greed. His motives are likely far more complicated than mere commercial gain.'
'Perhaps he has sensed the coming storm and is looking for more support and a way out, both for himself and for the Royal Family he serves.'
The banquet continued, filled with melodious music and a dazzling array of delicacies.
Margaret chatted and laughed merrily from the head seat, while Murphy sat among the guests, silent as an abyss. Meanwhile, the distant Iron Ridge Mountain Range and the declaration left by that mysterious Marquis hung over everyone's heads like the Sword of Damocles, a constant reminder that this peace might just be the brief lull before the storm.
...
