?Irene's plot has no way of reaching the knowledge of the SIN agents. Her conduct was faultless despite knowing that Robick's Dinner is a dent of agents. They wouldn't be able to guess Irene as a high-rank member of the fearsome Blackout, much less thought of her lurking under their noses. After all, the darkest spot lies under the lamp.
The leaked intel may reveal her name to the SIN agents. If so, she bet it must already be widespread among them by now. However, her name is not that unique either.
All she could say is good luck in finding her.
While enjoying her food, Irene felt gazes on her from multiple directions.
Her face remains composed.
She opened her mouth and took a small bite. Her cherry-pink lips slowly chew the spice-rich chicken. With a slight surprise in her eyes, Irene showed a blissful expression. In an instant, she melts everyone on the first floor.
A combination of cute acts and her beautiful face caused a critical hit.
It was perfect.
She successfully established a good first impression of herself. As long as Irene doesn't run her mouth needlessly, she'll always be perceived in a good light.
....
Next day,
King's office, Government Complex.
Audrey sits across the king in his office with letters from Naharog, Inver and Vofors. For the first time ever, she was given the responsibility to propose a defensive alliance with these three nations. And to make matters worse, she needs to make them agree in less than two weeks. As much as she wants to complain, she can't.
The king personally told her superior, Michael, to prepare a team of diplomats and leave them at her disposal. She'd be a fool if she let this chance slip away from her hand.
Admittedly, this task to bring the four nations on the same page wasn't easy. Every single one of them wishes to get something for themselves even though danger is right in front of their door.
Nonetheless, the agreement is sealed.
Right now, the finalized version of the agreement is in the hand of the king. While the king takes his leisure time flipping through the agreement, Audrey twiddles her fingers nervously and waits.
"That's it?" The disappointment was written all over his face. "I thought they're going to meet an outrageous demand since we reach out our hand first. I am uselessly worried for nothing."
"With all my respect, Your Majesty. They do attempt to take advantage of us. Although they're talking in a roundabout way, their intention is to purchase our advanced weapon. It is as clear as a bright sky."
Riz sneered, his tone full of disgust. "Looks like those people aren't too happy with the weapon they have. How dare they try to bite more than they could chew."
"Exactly. But, I outright refuse them and throw several threats at them."
"Hoh?!" Riz raised his eyebrows, "Threats, you say? Audrey, I never knew you were good at threatening people."
"Please don't tease me, Your Majesty. "Audrey blushed in embarrassment, "I learn from Sir Michael whenever I have free time. Anyway, I threaten to cease all weapon trade with them and cancel the defensive alliance. Also, I told them that our military would choose to stand still in the event they got attacked once again."
"Hearing the threats you give, it makes no sense for them to continue being stubborn," Riz commented.
"They give in quite easily. I guess they try to test the water. In my opinion, offering to train their army is already a big favour we gave to them. It's a sign that we want to strengthen the relationship between the countries. We couldn't let them tarnish our image as a great power."
Riz nod in agreement, "True. I forget to take into account their greediness. Even so, you did a good job handling them." He then sighs a frustration, "Whether we like it or not, we have no choice but to cooperate with them. They need to put up a fight and absorb the firsthand damage so we would suffer less on our side."
"If I may, Your Majesty..." Audrey seeks permission to ask her questions.
"Go ahead."
"I believe our action would put us in a dangerous spot if they turned against us. In a desperate situation, people often prioritize their safety. Wouldn't they bite us back once they leave with no choice?"
"Your worry is reasonable. When I propose an alliance with them, I never intend to teach them everything we know but everything they have to know. There's a big difference between the two. At their current state, these nations would crumble at the first attack and I don't want that."
The terrain in Middle Jozia is flat and fertile for the most part. A perfect place for agriculture but a terrible place for defence during the war. It is also the reason why no fort was made. Because it is useless to build one. Enemies can pass them effortlessly by taking another path to move deeper into the region.
Audrey raises no objection after seeing the confidence exuded by the king. Everything is in his control. To the citizens, it may look like the kingdom is extending its hand with the good intention of helping its neighbours. Though the defensive alliance was proposed under the pretext of being against Inverloch, she is one of a few who are aware of the true purpose of the alliance.
"Is there anything else you like to say, Audrey?"
Audrey shook her head. "No, Your Majesty. I have delivered everything I need to." She bowed respectfully and left the office.
Riz, alone in his office leaned back in a plushy chair. His mind is exhausted but his shoulders felt a little lighter, thanks to Audrey executing her task flawlessly.
As a king, he hoped this problem would come and go like a passing wind. He doesn't want his wedding to end up being postponed after so much preparation has been made.
"I should probably invite the Tetherswest to live in my mansion until the conflict subsided. I doubt the northerners will leave that region untouched."
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