45- Discussions inside the castle

"Thank you very much for the invitation," says the Elder Sayure Shin enthusiastically. "I will be able to see my grandchildren again, I am eager to leave hee hee hee."

"It is an honor to accompany you," says the Elder Kure Ahoe with great rectitude.

"Well, here I say goodbye, you know the way," says Uan Shon. "I hope you have enjoyed your stay, and I wish you the best energies for your mission. May peace be achieved!"

"May peace be achieved!" respond all the elders.

With nothing more to say, the explorers, along with the elders, begin to prepare to leave, and the children give thanks for everything, satisfied with having accomplished an important part of their mission, they begin to head back to their destination.

In Torbel, everything began to get very agitated. The nobility of the City of Teresville begins to feel worried, and the guards move around very agitated, creating an atmosphere of tension throughout the city. In an aristocratic dinner, an extraordinary meeting takes place with the high officials from all over the Torstel continent.

Mr. Semhann, a slim man with a stylish beard, blonde hair, and pink clothing, is the first to comment. "Something is happening in the city, gentlemen. The people seem very agitated."

"It is very evident, sir," says a noble from the Defense of Jalagh. "You should realize how the workers of your lands are sinking."

"What are you talking about!?" says Mr. Semhann, somewhat agitated. "It's not that serious!"

"Calm down, Mr. Semhann," comments a Noble from the group of fifteen. "There are some conflicts in your town, and other factions have already found out. A war is approaching."

"What!?" exclaims Mr. Semhann, quite nervous and scared.

The noble of Ambelón Sersis, an elderly woman with long gray hair and adorned with yellow garments and many gold jewels, says somewhat disgustedly, "These Torbelans don't even know what is happening in their cities. I just hope not to encounter any dangers upon my return to my beloved city."

"You can have all the tranquility in the world. Upon your return, the alleys will be free of anyone who disturbs your peace," says a Terevillen captain with vigor.

"I hope so..."

The Captain gestures to the soldiers at the door, and they leave quickly.

At that moment, King Toslan XI stands up from his throne and says firmly, "Well, gentlemen, we will have to make decisions today. We cannot let the rebels continue advancing."

"Excuse me, but you should take care of your internal affairs," says Princess Laseo severely, while she caresses her long and silky dark hair with some unease.

"Are you ignoring our alliance agreements, Miss Laseo?" responds the King.

"Not at all, King Toslan," she says subtly. "I'm just saying that our terms apply to conflicts external to our empires."

At that moment, Prince Toslan interrupts to prevent a possible discussion and conflict between allies. "Let's calm down, father. Our guests deserve a walk through our beautiful palace, and then we can discuss the terms of this matter with more clarity and some fresh air."

Everyone agrees with the prince. The factions were feeling a dense rivalry, and it was best for everyone to calm down a bit. The prince gracefully heads towards a hallway and invites Princess Laseo to join him.

"Well, I hope you enjoy our beautiful corridors and gardens, and that it helps you not to be so stressed about dad's nonsense," he says as he extends his arm for her to take.

"Sorry if I was a bit harsh with him. It's just that our people hate conflicts, and hearing about unnecessary wars makes us uncomfortable," comments the princess as she takes the prince's arm with displeasure.

"Totally understandable, Lad Laseo. My father is impulsive, but I manage to calm him down a bit sometimes. In any case, we have a solution for these small conflicts. You don't have to worry," says the prince with great conviction.

"Oh, that's good to hear... Hey, and it's good that you know our terminology. It's curious to hear it from foreigners."

A soldier passes by and manages to capture the prince's gaze without interrupting, making alert gestures.

"It is of utmost importance to know the cultures and dialects of our allies," says the prince cunningly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to some important matters. I hope to see you at the Celestial Festival."

"Of course, Prince Toslan. I have a very beautiful dress that I am eager to wear."

"It will be splendid to see you shining in your dresses as always! See you soon, Princess! Enjoy your stay in our palace. Our guard will escort you to the guest room," says the prince, very hurried and embarrassed by the situation, as he quickens his pace.

"Goodbye, prince, thank you very much!"

Prince Toslan manages to calm the princess a bit and quickly heads to a confidential meeting with his father and the commander.

"Finally, you've arrived, Prince Toslan," comments the King, displeased. "Will our commander have to wait all day?"

"I had to calm down the conflicts that others caused."

They look at each other with suspicion, and the commander interrupts. "We have to pacify the streets a bit, my lords. The hard measures we were ordered to take last month have brought a lot of conflicts. More citizens and even some soldiers are starting to join the rebels."

"Damn it! Do I have to change commanders again?" says the King, very annoyed.

"Wait, father, perhaps we just need to change our strategy. Remember what grandfather used to say, punishment through force has different ways of operating."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Give all these vagrants jobs instead of killing them and excluding them."

"What could those useless people work in, given their horrible appearance?"

"Anything that doesn't interfere with the status of the average Terevillen. They can clean the streets, arrange the facades, and I know that many can be trained in our ranks with a little education."

"Are you crazy?"

"It could work, father. I will take care of it. And we could also resume the sale of slaves, for those who are very unfit."

"Do whatever you have to do, but I don't want any more disasters like the time the uniforms were stolen. If your method doesn't work, we'll do it my way."