The audience of senators erupts in chatter at the claims Falan has made of Empress Irilene. The very accusation she alluded to as the core of Falan's argument has ricocheted to her.

A conqueror.

Valantis has not had many conquerors in its time. Various Valantian generals and Tutel Coprii are known around the world for their influence in the affairs of other nations. The Past rulers of Valantis have made efforts to aid or suppress conquerors over the years. None, however, were definitively classified as such. But this is semantics. Manipulating a leader to become a conqueror for one's benefit is almost the same thing… Right?

Irilene fixes her posture, straightening her back and placing her hands on the podium. Waiting for the crowd to hush. She wouldn't mind admitting to being a conqueror where necessary, it would work in her favor not to deny it. That level of commitment to the Valantian vision strays slightly too far beyond the line. But it still holds value.

"Silence!" Calls out the mediator, immediately quieting the viewers. "Please allow our candidates to have a free-flowing discussion. Chatting amongst yourselves can impede on their ability to converse."

The mediator takes a deep breath, before looking back at Irilene and Falan on stage. "My apologies for the intrusion. If you don't mind, we can continue the debate with the second question."

Both of them nod their heads in agreement. This speak of conquerors is too high risk, too close to the line.

"Excellent." The mediator nods, turning the pages of his notes. The mediator's goal is to find a relevant question- He understands the context of their previous exchange and has had centuries to observe the impact of the discussions on the Valantian senate. He knows as much as any politician would. The mediator's duty as a representative of the Auditorum Candorus is to seek out the truth within the candidates. Irilene noticed it in her first debate, the hall on its own has a strange way of invoking the truth out of those upon it. Lies are swiftly exposed.

"We will begin with Irilene's response this time. The next question is as follows… What is your current stance on the developing war in Dantas?"

She takes in a deep breath, understanding the current nations that will be participating and where their allegiances lie.

"At present, I have withdrawn Valantian military presence in Dantas. Bada Wang-gug is determined to aid Zeno Arel's military, and Kal'Et of East Nihil has opted into aiding Tolith Encaryn's rebellion. Gelids Terra will also be refraining from any influence and the opinion of Ms. Shayan of West Nihil is unknown at this time. Wars such as this can easily become a global event, it is my preference that this war remains in Dantas. My aim is neutrality for the sake of Valantis, and if necessary we will provide aid in the form of weapons and food at a cost to both parties. That way we can benefit without putting ourselves at risk."

"You seek to benefit from this war?" Falan asks, kissing his teeth at her. "These are the opportunities our nation has to influence the future of Luná."

"And who would you provide support to?" She asks in response.

"Tolith Encaryn," He states boldly, without hesitation. "The Arel family has mistreated their people for years now. It is time they had a leader such as Tolith- One who cares for them."

"Your ideals still cloud your judgment. What of our allegiance with Bada Wan-gug? This relationship has never been stronger and you would become their enemy despite your goals of unity?"

Falan stammers, uncertain what to say. Backpedaling is the last thing an Emperor must do. Before taking too long, he looks back to Irilene. "I shall convince them otherwise,"

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Irilene bellows in laughter, and the audience murmurs to the sound of Irilene's lone cackle emanating from the stage.

"Your naive optimism is quite extraordinary, Falan. I do respect your desire for a better nation, however, it appears to me as though you'd have no idea how to achieve it." She says between her laughter. She knows how unprofessional her behaviour is at present, but she couldn't help herself. She's heard him crack too many laughable ideas to keep subduing her enjoyment.

"You undermine the influence of conversation!" He responds, embarrassed and more defensive.

"You undermine the resolve of Bada Wang-gug," She responds. "Their words were simple- 'Anyone who supports Tolith Encaryn's efforts will be seen as enemies'. Do you really believe you could convince them otherwise?" She smirks at him, trying to attack his lack of confidence. Once she's spent many rotations developing.

"Yes," He says, uncertain but committed to his philosophy. "A middle ground is available if we spend the time searching for it. You don't seem as though you ever would have attempted to resolve these conflicts with conversation."

"I have tried and failed. I'm not foolish enough to continue my attempts at changing others. You expect there to be rationality. A tangible reason behind their decisions that can be identified and solved… What of an intention such as honour? Or pride? A display of strength, perhaps? Concepts deeply ingrained within their cultures and our own. There is no 'middle ground' for such."

"I reserve the right to disagree. I believe communication is the most powerful tool in existence, and we should utilize it to bring about a safer Luná. One in which our children don’t have to concern themselves with the struggles of their neighbors.”

“It would seem we have reached a point of redundancy,” States the mediator. “We will continue to the third and final question… Falan, what is your advice to the Valantian youth who want to influence the state of Luná?”

“Continue expressing your wishes,” He responds, without a moment's hesitation. “You are the future of our nation and you must steer it towards the world that you desire.”

“I would recommend that the youth of our nation be patient and observant,” Irilene follows. “I understand your desires and they are valid. However, the world is not as straightforward as you imagine. With time, you will become aware of this and you will learn how to navigate it better than any who has come before you. As Falan said, you are our future. But if you are not patient, we will lose that future to the dangers we aim to protect you from.”

“What dangers might there be?” Falan queries Irilene.

“In Eastern Nihil, where Valantians are notoriously despised. There is a tradition in which they tear off the extended tips of our ears with a blunt blade. In some cases, the removal of our oceanic eyes is the preferred punishment.”

“Punishment for what?” Falan presses.

“For being Valantian. They will hate you for your appearance alone and they will harm you in an attempt to reduce you to the likes of themselves. You are an abomination. A beast birthed by the belly of a dark Al’chem.”

“Fear-mongering,” Falan scoffs.

“Need I remind you of our origins?” Irilene clenches her fist. “We were bred out of the magic to be the savages of the front lines.” Irilene’s incisors extend from her mouth like the fangs of the Luná Viper. The dagger-like teeth prying out of her mouth like a predator ready to devour. Her eyes gloss over to a sapphire pearl, hiding her pupils within the ocean marbles. “Created by the old Dantians at the height of their glory. We were the peasants of the nation- The scum that they found a new use for. Our ancestors were altered in the womb to become beasts of the battlefield… When they see us, they see nothing more than an ancient weapon.”

“You forget the part where your ancestors freed us all, Irilene. Our creation is not the curse you portray it as- We were able to become the greatest civilization in history and we have only just begun.”

“Yes, we are young,” Irilene adds, retracting her fangs. “But we are far from the greatest nation in history. We lost our culture, our connection to the Ab’solut. And built a new one once we had found the A’shic records… But it is not our own. If you visit these nations, you will be treated as the property our people once were.”

"What is unknown is whether the Ab'solut lies within another realm, beyond us. Or whether it resides in our realm, beside us. What is known is that of the Ab'solut having always been within us." - Prophet Rakanin