The Extermination

So, how will Trosin respond?

Pressure from foreign nations is an open secret. But admitting it would be fatal for the Council.

If they admitted it, the inquiry into me would be invalidated, and the Council's neutrality would be called into question.

But if they denied it, the Empire would make a major issue of this. There might be no immediate consequences, but any attack that came once things had settled down would likely be devastating beyond measure.

They were faced with two choices and no way out. Either way, it was hell.

The fact that Fiene had forced that choice on them showed just how angry she was.

Fiene rarely backs people into a corner. She always leaves them a way out. Not this time.

Now, Guildmaster Trosin, how will you get out of this no-win choice born of Fiene's anger?

"Ambassador Fiene... You can't just spring something like that on me."

"Unfortunately, this is a problem the Council itself created. If the pressure came from foreign countries, the Empire has no intention of blaming the Council. But if it did not, then the Council would bear heavy responsibility."...