[When will you finally understand that your father's ability has nothing to do with the consequences his headstrong actions are aimed at?]
That familiar, shrill voice echoed in his memory.
[And it isn't only him. Countless people—whether they stand with the king like the Royalist Party, or against him like Kosted—will bring unforeseen consequences as their conflicts intensify.]
Tales sat quietly in his chair, staring intently at the map before him as he struggled to drive the words Falkenhaus had spoken atop the Ghost Prince's Tower from his mind.
Was this the kingdom he had to face?
At that moment, everyone before the king was treading carefully.
"Do you understand, Sodor? Never mind putting it into practice."
At the conference table, Prime Minister Cullen sounded like an old man suffering from a grave illness. His voice was weak and listless:
"Do you realize what kind of upheaval those words of yours today would cause throughout the kingdom if they got out?"
The Military Advisor gave a derisive snort and shook his head.
He was about to speak when the Foreign Minister beside him cut him off.
"We scrimp and save, and support the Royal Family's Standing Army through our own revenues. That's one thing," Gilbert said, still gentle, though his warning was unmistakable:
"But issuing an order throughout the kingdom to reduce the lords' authority to raise armed forces?"
"Sodor, that's another matter entirely."
Sodor frowned, seemingly unconvinced.
But out of his long-standing respect and admiration for the Starfall Cunning Fox, he did not immediately argue back.
Seeing someone back him up, Prime Minister Cullen gratefully cast the Foreign Minister a thankful glance.
"Take Everstar City as an example. The Royal Family's Standing Army serves as its profession, while the Bright Star Private Soldiers serve through conscription."
The Prime Minister