Platinum Fang Palace.
After receiving the delegation from the Flame Kingdom, Osborne Platinum summoned several high-ranking ministers of the kingdom to discuss the matter.
"What do you all think? With the Flame Kingdom established, what manner of protocol should our country adopt?"
"Your Majesty, our country has friendly relations with the Flame Kingdom, so we should treat them with greater ceremony to strengthen the friendship between our two nations. After all, our two countries are discussing the division of the Eagle Kingdom. Both sides ought to demonstrate greater sincerity in this matter," said one minister.
"I see no need to elevate the ceremony. That would make Liszt think he holds the initiative. In dividing the Eagle Kingdom, our country should take the lead, not the fledgling Flame Kingdom."
"Though the Flame Kingdom is small, Liszt is no ordinary man. There will likely be many matters in the dragon-slaying war that require his support. Granting them a higher level of ceremony would not be excessive."
"Normal protocol will suffice. Perhaps we can offer some compensation regarding the marriage alliance between the Red-White Rose Family and the Flame Family."
The ministers each voiced their own opinions, but Osborne frowned. "Let us set aside the matter of marriage for now."
"Your Majesty, why is that?"
Everyone present was one of Osborne's trusted ministers, so there was no need for secrecy. He said quietly, "Perhaps the Red-White Rose Family has been too confident. There have been some unfavorable changes regarding the marriage alliance... Perhaps Liszt has no intention of entering such an alliance."
"No? How could that be? The Steel Pearl of the Red-White Rose Family is the greatest beauty of the North. She is the most suitable match among the three kingdoms for a royal marriage alliance. Liszt wishes to rise among the