On the last day of the Reverie, the results were announced.
The Prodence Kingdom.
A second-rate, low-lying kingdom on the fringes of the shipping routes between the South Blue and the New World.
Founded less than two hundred years ago, it had a population of barely five hundred thousand and had only developed thanks to the benefits of maritime trade. Its economy centered on services, light industry, and agriculture, with no noteworthy foundations to speak of.
But when King Peinance stood in the center of the council hall and gave an impassioned account of his country's plight, no one could object.
"Your Majesties-"
His voice was low and earnest, carrying the sincerity of a king confronting his people's suffering:
"Over the past fifty years, two of our islands have disappeared completely beneath the sea. Not sunk, but disappeared-devoured by the sea, bite by bite, until the very last resident was forced to evacuate."
He raised his hand and pointed south:
"Just last year, a tsunami swept across our coastline. Three villages, twenty-three hundred people, left homeless overnight."
His gaze swept over every king present, his voice trembling slightly:
"As I stood before the ruins, looking at my subjects who had lost everything, I asked myself-as their king, what more could I do for them?"
The hall fell quiet.
The kings who usually schemed against one another were all silent now.
Not out of sympathy.
But because none of them could guarantee they would not be next.
"I stand here today to implore you to vote for Prodence as the first beneficiary." Peinance bowed deeply. "Not because our country is so important, but because-we have no time left to wait."
He straightened, his gaze resolute:
"If you support our country today, then tomorrow, when your own countries face a crisis, I