Published at 20th of February 2026 11:14 am

Chapter 1521 Statesmanship

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The Sovereign Union was a coalition of twenty independent kingdoms, principalties, and city-states that had bound themselves together for mutual defense and shared prosperity.

Each member retained its own ruler, laws, and system of governance, preserving full sovereignty within its borders.

Matters that affected the Union as a whole, such as war, trade agreements, and foreign diplomacy, were decided collectively by the Sovereign Council, where every member state was represented.

The Union was built on the principles of freedom, sovereignty, and cooperation, favoring unity through consensus rather than domination by any single power.

While that was the case, the primary reason the Union was formed was to stand against the Haynam Empire in the north. As the Empire expanded its borders through conquest and coercion, the smaller kingdoms, principalities, and city-states recognized that none of them could resist it alone.

By uniting, they created a collective deterrent, pooling military strength, coordinating defenses, and presenting a single front against northern aggression.

What began as a defensive alliance later evolved into a broader coalition for trade and diplomacy, but its foundation was forged in the shared need to ward off the Haynam Empire's advance.

Every twenty years, the dignitaries of all member states gathered in the City of Everlasting Warmth for the Sovereign Conclave. Rulers, regents, and appointed representatives arrived with full authority to speak and vote on behalf of their nations.

At the Conclave, they debated and decided matters that affected the entire Union. Matters such as collective defense, trade routes, tariffs, alliances, and the regulation of arcane magic were among the things discussed.

Laws governing the training, deployment, and limits of Magi were reviewed and rewritten here, often setting standards that would remain in force for decades to come.

The importance of the Sovereign Conclave could not be overstated. Decisions made during these sessions shaped the political balance of the Union, determining its response to external threats and defining how magic itself was practiced and controlled.

With only a month remaining before the Conclave began, most — if not all — of the dignitaries from the member states had already arrived in Springdale. The city was filled with delegations, escorts, and advisors, each state making its presence known.

In the days leading to the grand event, the dignitaries attended a steady stream of social gatherings and formal galas.

Publicly, these events were displays of courtesy and tradition. Privately, there were opportunities to negotiate alliances and discuss how different states could cooperate with — or oppose — one another once the voting began.

Many of the real decisions were already shaped in these private conversations, long before they would even be raised at the Conclave.

Marlow Fireborne moved easily through the crowded hall with a wine glass in hand. Everywhere he went, Magi cast curious and intrigued gazes at him. After all, House Fireborne was the newest family to produce a Mana Core Magus. So, naturally, everyone wanted to be Marlow's friend.

He listened more than he spoke, laughed at the right moments, and shifted topics smoothly, making each dignitary feel heard. To most, he came across as charming and approachable. But to the more perceptive, it was clear that he was measuring every word exchanged around him.

The Ignisra Kingdom had always been a valuable member state in the Union. But now that it had a Mana Core Magus at its helm, its value increased significantly.

Marlow arrived at a long table, where a discussion unfolded among the maritime powers.

"Amberfall's ports have been busier than ever," a noble from Marinth said, swirling his drink. "Your inland routes are efficient, but ships still move faster than caravans.

Marlow offered a light smile. "True. Which is why Ignisra has no interest in competing with Marinth's fleets. Cooperation would serve as better than rivalry, no?"

A representative from the Kingdom of Bluehaven chuckled. "Spoken like someone who understands trade. Bluehaven controls the shipping lanes, Marinth controls the sea, and Amberfall controls the contracts."

"Then, perhaps…" Marlow said with a knowing smile, "the three of us should ensure those strengths don't work against one another when tariffs are discussed."

The noble from the Marinth Kingdom arched a brow. "Already thinking ahead of the Conclave?"

Marlow took a sip of his drink and said with a charming smile, "Only a fool waits until the vote to decide where he stands."

The three exchanged glances, the conversation drifting naturally toward shipping fees, naval escorts, and understandings. This was proof that influence was built long before any official decision was made.

It was precisely why Marlow had been sent to represent the Ignisra Kingdom — other than the fact that King Maximillian, who was now a Mana Core Magus, had to stay back to guard the kingdom.

Marlow understood statesmanship at its core. He listened carefully, spoke clearly, and knew how to steer conversations without forcing them. He focused on common interests, avoided unnecessary conflicts, and left discussions with practical understandings in place.

After an evening of socializing, Marlow left the venue and stepped into his carriage. He gave a brief instruction to the driver, then settled back as it headed toward the embassy.

The noise of the gathering faded behind him, and the Prince's thoughts drifted back to his meeting with Berger Glynhorn a few days ago.

Why was he so interested in Nilrem? He wondered.

Berger had asked him a great deal about Nilrem. Marlow didn't know why, but he answered as honestly as he could.

By then, he had already learned that Berger had played a role in protecting Anna in Ulier. He didn't know the full details, but knew enough to understand that the gnome had been a benefactor to Anna — and him by association.

How did he know about the Rank 4 undead knight?

That was a secret I shared only with Father. And Gillian and the others who were there with me at the time had sworn a mana oath never to speak of Nilrem's involvement in that incident.

So then, who could have told Berger about it?

Marlow had also learned that Berger was a Councilor of the Twilight Brotherhood. Because of that, he had truthfully told him about the Cult's scheme to destabilize Amberfall all those years ago.

Still, Berger's questions had been strange.

As the carriage rolled on, Marlow's brows furrowed into a slight knot as he recalled the one question that had completely caught him off guard.

This was what Berger had asked him:

"Did you cross paths with Adam Constantine in Amberfall?"

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