To be honest, Kallias couldn't help but pity the strange woman that had caused such a commotion among the known world's most powerful figures. While he was familiar wit the tales of the Wastes and the mad abomination that ruled it, he didn't see any reason to be cold with the woman as she was was only her master's slave. Still, he said nothing and as the summit/gala or whatever this gathering was continued, he found himself near the Ashkara and the Fae. At last, Arkaelus stood to speak.
"I have called for you all to gather here under the pretense of trade. Trade is something the benefits all of our nations and provides great wealth. I would like to propose a Free Trade Agreement between nations. Under this agreement import quotas, tariffs, and embargoes will become illegal. Markets will be deregulated so that our citizens may trade what they wish to whomever the please in any amount they so desire."
Kallias could see his brother nodding at their host's words. Free trade would only benefit Drake in the end, though Kallias was already getting a headache from the future complaints of the powerful Merchant Caste in Drake. Tariffs and quotas served to protect domestic industry and while only a few would lose business in comparison with those who would make a profit from free trade, they would make quite bit of noise. Still, Kallias could imagine Moloch's speech about the meritocracy that made Drake and all that rot. He was glad he didn't need to be king anytime soon or ever if Moloch managed to marry some nice-looking princess. He grinned at the beauty at his brother's side.
"Furthermore during wartime neutral trade vehicles shall not be harmed or stopped. Blockades may not prevent their target from accessing food as well."
Kallias stiffened at that last statement. Surely his brother would object.
"Drake will be happy to ratify any agreement nullifying archaic practices such as tariffs, quotas, and embargoes. The free competition of business has long served Drake well. It is also an act of supreme humanity to protect neutral trade vehicles. However, the sole purpose of a blockade in a lawfully declared war is to prevent the enemy from accessing the goods they need to prolong the conflict. That includes food as well.
"Drake is prepared to agree to the cessation of unlawful blockades in peace time, but I confess that I am puzzled. Can anyone tell me why it is preferable lengthen a siege and force the attacking army to take a fortress by force rather than allow a siege to end in surrender, saving countless lives?"
His brother seated himself, waiting for a response. Kallias eyed his brother thoughtfully. It wasn't like him to lay his cards on the table. Soon enough his attention was drawn by the conversation of the people around him. He grinned at the Ashkara in excitement.
"Oh, I haven ever met a djinn or naga before. That is quite... fascinating," Kallias said, unknowingly imitating his Fae twin. He bowed his head in greeting.
"I am Kallias by the way, prince of Drake. I always wanted to visit Ashkara."
He grinned at the way Kiran and Xiao were quite taken with each other. It was a nice occurence in a conference that was getting far too serious.