Minister Harris couldn't believe her ears. A chief from such a backward nation had the audacity to disrespect her, to challenge her authority as if she were insignificant. The nerve of this man, dismissing her simply because she was a woman, grated on her deeply. This was not just a slight against her position; it was an attack on her very identity.
Emily's mind raced as she grappled with how to respond. Should she even take this man seriously? There was a part of her, a strong and justified part, that wanted to dismiss him entirely. What value could there possibly be in establishing diplomatic ties with a nation so steeped in archaic traditions, one that couldn't even recognize the authority of a woman in a position of power?
But then, she remembered why they were doing this. It wasn't just about diplomacy; it was about fulfilling a mission assigned by the system of their supreme leader, Alexander. That mission carried more weight than her personal feelings, more than the disrespect she was currently enduring. For a brief moment, she cursed Chief Mosi inwardly for his ignorance and arrogance.
But her loyalty to Alexander, and to Valoria, came before everything else.
Despite the turmoil inside, Emily managed to maintain a pleasant smile, one that betrayed none of the conflict brewing within her. She knew she couldn't let her emotions dictate her actions. If anything, this was a test—a test of her resolve, her professionalism, and her dedication to her role.
"Please convey to Chief Mosi," Emily added, "that while I understand his cultural norms, Valoria operates differently. Here, positions of power are earned through merit, and I have been entrusted by our leader
Inside, she was seething, but she knew this was the only way to maintain control. To show any sign of weakness now would undermine everything she had worked for, and more importantly, it would be a failure in the mission Alexander had set before them.
Chief Mosi listened to the translation of Emily's words, his expression hardening with each passing moment. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a hint of disdain crossed his features. He leaned in toward his translator, speaking in a low, firm tone that left little room for misunderstanding.
The translator hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with what he was about to convey, but under Chief Mosi's expectant gaze, he had no choice but to proceed.
"Chief Mosi says," the translator began, his voice cautious, "that while he hears your words, he remains firm in his belief that governance and diplomacy are matters best handled by men. In his culture, a woman speaking on behalf of a nation is seen as a sign of weakness, not strength.
"I understand, Minister. His views are outdated, to say the least, but we cannot let this escalate."
Emily's gaze hardened as she fixed Ellis with a determined look. "He's right about one thing, though. We do things differently here in Valoria, and I will not allow this kind of disrespect to go unchecked. I want him and his delegation to remain on the ship until further notice. They are not to set foot on Valorian soil until I say so."
"Understood, Minister. I'll see to it that they stay aboard the ship."
Emily sighed. "We are treating those people as equals...and they are disrespecting me. Instead of a treaty, I would rather put sanctions on them."
Captain Ellis chuckled nervously. He must admit, Emily is quite looking scary at the moment as her beautiful face is contorted.
"I will take my leave now and return to Volkshalle and report this encounter with the envoy to His Excellency."
After saying that, Emily made her way to the helicopter that was on the deck of the battleship Titan and prepared to depart. The helicopter's blades began to spin again, whipping the air around her as she approached.
As she stepped into the helicopter, she cast one last glance back at the ship where Chief Mosi and his delegation remained confined. Her eyes narrowed with determination.
Once inside, she settled into her seat, strapping herself in as the door was secured shut. The noise of the blades intensified, drowning out the world outside as the helicopter lifted off the deck. As they ascended into the sky, Emily's thoughts turned to what lay ahead.
She would report this incident to Alexander, and together, they would decide how best to handle the situation.