Egelion

[Louis]

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As Egelion continues to enjoy economic prosperity thanks to stable and well-regulated fiscal policy, several sectors of the economy are given an opportunity to rise once more after being overshadowed by the military and banking sectors. Egelion, a nation mostly dominated by cold climate and weather, struggles to keep up with a summer-related tourist sector as the nation only receives about 2 full months of hot weather before subsiding into its usual cold season. However, the two full complete seasons of hot weather remains a golden opportunity for the nation. The city of Cartablanca comes to mind when examining Egelion's summer tourist sector. Cartablanca is Egelion's southernmost city, with its city limits bordering the city of Rozevia including a long string of interconnected archipelago islands. Cartablanca's access to the Anantonese and to the southern Valley of Yadraz makes it a prime destination for luxury buildings, tourists, and entertainment hubs. The region is not unknown to private investments. Years ago, Kalistani firms and Triad Republican companies set up in the region--acknowledging its potential as a major tourist hub. Now, with an Egelian economy that seems to be on a stable track, the city is actively promoting real estate and luxury homes to Terra. 

Cartablanca is a diverse city with several important uses for the Egelian government. Cartablanca is home to Castillo Garibaldi, the headquarters of the Egelian armed forces, as well as one of the summer residencies of the Royal Family. Cartablanca's access to beaches, rolling hills, and to vital Egelian services makes it an attractive area for tourism and luxury sectors. The Royal Council recently approved a request of funding by the Alcalde of Cartablanca to improve beachfronts, the city's canals, and access to the city's archipelagos. Cartablanca's prime neighborhood, Costa de Oro (Gold Coast) will receive most of these benefits directly from the royal government. The neighborhood is already Keris' most highly visited tourist destination--beating Altea and Norterra. Costa de Oro includes the best Cartablanca has to offer: glistening canals, beautiful marble buildings, golden statues and designs, well-planned out parks, and high luxury stores. The Alcalde of Cartablanca, during a usual morning presser, claimed that the city was "open for all the people of Terra to visit and stay". Specifically he called for royals, celebrities, and the elites to buy properties in the city--quickly referring to the city's "low-tax" status and excellent location. The city is open for business and tourism--especially concerning real estate purchases and a location to set up luxury stores.

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[Louis]

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As the King and Queen of Egelion begin to settle down with a "less busy" schedule thanks to the consistent stability of the realm, they have decided to use the royal family's fortune to fund performing arts throughout the nation. King Artemio,a passionate enjoyer of symphony orchestra, stated that House Montalivet would invest over 150 million Crowns to help support the arts. This large sum would be distributed by the Royal Duchies and cover: wages, equipment, theatre and opera renovations, education and curriculum in the arts, and marketing abroad. Currently, Egelian education standards forces all students to engage and take performance arts classes in order to graduate. With this, a significant toll was taken on the equipment and resources available to schools as well as independent arts centers who occasionally donated equipment to local schools. The King and Queen state that the money should help alleviate any financial strains on local centers and further promote the arts in the nation. Julieta Hernández, the Service and Performance Director at the Royal Orchestra Hall in Altéa, showed members at Liberación the recent increase in live performances since the transition towards a "arts-based society" began decades ago. She states: "Classical performances are second-nature in Egelion. Other nations have their own identities. Some focus on tourism, some focus on their sports, film, welfare, you name it. Here in Egelion, we try to focus on the human soul and the beauty we can create. Music, architecture, the arts, opera, all of it. We are not a simple minded nation with interests only in the geopolitical scene. I think His Majesty had proven that for us all."

King Artemio and Queen Anastasia both gave their comments regarding classical music--their favorite genre of the arts. During their visit to the Royal Orchestra Hall, King Artemio toured the newly renovated seats, the private booths, and the new technology installed for production crews. His Majesty started: "What is beautiful about this place... you sit in silence...the crystal lights begin to dim, the musicians--the talented musicians prepared in the middle... and then in that silence... Music! A divine music! A music that vibrates in the soul. God has touched us at last. We are powerl---powerless! against the feeling. Us, in the end, enjoying the moment." King Artemio's comments were echoed by Queen Anastasia, who reminded Liberación of the arts in Nadiya. "My homeland is full of beautiful music and culture. The halls of the Winter Palace are constantly filled with the cries of dramatic violins and the soothing sounds of the whispering clarinet. Here in Altéa it is like home. The music is never far. The ascension of the soul is always near."  The music and orchestra scene in Egelion remains strong, with symphonies and opera casts representing the best Terra can offer. The investments on behalf of the Royal House only prove that performance arts are here to stay and represent Egelion's identity. Below our article we present Queen Anastasia Alexanderova's favorite classical piece, Waltz No.III, from Nadiyan composer Dimitri Yermolov.

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[Video: https://youtu.be/hnnXe1SDGrE?si=6QWReQYflwnJvGBo]

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[Louis]

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With the recent news coming from Meriath regarding the capture of two fishermen who ventured into foreign territory, Royal Councilor Mondragon II has called for a final peace between the mainland and Meriath. Royal Councilor Mondragon II has called for the release of the fishermen immediately to help ease the current tensions. To balance demands set by Egelion and Meriath, there are talks at the IDE that involve inviting the mainland government to Altea and negotiate a final peace. This development comes after the IEI (Institute of Egelian Intelligence) sent a report to the Royal Council that contained information about the status of the mainland's government. The report claimed that the state's infrastructure, economy, and systems are beginning to collapse, despite puerile funding efforts by foreign states.

Royal Councilor Mondragon II stated that this would be the ideal situation to end the fascist government in Rildanor and begin a long road of reconciliation between both states. The IDE has begun to meet with diplomats in Meriath to discuss potential reunification and what steps it would take to fully flush out the malignant ideology from the south Seleyan state. Members at the Real Academia have begun to lobby the Royal Councilor for an "educational reconfiguration" of Rildanor's citizens and shy them away from the foundations of alt-right ideology. Other advisors at the IDE have called for the drafting of a new constitution outlawing right-wing ideologies all-together. Regardless of the expected outcome, Mondragon II is keen on hosting both governments in Altea to discuss all options. 

With representatives from Meriath and Rildanor in Altea, Mondragon is hoping to finally end hostilities and calm the situation in Seleya. "It is difficult to guarantee the safety of trade and passenger ships in this area with such a hostile government in place. We hope that our excellent leaders here in Altea can negotiate a new beginning for Rildanor. From this point, we've seen that our strategy of international isolation and embargo on Rildanor has proved costly for them. Their people are ready for change and reform. We can offer that for Rildanor, but we can also offer national reconciliation as well. They are in no position to call the shots here. It is time to release those two fishermen, but to also engage in a process that is much larger than all of them. We are ready to facilitate and delegate a new future for Rildanor."

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[Louis]

Royal councilor Mondragon has announced the final peace between Egelion and mainland Rildanor after a conference took place at the IDE Palace in Altea. The conference was set up by the IDE (Institute of Egelian Diplomacy)  weeks ago to ensure the release of the two Meriath fishermen, who were captured by fascist forces. Two planes from Altea were sent to retrieve the diplomats from Rildanor and Meriath, Fabrice Pascal and Annette Boutet respectively. Both diplomats were not paraded throughout the royal capital and were sent to the IDE palace with haste to meet with the Royal Council. Upon arrival, Diplomat Boutet was met warmly while Pascal was treated as cold as Egelian weather. They were immediately taken to the Golden Hall, where many state visits are held. The doors of the hall were closed and negotiations took only 20 minutes--to the surprise of many.

No details were shared with the Egelian press about how the meeting went down in the short twenty minutes. However, upon the reactions at the end, Rildanorian diplomat Boutet left the hall clearly bothered and with a face of complete worried submission. In his eyes, the faces of millions of suffering Rildanorian souls reflected as he went down the white, marble stairs of the IDE. Boutet, on the other hand, also left with haste, but with hope and desperation. Her goal was to return to Meriath to meet the two fishermen. The Royal Council stayed behind in the palace to discuss the outcome and did not make a statement.

Now, weeks later, the effects of the peace deal are in play. With an armed coup and conflict now underway in Rildanor, many are beginning to ask: what exactly happened at the conference at the IDE. A press conference was held outside of the IDE this morning led by Royal Councilor Mondragon II. At 9 AM, he proclaimed that an official peace was in fact signed between all three parties, according to Meriath press. Egelion promised not to attack Rildanor or continue the state of war so long as tension with Meriath ceased. The two fishermen were released and the mainland was ordered "untouchable" to the Royal Armada based at Meriat-del-Mar Naval Station. Royal Councilor Mondragon II stated: "Our dealings with the mainland were incisive and clear: we wish for conflict to end and a quick release of the two fishermen. We also pushed for a recognition of Meriath. We were met with a partial recognition status, which we consider a win for us. At the end of the day, we knew the expected outcome of the mainland and we tried to capitalize with what was in our control."

Currently, the coup on the mainland is being monitored by Castillo Garibaldi, the IEI, and command at Meriat-del-Mar Naval Station. When asked about potential Egelian intervention, Royal Councilor Montalivet II stated: "It is beyond us now. We understood a long time ago that the mainland would reach this stage. Currently, our policy is simple: it is sometimes best to do nothing--and that is what we shall do. The fate of Rildanor is now up to their people who so willingly decided they wanted this direction. Now, they suffer and reap what they sowed decades ago. We will continue to closely monitor the situation with the Southern Armada, but until fighting ceases and the fascist threat is self-purged, Altea will simply watch and listen." It was implied that the royal government would immediately assist with reunification efforts and possible doctrination efforts against fascism, but no other station has been released by the IDE.

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[Louis]

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Protests have erupted all over Egelion as news continues to develop from Nadiya about the house arrest and trial of Her Majesty, Queen and Tsarina Anastasia Alexanderovna. For the past week, King Artemio and his closest palace advisors left to the family's residence in Nadiya, the Winter Palace, to organize a strong response to the Nadiyan arrest of the Tsarina. King Artemio has spoken to the Royal Council to discuss ways forward and how to negotiate with Nadiya. King Artemio has stated that the Queen of Egelion "needed to be released immediately." The IEI recently investigated part of the evidence provided by the Nadiyan legislature when the case was announced and found that the Tsarina had no direct connection to the corruption itself.

"Yes, there may have been some incorrect decision made by Nadiyan workers associated with the Tsarina, but she was not directly involved", said Geraldo Torres, representative from Villamor Palace to King Artemio. "Why is the Tsarina and the Queen of Egelion--mother of our nation, being arrested and held accountable by the acts of others?! This is a direct insult to the laws of Altea, the people of Egelion, and to the divine reality of God himself!"

Royal Councilor Mondragon II, who oversees international relations, stated that there must be an immediate release of the Queen immediately before relations are ended between both nations. "We built for Nadiya, we invested in Nadiya, and we believed in the future of Nadiya. The Queen herself toured schools and different cities to support the well-being of the Nadiyan people. This is how she is repaid? Is this how Terra treats its royals?!"

The IDE has threatened to cut off all ties with Nadiya, embargo the nation, and even threaten military action against Nadiya. All of the options are currently on the table. "This is simple. The Nadiyan government has actively arrested the Queen of Egelion. While we respect the Nadiyan process, this is no way to treat divinity nor a way to conduct external affairs." The Real Academia has already decided to pull resources from several Nadiyan schools and many banks, such as Cascabel-Otienda, have decided to pull back resources from Nadiya until the Tsarina could be cleared. "This is a matter of principle. We cannot tolerate Her Majesty to be treated like the average thug. Altea requests for the Queen to be released and for the return of normalcy, immediately", said Royal councilor Mondragon II.
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[Louis]

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Following the end of the Tsarina scandal that plagued Egelian society for months, Royal Councilor Montalivet II, Director of  the Armed Forces, has called for a massive military exercise involving all branches of the Royal Armed Forces. The most readily available units, beyond the rapid action air force, is the Royal Armada. The three current armadas were summoned to the port of Cartablanca and made their way to Nadiya to settle at North Point, Egelion's only base in northern Keris. The A.R.E. Invencible, the nation's only supercarrier, was sent lead the mission. The objective: adaptability, responsiveness, and lethality.

Several old Beiteynuese frigates were set up in the area for the drills. Exercises involved tracking the ships and checking the speed and accuracy of the weapons on board the armada. In total, 5 old frigates were successfully destroyed and sunk by Egelian frigates and destroyers. Members of the Royal Air Force were also involved in the exercise thanks to the helicopters available and the fighter jets on the Invencible. Overall it was a strong show of power by the Armada but also of responsiveness to regional threats.

Castillo Garibaldi, the headquarters of the entire armed forces, called for all generals of all branches to prepare for national exercises to ensure readiness and adaptability throughout the forces. Royal Councilor Montalivet II stated that the Armada is not the only branch that requires exercises and training. The Royal Marines and The Royal Airforce are include in future programs. The nation's missile defense and attack program, ATENEA, will also receive some form of attention throughout the process. Many generals say that the exercises are necessary as the world is finally seeing a slow down of conflicts and tensions. The most recent conflict with Egelian activity was the defense of the island of Meriath,but now with Rildanor unified, the efforts were not in vain.

Royal Councilor Montalivet II made a statement about the state of the world and the armed forces:

I think we are seeing a safer world--at least in the Anantonese region. We are constantly voicing our opinion and making sure that our stable, just view of the world is a reality. Internationalism has taken a serious hit in the past few decades of our time. I think we have had moments of ultimate cooperation, but we have much work to do. Our exercises are here to prove that we are prepared to respond to global issues and we are not a dormant state.

The exercises taking place near North Point confirmed that the Egelian Armada and the armed forces are still active and prepared for action anywhere on the globe. Currently, as the world enters a relatively peaceful era, it seems that foreign policy prepared by the IDE is beginning to be more influential than previous times. The IDE extends its thanks to regional partners such as Xsampa, Kalistan, and Meriath for supporting and maintaining a global order based on cooperation and stability.

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[Louis]

After disastrous results of the meeting between Xsampa and Amudim, King Artemio has personally summoned the Xsampan ambassador to Villamor Palace to discuss the "tremendous and unacceptable failure of Egelian-Dovanian relations". Royal Councilor Mondragon II and the entire IDE staff were present at Villamor Palace to meet with the ambassador and begin to discuss the inner details of the meeting. According to palace staff, entire regiments of the palace guard were present to receive the ambassador as details of this meeting were highly confidential. Royal Councilor Mondragon II was furious upon arrival at Villamor. sources say he was innudated in phone calls from several officials regarding the conference.
As the ambassador arrived and got situated at Villamor, members of the IDE spoke to the press about the entire situation. the press got so much attention that the Royal Councilor himself went out to speak to he press before entering their own negotiations. 

I think it is clearly evident that Amudim and the Triad Republic have taken advantage of a good-willed nation in the name of peace. We spoke previously with Metz-Leonid about the potential risks of doing business with Majatrans let alone Artanians, but it seems national pride and futile land was more important than the integrity of Pan-Dovanianism and their closest friends. We surely understand the consequences that result from this deal and Altea will respond.

Royal Councilor Mondragon II did state that Egelion would come into negotiations with Xsampa before all ties were cut. For centuries, the Lion-Yak Pact has stood strong. Bound to each other by a strong sense of cooperation and collective strength, the pact now stands close to being shattered all for the pride of the current administration. IDE members were as furious as the Royal Councilor, some stating that:

"We fear scientists and health experts must be sent to Metz-Leonid immediately. We fear the adverse effects of the nuclear strike may still be affecting its population's decision making process.

Experts at the Real Academia have tried to look at this through a political lens. their conclusion is as follows: "While Xsampa has the ultimate, sovereign right to engage in whatever deals it pleases, they have forfeited their virtues of Pan-Dovanianism and cooperation that gave them their influence in the first place. They have lost the trust of their allies and the trust of their people. The movement is now dead. For a sliver of land and lost national pride, Xsampa has effectively given up their influence in Dovani and the trust of her allies. While their deal with the West may have been a moment of self-strength and moving on from the sins of the past, in the process, Xsampa engaged without the consultation of her allies and in the process put a complete halt to all of its progress.

The Altea-Nord Stock Engage has posted several negative results as the market closed. The Egelian Crown has suffered a bit as confidence with Majatran markets and the Triad Republic show no confidence. "We simply do not know what this will mean for our economy or our companies. We invested a lot into Xsampa and its people. For us this remains a diplomatic and economic betrayal that we will not forget", states an ANSE trade broker. Details of the conference and of an Xsampan response are yet to be seen. King Artemio is set to personally lead negotiations to hold firm Altea's demands and their position.

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[Louis]

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[Louis]

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Cruz: As Terra goes on through its usual shenanigans, I find myself drinking a lot and getting migraines due to staring at my phone. But, there is no other feeling that can best describe when Terra is finally active. Listen, I am sick of seeing news from the world all the time. I don't care! It's always something about militaries or some international spat about alcohol consumption. NO ME IMPORTA! Nonetheless, it is amazing journalism. Journalism that I think is needed in these extraordinary times and these are in fact extraordinary times. My career has led me to most impressive places: sipping methanol in the Triad Republic, doing drugs in Kalistan, getting lost in a maze of trains in Gemun, and giving up my self-worth in Nadiya. Truly the foundations of an excellent career one would envy. But my career has not focused on the gut-churning, anxiety-inducing world topic that is geopolitics. For this segment, I would like to invite the most prominent, meat-eating wrestler alive: Daniel de Varela! thank you for being here.

Danni: Grassy-ass, Cruz. I think that's how you say it. You know what, I think I'd like to go by Danni, please. And liten, I don't mean to be rude, but you have an impressive rack on ya.

Cruz: Wow thanks! Danni, I want to get started right away. I do not get paid enough for pleasantries anymore. More funding goes to bozos in the streets nowadays. Tell me, what do you think about global affairs. More interesting than your sex life noo?

Danni: You know what Cruz? This is the exact journalism we need right now in the world! Listen, I've banged several people in my life before. But nothing can top what those Xsampans just did to Bianjie and the rest of Dovani. I mean listen... they said they did this for peace. I get that, I'm all for white doves and shit, but then you gotta follow their logic. It doesn't make sense. You know shit is baaad when you agree with Kalistan. I mean they really said: the closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm. You believe that, Cruz?

Cruz: You are so right Danni. I think there are several analyses out there that describe the situation. Bianjie had one, Valruzia had another, but I think what is most surprising about this all is the activity it has caused within embassies, foreign leaders, and diplomats. All it takes is a drunkard, a yeudi, and a communist for the world to go crazy? 

Danni: Listen, I've seen sum shit. I live in Baltusia okay? All I see is crime and edgy teenagers everywhere. Hell, I've thrown a trashcan at my neighbors before to keep them from eating my rare Luthorian poppy flower. That I certainly do not use to make drugs. Anyways, I think we are really starting to see a divide of east and west. Of different power blocs as well. I think before we had very clear lines of east and west, but those lines are blurry now. Listen, I think it's good that Xsampa did this. Not because of the shit they just gave up, but I think it caused a ripple in Terra we have not seen for years.

Cruz: You are absolutely correct Danni. Now, what do you expect to come out of this? Do we get to see a war finally? do we see a cold war? What do we get?



Danni: What you get is fucking bloodbath. You get a shitstorm. Back and forth talk, secret spy crap and a bunch of nonsense coming from everyone's mouths. Look, when things like this happen, you are going to see a lot of backroom deals. I'm talking aircraft carriers and carpet stains.... If you know that reference you're old! Now, I think the plan here is to try and assess what our endgames are. Why the fuck does Xsampa want land? Why do those drunk bastards want access to Dovani? Why are yeudis still relevant? These are all tough questions. Tougher than some of my meat products. But look, I just want to say I'm entertained. Truly I am. What better than to watch a couple of bozos yelling at each other? Hgagha! I'm here for it all!

Cruz: I love you attitude Danni! See... this is why I love my job. I get to speak to intellectuals like you Danni. You know what you like, you know what your opinion is, and you do not hold back.

Danni: Baby, this is just the beginning. Look, I love everyone. I love Yeudis, Xsampans, Luthorians, Kalistanis--all of the weird folk out there. But you gotta think about our place in the world. We are here for each other. Shit, at the end of the day, let Xsampa have all that land. Who cares! Once you're dead, you're dead. It won't matter at the end of the day. But at the same time, those who are pissed, go get that bag! Start a war, you cannot be holding back now. We only live once. Go start some shit. What's the worst that could happen? You drink some watered down beer? Or worse, get chocohummus shoved through your eyes? Nah, I'm here for it all. I'm just enjoying the show.

Cruz: Danni I just want to thank you for being here. Your exceptional opinion has opened my eyes and I'm sure the eyes of others. I think you summed up world affairs quite well. At the end of the day, we are all enjoying this event, but man there are implications for what went down these past few weeks. We are yet to see what further ripple effects are caused by the deal between Xsampa and Amudim. For our show next week, we will try to investigate the global effect of sausage sales and how it correlates to increased aggressiveness on the Artanian continent. Thank you.

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[Louis]

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Following the politically disastrous conference between Amudim and Xsampa, the Royal Government entered a panic regarding the status of diplomatic relations with Xsampa, signaling a future escalation of tensions. however, King Artemio and the IDE summoned the Xsampan ambassador to Villamor Palace to begin to negotiate Egelion's own deal on how to counter the Majatran incursion. The ambassador meeting was fruitless until just days ago, a new Xsampan government was elected signaling a promising future for negotiations. the Xsampan foreign minister was hastily invited to Altea to begin what the previous administration could not do. Members of the IDE, Royal Councilor Mondragon II and King Artemio were present a t Villamor Palace in the heart of Altea, waiting for the foreign minister to arrive. The city and the country for the most part lay waiting to see what deal could be made after the disaster that took place months ago. 

After hours of long negotiation and term agreements, the board was set. As King Artemio stepped out to the balcony of Villamor Palace to announce a deal to the press and public, Royal councilor Mondragon spoke to insiders at the palace to discuss the details of negotiations. According to the Royal Councilor, Egelion agreed to restore normal relations with Xsampa, despite the egregious deal that took place with Majatra. Egelion would continue to normally trade with Xsampa and begin to flood their markets as rumors of more market-oriented policies are being touted in Metz-Leonid. 

Additionally, Xsampa agreed to establish Egelian Crowns as the main trading currency from all trade coming from Majatra. This would exist alongside the Xsampan currency, but trade and fees would have to be handled via the Royal Treasury. More so, all Xsampan port companies and trade institutions would leave all transactions to a consortium of Egelian banks. As Xsampa transitions to a more aggressive form of market socialism, any future privileges set to be given to the private sector by the state would in fact be assumed by Egelian banks and other financial institutions, such as the Egelian Investment Bank. Egelian banks, known for their stable investments and regulated policies, would be the main vehicle of Xsampa's future privatization efforts. Royal Councilor Ibarra, head of Egelian finances and investments, stated that Xsampa was in a position to access global markets through the Crown and Egelian banks almost immediately. Banks like Cascabel-Otienda, Santamer, and Banco Ibarra all have strong footholds on every continent and represent a major catapult for Xsampan businesses to thrive. 

Egelian companies would still have to adhere to Xsampan laws as part of the deal, paying homage and respect to the nation's socialist approach. Egelian banks have already begun the transition to Xsampa following the liberal policies that are expected to be passed. Royal Councilor Ibarra stated that the deal was good for "competition amongst nations who seek to further enhance their trade portfolios. Competition is good. Any liberal capitalist society would agree. We are simply expanding Xsampa's horizons while actively promoting competition." King Artemio stated that while this negotiation with Xsampa was complete, he was prepared to also engage in talks with Wrnuke to ensure geopolitical boundaries are kept stable.