Cold Calculus of Politics

His gaze was intense, challenging anyone to contradict him. "I told all of you we should have sent them aid. We could have prevented this disaster."

He paused, hoping someone would agree, hoping they could see the logic behind his words. But the room remained eerily silent. The weight of his words seemed to hang in the air, but no one was willing to speak up.

"It's not too late," he pressed on, determination in his voice. "We can still send more aid than they initially asked for. If we do that, they can regain their kingdom and everything will be fine. It's not too late to fix this."

But before anyone could respond, the Minister of War interjected, his tone cold and resolute.

"No, Third Prince. We cannot do that."