Amvkhar, Grand-Duchy of Emrta
"I'm glad to have you back", King Khrym I said, as soon both men were alone, "after so many years. How have you been?".
"I was not an easy task, but I did everything I could, Your Majesty", Azkattamvar Tocsam replied. "I was a honour to serve our country, but I'm glad to come back".
"I recommended you to General Sepp to serve in the cabinet", Khrym added, "but he thought otherwise".
"Thank you, Your Majesty", Azkattamvar answered. "It is a honour such recommendation. However, I was not the only one affected by the General's choices, but it's understandable".
"Do you feel we're going to the wrong direction?", the King asked. "I must tell you, however, that I have a limited influence from here".
"I can imagine", Azkattamvar replied. "But I can only agree that the safety of you and your family should be the primary concern, Your Majesty. I would have suggested the same thing. It is understandable".
"However", Azkattamvar continued, "while the situation is a difficult one, and I don't doubt the patriotism and judgement of the Prime Minister, there are decisions that I had difficulty to understand, as they seem to put our country in an even more complicated situation, from my own point of view, if I can be honest".
"Continue", Khrym ordered, "you have my confidentiality".
"I can't say much about military affairs, Your Majester", Azkattamvar said. "The experience and knowledge of the Prime Minister is well-known, and he has been a respected officer. We would be in a worse situation without him. His service to our nation is without doubt in that field. On foreign policy, things could have be done differently, but it is true that our situation was relatively desperate. I feel his government has been rather prudent, although I know there are some who may disagree with me".
"But I must say", Azkattamvar continued, "that the efforts on centralization, while logical and understandable, are complicating our position in the political front. The resignation of the ministers from the United League, are complicating the situation in the western provinces. Despite the government's confidence on this issue, I can feel they have weakened the legitimacy of our state in the eyes in the local population there, after these years of war".
"What would you recommend then?", the King asked.
"It's difficult to tell, Your Majesty", Azkattamvar replied. "We can only hope that the Prime Minister is right and our luck suddenly changes".
"Let's hope that's the case", the King replied. "What are you doing now?".
"I will stay in Amvkhar until next month, Your Majesty", Azkattamvar answered. "Then, I will rejoin the ministry".
"I wish you good luck", the King replied. "I hope the government will find a better position where you can continue serving our cause. Before you leave, I'll be glad to have a last visit for you. This conversation made me think...Actually, I rather felt reflected thoughts that appeared on my mind recently".
"It will be a honour, Your Majesty", Azkattamvar said before leaving.