The Dane knew this day was inevitable. He felt him slipping long ago. He felt it in his bones that Iceland didn't need him anymore. No matter how much he wished it, Iceland wasn't the jovial kid he used to be. He was serious, and he knew what he was doing. He had a plan. He was unlike so many other young nations. So unlike America or Canada. It was horrifying. He'd already lost Sweden and Norway. He couldn't lose Iceland too. But here they were, Emil yelling at the top of his lungs saying he couldn't take it anymore. His people wanted their independence from Denmark, they both knew it. And while he didn't want to let him go, Denmark didn't have the heart to fight him. Iceland didn't have a military, and even if it was another Nordic Norway was sworn to come to his brother's aid.
"You don't know what it's like! How horrible it is. I-I hear them begging! Pleading for me to set them free! I'm not a little kid. I don't need you anymore." The fierce look in Emil's eyes sent shivers down the Dane's spine. He was aware that both of them were now trembling, Iceland in anger and Denmark in fear. No wonder why everyone left him. He was weak. He was openly crying in front of his family, even if he'd never admit it. He found himself laughing, hand running through his wild hair and down his face.
"I've already recognized you as a sovereign state. What more do you want?" His voice was weak. It held nothing of the strength he claimed he had. He was broken.
"My independence!" Denmark finally broke. Even if he didn't want to, he gave in to Emil's wishes. Like all of the others, Iceland left him. He couldn't bring himself to fight, he knew it was time to let go. And so he did.