The Mid-East allied forces were a coalition of historically unfriendly nations, located on a peninsula just outside the continent. These nations came together to oppose Marley, in hope to regain their lost lands, but as of now, the Marleyan army had pushed them back quite a bit. Naval supremacy was currently the only thing saving them from a disaster, yet the enemy forces were closing in.
After several months of travelling around the world, the Eldian delegation would finally reach them. Dina had high hopes about this visit. While every other country they approached so far, dismissed them pretty harshly, the Mid-East alliance was waging a tough war against a powerful enemy. If they managed to set aside their prejudices to fight the common enemy, there could be a possibility of them coming together with the island of Paradis.
Today, they would be visiting the representatives of Alqudia, the leader country of the coalition. Dina watched with an eager look as their ship docked in the port. Erwin came along to see it as well and now, the two were standing by the railing, taking in the sight.
The city of Salem was the main cultural centre of the entire middle east. The beautiful landscape, ancient architecture as well as the happy inhabitants felt unblemished, even while the army could be seen everywhere in town. The menacing warships weren't destroying the splendid scenery of the busy harbour, even though some of them had visible marks of warfare.
"It's so pretty" Dina exclaimed as she looked forward.
Erwin, having no words to say, just kept quiet. Seeing that the man was unresponsive, the blonde female turned around to look at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, come on!" She cried out "you might as well just enjoy it!"
"It does look extraordinary" Erwin said with acknowledgement "but the other countries weren't interested in cooperation. We shouldn't be getting ahead of ourselves…"
"Commander Erwin" Dina said mockingly "permission for having fun has been granted."
"Just knock it off…"
Once the ship has docked and they finally stepped off, they could feel for themselves what did the word Alqudia truly mean. As they strode through the city of Salem, they were surrounded by traders, vendors and various weird sights and individuals that resided within the town. The two foreigners had been told earlier that the whole population of this city was just as large as the population of Paradis. And to be fair, it did feel like that.
Everything around seemed grand, yet original. The huge metropolis could make anyone seem small and even though Dina could become a titan at any given time, she was sure that she would be quite tiny in comparison.
There was also this happy feeling inside her. Every time she visited a country with Erwin, she would feel it. The woman wasn't really sure what it was, but she loved it. The only word that came to her mind, was freedom.
"Thank you!" Dina said as she paid for some street food that looked appetizing "Erwin! Look at this!"
"What's that?" The man asked with curiosity as the blonde female presented him with a weird looking roll.
"Shawarma" she exclaimed biting off a large chunk of her own piece "apparently, it's a delicacy here."
The man sniffed the roll for a brief moment and then, took a small bite.
"Really flavorous" Erwin admitted as he continued eating.
Dina gave him a smile in return as she munched on her own shawarma.
"Commander, miss Yeager" a voice from behind called out.
The pair turned around to see their guide.
"Your audience is scheduled for the evening" he said with a warm smile "why don't we head out to the palace?"
The place of the hearing was a large, weird looking building, seemingly a house of a king or at least a prince. Instead of regular, edgy shapes, Dina could see weird ovoid-like structure. The roofs were spherical instead of triangular, and the colours were mostly light.
The two entered the palace and waited for the audience to begin. As the time went by, Dina started to get nervous. What would happen if the talks didn't succeed? They would have to return to the island without achieving anything.
Finally, after what felt like hours, their guide came over.
"The leaders are waiting" he said.
The two representants steeled themselves for what was to come. As they entered the oval room, they noted that it looked really typical. In the centre, there was a giant table, occupied by diplomats and various military officers. Between them, in the middle, sat an older man who dressed way fancier than any regular official.
"Welcome" he exclaimed with a wide smile "let us begin."
This was Suleiman, the prince of Alqudia.
'At least they're treating us seriously this time' Dina thought as she took a sit, along with Erwin.
"Thank you for the hospitality" the commander started.
"That's on me" the prince said, "I've been wanting to talk with the two of you ever since I heard about your mission."
"This is our pleasure" Dina replied, "the fact that you're willing to give us time is very generous of you."
"Oh please" Suleiman exclaimed with a smile "that's alright, really."
The man's face changed into a more serious look.
"Now, onto business" he said, "rumour has it that you took over some important powers from our enemy."
"That is correct" Erwin responded.
"Unfortunately, contrary to what you may hear from the other representatives of the coalition, the alliance is on a brink of collapse."
That sentence filled the room with grim atmosphere. Dina could feel where this conversation was going.
"Whatever military action you would aid us with, wouldn't matter in the long run" Suleiman said "nobody wants to wage this war anymore. I know you may think that your cause can help ours, but my people are tired from all the fighting. After fort Slava falls, we will sign a peace treaty and disband this coalition."
The two representants were speechless. They knew beforehand that the members of the Mid-East allied forces weren't really friendly with each other, but was it really that bad? Why was he telling them this information at all?
"So" Erwin started after a long pause "why did you even bother meeting with us?"
Dina could swear that she saw a sparkle in the prince's eyes.
"Well," the man slowly started "another rumour has it, that Hizuru has struck quite the deal with you. The country of Alqudia could really use some of your valuable resources…"
But Dina did not register any more words. The grim reality hung over her like a menace.
They really had no allies in this world.
