First Councillor Marco Valerio was pacing in his office, occasionally staring at the screensaver on his laptop but otherwise just pay attention to everything and nothing at the same time. He was nervous but excited, looking forward to the arrival of several leaders from all over the world. Since the collapse of talks in Procellia, there had been a noticeable need for leadership on the international stage, and Sartoria was stepping up to assume that role. He had been initially hesitant, unsure of his ability to lead, but he received strong encouragement from Prince Patrizio and Emperor Justinian from Selene, and he decided that if there were two opinions that he could trust, those were the ones. He stopped pacing to look at the clock on the right side of his office, and saw that some minutes were still left until the first leaders would arrive. He continued pacing, hands on his back and an untouched tea on his desk.
Over in the ground floor of the Palazzo Malzo, everything was already set for the arrival of the leaders, the Old Hall prepared for the state dinner and the Red Room ready for the negotiations. Sartoria made sure to advertise the summit as one where all topics would be on the table, but they were particularly interested in the formation of an international forum for the discussion of diverse issues and an agreement on the need to keep open trade and ensure peaceful relations between all states. With Selene less involved in international affairs -though not less interested in them- and Gracia Marelli holding secret negotiations with Sylon, this was the perfect moment for Sartoria to exert an enlightened leadership in the international system, one based on fairness and equal treatment for all.
He knew that at least six countries would attend, including rising stars like Kauzka and Viestrana, but he was completely ignorant regarding the temperaments of their leaders and what their national interests would be. While he paced, he was coming up with potential scenarios and how he would react to each, from deep skepticism to his intentions to an open willingness to talk. He was well aware that the Prince was barred by tradition from interfering in politics, but he sure hoped he could share the stage with him that afternoon. They had formed a great friendship over the past years, and he valued his advice. Where was he today? Was it in Porto Selenio or Virellia? He only remember that it was in some northern city, inaugurating a mass transit system.
His thoughts were interrupted when someone knocked the door and his secretary appeared:
"I'm sorry to disturb you Mr First Councillor, but the first delegations are arriving."