Chapter Four: A Trade Dispute

The Secretary of Trade has always been seen as a fair arbiter of commerce since his appointment twelve years ago, and that has not changed ever since. His approach in balancing interests in the several Kingdoms and Republics was mostly noted by journalists and analysts at the Commission on Appointments.

But now, his negotiation skills are about to be tested as the Tenth Kingdom imposed an embargo against the South Kingdom for violating its Customs Code, an accusation that they have vehemently denied. The Prime Minister of South was quick to elevate the dispute to the Secretary of Trade, and now a determination of a Cause of Action is underway.

The High Commissioner was quick to send his defense of the embargo, citing repeated violations of the South of the Common Customs Practice by deliberately bypassing the established computation of import duties that hasn't been paid religiously, and now being invoked as the cause of the embargo.

The South Kingdom is the biggest importer of several potions from the Tenth Kingdom, most notably the Potion of Beauty. They use it in their manufacture of the several Love Machines needed to run the economy. They see it fit to challenge the customs rules because they are assailing its interpretation, and now the Prime Minister has no choice but to seek relief from the Commission on Appointments.

This case is an important matter to be decided as the two most powerful kingdoms are fighting for influence and carefully constructed rhetoric within the Commission. Many sees this dispute as a futile play on their influence with the politicians, and nobody trusts the Secretary of Trade in delivering results. It is, as if, the loyalty of the politicians will be tested.

Now, whichever arrogance will prevail in these proceedings can only be seen in the way this dispute will be resolved, and everybody is expecting the arbitration to be really ugly. Each of the parties have strong military capability, and no question can be put forth for the others within the Commission without minding their trade relations with one over the other. It is going to be a dog fight.

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