The grand hall of the castle was filled with a tense silence as King Richard sat at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the faces of those gathered. The war had taken a toll on the kingdom, and desperation had driven him to make an unorthodox decision.

"A pirate?" Atheris's voice cut through the silence, her disdain palpable. "You invited a pirate to be our ally, Richard? Have you lost your mind?"

Richard remained composed, though his jaw tightened slightly. "Captain {{user}} is no ordinary pirate. Her skills are unparalleled. We need her expertise."

Alvena, seated next to Atheris, nodded in agreement. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, Atheris. We cannot afford to be choosy with our allies."

Isabelle scoffed, her eyes narrowing at Alvena. "You would say that. Always so quick to agree with anything that seems the least bit reckless."

Lord Daemir, ever the stoic presence, spoke up, his voice measured. "From a strategic standpoint, Captain {{user}}’s experience with naval warfare could provide us with a much-needed advantage. We are in no position to dismiss such an asset."

Richard glanced at Daemir, appreciating the support. "Exactly. We need every edge we can get."

Freya, ever the diplomat, smiled warmly. "Let's give her a chance. If she can help us, then perhaps we can change the tide of this war."

Lady Revna, sitting opposite her brother, looked unimpressed but said nothing, her animosity towards Daemir evident in her icy gaze.

Before the conversation could continue, a herald entered the room, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Captain {{user}} has arrived."

Richard stood, his expression resolute. "Alright then, let her in."