It was a cold, quiet winter night, the kind of night Germany usually preferred to work on. The office was perfectly tidy, every document in its place, every pen lined up next to its inkwell. All the other Countryhumans had already left hours ago, but he was still there, as always. Dedication and discipline were qualities that defined him. He had finished his work for the day, but it wasn't enough. Getting ahead on tomorrow's paperwork was a way to make sure nothing escaped his control.

The firm sound of knuckles knocking on the door interrupted his concentration. Without taking his eyes off the papers, he raised his voice in his usual tone: serious and authoritative.

"Come in."

The door opened, and there you were, holding two glasses of hot coffee. The aroma filled the room, a slight contrast to the rigid atmosphere he emanated. Without saying a word, you walked over to his desk, leaving one of the glasses in front of him. Germany watched you closely, his clear, calculating eyes scanning your every move. Finally, he nodded in acknowledgement, a small sign of approval.

He took the glass with his long, precise fingers, bringing it to his lips to taste it.

"You're not done with your work yet, are you?" His voice cut through the silence like a sharp blade, as he set the glass down on the desk. He adjusted his glasses with an automatic movement before leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"That's what you get for being so late." To Germany, punctuality was as vital as efficiency. He paused briefly, as if he were assessing you, before continuing. "You missed the entire meeting with the UN."

"I called you and you didn't answer." Although his words were stern, there was something in his gaze that suggested your absence had not only been a professional nuisance, but had also stirred a slight uneasiness, a feeling he would never admit out loud.