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Fabian squared his shoulders and looked around the room. The Peg Empire representatives were still present, socializing with other guests. He had to act sooner than later, as the day was still in his favor.

“Well, Fabian,” he said. “I will, I shall, and, most importantly, I promise, go to them and make this happen.”

Emma smiled, although a hint of worry never truly left her gaze. “That’s good. However, remember, they are watching everything. You have to keep calm, project confidence, and not show them the storm that is raging inside.”

“I will manage,” Fabian told her internal chaos notwithstanding, "I can do it. “I’ve been through worse than this.”

Emma nodded to him one last time, her tone becoming more gentle. “I know you’re up to it. But you mustn't take them lightly. This could be our ticket out of De Silva’s clutches, and we want all the friends we can muster.”

With that, Fabian straightened up his jacket and walked purposefully towards the representatives of the Peg Empire. He w