FF16 All Eyes on the Prize (Patreon)

Everyone tried to persuade Joshua not to go to the event - to say he was unwell (he wouldn't even be lying) because he's the one that Barnabas will focus on. He's the person who will negatively affect more people at the Ball. Clive, Dion, Jill and on and on.

Im imagining a Ball thrown in Barnabas' honour to try and persuade him not to invade because he had number they can't hope to defeat

Vaguely AU (Sorry Elwin you still got gotted)

As expected Barnabas immediately focused on Joshua and is undoubtedly saying terrible things about Clive and Dion to try and get a reaction but Joshua is biting his tongue.

Dion would move to intervene but Terence grabs his arm and subtly shakes his head. This is not the place to cause trouble.

At the end all the heads of state are waiting with baited breath to see of they have appeased Barnabas and he speaks up saying that he will hold off for now. On one condition - Joshua comes to storm with him.

Anabella for all that she has aligned herself with the King and left Rosaria to rot still favours Joshua but not enough to go against the Kings wishes. He sees it as another way of keeping control of Dion and of course it's a small price to pay for 'peace' So she will stay silent (we hate her but Joshua is her darling)

Clive and Dion would both move to disagree but Joshua cuts them off before they can utter a word.

"I accept these terms."