Governor Drag’s gaze kept shifting over the old king’s face, occasionally glancing at the others. He had co to understand the king’s aning: as long as there was a strong but ultimately compromising opposition within Nagaryll, the surrender faction would always have value and a market.
If the opposition were too stubborn—for example, if the old king tried every ans to reject the Federation’s demands—the Federation would beco frustrated and install a new king more in line with the people’s wishes, satisfying their desire for control.
If the opposition were too weak, surrendering before the Federation had to take serious asures, then pawns like Governor Drag would beco unnecessary. The Federation wouldn’t need to offer them benefits or keep them around; it could simply control the country directly. So why use interdiaries?
For the local ruling class, opposition that was either too strong or too weak was disastrous—they risked losing power, wealth, and even their lives.
The only and best solution was to make the Federation rely on these surrendering pawns to fulfill certain demands. These pawns acted as a bridge, ensuring communication between both sides and gradually achieving consensus.
This way, the Federation would avoid directly intervening in Nagaryll’s internal affairs, while the surrender faction could continue enjoying the benefits and power granted by the Federation.
Such an arrangent kept them valuable. If the Federation wished to save face and avoid being seen as the first to ddle directly in another nation’s affairs, it had to use these dogs to et its demands.
The pawns were useful. The opposition, though stubborn, would eventually be persuaded. National sovereignty could be preserved, even if decisions weren’t entirely their own.
The old king waited. He might not live to see that day, but he wanted to create opportunities for his children and descendants.
With Nagaryll’s rapid developnt, fueled by Federation capital, one day the country would awaken a national consciousness through its wealth. Then, what the Federation took could be reclaid.
But before that, Nagaryll’s regi had to remain independent, and at least so people had to stand by his side, upholding this system.
It was tragic that a weak country’s internal affairs beca an international issue, but it was also an opportunity.
Relying solely on Nagaryll’s own developnt could take decades or even centuries to catch up to developed nations. With Federation involvent, they could quickly close the gap.
Drag’s expression shifted; he felt ashad. He was a firm mber of the surrender faction, but it was unavoidable.
Even Gephra couldn’t resist the Federation—how could Nagaryll? He used to think it wasn’t shaful, but now felt so guilt.
Yet it was only guilt—a feeling akin to eating an extra piece of at during a diet, quickly fading away.
With the old king’s candidness, everyone understood the eting’s outco, and previously difficult topics beca easier to discuss.
“We can’t defeat the Federation—I know this deeply,” said the governor of a neighboring province, a man in his forties, relatively young among them.
The ruling class enjoyed the best healthcare and guidance, living much longer than average, which slowed power turnover. New rulers were usually older.
Those young rulers in their twenties often rose after sudden accidents involving their predecessors, who were likely connected to the new rulers.
Like the old king.
His face was serious and troubled. “Even a minor player like Pleyton leaves us helpless. We stand no chance against the Federation. All we can do is pray they never tire of this proxy ga.” Rà𝐍ΟꞖĘ𝘴
“I know many of you dislike hearing this, but it’s the truth, and it pains deeply.”
He paused, then spoke frankly, “I sent my children and trusted family mbers to the Federation. I even quietly funded so students to study there.”
“Whatever the reasons, I believe it’s crucial to fully understand the Federation and learn from their advancents.”
Everyone nodded. These words were true; they thought and acted the sa way.
If Mr. Truman noticed, he’d see that the number of Nagaryll’s students sent abroad had greatly increased, including so promising commoners.
This was once impossible. Ordinary families couldn’t even send their children to university, let alone overseas. Universities were for the privileged and ruling classes, even if commoners took pride in having one nearby.
The old king looked at them, wrinkles deepening. He raised his brow. “Why not say sothing positive and hopeful?”
“I know you’re pessimistic. Such a vast gap drove so of you to side with the Federation. I don’t bla you, but I must remind you: we’re not without hope.”
“You see the Federation defeated Gephra’s unbeatable fleet but overlook the hatred seeded between them—they are rivals, even adversaries.”
“The next global conflict might pit those two nations against each other.”
“If the Federation loses or fails to show decisive power, that’s our chance…”
His voice was hoarse and thin, lacking the richness of youth, yet carried a weight that made one think. “I don’t know when that day will co—years, decades, maybe longer.”
“But it will co. With long-term developnt, I believe Nagaryll will reach near-developed country technological levels.”
“Our technology and industry, aided by the Federation, have partially achieved self-sufficiency.”
“We don’t seek to invade. We want to protect our sovereignty and land. That will be a war of dignity and justice. I imagine that day, every one of us will stand and fight for our dignity!”
What should have been a tense, volatile eting for Governor Drag slowly turned into a hopeful discussion about the future and the present.
Fortunately, the eting was closed-door; no one else knew what was said. For the first ti, they shared topics they usually had no one to discuss with.
At the eting’s end, the old king stord out angrily, as if he had truly been angry all along. He even stumbled down the stairs!
Luckily, his guards caught him, cushioning his fall. Aside from a possible twisted ankle, he was unhard.
Spectators’ sighs darkened the king’s expression further. He walked quickly, cursing under his breath, while so governnt and civilian observers smiled.
Drag returned to his hotel, intending to call Lynch to relay his thoughts.
Just as he picked up the phone, a knock ca. Without permission, two n identifying as Federation officials barged in.
“Don’t worry, Governor Drag. We represent the Federation governnt and want to discuss what happened at your eting.”
One showed credentials. “You can verify this with any trusted Federation official, but make sure they cooperate with the governnt, or we might have unpleasantness.”
Drag briefly considered verifying but gave up. He sat on a sofa and said calmly, “No need. These matters will be public soon; there’s nothing to hide.”
According to his account, the old king, initially unreasonable, was persuaded by him to agree to the request to raise Valier’s value and expressed willingness to negotiate with everyone to jointly absorb the Federation’s Sol as foreign reserves to support Valier’s appreciation.
In short, he ignored others’ contributions, focused on himself, and believed others would do the sa.
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