The President of the Atlantic Federation glared furiously, his right fist raised high toward the sky.
Behind him, the Atlantic Federation flag fluttered in the breeze from the air conditioning vent.
Surrounding the President were two or three aides attempting to persuade their leader to remain calm.
However, ever since the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived,
the President, who had been acting subservient, clearly couldn't calm down so easily.
He shouted loudly about fighting, declaring that Atlantic Federation citizens would never be enslaved.
Click!
Pulling out his far-ahead smartphone, the East Asian Deputy Foreign Minister chose a perfect angle
and captured a photo destined to become iconic through the ages.
"Huh?"
Watching the East Asian Deputy Foreign Minister's demeanor, the Atlantic Federation officials in the Oval Office felt utterly bewildered.
Wait, how can you remain so composed and even have the mood to take photos at a time like this?
Ignoring the stunned expressions around him, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs stood up, straightened his clothes, and spoke slowly.
"May I interpret your behavior as a formal declaration of war by the Atlantic Federation against the East Asian Federation?"
His words instantly silenced the room. The Atlantic Federation President, who had been waving his fists in agitation moments earlier, immediately sat down.
"No, no, no, esteemed East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Atlantic Federation is a peace-loving nation."
"Something as brutal as war would bring death, losses, and sacrifices to both our countries."
"I believe we should resolve our differences through negotiation and dialogue. I prefer doing business over war."
"Then accept our terms."
The East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs chuckled lightly, his eyes looking down contemptuously at the man before him.
"Well..."
Clearly, the Atlantic Federation President wanted to employ delaying tactics.
He neither wanted to fight the East Asian Federation while they were at the peak of their national and military strength, especially with the external threat of Coordinators,
nor was he willing to accept the East Asian Federation's terms and admit complete defeat.
In truth, only a fool with a damaged brain would fully agree to the conditions set by the East Asian Federation.
"You have three minutes to consider."
Seeing this, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, perhaps feeling he had wasted too much time here, extended his wrist to reveal his watch.
"Three minutes?"
The Atlantic Federation President showed a puzzled expression, as if he had thought of something.
But before he could say anything, the door to the Oval Office was urgently pushed open from outside.
An Atlantic Federation Army officer in uniform rushed in.
"Mr. President, according to optical lens detection from the lunar base,"
"dozens of minutes ago, an uncountable number of large Kunpeng Transport Aircraft took off from East Asian Federation coastal military bases."
"Signs of submarine departures have also been detected near various underwater docks. The long-range strike fleet assembled from the East Asian Federation's three main fleets has already entered our coastal waters."
"Meanwhile, the East Asian Army garrison forces stationed at the Allied Forces headquarters in Alaska have assumed combat readiness postures but halted just outside our national borders."
"Additionally, blurred video evidence confirms large-scale mobilizations of missile silos, mobile missile launcher vehicles, and railway missile launch systems in East Asian Alliance's inland regions!"
"Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the East Asian Federation, does your nation's behavior intend to confront the Coordinators' threat by..."
"...having our Allied Forces turn against each other first, committing acts that would grieve our allies and delight our enemies?"
Beads of sweat visibly formed on his forehead as the Atlantic Federation President's complexion shifted repeatedly.
Ultimately, he uttered these outwardly strong but inwardly feeble words.
However, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs ignored the Atlantic Federation President's question, merely staring at his wristwatch while silently counting down.
"Tap tap tap."
Another set of hurried footsteps echoed as another Atlantic Federation officer rushed in.
"Report! Our Atlantic Federation's various military bases on the Moon - they've been surrounded by the East Asian Alliance space force!"
"And the opposing forces have unveiled the Goddess of Love!"
"Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the East Asian Federation, we too possess the Light of Peace!"
"If you attempt to blackmail us, we reserve the right to deploy the Light of Peace!"
Staring blankly at the newly arrived officer, the Atlantic Federation President's tone gradually hardened.
Though omitting the phrase about reserving rights to use the Light of Peace might have made this declaration appear more courageous.
"One minute thirty seconds remaining."
The East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs lifted his eyelids, his eyes emitting a chilling gleam.
As if saying: Go ahead, use it.
Let's see whether your Light of Peace proves more formidable, or our Goddess of Love prevails.
"Report!"
These three minutes were destined to be excruciating, as yet another person entered.
Fortunately, this time it wasn't a military uniform but a suit-clad individual.
Though he brought no better news for the President behind the desk.
"The entire Eurasian Federation Army has mobilized - they appear to be coordinating with East Asian Federation forces."
"Our Foreign Ministry just received a diplomatic note from the Eurasian Federation stating that to maintain harmony within the Allied Forces..."
"...and to unite against the Coordinators who threaten all Naturals, they hope Your Excellency would fully consider all terms proposed by the East Asian Federation."
"They urge our Atlantic Federation to swiftly reach satisfactory negotiations with the East Asian Federation for the security of all Naturals."
"Otherwise, the Eurasian Federation offers to provide appropriate assistance to both parties."
"To prevent armed conflict between us, they propose deploying peacekeeping forces to garrison our Atlantic Federation!"
"You!"
His eyes nearly bulged from their sockets - the Atlantic Federation President never anticipated...
...that their distant cousins on the Old Continent would not only fail to support them during this critical moment...
...but effectively stab them in the back, completely disregarding past assistance between their nations!
They're all wolves - ravenous wolves seeking to devour others!
"Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the East Asian Federation!"
The Atlantic Federation President hastily rose, preparing to say more, but observing the other party's preoccupation with his watch...
...particularly seeing him silently mouthing the final countdown.
The President was truly caught in a dilemma. Whether to agree or not seemed to be the only two options before him.
But did he really not want to choose either?
What to do? What to do?
Anxiety was written all over his face and heart, furrowing his brow. Suddenly, the Atlantic Federation President's eyes rolled back, and it was unclear whether he had genuinely fainted under the immense pressure or was merely pretending.
In any case, he collapsed to the floor, appearing completely unconscious, leaving this mess for others to handle.
As if to say, "Whoever wants to deal with it, go ahead—I can't take it anymore!"
Witnessing the East Asian Federation driving the Atlantic Federation President to the point of fainting, the others present thought to themselves, "Surely the East Asian Federation wouldn't go that far, right?"
"Couldn't they at least save some face? Should we pause for a moment?"
Unexpectedly, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs continued his countdown without stopping. He even walked over to the Atlantic Federation President's side.
Lifting his foot, he gave the President a few hard kicks.
His attitude was clear: "Unless you're dead today, you will sign this agreement—whether willingly or by force."
It was reminiscent of historical scenes where foreign masters barged into ministers' homes, forcing them to sign treaties even on their sickbeds.
"This agreement can be signed, but there is one prerequisite."
Just as the numerous advisors in the Oval Office were at a loss and the East Asian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs' countdown was about to end, one of the shadowy figures who truly controlled the nation and could make the final decision finally appeared.
Djibril, who had recently slain the former Azrael, walked in with a smile on his face.
"Oh?"
His eyes flickered. Seeing the real decision-maker, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs paused his countdown.
Then, with keen interest, he looked at Djibril as he entered and asked, "What condition?"
"Your East Asia Fleet was ambushed by our defecting fleet while attacking the Coordinators."
"We, the Atlantic Federation, certainly bear some responsibility, but your country also has an old saying: 'There is no greater good than redeeming oneself through meritorious service.'"
"The task of attacking PLANT's homeland can be handed over to our Atlantic Federation."
"This would also reduce the losses to your military forces. Moreover, seeing our willingness to correct our mistakes, I believe the broad-minded East Asian Federation will grant us this opportunity, right?"
"Attack PLANT's homeland?"
Seemingly swayed by this condition, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs' expression softened slightly.
"Yes, we will handle the tasks that are inconvenient for you."
"Attacking an enemy's homeland has always been a thankless job."
"If your East Asian Army were to capture the enemy's homeland, certain ensuing matters would undoubtedly cause you headaches, wouldn't they?"
With a knowing smile that suggested mutual understanding, Djibril layered his hints thickly.
"Of course, since you've come all the way to our Atlantic Federation, I won't let you leave empty-handed."
"We can sign most of the clauses right now. As for the remaining terms, let's discuss them after the war. What do you think?"
"Very well."
After a moment of contemplation, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs reluctantly agreed.
With the broad framework settled, many things became easier to negotiate.
In a flash, the "fainted" President scrambled back to his feet, and the two sides engaged in a heated debate.
Two-thirds of the terms brought by the East Asian Alliance were reluctantly signed by the Atlantic Federation.
Clutching the treaty documents, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and his entourage boarded their official vehicle and drove away from the Atlantic Federation's snow-covered buildings.
"Vice Minister, are we just letting them off like this?"
During the journey, one of the vice minister's students asked indignantly.
In his eyes, the East Asian Army had suffered significant losses, yet they had simply given the enemy more time to delay.
This seemed utterly unworthy of the sacrifices made by their soldiers.
"The only truly useful clause in these terms is the immigration rights. Don't forget, there are countless compatriots in the other world with nowhere to live."
"Moreover, with the Atlantic Federation taking the lead in attacking PLANT's homeland, do you think they'll come out unscathed?"
Letting out a cold laugh, the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs—who had previously been briefed by higher-ups—possessed far more information.
Chief among these was knowledge of the Library, an organization operating behind the world's scenes, known for taking sides and possessing numerous bizarre technologies.
This organization, which had always remained aloof from global affairs, was now showing signs of potential collaboration with ZAFT.
In other words, the Genesis system destroyed by Wang Hu might already have been restored!
"Xiao Zhao, remember this: governing a large nation is like cooking a small fish. If the Atlantic Federation's population is wiped out..."
"Won't all that land become ours anyway?"
A bloody smile spread across his face as the East Asian Federation Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with chilling implication.
War remains the most effective means of unnaturally reducing human populations.
And the military is where a nation's prime-aged manpower is most concentrated.
Hadn't they seen how Rooster, in its old history, nearly darkened its own population after two major wars due to severe labor shortages?
Since the Atlantic Federation Army was willing to take on this arduous task, let them have at it.
After a few rounds of protracted battles, when all their men are exhausted...
It will be time for East Asian men to move into their homes, care for their women, and educate their children.
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