Drag Provincial Governor's gaze kept darting back to the Old King's face, occasionally glancing at others.

He had understood the Old King's intent: as long as there remains a hard-line yet ultimately compromising opposition sect in Nagariel, those who surrender will always have value and a market.

If the opposition sect is too hard-line, like the Old King trying all means to reject the demands proposed by Federation people, they would eventually be outraged and help Nagariel replace with a New King that "meets the people's needs," thus fueling their desires for control here.

If the opposition sect is too weak, even without exerting effort from the Federation people, they surrender in submission, then there's no need for "lackeys" like Drag Provincial Governor to exist.

Federation people wouldn't need to pay extra benefits to them or keep them here to assist; they could completely control this country directly, so why do it through others?

Hence, whether too hard-line or too weak opposition sects, for the locally established ruling class, it's a disaster, losing their power, wealth, and even lives.

The only, and best, way is to make Federation people have to rely on these surrender lackeys to achieve some of their demands; these lackeys serve as a "bridge," ensuring channels of communication between two sides, gradually reaching a consensus.

Only in this way, the Federation people won't directly bypass these individuals to intervene in Nagariel's internal affairs, wielding control over the regime, allowing lackeys like Drag to continue enjoying the benefits from the Federation and the power they grasp here.

Doing so ensures they remain valuable, and if the Federation people want to save face, not becoming the first to meddle in another country's internal affairs, they must consider means and methods, resorting to these "lackeys" to fulfill their demands.

The lackeys become useful, the opposition sect, despite being stubborn, will ultimately be persuaded, and the country's sovereignty will be completely preserved, even if some decisions aren't theirs; they still retained certain things.

The Old King awaits; he might not personally see that day or lack the time, but he aims to create opportunities for his children and descendants.

With Nagariel rapidly developing under the infusion of Federation capital, eventually, this country will awaken a national consciousness from wealth; on that day, things taken by the Federation can be reclaimed.

But before that, ensuring Nagariel's regime independence is vital, ensuring there's someone standing by his side, advocating this system.

It's tragic; a weak country's domestic issue becoming an "international issue," but it's also an opportunity!

If relying only on Nagariel's own development, it might take tens or even hundreds of years to catch up with international developed countries' pace; now with Federation intervention, they can quickly catch up on all fronts.

Drag's gaze toward the King slightly changed; he felt ashamed, a firm "surrender sect," truly inevitable.

Even Gafura couldn't resist Federation people; on what grounds could Nagariel oppose the Federation? He previously felt it wasn't shameful; now, he felt some shame.

However, it's merely shame; this emotion meant little to rulers, similar to the shame and guilt from eating an extra piece of meat during dinner on a diet, disappearing quickly.

With the Old King's candid revelation, everyone understood the meeting's outcome; things previously hard to say became easier.

"It's difficult for us to defeat the Federation, everyone; I feel deeply," said the Provincial Governor from the neighboring Province, a man nearing fifty, the younger among them.

Like ruling classes enjoying the best health services and guidance, their lifespans are longer than the average person, slowing down the power transition; new rulers often are older when holding power.

Since young rulers, like those gaining power in their twenties, often result from their predecessor facing unforeseen incidents leading to unexpected power transitions, events surely implicate the new ruler.

Like the Old King.

His face stern and slightly worried, "Even minor figures like Preton leave us helpless; we're even less likely to challenge the Federation. Our only hope is to pray Federation people never tires of this proxy game."

"I know many don't like what I say, but I'm speaking facts, though I feel terrible!"

He paused briefly before bluntly adding, "I sent my children, well-connected family to the Federation, and secretly funded a group for study abroad."

"Regardless of intention, I think understanding the Federation comprehensively is crucial; meanwhile, we should learn from their advancements."

Everyone nodded; these words were accurate, reflecting their thoughts and actions.

If Mr. Truman had noticed, he'd find that Nagariel had sent far more students abroad recently to various countries, including some outstanding civilian students.

In the past, that was impossible; leave alone studying abroad, civilians had no access to universities, designated for privileged and ruling class education, unrelated to civilians, though many took pride in having a university in their city.

The Old King looked at them, wrinkles layered; he raised his eyebrows, "Why not think, share optimistic and hopeful things?"

"I know you're pessimistic; the vast gap drove some to Federation allegiance, but I don't blame you, still, a reminder: we're not entirely without a chance."

"You only see Federation's defeat of Gafura's invincible fleet but overlook planted seeds of hatred between them. They also compete, even confront each other."

"The next global war might see a clash between these two countries."

"If the Federation loses or can't showcase decisive power, then this is our opportunity..."

The Old King's voice hoarse, lacking the fullness of his youth, but gained reflective power, "I don't know how long for this day, maybe years, tens, even decades."

"Yet, this day will come; with prolonged development, by then, Nagariel, our country, will possess tech nearing developed nations."

"Our technology, industry, under Federation's help, achieved partial autonomous production capability."

"We're not invading anyone; we just want to safeguard our sovereignty and land, a war of dignity and justice; I envision on that day, everyone will stand for dignity!"

This meeting, initially with Drag Provincial Governor anticipating fireworks, gradually became future aspirations and current matters exchange, surprisingly.

Luckily, the entire meeting was tightly sealed; no one besides them knew the discussions, their first uninhibited exchange of topics hard to discuss openly.

Then...

At the meeting's end, the Old King stormed out with anger, as if constantly enraged, even tripping while descending steps!

Thanks to timely guard assistance, using themselves as cushioning, the Old King suffered possibly a twisted ankle but no other issues.

Some spectators' sighs darkened the Old King's expression further; he walked fast, cursing, while some observers, both civilian and governmental, bore smiles.

Drag returned to the hotel by car, intending to call Lin to convey his words, letting Lin relay to others.

As he picked up the phone, the door was knocked, abruptly entered by two personnel clearly from the Federation Government.

"Don't be nervous, Governor Drag; we are from the Federation Government, wanting to discuss your recent meeting's events..."

Speaking showed credentials, "You can call anyone you trust from the Federation to verify this document's legitimacy. I remind you to choose someone with government ties; otherwise, they might be uncertain of the validity, causing us discomfort."

Governor Drag slightly thought and abandoned verification, found a sofa, naturally stating, "No need; these things will reveal soon, no need to hide."

Then, under his description, the Old King's irrationality was moved by his persuasion, agreeing to Nagariel's appreciation demand, willing to jointly acquire Federation Sol as Nagariel's appreciating foreign exchange reserve!

In total, he ignored others' contributions, focusing on himself, confident others would too.

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