With just one sentence, the originally unconcerned nations all became tense.

The representatives of various countries present had somewhat unnatural expressions.

They looked serious and fell into deep thought.

The representative of the Wende Empire, which borders the Vladimir Empire, looked even more troubled.

As a neighboring country with a similar culture, the Wende Empire has had countless wars with the Vladimir Empire throughout history, with deep-seated hatred.

As long as there is conflict with the Rurik People, the Wende Empire will definitely side against them.

They would rather cooperate with countries with entirely different cultures than be friendly with the closely related Vladimir Empire.

At the time the Continent Treaty was signed, the Wende Empire was at the peak of its strength, having annexed several small neighboring countries, and then targeted the large but weak Vladimir Empire.

If not for the need to recuperate from years of warfare, they would certainly not have signed the Continent Treaty.

The price for their signing was the cession of approximately thirty thousand square kilometers of territory from the Vladimir Empire.

The land ceded was not extensive, but it was extremely humiliating.

However, less than a century later, the situation reversed.

The current Vladimir Empire is at the height of its strength, while the Wende Empire has seen successive inept emperors and a parliament full of corrupt and incompetent officials, leading to a continuous decline in national power.

The treaty is about to expire, and the Wende Empire is definitely the one most eager to renew it.

Of course, just a look at Sofia's mocking smile indicates that renewing the treaty won't come cheap.

The land swallowed back then must undoubtedly be returned in full, and numerous additional benefits must also be provided.

It's quite frustrating, but circumstances leave them with no choice.

With just one sentence, Sofia brought the assembly to a collective silence, while making everyone seriously contemplate who truly rules this era.

William narrowed his eyes and quickly understood Sofia's intent.

The Continent Treaty would automatically expire in a few months, and ending it several months early to discuss renewal was quite normal, but this changed the focus of the meeting.

He couldn't allow this situation to occur.

Clearing his throat, William smiled and responded, "Honorable Empress Sofia, the matter you mentioned involves numerous nations and is unrelated to the current meeting."

"I suggest adding this issue to the meeting agenda and discussing it after determining the future of the Val City State."

Sofia smiled but remained unwavering.

"Terminating the treaty would better facilitate open discussions about the future of the Val City State. I suggest we seek the opinions of everyone here."

"If you're worried that ending the treaty prematurely will trouble your nation, I can assure that no conflicts will erupt during this meeting."

Although William was on the podium while Sofia stood below, her gaze at William carried a certain authoritative aura as if looking down on him.

William disliked this feeling very much.

He looked towards Sif, seeking her opinion with his eyes.

Sif gave a slight nod, leaving the decision to William.

Despite any disagreements in power distribution, their interests aligned when it came to national interest.

The powerful Sussex needed both of them to uphold it.

Sofia's proposal seemed like a suggestion, but it was actually a form of pressure.

Ending the treaty early would allow nations to declare war freely.

If they did not accept it, despite having various reasons, it would give off the impression of fearing the Vladimir Empire.

Even if it meant making an extra trip to maintain peace for the last few months, denying fear was out of the question.

At this point, any retreat would be seen as an act of cowardice.

The Vladimir Empire had been rapidly expanding in recent years, extending its influence around the edges of the Rodinia Continent and other continents.

Constrained by the Continent Treaty, they could not expand freely within the Rodinia Continent.

Almost everyone believed they would not renew the treaty once it ended.

The only mystery was who their next target would be.

Most people speculated that it would be either the Wende Empire or the Talia Kingdom, the two weakened great nations.

The Vladimir Empire's navy was weak, so their priority targets for expansion were naturally their land neighbors.

Since there was no direct threat of war, Sussex naturally would not show weakness.

With a smile, William asked, "Before answering, I have a question. Will your country choose to renew the treaty once it ends?"

Although it seemed like a casual question, it was a reminder to other nations that the treaty was the last chain binding the Vladimir Empire.

If the treaty ended early, neighboring countries would be on their own.

The representatives of the Wende Empire and Talia Kingdom looked quite uneasy.

There are still some buffer zones between Talia and Vladimir, so the perceived threat wasn't too severe, but it's different for the Wende Empire.

They felt the biting chill from the Land of the Frost.

Before Sofia could speak, the Wende Empire's representative impatiently shouted.

"I am firmly opposed. The Wende Empire is a defender of international order and would never casually tear up a treaty. Even if only one second remains, the treaty is still valid unless one cares not for national reputation."

Sofia did not turn around, just said calmly, "It's the first time I've heard someone voice the most cowardly words with the loudest voice."

"I'd like to remind you that I am conversing with Prime Minister William, and rudely interrupting is an offense to me. Your nation's offense has been noted."

The representative of the Wende Empire's face turned pale.

The Rurik People's target was indeed them.

If Sofia's reason for declaring war was being offended at an international conference, his head would certainly be taken by the enraged Emperor as an apology.

The Wende Empire representative looked ashen.

Sofia, no longer concerned with the small fry, calmly turned to William.

"I refuse to answer, but I will re-evaluate based on the current circumstances of each country."

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