"If we don't unite soon, the next victim will be us."

Facing the loud appeal from the Empire's representative, Sofia smiled and teased, "Perhaps it would be more accurate if you removed the word 'us'."

"The weak are devoured by the strong; this has been a rule everyone follows for many years. Why didn't you oppose the division of Val City State then?"

Sofia mercilessly mocked, "When bullying weaker countries with strength, you strike hard; but when threatened by a more powerful country, you resort to shouting? Mr. Bonek, you truly disappoint me."

The representative of the Empire was stared down casually by Sofia, like a frog being targeted by a poisonous snake, suddenly sweating profusely, his face flushed.

Sofia's words were blunt but factual.

Just earlier, while proposing to divide Val City State, Mr. Bonek did not oppose it at all; he even smiled happily.

Can't he take it when it's his turn to be hit?

Bonek was rendered speechless by Sofia's rebuttal, but in diplomatic settings, one must find words even if none come to mind.

"Well, well. I'm very curious, what would happen if you, esteemed Her Majesty Sofia, encountered an enemy stronger than yourself?"

"Firstly, such a person does not exist."

Sofia said nonchalantly, "Secondly, if such a person did exist, I would be delighted."

"To either transcend in battle or perish in combat is the glory of the strong."

As she spoke these words, her eyes sparked with brilliance, then slowly dimmed.

Clearly, there was no opponent here she desired, not even worth drawing her sword.

Perhaps feeling bored, Sofia rose and walked towards the exit.

What she needed to say had been said; remaining here any longer would be a waste of time, letting her deputy take over would suffice.

Watching her lonely departure towards the door, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.

Sif grasped Roland's hand and drew a thumbs-up sign.

Roland countered with a question mark.

Sif leaned closer to Roland's ear and softly said, "She is truly cool."

"Cool?"

It was Roland's turn to be surprised.

Is that not your inescapable nemesis, and yet you fear her not?

"Of course I'm afraid, but that doesn't conflict with my admiration for her."

"Did you notice the deep disappointment in her eyes as she left?"

Roland nodded, understanding Sofia's mindset.

She is an unassailable presence. But until the Return Day, she is stuck at the same level as mediocre individuals.

She inwardly despises these people, especially those who play dead, hide, and avoid conflict.

Sofia is strong not only in skill but in an unmatched attitude.

You dare to draw your sword, she will dare to bury you.

Sif doesn't lack potential, but has never had such a strong mindset.

When her Schrödinger's confidence turns into a mysterious self-assurance, she indeed feels she is not inferior to Sofia.

But Roland knows it's similar to being drunk, not true confidence.

Most of the time, she can only muster timid compliance and melancholy; just hearing Sofia's name makes her heart race.

But now it's different.

Sif genuinely positions herself as a challenger and initiates a challenge against Sofia.

Her gaze fell calmly upon Sofia's slender back, neither joyful nor sorrowful, only full of admiration.

Someday, I will also be such a strong contender.

Sif thought silently.

Just before leaving the hall, Sofia stopped, turned back, and looked.

Her calm gaze swept across the room, still, no one dared meet her eyes...

Good, now there is.

Sif's lips curled into a smile, quietly waving goodbye as if parting with a friend.

Her eyes held not a trace of timidity, serene as an unfrozen lake.

Sofia smiled rarely.

Sif was still very young, yet held promise.

The Sixth Return Day is approaching, after all there are still three to five years, she will give Sif time to grow.

Sofia and Sif's gazes intersected in the air, instantly understanding each other's determination.

Neither would renew the continental agreement.

The Rodinia Continent would be their stage to determine victory.

Sofia turned and left, the hall's temperature returning to normal.

Rarely finding a worthy opponent, she did not intend to use a duel to decisively defeat Sif.

Despite Sif's personal combat strength still being somewhat weak, blocking a sword more or less would not alter the outcome of being slain, perhaps not even forcing her to activate the Extreme Cold Domain.

But a contest between nations is different.

As long as she personally doesn't carry out a decapitation strike, Sussex's overall national power remains advantageous.

Defeating a formidable enemy is what makes it interesting.

The path to ascension has two routes, the rightful way being to become a gap-leading Monarch with undisputed superiority, crowned as the Great Emperor by history books.

This is Tier Six [Great Emperor].

The sinister way is to wait until Sif becomes the true Empress, kill this most qualified rival, and smear the Crown of Monarchy with her blood.

This is not the result Sofia wanted.

Walking out of the hall, the smile on her lips became more free and easy.

Everyone knows that Sofia needs a stepping stone to transcend the mundane level, and Sif surely knows this too.

Yet, Sif still accepted the challenge.

Such a lovely opponent, how could she not cherish her.

Thinking of such a beautiful girl falling on the Return Day, even Sofia, with her coldness and ruthlessness, felt a bit lost.

She sighed and walked towards the residence of the Vladimir Empire's envoy group.

As soon as she stepped onto the long street, someone recognized her.

After all, there aren't many people as special as her.

Someone tentatively asked her, "Your Majesty the Empress, would you be willing to grant us the long-desired peace for the Val City State?"

"Your Executive Officer Tony put forward two requests. First, Val City State needs peace. Second, Val City State cannot be annexed by any country."

Sofia paused for a moment and then slowly said, "I agreed to both."

After saying this, she walked away without looking back.

Behind her, the officials and merchants of the Val City State delegation cheered with joy.

They did not know that Sofia was indeed telling the truth, but it was not what they thought.

Sofia certainly wouldn't tell them the truth.

It's tiring to say so much to fools.

Are their brains all optional, unable to see the international situation?

Letting them cheer one last time was her final kindness.

Soon, the closed-door meeting ended.

Envoys from various countries headed to their respective delegations.

The delegation members who had been waiting for a long time surrounded them, asking about the results.

The representatives of the Jin Yuan Republic looked at Prime Minister Edward, who raised his right hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and then slowly said:

"Through negotiations, our country has expanded its territory, defended its interests, and brought an entire era of peace."

The cheers echoed throughout the square.

The representatives of the Jin Yuan Kingdom threw their hats into the sky, celebrating heartily.

But they did not notice the fleeting sadness in the Prime Minister's eyes.

He did not lie; it was indeed an era of peace.

The last peace of the Era of the Continental Agreement.

But the Era of the Continental Agreement is about to end.

Just now, through intense bargaining, the attending representatives decided on the division of Val City State among five countries and the collective settlement of three major religions in the Holy City.

At the same time, they unanimously agreed that the Continental Agreement would expire in seven days.

Whether war or peace, it no longer concerns the Continental Agreement.

He did not say a single false word, yet he deceived everyone.

Edward felt a bit tired; he only wanted to go home and have a good soak in the bath.

The Sussex Empire delegation, Prime Minister William, announced to everyone with a smile.

"Empress Tianyou blesses, Sussex blesses, our fleet has won substantial benefits for the Empire again."

Cheers erupted.

Even the most pessimistic people did not think the Empire would lose out; they were just curious about how much was gained.

William remained mysteriously silent, but judging from his cheerfully flushed face, it was definitely a hefty profit.

Representatives from the Wende Empire and other countries also returned to their delegations, announcing good news.

Tomorrow's worries are for tomorrow; at least today, they made gains.

The Weimar Federation delegate forced a calm demeanor as he returned to his delegation, said nothing, and left hurriedly.

His subordinates clearly knew they had suffered losses, though unclear about the extent.

Val City State Executive Officer Tony walked in the sunset with heavy steps, as the slanting sun cast his shadow longer and longer.

Watching the still cheering delegates, his throat felt a bit dry.

The tears that should have been shed had long dried up.

He was no fool; of course, he knew strength is the foundation of determining a nation's destiny.

But he still held onto a faint hope.

What if the countries don't intend to completely break ties and plan to extend peace for another hundred years?

Unfortunately, fate abandoned Val City State.

As the representatives saw Tony, their ecstatic expressions gradually turned to confusion.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Executive Officer, Empress Sofia said peace has arrived, but could it be..."

"She did not lie, peace has indeed come. It's just..."

Closing his eyes, Tony forced out the trembling words from his throat.

"It's just that Val City State has perished."

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