Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1044 The golden cicada escapes from its shell
One week later, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the headquarters of the African Union.

The enormous circular conference hall features a soaring dome, and a mural depicting a map of Africa, symbolizing unity, gleams under the lights.

However, the atmosphere in the venue was as heavy as lead.

The long conference table was filled with heads of state or senior representatives from various African countries, as well as a few special envoys from major non-regional powers with observer status.

The air was filled with a mixture of smells: sweat, perfume, cigarette smoke, and coffee.

General Haftar sat in the seat representing the "Libyan Interim Government of National Unity".

He tried to maintain a calm demeanor, even deliberately keeping a slight smile on his lips.

But he knew very well that today's meeting was a trap.

Richard, the American representative sitting diagonally opposite him, was scanning the room with a seemingly polite but actually condescending gaze.

Sitting next to Clark was Zuma, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, whose brow was slightly furrowed, clearly finding the upcoming issues daunting.

The first hour consisted of regional issues related to the African Union, until the last item on the meeting agenda was reached.

Everyone opened the last page of the agenda document in front of them, which clearly stated the agenda item: "Security Situation and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation in Lebia and the Sahel Region".

At this moment, Clark nodded to Zuma.

Zuma reluctantly pressed the microphone switch: "The following topic involves some Western countries, so we have allowed representatives from several major Western countries to participate in the discussion. Now, please welcome Mr. Clark from the United States to speak."

"Madam Chair, distinguished delegates."

Clark stood up with satisfaction, his voice carrying a subtle arrogance that resonated clearly throughout the hall through the microphone.

"Peace and stability in Africa are the shared responsibility and goal of all of us. However, recently, a new and extremely dangerous force has been growing and spreading on our continent, seriously threatening the hard-won peace process!"

The opening remarks were very sophisticated.

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, lingering for a moment on the seats of Haftar, as well as the representatives of Sudan and the Republic of Senegal.

"We have solid intelligence."

Clark's voice suddenly rose, carrying a strong sense of condemnation.

"A private military company called 'Musician Defense,' led by Song Heping, is conducting large-scale, organized violence in several African countries, including Libya, Sudan, and the Republic of Senegal! They operate under the guise of security and military advisors, but in reality, they are a complete terrorist mercenary group!"

A low murmur arose in the meeting room.

Haftar's face instantly darkened, and the muscles in his cheeks twitched slightly.

Clark opened the folder in his hand, as if reading a court verdict: "Song Heping and his organization have committed heinous war crimes in Savinnu and other places! They have massacred civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and plundered resources! Even more shocking and infuriating is that we have obtained reliable intelligence indicating that Song Heping himself and his 'Musicians' Defense' have secret and illegal connections with extremist terrorist organizations entrenched in North Africa and the Sahel region! They provide weapons, training, and even shelter to terrorists, and are a cancer that breeds terrorism!"

He slammed the folder on the table with a loud "thud," and the room fell silent instantly.

"The international community must not tolerate such a clear and serious threat!"

Clark's voice was full of inflammatory rhetoric about "justice".

"We, the United States of America, hereby call upon all member states of the African Union to take immediate action! Impose the most severe sanctions on Song Heping and his 'Musicians' Defense'! Freeze all their assets in Africa! Ban their personnel from entering the country! Extradite their principal offenders, especially the ringleader Song Heping, to the International Court of Justice to face a just trial! Any country or organization that harbors or condones such acts of terrorism will be considered a disruptor of peace and stability in Africa and will bear the corresponding consequences!"

At this point, Clark's gaze pierced Haftar, the Sudanese representative, and the Sena representative without any attempt to conceal it: "We urge the relevant countries, especially the Lebanese Interim Government of National Unity, the Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of Sena, to immediately and completely sever ties with Song Hoan and his terrorist organization! Expel them from their countries! This is the only correct choice to maintain regional security and fulfill international responsibilities!"

After he finished speaking, the room fell into a deathly silence.

No one applauded.

All the representatives remained silent.

Zuma, the meeting's moderator, had a solemn expression.

Representatives from many small African countries glanced around nervously, avoiding eye contact with Clark, let alone the representatives of the three countries whose names had been called upon.

With the label of "counter-terrorism" attached to them, who dares to openly disagree?
No one can bear the charge of harboring terrorists.

The immense pressure was like a real mountain, making it almost impossible for them to breathe.

Americans have always been domineering, and their representatives' speeches are like ultimatums.

Charles, the French representative sitting in the audience, leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

He looked in Haftar's direction, his expression complex.

According to the script, it's time for Haftar and his ilk to be cornered, either to submit or to be labeled as "supporters of terrorism".

Where is Song Heping's "opportunity"?

What exactly is his so-called breakthrough point?
Charles's heart also jumped into his throat.

If Haftar can't withstand the pressure and cuts ties on the spot or reveals a weakness, then Song Heping will be finished, and the French's plan will fall through.

Just as this suffocating silence was about to crush everyone—

"Madam Chair!"

A loud voice broke the silence.

All eyes immediately turned to the source of the voice.

It's Haftar!
He stood up, his expression strangely calm, even carrying a hint of...

An indescribable sense of ease?

Zuma, as if grasping at a straw, quickly said, "General Haftar, please speak."

Haftar cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping calmly across the room before finally settling on Clark's unfriendly face.

"Dear Mr. Clark."

Haftar spoke, his tone surprisingly calm, even tinged with sarcasm: "Thank you very much, and the US government, for your deep 'concern' for our security affairs in Africa and for our Libyan interim government. Mr. Song Heping, whom you just mentioned, and his 'Musician Defense' company..."

He paused deliberately at this point.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; everyone was listening intently, including Clark, who was staring at him.

"...I regret to inform you."

Haftar shrugged, a perfectly timed smile appearing on his face. "Mr. Song Heping is no longer in Libya. Furthermore, to my knowledge, his 'Musician Defense' company has completely ceased operations and presence in Libya, as well as in Sudan and the Republic of Senegal, as far as I know."

"what?!"

"impossible!"

The venue erupted in chaos!

A tidal wave of astonished whispers rose up.

Clark's composure and authority froze instantly, replaced by unbelievable shock!

He suddenly opened his eyes wide and stared intently at Haftar, as if trying to find a trace of lying in his expression.

"General! Watch your words!"

Clark almost lost his temper and interrupted sharply: "Such a clumsy lie is pointless! We have concrete intelligence showing..."

"Mr. Clark!"

The host, Zuma, suddenly interrupted, his tone tinged with displeasure.

"Please let General Haftar finish speaking!"

Haftar bowed slightly to Zuma in thanks, his helpless smile widening as if mocking Clark's lapse in composure.

He calmly raised his hand, and the accompanying official behind him immediately handed him a document bearing a conspicuous emblem.

“Words are no proof.” Haftar calmly opened the folder, pulled out several documents, and held them up high to ensure that everyone in the room could see the clear titles and signatures.

"This is a three-year comprehensive military security and training service contract officially signed five days ago between the Libyan Interim Government of National Accord's Ministry of Defense and the 'X Mercenary Group'! The contract is substantial, with complete terms, and is entirely legal and compliant!"

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over the shocked crowd: "This legally binding contract clearly states that 'Musician Defense' has fully and legally transferred all its outstanding security contracts, personnel, equipment, and related rights and obligations in Libya to 'X Mercenary Group'! From the moment the contract was signed and took effect, 'Musician Defense' has no legal basis for existence or activity in Libya! Our cooperation with Mr. Song Heping and his former company has been completely severed in accordance with laws and regulations!"

"Wow!"

"what happened?"

"is that true?"

"Didn't this 'Musician' defense force just help Haftar stabilize the situation in Leviathan? Why are they withdrawing so quickly?"

"Could the contract be fake?"

The room could no longer remain quiet.

It was as if a thousand toads had fallen into the meeting hall, with a cacophony of voices everywhere.

Song Heping is a well-known figure in Africa, especially in North Africa and the Sahel region.

Heads of state and leaders of armed groups around the world have all heard of this legendary name.

Now they're saying he actually left Lebia?

Where have you been?
Everyone craned their necks two inches, their eyes glued to Haftar, hoping to get answers from him.

“I can vouch for General Haftar’s words.”

"I can too."

Suddenly, the representatives of Sudan and the Republic of Senegal stood up almost simultaneously!
"Madam Chair!"

The Sudanese representative held up a document of the same format, stating, "The Sudanese government confirms! We have also reached an agreement with the 'X Mercenary Group' to take over all of 'Musician Defense's' mining security and consulting business in Sudan! The relevant legal documents are here!"

"The Republic of Seine also confirms this!"

Foreign Minister Sena's voice carried a sense of relief and joy, "The security contract for our country's largest uranium mine has been successfully secured by the 'X Mercenary Group'! 'Musician Defense's' business in Sena has been completely terminated!"

The three documents were like three resounding slaps to the face of Clark and the U.S. delegation!

The entire venue erupted in cheers!
"It seems to be true!"

"My God! It's actually true!"

"A mercenary leader is willing to give up so much profit? Those are all minerals and resources!"

"If it's true, that would be interesting."

The delegates whispered among themselves, their faces filled with astonishment, confusion, and even a hint of amusement at the Americans' schadenfreude.

Clark, who had been so aggressive just moments before, now had his face turn from red to white, then from white to green, a dramatic display reminiscent of a spilled palette of colors.

He opened his mouth, but couldn't utter any powerful rebuttal.

What the other party presented was not a statement or a defense, but a legally binding contract!
From a procedural standpoint, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it!
"This...this is impossible!"

Clark finally found his voice, hoarse with exasperation, "This is a trick! It's a ruse! Song Heping is still here! His men haven't moved an inch! They've just changed their shells..."

"Mr. Clark!"

Haftar abruptly interrupted him: "Are you questioning the integrity and rule of law of the governments of Lebia, Sudan, and Senegal? The contract is in black and white, signed and effective! 'X Mercenary Group' is a legally registered and reputable international defense company in Eritrea! Many of you here have probably heard of their boss, Mr. Qin Fei! Tell me, what's wrong with us choosing a partner that better suits our needs, in accordance with business rules, and cutting ties with what you call 'Killers'? Do we need Washington's approval to choose a partner? Or do the Americans think we Africans aren't even qualified to sign contracts?!"

Haftar's words were forceful, and more importantly, they carried strong rebuttals and nationalistic sentiments, instantly igniting discontent among many African representatives.

A murmur of approval rang out in the meeting room.

Yes, they changed their partner company according to the rules, so what right do you Americans have to interfere?
Just because the new company wasn't your choice?

Clark was speechless for a moment, his face turning a deep purplish-red.

His assistant quickly whispered a reminder for him to calm down.

Just then, Charles's eyes lit up.

opportunity!

The time has come, just as Song Heping said!
"Madam Chair."

Charles stood up gracefully, a composed smile typical of the French on his face, as if trying to smooth things over.

"Distinguished delegates, please be quiet for a moment. Please allow me to express a personal opinion."

He successfully captured everyone's attention.

"The contract documents presented by General Haftar and the representatives of the Sultan and Sena are legal in procedure and clear in facts."

Charles's voice was gentle yet clear, "This fully demonstrates that the relevant countries have taken positive actions to address the international community's concerns about security issues. As for Mr. Clark's questions regarding Mr. Song Heping's personal whereabouts and the specific operations of the 'X Mercenary Group'..."

He shrugged, giving a helpless look. "I think this is a matter of specific intelligence verification and business details, and it's probably not appropriate to have endless arguments and entanglements at such a high-level summit that discusses regional security frameworks. Our purpose here is to seek consensus and promote cooperation, not to get bogged down in endless speculation about the whereabouts of a particular company or individual."

Charles's words, seemingly neutral and fair, were actually aimed at silencing Clark and muddying the waters.

The core message is—they've already completed all the formalities, and you're still harping on it; that's just being unreasonable and ruining the meeting's theme!

Clark was so angry he almost vomited blood!

How could he not understand that this was a clever "golden cicada shedding its shell" maneuver by Song Heping?
What a load of bullshit, the "X Mercenary Group"!
That Qin Fei is from Dongda University!

This is just a different brand!

Song Heping's men didn't move at all!
Those chains of vested interests have never been broken!

What's infuriating is that Haftar and his cronies used a legal contract to forcefully open the political noose he had carefully prepared!
His current obsession with whether Song Heping is still in Africa or whether the X Mercenary Group has any behind-the-scenes dealings with Song not only appears unreasonable but also confirms the domineering face of the United States in interfering in the internal affairs and business activities of other countries!
He seized upon the only "loophole" in Charles's words, as if grasping at a last straw: "Envoy Charles is right! The specific destination needs to be verified! But whether Song Heping himself is still in Africa, whether he is still secretly manipulating things, that's the key issue! Such an extremely dangerous person must be confirmed to have left the African continent, otherwise the consequences will be dire! I demand..."

"Mr. Clark!"

Haftar seemed to have anticipated this move, and so he spoke again, enunciating each word clearly:

"On behalf of the Libyan Interim Government of National Unity, I hereby assure all member states of the African Union that Mr. Song Heping is absolutely not in Libya at this moment! As for whether he is elsewhere in Africa..."

Haftar's lips curled into a meaningful smile, his gaze sweeping over the ashen-faced Clark, his voice carrying clearly throughout the hall:
"Aren't you Americans supposed to have the best intelligence? If you're so capable, go find it yourselves!"

"Ha ha ha ha--!"

The venue erupted in chaos! There was astonishment, uproar, and even some people couldn't help but let out low snickers!
Haftar's last sentence was a blatant mockery and a slap in the face.

Clark stood frozen, staring intently at Haftar, his lips twitching slightly, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Host Zuma, unable to contain himself at the dramatic turn of events, quickly banged his gavel: "Silence! Silence! Mr. Clark, your demands exceed the scope of this summit's agenda. Since the relevant countries have already taken clear legal steps to separate the 'musicians' defense' issue, we suggest that the question of Song Heping's personal whereabouts be communicated and verified through other diplomatic or intelligence channels. Let's move on to the next item..."

The chairman's voice buzzed in Clark's ears, and he felt dizzy.

It's over, it's over.

The meticulously planned political encirclement was completely ruined by the other side with a contract and a nonsensical "X Mercenary Group"!
How am I going to explain this to my superiors when I get back...?

Charles, on the other hand, seemed quite relaxed. He slowly sat back down, picked up his coffee, and, using the cup as a cover, couldn't help but let a small smile curl up at the corners of his mouth.

Song Heping…

Good for you!

　Asking for a monthly ticket! Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)