Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

“I have come here with His Majesty’s goodwill and sincerity.”

“Goodwill?” Mandela scoffed.

"Is your so-called goodwill, you Leitanians, to annex Syracuse and divide up Qazimir?"

"We Tara people don't need this kind of goodwill!"

"Mandra, step back." Abrahana stopped her subordinate's rudeness.

"Tell me your purpose, Your Excellency Minister. My time is very precious."

Serafina nodded, no longer beating around the bush.

"His Majesty Raisi expressed his high appreciation for the heroic struggle of the Tara people for national independence."

He believed that every nation has the right to determine its own destiny, rather than being enslaved and oppressed by another nation.

She paused for a moment, then dropped the first bombshell.

"The Empire of Letania is willing to formally recognize Tara's independence and support Ms. Abrahana as the first head of state of the newly formed nation of Tara."

These words caused an uproar throughout the mine.

Even the usually composed Abrahina's pupils suddenly contracted.

Recognize Tara's independence?

Support her becoming head of state?

This is simply a fantasy!

They've fought for so many years, shed so much blood, isn't this what they've been seeking?

"What are the conditions?" Abrahana quickly calmed down.

She didn't believe in free lunches.

“The conditions are simple.” Serafina held up one finger.

“Deeppool needs to keep pace with Letania in the upcoming changes in Victoria.”

"We need you to create enough chaos at a specific time and place to tie down Victoria's military forces."

"Let us be cannon fodder?" Mandela immediately retorted.

“No, they are allies,” Serafina corrected.

"Cannon fodder will receive no reward, while our allies will receive everything the newly formed nation needs."

She took out several documents from her purse and gently placed them on the table.

"This is the first batch of aid."

"Including weapons, ammunition, food, equipment, and enough communication equipment to equip a regiment."

"This is just an appetizer. Once we reach an agreement, the subsequent aid will continue to arrive in Tara."

“Most importantly,” Serafina said, looking at Abrahina.

"His Majesty promises that in the new order to come, the Tara region will be granted full autonomy."

"The Tara people have the final say on everything, from the economy and military to domestic affairs."

"Leytania retains only diplomatic guidance and hopes to become Tara's top priority trading partner."

Abrahana picked up the list and looked at the weapon models and quantities listed on it; her breathing quickened slightly.

These are the kinds of equipment they've always dreamed of having.

Wellington also provided them with financial assistance, but in very limited amounts.

Leitania's list, however, was substantial enough to elevate their troops' combat effectiveness to a whole new level.

The atmosphere inside the mine became subtle.

The cadres in the deep pool no longer only had hostility in their eyes.

Just then, a crisp voice rang out.

"Sister, we can't agree to her request."

The one speaking was Abrahina's sister, Rafishini.

She had always acted as her sister's "shadow warrior," but now she stepped forward, her face filled with unease and struggle.

"We are fighting for Tara's freedom, not to be lackeys of another empire!" Her voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally firm.

"If we accept Letania's aid, what difference is there between us and being used by Wellington?"

"We've simply been transferred from one master to another!"

“Rafishini!” Abrahina’s face darkened.

"I am telling the truth!"

Rafishini's eyes reddened as she looked at her sister, then at Serafina.

"Our struggle should be pure! It should be for all Tara people to live on this land with dignity, not to get involved in the dirty deals between great powers!"

Several young Deeppool members were clearly moved by Rafishini's words, and their faces showed expressions of agreement.

They are idealists who joined Deep Pool IX [陵鹨司~〖旗捌@??栮] for a pure goal.

The atmosphere became tense again.

This is a conflict of routes within the deep pool.

Serafina didn't speak, she just watched the two sisters quietly.

Her gaze finally settled on Rafishini, her eyes filled with sympathy and understanding.

“Miss Raphsini,” she said softly.

“I understand your concerns; you fear that Tara’s cause for independence will be tainted by our ‘goodwill’.”

She took a step closer, her voice softening: "Before I came, His Majesty specifically spoke to me about you sisters."

“He admires you all very much, especially you, Miss Lavshini.”

He said, “A person who is willing to hide in the shadows for her sister and her people must have the purest flame burning in her heart.”

Raphsini was startled and looked at Serafina with a bewildered expression.

She never expected that the distant Emperor of Letania would know about her affairs.

“His Majesty also said that Draco is a born king and should not be anyone’s shadow.” Serafina’s gaze seemed to see right through people.

“What you crave is not just Tara’s independence, but your own independence, isn’t it? You want to become the real Lavshini.”

These words struck the softest and most painful spot in Rafishini's heart.

Her face turned pale instantly, and her body trembled slightly.

Serafina seized the opportunity and turned to everyone.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty Lacey is establishing a completely new Terran order."

"In this order, might does not represent truth, and all nations are born equal."

“He helps you not to enslave you, but because your enemies are also our enemies.”

“The Victorian aristocracy is a stubborn obstacle to Terra’s progress and must be removed.”

“As for the issue of sovereignty,” she said, looking at Abrahana.

“An independent Tara can certainly establish diplomatic relations with any country, including Colombia, or even Ursus.”

"But think about it, once you are truly independent, who will be your most reliable friend?"

"Is he a Colombian businessman who only wants to extract profits from you, or the Duke of Wellington who is using you as cannon fodder?"

“Only we, the newly emerging Letania, share a common enemy and common interests with you.”

“Helping you is also helping ourselves. This is not a transaction, it is an alliance.”

Abbrana was silent.

She looked at her sister, then at the aid list on the table, a fierce internal struggle raging within her.

Lavshini's ideals, didn't they also exist?

But the reality is cruel.

To fight against the entire Victoria with only Deeppool's own strength is tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

Every medicine has its side effects, but without this potent medicine, Tara might not even have had the chance to die from her illness.

"Sister..." Lavshini wanted to say something more.

"enough."

Abrahana raised her hand, interrupting her.

She stood up and stared intently at Serafina. The oppressive aura emanating from her, the king of Drak, seemed to lower the temperature of the entire mine.

"I can agree to cooperate with you, but I need to see your sincerity."

Serafina smiled: "Sincerity is on its way."

As soon as she finished speaking, a sentry from the deep pool ran in excitedly.

"Leader! A convoy has arrived outside! They say they're... Letanians, bringing us gifts!"

Everyone was stunned.

Abrahana led everyone out of the tent.

In a clearing in the woods, more than a dozen vehicles, disguised as transport trucks, had been turned off and were parked.

A group of soldiers dressed in Letanian military uniforms, but wearing special armbands, were deftly opening the tailgate of the carriage.

Boxes of supplies were neatly stacked on the ground.

A young soldier from the deep pool couldn't resist stepping forward and opening the box to examine it.

More soldiers surrounded them.

Abrahana watched this scene unfold before her.

After a moment, she turned around and extended her hand to Serafina.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you, Your Excellency Minister."

Serafina took her hand, her smile gentle and confident.

"Pleasant to work with."

……

Holy Lytanian Empire: Chapter 123: The Founding of the Trilintelme-Kazdel Axis

Trinitylme, a secret room deep within the palace.

Emperor Lacey stood before the sand table, toying with a black chess piece representing Kazdel in his hand.

The door to the secret room was pushed open silently, and a tall, imposing figure walked in.

He wore a well-tailored black military uniform without rank insignia, but the iron-blooded aura honed from countless battles was more intimidating than any general.

Therese, Chairman of the Military Council of Kazdel.

“Your Majesty, your palace is simpler than I imagined,” Therese said, looking around.

“A true empire is not built on luxurious decorations.” Lacey turned around and smiled, gesturing for Theresis to sit down in the chair opposite the sand table.

"Welcome to Trinity, Your Excellency Theresis. I hope this secret journey has not been tedious for you."

"Any journey is a pleasure compared to listening to endless arguments in Kazdel."

Therese sat down without any hesitation and turned her gaze to the sand table.

"His Majesty the Emperor is truly generous."

"First Syracuse, then Casimir, and now they've set their sights on Victoria."

"Leytania's appetite is much bigger than I imagined."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency Theresis." Lacey picked up the cup of red tea in front of her and took a small sip.