Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

Grand Duke Vanya's mission was to observe and assess Letania's true strength and intentions.

The Sicilian woman of Syracuse, an elegant yet dangerous woman, is having a pleasant conversation with Melander Selene, the father of the Colombian Confederation and president of the Melander Foundation.

They represent another force to be reckoned with on the continent of Terra—emerging powers and city-state alliances that refuse to be controlled by established empires.

For them, the rise of Lexi may be an opportunity to break the old international order.

A moment later, the hall door was pushed open, and everyone's eyes were instantly drawn to it.

Lacey walked in.

He was not wearing the magnificent formal attire that symbolized imperial power, but rather his simple green stand-up collar uniform.

Behind him followed a group of cabinet members, including Taylor, Gertrude, and Mecklen.

His arrival silenced the noisy discussions in the hall.

Lacey wore a gentle smile, looking as harmless as a boy next door.

But wherever he goes, he naturally becomes the center of attention.

He first approached the Duke of Wellington.

“Your Grace, welcome to Trinitylme.” Lacey extended his hand.

"I read your biography when I was young. Your art of command in the Gallo-Gallic Wars is still a required course in military academies around the world."

You can't hit someone who's smiling, especially when the other person has just complimented your proudest chapter in life.

The Duke of Wellington's tense facial features softened slightly as he grasped Lacey's hand: "Your Majesty, you flatter me."

“Building a country is much more difficult than commanding a battle. You have done a great job.”

"I'm just doing my part for my people."

Lacey's reply was humble and appropriate, then she changed the subject: "I've heard that Victoria's steam knight armor is world-famous. I wonder if we'll have the chance to witness its splendor at this Games?"

A glint flashed in the Duke of Wellington's eyes.

He replied calmly, "Steam Knights are the guardians of the Empire, not performers in the arena."

"However, our Storm Commando has sent its elites to participate in the tactical squad competition of this Games, and I believe they will not disappoint His Majesty the Emperor."

“I’m looking forward to it.” Lacey nodded with a smile, then turned to Charne on the other side.

"Mr. Chairman, I heard that the Meshko Group's Sports Securities recently launched a new wealth management product?" Lacey's tone became relaxed, as if he were chatting with an old friend.

Charne immediately approached, his face beaming with smiles: "They're just little trinkets, Your Majesty."

"Your Technology Patents and Intellectual Property Protection Act has generated a tremendous response in the Kasimir business community."

“We all say that you are a ruler who truly knows how to do business.”

"The essence of business is mutual benefit and win-win. If knowledge is not respected, no one will be willing to create it." Lacey shook hands with him.

"The equestrian competition in Kazimierz has provided us with valuable commercial experience, and I believe that we can cooperate in more areas in the future."

“Of course!” Charn nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with joy.

What he saw was Letania's huge market and potential profits.

He believes that as long as there is money to be made, peace will continue.

"Your Majesty, thanks to you, since we signed the cooperation agreement with Letania, the stock price of our Business Federation has been soaring!"

"We are determined to secure the exclusive broadcasting rights and some commercial sponsorships for this sports meet!"

“Business is business, Minister Mecklen will discuss it with you in detail.” Lacey patted him on the shoulder.

"I only hope that the journalists in Casimir can present a true Letania to the world."

"Definitely! Definitely!" Charn nodded repeatedly.

Then, Melander Selene, president of the Melander Foundation, stepped forward.

He was a tall, thin man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, who looked more like a scholar than a politician.

"Your Majesty Emperor Lecce, your Draft Provisional Charter is full of the spirit of freedom and equality, which coincides with the founding principles of our Colombian nation."

"I am gratified to see that there is still a force on Terra fighting for the freedom and democracy of all people."

“Mr. Melander, freedom and democracy are the ultimate destination of every civilization.” Lacey nodded to the other man.

"We are simply putting it into practice, while the technological development in Colombia has shown us the way."

"We look forward to having deeper exchanges with your country in the field of technology."

Melander was pleased with this and extended his hand to Lacey.

"Of course, science and technology know no borders, and the research conducted by the Free Will Society in Letania is the best proof of that."

Lacey then found the Grand Duke of Vanya, toasted him politely, and discussed with Madame Sicily the secrets of hair care in Syracuse.

He even took the time to chat with a specially appointed director from Da Yan named "Nian" about film art.

He moved with ease among the various factions, using different rhetoric to convey the same message: Letania desires peace and is happy to cooperate, but only on the premise of mutual respect.

The atmosphere at the dinner party became harmonious and warm under Lacey's guidance, as if all the previous suspicions and hostility had vanished.

However, in a corner where no one was watching, Therese downed the crimson liquid in her glass in one gulp.

He looked at the young emperor dancing gracefully at the pinnacle of power, his gaze growing increasingly profound.

He saw through the illusion of peace and prosperity, and realized the turbulent undercurrents surging beneath.

Lacey is using a grand celebration to lull his opponents into a false sense of security, buying himself a final push to get his terrifying war machine ready.

And he, Therese, came here to learn how to build and operate such a machine.

For Kazdel, for the future of all Sarkaz compatriots.

A side note: [Bonus Chapter] The First Terra Peace Games (Part 3)

Triinttelme, People's Stadium.

This is a massive building capable of holding 100,000 people. Its exterior is full of the rugged and utilitarian beauty of the "Neo-Laetanian style," designed and supervised by the Minoan architect Paratti.

It sits on the edge of the newly planned administrative district, facing the towering Twin Towers across the water.

“Your Majesty, everything is ready,” Gertrude reported to Lacey via encrypted communication. “All attendees have undergone four rounds of screening.”

Lacey stood in the shadows of the preparation area, straightened the collar of her green uniform, and nodded.

The atmosphere in the VIP section was subtle.

The Duke of Wellington of Victoria sat in the center, his hawk-like gaze surveying the stadium.

A building of this scale would require at least three years of preparation in Victoria.

Letania's ability to mobilize made him uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Casimir, Charne, was busy directing his assistants to record the effects of the advertising on the billboards in the venue.

“The MESSENGER Group logo is well-placed,” he nodded in satisfaction.

"This sponsorship was worthwhile. I heard that the brewery in Letania is also putting out tenders?"

Grand Duke Vania of Ursus was taciturn. The vodka he brought was politely confiscated by security and replaced with Letanian "Black Swan's Kiss." He took a sip and frowned slightly.

Therese sat to the side.

W listlessly scraped the leather on the armrest with the tip of his dagger.

Hedley and Ines sat on either side, warily observing their surroundings.

“They’re here,” Hedley whispered.

The military music began, not the decadent tunes of the old royal family, but a stirring and uplifting march.

Lacey, the emperor of the Holy Third Empire of Leitania, entered the hall.

The 80,000 spectators erupted in a thunderous roar of cheers.

"Your Majesty the Emperor!"

"Your Majesty Lacey!"

Lacey smiled and waved to everyone around her before walking to the center of the stage and standing there.

He raised his hand, and the cheers stopped in unison within three seconds.

This terrifying discipline, where orders were strictly enforced, caused the Duke of Wellington's wine glass to tremble slightly.

The flag-raising ceremony begins.

A red flag adorned with a sickle and hammer rises slowly to the strains of "Leytania March".

"Arise, you starving and freezing slaves..."

When the first line of lyrics was sung, everyone in the stadium—from the workers in the stands to the athletes lining up to enter—instinctively straightened their backs and joined in the chorus.

Melander Selene adjusted his glasses and whispered to the Sicilian woman beside him, "This is more terrifying than any army."

Madame Sicily agreed wholeheartedly, as she had never witnessed anything like it in Syracuse.

Next is the athletes' entrance ceremony.

In the commentary booth, Mob, the famous commentator specially hired by Kazimir and known for his outspokenness, couldn't wait to turn on the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Trinitylme!"

"I'm your old friend, Mob the Big Mouth!"

"Thank you to the Meshko Group for their exclusive sponsorship of this program!"

"Meshko Sports Securities, making every heartbeat worthwhile!"

Mob, spitting as he spoke, announced, "First to enter is—oh, look who this is! Letania's neighbor, Gaul… sorry, it's Victoria!"

"The leader is Lady 'Horn'! Look at that shield, tsk tsk, I bet there are some good things hidden inside."

"The 'Bagpipes' lady next to her, I heard she drives a tractor on the farm better than an armored vehicle!"

Qin Liu walked at the very front of the formation, holding the Union Jack of Victoria, her eyes fixed straight ahead.

The Victorian delegation walked by haughtily, ignoring the cheers around them.

"Next up is Ursus! Leading the pack is 'Winter'! Oh wow, this lady's gaze can freeze vodka!"

"I've heard that 'Gumi' in the back is an excellent cook. I must try her borscht later! Ursus people are always so... robust."

Winter carried the Ursus double-headed eagle banner, her face expressionless.

Gummy secretly waved to the stands from behind.

“Kasimir! My homeland!” Mob’s voice rose eight octaves.

“Look! Margaret Nearl! And her sister Maria Nearl!”

"Golden hair, golden glory! They are the pride of Kazimierz!"

"The Meshko Group will always support the Lin Guang family!"

Margaret raised the battle flag high, Maria smiled and waved beside her, and the Red Pine Knights led by Sona (Flame Tail) followed closely behind.

The Kazimir contingent won a thunderous applause.

"Gloria and Skadi of Agor!"

"Oh my god! I can smell the sea breeze! We can give out the swimming and tug-of-war awards early..."

"Miss Remule of Laterano! Her smile can cure Oripathy!"

"Wait, she fired a shot at me? Oh, it was fireworks, that scared me to death!"

When the Sarkaz delegation entered, the cheers from the crowd noticeably subsided.

“Uh…this is Kazdel’s team.” Mob hesitated for a moment.

"The leader is... Miss W? Is she... is she holding candy or a miniature bomb?"

“Mr. Hedley and Miss Ines look, well, very intimidating. Let’s applaud their courage.”

W, carrying Kazdel's tattered, patched flag, exaggeratedly blew kisses towards the stands.

Seeing the Duke of Wellington's ashen face in the VIP section, she smiled even more broadly.