The Allied Forces Supreme Leadership Diplomatic Summit was an organization inherited from the former United Nations framework.
It served as a platform to coordinate disagreements among member states.
So in essence, it was simply continuing previous conventions.
Although the three major components of the Allied Forces now were the East Asian Federation, Atlantic Federation, and Eurasian Federation.
The internal differences weren't actually that significant.
The same few powers still dominated.
Even though three factions from the old era had merged into one, as for the Eurasian Federation...
Those who understand, understand—if they had truly integrated into a solid bloc, they wouldn't be the pushovers they are today.
"Bang, bang, bang."
The current Rotating Chairman of the Allied Forces was a representative from a small nation. Watching the chaotic scene before him, he could only appropriately pick up his gavel and pound it desperately.
Although various representatives had submitted numerous topics for today's emergency meeting.
Everyone knew perfectly well which issue was truly important.
"Order, order!"
The Rotating Chairman hammered away frantically for quite some time, but unfortunately, nobody below paid him any attention.
Thus, he could only raise his voice and shout loudly.
Yet if pounding the table was useless, what good would a loud voice do?
The representatives below continued doing their own things, paying no mind to others.
"Goddamn pathetic!"
Neither pounding nor shouting worked. Ever since taking this so-called chairman position.
He hadn't gained much prestige in public, but had suffered plenty of humiliation.
Scanning the various representatives seated in their places, the Rotating Chairman cursed under his breath.
And why not!
The three major powers within the Eurasian Federation each occupied one corner of their seating area.
Each surrounded by their own supporters, clearly displaying their discord on the surface.
The Atlantic Federation side was slightly better—the smaller powers within their sphere at least knew who was in charge.
They all gathered around the Atlantic Federation Representative, who despite poor recent performance still maintained an imposing presence, offering flattering words.
The East Asian Federation! The East Asian Federation!
When he saw that East Asian Representative who had been rising rapidly in influence, now so popular he was practically glowing purple...
The Rotating Chairman's lips moved silently forming a few words, then he simply couldn't bear to look.
The East Asian Representative, formerly known for being gentle, elegant, and courteous, used to be the one who showed him the most respect.
But now!
The East Asian Representative, who had always sat upright and proper, today was practically sprawled across his chair.
Damn it, East Asian Representative, do you know what kind of occasion this is?
What place is that chair you're sitting on?
Your living room? Your sofa?
Do whatever feels most comfortable, is that it?
Covering his lowered forehead with his hand, even though the East Asian Representative no longer showed him respect.
The Rotating Chairman remained utterly helpless.
With these three representatives setting such examples, the rest of those uncultured brutes...
Those bastards were practically flying high now!
They would pay even less attention to this wooden statue-like figure.
"Maybe I should just resign. I can't chair this meeting anymore."
After slacking off for a while and realizing he had wasted another precious hour of his life, the utterly exhausted Rotating Chairman muttered these words under his breath.
Something peculiar happened instantly.
Earlier, no matter whether the Rotating Chairman had been pounding the table or shouting himself hoarse, no one in the entire assembly had paid him any attention.
Yet this soft, self-deprecating complaint of his?
He hadn't even turned on his microphone, but somehow, certain people heard it clearly.
"Hmm?"
The three leaders of the Eurasian Federation glanced at the Rotating Chairman.
"Hah."
Full of disdain, the Atlantic Federation Representative sized up the Rotating Chairman.
Both sides shared the same thought: letting someone like you sit up there—
Do you really think it's because of your prestige?
It's only because none of the three—no, five—major powers would agree to any one of the others sitting in that seat, which is why a figurehead like you was placed there!
Squeak.
Suddenly, the sound of a chair scraping echoed as the East Asian Federation Representative, who had been reclining, sat up straight.
Like a tiger clearing the streets, the once bustling assembly fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Quiet as the darkest hour before dawn, when not even insects chirp or birds sing.
"Rotating Chairman, please mind your language. Do not utter such inappropriate remarks in such a solemn setting."
The Rotating Chairman at the head of the room looked around, on the verge of tears. At first, he had secretly felt pleased, thinking he still commanded some respect.
Little did he expect that the East Asian Federation Representative would not only demonstrate his own authority, silencing the other four most powerful representatives, but also publicly humiliate him in front of so many people without a shred of consideration for his dignity!
"Understood, understood."
What he thought internally didn't matter—what mattered was how he acted.
Even though the East Asian Federation had publicly shamed him, the Rotating Chairman didn't show any anger on his face.
Instead, he slowly rose and gave a slight bow toward the East Asian Federation Representative.
"Good, very good. We in the East Asian Alliance have an old saying: 'To recognize a fault and correct it is the greatest virtue.'"
Satisfied with the Rotating Chairman's compliant demeanor, the East Asian Representative gave a perfunctory warning, indicating it should not happen again.
Turning to face the Atlantic Federation Representative, who had initiated this important meeting, the East Asian Representative narrowed his eyes and said,
"Atlantic Federation Representative, let's skip the trivial matters and get straight to the important ones."
"Lately, we in the East Asian Alliance have many affairs to attend to and limited time."
"As you know, we don't have endless Atlantic time to waste."
Flushing red, the Atlantic Federation Representative immediately made to stand up.
With so many of his subordinates watching, how could the East Asian Alliance show so little respect for the Atlantic Federation's dignity?
What about diplomatic decorum and the magnanimity of a great nation? Had they abandoned it entirely?
Rising to his feet, the Atlantic Federation Representative's anger flared up quickly but faded just as fast.
Under the amused gazes of the Eurasian Federation's three leaders, everyone had expected that, given the Atlantic Federation's temperament, they would at least show the East Asian Federation Representative what "democratic-style communication" meant.
Yet, to their surprise, the Atlantic Federation Representative, whose face had been as red as a monkey's bottom before standing, turned pale the moment he rose.
His tone that followed was remarkably gentle.
"Everyone is aware of what happened in the PLANT satellite cluster's homeland, right?"
The East Asian Representative scanned the room filled with delegates—some competent, others merely decorative mascots.
In the past, there were only four major powers, and the Atlantic Federation Representative would show respect only to them, barely sparing a second glance at the rest.
But today was different. The Atlantic Federation Representative wore an expression of utmost amiability.
There was no other reason—it was all about riding the tide of the times, ensuring they would vote for him on the upcoming issues.
All to pressure the East Asian Alliance!
"We know, we know."
Everyone in the room, well-informed as they were, was fully aware of what the Atlantic Federation Representative was referring to.
The crowd perked up, sensing that the crucial moment had arrived.
"We Naturals have lived within Earth's Gravity Well since ancient times, enduring countless trials and tribulations over the millennia."
"The reason humanity has survived to this day is because we have supported each other, sharing resources and advancing hand in hand!"
Standing at the center of the venue, the Atlantic Federation Representative delivered an impassioned speech.
His words were so earnest they could move listeners to tears, his concern for the nation and its people seemingly touching the heavens.
Many representatives were visibly moved to weeping.
"Did that guy take the wrong medicine today?"
Very few dared to disrespect the Atlantic Federation Representative, but today, at least three factions in this venue were among them.
The Eurasian Federation's Big Hair, one of the three major powers, dug at his ear and turned to another major power, the Rooster's representative, beside him. "Any idea?"
"Don't know."
Shrugging, the Rooster's representative played dumb, though his gaze lingered on the composed East Asian Representative.
As expected, the subsequent events unfolded just as they had anticipated.
Shifting his tone, the Atlantic Federation Representative put on a shameless face. In the past, whenever there was something valuable, he'd hoard it under the guise of protection.
He had repeatedly excluded the East Asian Alliance, forcing the East Asian Representative to leave in frustration after numerous attempts to warm up to cold shoulders.
Now, having seen the East Asian Alliance develop the Goddess of Love, and with his own covertly stored Light of Peace unsealed,
the Atlantic Federation Representative refused to share but instead set his sights on the East Asian Alliance's assets.
"Share the data on the Goddess of Love with everyone! This is for the victory of all humanity!"
Puffing out his chest and hiking up his belt, the Atlantic Federation Representative revealed his true intentions.
"All that nonsense just to corner us East Asians, huh!"
Digging at his ear with utter disdain, the East Asian Representative flicked earwax toward the Atlantic Federation Representative.
The latter dodged in alarm, nearly slipping and falling.
"Same as always—let's vote!"
Blowing on his finger, the East Asian Representative spoke without even lifting his eyelids.
"Let me be clear: I abstain on this topic.""
"Abstain?"
Hearing this response from the East Asian side, the Atlantic Federation Representative almost jumped for joy.
He hurriedly stated his own choice.
"I agree with my proposal. What about the rest of you?"
After speaking, the Atlantic Federation Representative swept a menacing glare across everyone present.
"Agree."
"Agree."
"Agree."
In an instant, the venue echoed with voices of agreement. Seeing the Atlantic Federation take the lead, everyone followed, eager to reap the benefits.
The numerous fence-sitters naturally had no objections, immediately erupting in overlapping shouts of agreement.
It was as if each could already envision their prosperous future of leeching off the East Asian Federation.
"Heh heh heh."
Wearing a satisfied smile, the Atlantic Federation Representative turned his gaze toward the silent triumvirate of the Eurasian Federation.
"I agree." Cow nodded, as this was something he had wanted to do as well.
"I abstain." Big Hair, whom many had expected to be a stumbling block, relinquished his vote.
It's settled. Witnessing this, the Atlantic Federation Representative felt a surge of surprise followed by wild joy.
Who would have thought that this entity, which in the old century had nearly shared the same pants with East Asia, would actually agree.
So you're not a mole planted by East Asia within the Eurasian Federation after all.
Good, good, worth cultivating.
Nodding repeatedly, the Atlantic Federation was immensely pleased with Big Hair's understanding and tact.
Now, as long as Rooster also agrees, what else can you say, East Asia!
Shifting attention and the entire room's focus onto Rooster.
Confident of victory, the Atlantic Federation Representative saw no possibility of further turbulence.
But who could have known...
"I veto!"
After staring at the East Asian Representative for a moment, Rooster directly raised his hand in opposition.
Though he stood alone in opposition, one must not forget that the Allied Forces organization actually inherited the structure of the former League of Nations.
Thus, the veto power held by the five major powers remained applicable now.
"What the hell are you vetoing?!"
Almost spitting blood in fury, the Atlantic Federation Representative fixed a predatory glare entirely on Rooster.
"I just oppose it."
Stubbornly digging in his heels, Rooster was determined to oppose, like a turtle swallowing a weight—utterly unyielding.
Watching from the other side, Cow was utterly baffled.
Why would you, Rooster, oppose this?
There are benefits for you too!
Do you think I'm stupid?
Responding to Cow's questioning look with his own, Rooster believed that if East Asia truly offered benefits,
given our current family's situation, could our strength increase possibly match that of the Atlantic Federation's?
Wouldn't we just end up as cannon fodder, relegated to the sidelines?
If so, it's better for East Asia to keep their advantages—at least they're reasonable!
Besides, if the Atlantic Federation weakens a bit more and bleeds some strength against the Coordinators,
couldn't we rise with the tide and move from third place to second?
"Good, good, good."
Uttering three "goods" in succession, the Atlantic Federation Representative sat back down in his chair.
It seemed he had abandoned the idea of coercing East Asia.
But just then, from a nearby seat within the Atlantic Federation's sphere, an unknown small nation stood up.
"East Asia, as the big brother, doesn't even know how to take care of us less advanced nations."
"In that case, why should we still call them the big brother?"
"I propose to remove them from the big brother seat!"
"Replace them with someone else!"
Good heavens, this representative's statement truly stirred up a storm, creating waves upon waves.
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