The disturbance at the Achievement Exhibition was contained to the absolute minimum under Gertrude's decisive handling.
Victoria did not even lodge a diplomatic protest, as if the person known as the "Watchmaker" had never existed.
They had suffered a humiliating loss in silence, forced to swallow their pride along with their broken teeth.
This silence was, in itself, a statement.
It meant that Leithanien's strength was now such that these old empires dared not easily tear off the mask of civility.
Three days later, Lacey held a grand press conference in the square beneath the Twin Towers.
Hundreds of reporters from nations across Terra packed the venue to capacity.
The Empire's radio stations and the newly established television station broadcast the conference live.
Lacey stood before the podium, facing countless lenses and expectant gazes.
His voice, amplified by the equipment, clearly reached every corner of the square and every household in Leithanien.
"Friends, reporters, and all who are watching Leithanien."
"In the past few days, the world has seen our achievements."
"Some marvel, some envy, and perhaps, some feel fear."
His opening was direct, instantly seizing everyone's attention.
"They fear because they do not understand."
"They do not understand why a nation that was once not considered top-tier could undergo such earth-shattering changes in a mere three years."
"They view a newborn world through the eyes of the old era, so they feel confused and uneasy."
"Today, I stand here to tell the world what the secret of Leithanien's rise truly is."
Lacey paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience.
"The secret is simple: it is the 'people'."
"Our power does not come from some mysterious monarch, nor from some ancient bloodline, and certainly not from external plunder and colonization."
"Our power comes from every worker, every farmer, every soldier, and every ordinary person who has contributed their sweat and wisdom to this country."
"Everything we do is not for the Emperor's crown, nor for the nobles' treasury, but to ensure that every child has books to read, every family has a home, every patient receives treatment, and every laborer gains dignity."
His voice was full of infectious power, and the crowd in the square erupted in thunderous applause.
Even the foreign reporters were moved by this heartfelt enthusiasm, their pens flying across their notepads.
"We know the cruelty of war well, and we desire peace more than anyone." Lacey changed the subject to international relations.
"But peace is not obtained by begging; it is won by strength."
"Leithanien develops armaments not for aggression, but for self-defense."
"To protect our people and our hard-won construction achievements from the threat and bullying of any external forces."
"We show our weapons to the world to let everyone know that we have the ability to defend peace."
"I hereby announce that the Third Holy Leithanien Empire will dedicate itself to establishing equal and mutually beneficial friendly relations with all peace-loving nations on Terra."
"We are willing to share our development experience, open our markets, and engage in all forms of cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty."
"To enhance understanding and friendship between the peoples of all nations, and to eliminate barriers and misunderstandings, I personally propose that next summer, in Trullinczentyr, we hold the first Terra Peace Games!"
"We invite athletes from all over the world to come here, not for national honor or disgrace, nor for the ownership of gold medals, but to display the human spirit of challenging oneself through competition and to build bridges of communication through exchange."
"Let sports belong to sports, and politics belong to politics!"
"Let us replace blood with sweat, and cannon fire with cheers!"
When the speech ended, the entire square boiled over with excitement.
The people chanted "Long live the Emperor" and "Long live peace," their emotions reaching a peak.
Lacey's speech combined Leithanien's stance with a vision of peace, demonstrating a determination not to be violated while sending a friendly signal to the world.
These words were spoken not only for the people but also for the rulers of nations like Victoria and Kazimierz.
The subtext was: My fist is hard, but as long as you don't provoke me, we can sit down to do business, or even play games together.
...
That night, the Imperial Central Cabinet held a secret meeting.
Sitting at the head of the table, Lacey spoke first: "You have all seen it. Our external environment is becoming increasingly complex."
Serafina nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, your speech has caused a huge reaction internationally."
"Most neutral countries have welcomed it, but the official media of Victoria and Ursus have evaluated our speech as 'military intimidation cloaked in peace'."
"They have already begun to shape a potential threat image for us in public opinion."
Meklen, however, looked excited. "Your Majesty, the idea of the Peace Games is simply genius!"
"I have already received letters of intent from at least a dozen consortiums wanting to sponsor the Games and invest in Leithanien's sports industry while they're at it!"
"This is another huge sum of money!"
Leinia immediately poured cold water on him. "The budget for the Games hasn't even been drawn up, and you're already thinking about making money."
"Let me remind you, these Games are a national image project. Every expense must be public and transparent. Don't think about padding the numbers."
Meklen's smile instantly collapsed.
"Meklen, Leinia, settle your accounts after the meeting." Lacey interrupted them.
"I gathered everyone here to clarify the core of our strategy for the next phase."
He stood up and walked to the map.
"Whether it is the peace speech or the Games, they are merely means, not the end."
"We have only one goal—to buy time."
"Serafina, your Foreign Liaison Department must use this opportunity to establish diplomatic relations with as many countries as possible, especially those small and medium-sized nations suppressed by the old empires."
"Unite them around us to form a united front of international public opinion."
"Meklen, your Ministry of Economy must continue to attract foreign investment and bind their interests deeply with our development."
"I want the capitalists of Victoria and Kazimierz to become our lobbyists within their own countries."
"When their governments want to use force against us, they must first consider whether they will destroy the livelihoods of their own citizens."
"Gertrude, your Intelligence Department must make counter-infiltration its top priority."
"At the same time, increase intelligence gathering within Victoria, Kazimierz, and Ursus."
Lacey's gaze finally fell upon the Minister of Military Affairs, Taylor.
"Taylor, I give you five years."
"Within five years, I want to see at least ten fully manned tank divisions and bomber wings."
"Regarding personnel training, you need to speed up."
"I need our army not only to defend our territory but to be able to plant the Empire's red flag wherever we wish to go, should the need arise."
Flames ignited in Taylor's eyes. He stood up abruptly, raised his right hand, and performed a standard military salute: "Guaranteed to complete the mission, Your Majesty!"
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