"What the Star Yuan Federation needs is not a vassal, but an ally. A vassal requires them to expend resources to manage, whereas an ally can jointly develop resources and share the pressure with them."
Zhou Chen asked nothing more. He lowered his eyes, as if undergoing a final struggle and weighing of options in his heart. Finally, he looked up again. Although his gaze was still complex, deep within lay the decisiveness of a ruler.
"Imperial Father's side..."
"His Majesty will understand." Li Xuangang's voice carried firmness and a sense of responsibility. "I will personally report it to him."
Zhou Chen nodded and said no more. He looked back down at the Broken Sword Jinghong resting on his lap. His fingers gently brushed past the cold, severed edge and that fatal crack, his eyes ultimately settling into a strange calm. His defeat came by this sword, and so too did his new beginning.
The candlelight in the tent CRACKLED softly as the light gradually dimmed.
