Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1474 - 506: Dispute (Part 3)

"The current issue, however, is that our reports indicate Lord Rein from the Empire has already secured data regarding ancient goblin technology. This puts the Federation at a massive disadvantage!"

"Because of this, we have lost a critical piece of leverage during our negotiations with the Empire."

"Precisely. I had lingering fears about a leak, and I never imagined those fears would be realized." The Federation general who was present at the previous assembly looked toward Trena, his expression grave.

"Furthermore, if these reports are accurate, we might need to reconsider our stance on cooperating with the Empire," the general added, his words heavy with hidden meaning.

"I concur. Should we manage to seize control of the floating city, those awakened giant beasts will cease to be a threat," the elderly man with the pipe said, nodding his head.

"Vice Chairman, I have a recommendation. If Lord Rein refuses to explicitly commit to joining the Federation before he leaves, we should ensure he never leaves at all."

The Federation general shifted his gaze from Trena to Bertrand, his voice slow and deliberate.

"I refuse to accept this!" Trena’s face turned red with indignation as she bolted upright.

"General Randall, Lord Rein possesses extraordinary gifts. Even if he chooses not to join our Federation, his very presence serves as a bastion for mankind against the resurgence of giant beasts and divine beasts. Your suggestion is cold-blooded!"

"Congresswoman Trena, I actually find myself in agreement with General Randall's perspective."

"While such a plan might sound distasteful in practice, it is the only way to safeguard the Federation's monopoly on the ruins' secrets."

"Once we have mastered the floating city and the ancient goblin technology, it is highly probable that we can eliminate the threat of the giant beasts on our own. Beyond that, we could even dismantle the Dragan Empire and absorb its lands into the Federation."

"It must be admitted that a unified Federation is the most effective method for mobilizing labor and distributing resources. It would allow us to face future threats far better than this current two-nation alliance."

The elderly man then struck his pipe against the ashtray, speaking with heavy solemnity.

In his capacity as a congressman and the head of the Federation’s industrial output, he possessed both the authority and the conviction to make such a claim.

"Lastly, Congresswoman Trena, do not forget your oath as a member of this Federation. You swore to put 'everything for the Federation' and to 'never act against the Federation’s interests.' Have you discarded that vow?"

"I still refuse! Have you not reviewed the intelligence regarding Lord Rein’s vital contributions to this mission? To abandon the fundamental principles of human decency for the sake of profit—I am sorry, but I vehemently oppose this!"

"This..." Faced with such a sharp divide in the room, Vice Chairman Bertrand appeared conflicted.

It was undeniable that if the subject were anyone other than Lord Rein, Bertrand’s internal moral compass would have already swung toward protecting the Federation’s core interests through secrecy.

However, the individual in question was Rein.

Bertrand had seen Rein’s combat prowess and peerless talent with his own eyes. To eliminate a young man with such immense potential would not only be costly, but internally, Bertrand felt it would be a tragic waste.

"We are currently en route to Zetaya, with one day of travel remaining. The Military Department can manage this operation. As it happens, the Zaral rebels have been quite active lately; we can easily shift the blame onto them."

General Randall pressed on with his argument.

"If we hesitate until Rein links up with the Empire's delegation, we will lose our window of opportunity."

"Vice Chairman, we are running out of time."

"Vice Chairman, I am firmly against this!" Trena declared, her expression frozen like ice.

...