After returning to Crosbell, Fangzheng received the news from Ellie immediately.
And his answer was …
"Don't worry about it."
"… Eh? You don't have to worry about it? "
"The Empire wouldn't be foolish enough to do something that would push Crosbell towards the Republic. That's why you think those idiots in the Parliament of Crossrail — well, your grandfather's not among them — think they can drive the wolves to devour the tigers? Cross Bell was wavering between the two big countries, but if either side went too far, it would push Cross Bell to the other side without any leeway. Besides, when it comes to business and trade, the Republic is better at it. Now that the empire is busy with internal affairs, a civil war could break out at any time, so they don't have the time to start a second war with the Republic. That's why it's just a casual statement to scare people. "
"So that's how it is … Sorry, I was too nervous before."
Hearing Fangzheng's answer, Allie finally let out a sigh of relief. But soon, she couldn't help but look at Fangzheng's side.
"But, Mr. Fangzheng, who is she?"
"This is Miss Fina, a Knight of the Star Cup Knights."
Fangzheng casually made an introduction, but after hearing Fangzheng's introduction, Allie's expression stiffened.
"Starcup Knights? That's not from the Seven Luminaries Church … "
"Yes, that's right. Before I came back, I went to the headquarters of the Seven Luminaries Church and had a discussion with the Guardian King. In principle, the Seven Luminaries Church supports Crosbell's independence."
"Re-really?"
Allie shrieked instantly and leaped up in excitement.
"The Seven Luminaries Church is willing to support us? That way, we will also be acknowledged by the Seven Luminaries Church in the future …. "
"No, Miss McDowell."
However, before Allie could finish her sentence, she saw Lufina speaking with a smile on her face.
"Indeed. After hearing about what happened to Crosbell, the church supported Crosbell's independence in principle, but we won't be like the other independent territories and become Crosbell's sovereign state."
"Eh? Don't tell me … it's not right? "
Allie was a little stunned by Fina's answer.
On the Semlia Continent, other than the sovereign independent countries like Libel, Erebonia, and Calvard, there were also some similar independent territories, such as the Remifilia Principality, Northampulia Autonomous Prefecture, Jullet District, and Olide Autonomous Prefecture.
The reason why these independent territories were not annexed by the Republic and the Empire was that they had signed an agreement with the country of the Church of Seven Luminaries, the Artrian Code Nation. They recognized the Artrian Code Nation as their suzerain, and the Artrian Code Nation would use its reputation and power to protect their sovereignty and independence.
If the Empire and Republic were to declare war on them, it would be equivalent to declaring war on the Seven Luminaries Church. In Semulia, where the Goddess of Space's faith was spread all over the continent, doing such a thing was undoubtedly suicidal.
In Ellie's expectation, being able to sign a suzerain agreement with the Seven Luminaries Church and become an independent nation like the other independent territories was the best choice.
However, Fina's answer puzzled Allie.
"You'll know soon enough."
Fangzheng stood up and walked out of the room.
"Let's go. We need to go somewhere."
"Where are we going?"
"The Tanggulam Gate."
The Tanggulam Gate was the border gate between Cloisbell and the Empire. Naturally, the Cloisbell Guards were stationed here. Fangzheng brought Allie and Fina here. Soon, after Fangzheng reported his name, they passed through the security area and arrived at the office inside.
When Fangzheng pushed the door open and walked in, Allie saw a serious-looking, bespectacled woman in a military uniform sitting in front of the desk. This person was no stranger to Allie. She was the deputy commander of the guards, Sonia Belz.
"To be honest, I didn't expect the CEO of Starlight Technology to come here to look for me."
Putting down the documents in her hand, Sonia stared at Fangzheng. Although her expression was indifferent, it revealed the sharpness of an unsheathed sword.
"May I ask why you've come all the way here?"
"I'll cut to the chase."
Fangzheng pulled a chair and sat down, then looked at Sonia.
"I'm here to inform you that Starlight Technology will dissolve the Cloisbell Parliament at the beginning of next month and announce the independence of the entire Cloisbell."
"…!"
Upon hearing Fangzheng's words, a cold glint flashed in Sonia's eyes. She stared at Fangzheng.
"What a terrible joke."
"I'm not here to joke with you."
Fangzheng took a stack of documents out of his briefcase and threw them on Sonia's desk.
"These are the criminal records and evidence of the members of the Cloisbell Parliament. Fortunately, there is no death penalty here, or else they would be sentenced to death ten times over. Of course, this also includes the commander of the guards. This is why I'm here. Since you're unwilling to associate with those idiots, then we have a basis for cooperation. "
"Do you know what you're doing? Mr. Fangzheng, this is a coup. "
"So?"
Fangzheng shrugged.
"I didn't point a gun at their necks. They deserve to be punished for what they did. Do you think I should let them get away scot-free?"
"Based on your behavior, isn't it ironic to say that?"
"Of course not."
Fangzheng smiled at Deputy Commander-in-Chief Sonia's question.
"I'm not a citizen of Cloisbell. You should be aware that according to Cloisbell's laws, you can't do anything to me. This is the fault of the Cloisbell Parliament."
"But as the deputy commander of the guards, I still have the authority to arrest those who attempt to overthrow Cloisbell and bring disaster to it."
Sonia stood to her feet.
"Aren't you afraid? Or did you bribe all my soldiers? "
"I don't need any of them."
Fangzheng shook his head.
"I didn't bribe your soldiers, and I didn't poison you. These are the actions of the weak. There's only one reason why I came here to negotiate with you. "
Fangzheng let out a chuckle.
"That is, even if all of the guards joined forces, they won't be a match for me."
"You …"
"If you think I'm spouting nonsense, you can have all the soldiers here come in and capture me. I'll just sit here, and I won't attack or retaliate. If you can make me move even half a step, then it'll be my loss. I will turn around and leave immediately. I will pretend that Cloisbell's independence never happened. "
Sonia calmed down after hearing Fangzheng's calm reply. She stared at him and sat down slowly.
"Frankly speaking, Mr. Fangzheng, your words sound like a drunkard to me. But you didn't drink. Besides, if you were crazy, Miss McDowell wouldn't be by your side, right? Even though it seems like she was shocked by your words, I would like to ask you. So then, let me ask you. Even if Starlight Technology gains control of Cloisbell, you know what you will face after you declare independence. How are you going to deal with it? "
"Of course I have a plan. I also know what will happen after Starlight Technology takes control of Cloisbell and declares independence. The republic and the empire won't sit idly by. They will use this as an excuse to attack Cloisbell. It will be best if one of them can occupy this place once and for all to end the current co-governance. In my opinion, under normal circumstances, the republic has a higher chance of winning. But now, the empire is on the verge of a civil war. If they want to divert the internal conflict, they may also react to it. For example, they can reward the person who takes down Cloisbell as a new noble or promote the noble's title. From this perspective, they can avoid increasing and further outbreak of internal conflicts. "
"Such a war will be devastating for Cloisbell."
Sonia glared at Fangzheng.
"Since you know about it, what do you plan to do?"
"Simple. First, resist the attacks from the republic and the empire. As long as we can repel them and hold the stalemate for a while, the Seven Luminaries Church will take action."
"Yes, Sir."
Fina stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Fangzheng, then turned to Sonia.
"When that time comes, the church will step in and give both sides a way out. They will summon both sides for peace talks and hope that the two countries can sign an independence agreement …."
"And then Cloisbell will accept the Country of Code as its suzerain?"
"No."
Fina shook her head and bowed respectfully to Fangzheng again.
"The church will not sign a suzerain agreement with Cloisbell.
We recognize Sir Fangzheng as the only legitimate ruler of Cloisbell. That's all. "
"This …."
Sonia and Allie were taken aback by Lufina's resolute answer.
The Seven Luminaries Church recognizes Fangzheng as the only legitimate ruler of Cloisbell?
Why would the church do that?
It wouldn't be unreasonable for the Seven Luminaries Church to expand their influence through this method. But Fina's attitude was quite firm, and she was unusually respectful to Fangzheng. Could it be that Fangzheng was a clergyman with a high position in the church? But his style didn't seem like it ….
"That's a good idea."
Compared to Allie who was an idealist, Sonia was a realist. Otherwise, she wouldn't have become the deputy commander of the guards as a woman.
"But the premise of this idea is that we can resist the joint attack of the republic and empire. I can tell you that the guards don't have the power to do so."
"Just because we didn't in the past doesn't mean we don't now."
Fangzheng spread his hands and smiled.
"In fact, I've brought you something, and this … is one of my trump cards."
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