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

"However, the current dilemma is that intelligence reports indicate Lord Rein from the Empire has also 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 harbored fears of a leak previously, but I never expected those fears to materialize." The Federation general who had been present at the prior assembly cast a stern look at Trena and spoke with gravity.

"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. If we can gain total control over the floating city, the threat of the resurrected giant beasts will be rendered insignificant," the elderly man with the pipe agreed, nodding slowly.

"Vice Chairman, I have a recommendation. Should Lord Rein fail to explicitly declare his intent to defect to the Federation before he leaves, we should ensure he remains here permanently."

The Federation general shifted his gaze from Trena to Bertrand, delivering his words with calculated slowness.

"I refuse to accept this!" Trena’s face reddened with fury as she bolted upright.

"General Randall, Lord Rein possesses unprecedented talent. Even if he chooses not to align with the Federation, his very presence serves as a vital shield for mankind against the awakening of divine beasts and giant beasts. Your suggestion is heartless!"

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

"While such a course of action might be distasteful in practice, it ensures the Federation maintains its monopoly over the secrets of the ruins."

"Once we have mastered the floating city and ancient goblin technology, it is highly probable that we can eliminate the giant beast threat on our own. Beyond that, we could 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 old man then struck his pipe against the ashtray, his expression becoming somber.

As a congressman overseeing the Federation’s industrial output, he possessed the authority and conviction to make such a claim.

"One last thing, Congresswoman Trena—do not forget your oath as a member of this council: 'Everything for the Federation, and never shall I harm its interests.' Have you discarded those words?"

"My stance remains unchanged! Have you ignored the intelligence detailing Lord Rein’s pivotal role in this mission? To abandon the fundamental principles of humanity for the sake of profit—forgive me, but I stand firmly against this!"

"This is difficult..." Caught between these clashing viewpoints, Vice Chairman Bertrand appeared conflicted.

There was no denying that if the subject were anyone other than Lord Rein, Bertrand’s internal compass would have already swung toward protecting the Federation’s core interests through secrecy.

But the target was Rein.

Having personally observed Rein’s combat prowess and extraordinary potential, Bertrand knew that eliminating such a gifted youth would not only be costly but would also be a profound tragedy.

"We are currently en route to Zetaya, with a full 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 pin the blame on them."

General Randall pressed his point further.

"Once Rein reunites with the Empire’s delegation, our window of opportunity will vanish."

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

"Vice Chairman, I am vehemently opposed!" Trena declared, her expression frozen in ice.

...