Summoning America

Chapter 103: Resolution

Conference Hall, Cartalpas

"We will not tolerate Gra Valkan aggression any longer!" Audigs proclaimed, pointing a finger at the Gra Valkan delegation. "It is due time you learned some civility and respect our borders!"

Gesta's eyelids fluttered in response, although this reaction was nigh-unnoticeable to anyone but himself. Feeling a mixture of guilt and anger, he retaliated, "Our conflicts with the Sonal Kingdom and Nigrat Union do not concern you. We were merely acting in response to extremist instigators, much like those Irnetians and Pagandans who blatantly disrespected our attempts at peaceful diplomatic negotiation!"

Audigs wasted no time in firing back, retorting immediately as if he had already anticipated Gesta's words. "Is that so?! Then why are you building up forces along our borders?!"

Gesta deflected the question with expertise, countering, "That buildup is merely to prevent extremists from crossing your borders. This is meant to not only protect your people from these lowlives, but also to prevent our enemies from regaining their strength. Additionally, our military hopes to counter the heavy militarization along the Muan border."

"These 'lowlives' were once peaceful citizens until you attacked their countries! And we're militarizing our own borders because of your country's unchecked conquests!"

Seeing the nature of the current debate, Liage stepped in. He hit his gavel three times, causing the participants to cease their discussion and direct their attention to him. "It is clear to me that this conversation is going nowhere. In the effort of saving time, I request that blames be kept to a minimum. The Gra Valkans will never admit fault, so it would be prudent for us to abandon this performance and instead discuss what we will actually do about this unprecedented level of expansion. To begin, I will state the Holy Mirishial Empire's official position."

Liage cleared his throat, "The Holy Mirishial Empire is aware of the turmoil occurring in the Second Civilized Region and is willing to take action in order to stabilize the region. As such, the Holy Mirishial Empire will provide humanitarian aid to Mu and other affected regions in the form of food, raw materials, and consumer goods. In the event that instability in the region grows to unmanageable proportions, the Holy Mirishial Empire authorizes the construction of military bases in the Hytal Islands in order to provide prompt military support to the Second Civilized Region. Additionally, the Holy Mirishial Empire directs all Elysian Defense Initiative member nations to implement trade embargos with the Gra Valkas Empire, effective immediately. Member nations who do not comply with this directive will be removed from the organization and sanctioned. Elysian Defense Initiative members in favor of this proposal, please raise your hands."

Naturally, most of the EDI members agreed to the proposed measures. Only the Magikareich Community refused to partake. "The Magikareich Community does not approve of this hegemonic threat. We stand by the Gra Valkas Empire," the Magikareich representative declared.

Soft whispers and flabbergasted looks circulated the room. Surprised that the Magikareich Community had essentially just terminated its relations with the Elysian Defense Initiative, everyone awaited Liage's words with bated breath. The only people present to display emotions other than surprise were Gesta and Dallas, who oozed relief, and Cielia, who looked at the Magikareich delegation with pity.

Liage sighed, disappointment weighing heavily on his shoulders. Throughout history, the Magikareich Community was a relatively friendly nation, having contributed much to the advancement of science and magic as they worked to bridge the gap between Mu and the Holy Mirishial Empire. He hoped that the Magikareich Community would side with their fellow Elysians, but alas, the Gra Valkas Empire's influence proved too great. He knew what had to be done. With a reluctant soul, he officially severed ties with the Magikareich Community, "So you have made your choice. From now on, all Elysian Defense Initiative members will remove relations to the Magikareich Community."