CHAPTER 1549: CHAPTER 46: TILAN WAITING PATIENTLY

In the quiet hall, a projection of a speech from the distant Western Star Region is playing, with members of the Central Council seated below.

The final image freezes on ’Yellow Jade Garlic’ Arosa raising her arm, with the golden sunset filling the sky behind her.

"Clap, clap, clap." The cool applause rings out in the hall, coming from the red-haired Songstress seated at the head.

"A very courageous child, I quite like her." Prin’s deep red eyes focus on the figure, a strong interest evident in her expression.

"This is not sarcasm, but genuine admiration." She stood up, looking back at the many legislators and representatives behind her.

"Blanchi has a very good successor."

Her fingers ran through the fiery red hair beside her ear, pulling back the strands that blocked her view, recalling her unremarkable companion from school.

No legislators responded to the Songstress’s sentiments below, although Prin Coco seemed to be addressing them, it didn’t mean they could respond freely; more words, more mistakes, it was usually safer to listen carefully at a time like this.

"Originally, I did have some conciliatory intentions. If the Western Star Region surrendered obediently, it would be good for both parties, but since they do not appreciate it, we cannot be blamed."

"Let the Fifth Fleet start preparing. I want to receive reports that they are ready to deploy at any time by the end of June."

"Yes, Your Highness." A fleet representative stood beside her, executing a crisp movement, bending into a standard ninety-degree bow to the Songstress, then departing the hall.

In response, a slight murmuring arose within the hall, as many began to speculate on the outcome of the confrontation.

"According to the calculations of the ultra-rank AI, to defeat the Western Star Region’s United Fleet, the Fifth Fleet would only need three months."

"Thanks to the technical support from the Star Son Alliance, the mobility of new warships and various fighter mecha has been greatly improved, giving us a considerable advantage in the offensive."

"The industrial base of the Western Star Region is still shallow. If they suffer an initial defeat, it will be difficult for them to quickly replenish their fleet."

"Given all these objective conditions, they stand no chance of victory. One wonders where they find the courage."

"This battle will also completely erase eighteen years of shame."

"...The return to unity in the Federation is inevitable."

Most people on site were optimistic about the outcome of this battle, with many even looking forward to it, if it hadn’t been for eighteen years ago when Blanchi led the Western Star Region’s United Fleet to two miraculous victories, the Federation would never have been in its current fragmented state, and the factions within the Central Star Domain wouldn’t have gone through various upheavals over the past decade.

"Many people desire this war." In the corner, two elders sat together talking, judging by their military uniforms and the medals they wore, they must be retired High Rank officers from the Military.

"Of course, the demise of the Fifth Fleet and Sixth Fleet back then is a pain many can’t forget. Many of my descendants also perished in those two battles."

The other leaned back in his chair, resting his head sideways, eyes gazing at the table, a touch of melancholy in his voice.

"Ultimately, it’s an internal conflict within the Federation. There’s nothing proud or glorious about it. Winning does not warrant pride..."

"Listening to you, I sense a great deal of worry in your tone," the other elder turned to look at his old friend.

"Worry? Yes indeed, what worries me about this battle is if it cannot be resolved quickly, it will become a terrifying whirlpool, dragging the entire Federation into the abyss." His wrinkled fingers rubbed his stiff cheeks.

"Do you remember the confidential documents we once read? Four hundred years ago, Her Highness Emuralin forced the advance of the front line to quickly end the civil war, resulting in significant sacrifices from our side."

"For soldiers, of course, this isn’t a good thing. Who doesn’t want a stable victory in warfare, but war is only a means. The ultimate goal is to solve problems."

"A prolonged civil war brings many issues."

"A swift conclusion before the populace realizes it is the best result."

"Once it turns into a prolonged conflict, the hatred between the two sides will continue to accumulate. Even if one side wins eventually, they will face difficult post-conflict appeasement issues. Some historical legacy issues might even be unsolvable."

"People on this land forever hold grievances and discontent. As soon as order becomes slightly turbulent, they’ll attempt to break free again."

"If that’s the case, why are you still worried? Isn’t our advantage quite obvious? It won’t drag on for long this time." The companion puzzled.

"I know the advantage is indeed clear this time, but my intuition tells me, the result of this expedition may not be ideal."

"I hope it’s just me the old man being overly sensitive. Even if the Federation falls apart in the end, let it happen after I die. I can’t withstand such a blow anymore."

Their conversation faded into the gradually bustling hall.

Facing the swiftly tense standoff between the Federal Center and the Western Star Region, all sides felt a sense of invisible crisis. It’s not just the Western Star Region; various local factions started to increase their military investment as well, even if they weren’t sure what for, in this increasingly tense environment, holding a few more cards always brings some peace of mind.

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Southern Star Region, Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, Jade Skirt Outer Space Station.

The white ring-shaped space station slowly rotated in space, squadrons of ivory-colored fighters formed formations, lightly flipping in side-flight, entering the star harbor inside the space station.

Half an hour later, many representatives gathered inside the Star Domain Governor’s Office within the space station. Most of them were board directors of large industrial firms within Jade Skirt.