Episode 824 World Conference (8)
“8 votes in favor, 21 against. I declare that the Continental Control Order to restrict illegal drug trafficking is rejected.”
King Itel’s proposal was rejected.
Everyone knows that the misuse and abuse of illegal drugs devastates the lives of citizens, but the ulterior motive in this case was all too obvious.
Are you saying you will form a special organization with state-level forces dispatched from around the world to strictly control the supply and sale of drugs in every hidden, underground corner?
Who on earth is this for?
Who would use a special-monster-killing knife to hunt goblins?
It is even more outrageous when considering the current situation.
In the past, the ownerless lands were rampant with various drugs due to the frequent territorial wars, but they were almost eradicated after Verden took power.The terrifying underworld of the continent?It has lost a significant amount of power as the Blood Alliance was completely crushed this time, resulting in the loss of many of its bigwigs.
If they had always regarded drugs as a thorn in their side, they would be able to respond meaningfully in the current situation using only the power of a small nation.Without the need for the world to pay attention.
But why did such an agenda emerge?The reason is simple.It is because, despite everything, there were countries that wanted to conserve their national power as much as possible.
In other words, even though the Shadows had weakened, they didn’t want to suffer a loss by needlessly engaging with them, so they essentially acted pitiful and asked the world for help. After all,they could save a lot if just one powerful nation or transcendent force intervened.
King Itel likely stood as a shield representing those nations. Of course, having been promised a reward sufficient to bear that responsibility.
However, it was all too obvious.There was a lack of effort.
If it had been fun, Ignacia would have warmly helped a few nations while leaving the rest to fight amongst themselves, and then gleefully watched the fire from across the river…
That crude judgment, which simply assumed, “Ah, there are many attendees and drugs are bad, so most of them will sympathize with the intent of the proposal and agree,” was neither creative nor interesting.
“Sigh, if you can’t be smart, at least try putting on a show.”“Ignacia, this is your second warning. Do not exert pressure on the House of Representatives.”“Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.”
Ignacia answered half-heartedly, but she still did not cross the line. She merely munched roughly on the delicious cookies.The kings of the House of Representatives could not even bring themselves to look up at her expression.
On the other hand, the Duke of Libyant and the chief councilors of the Republic of Beldirn breathed a sigh of relief, relieved by the connections and ties formed in the past.
anyway.
Even while being extremely wary of others, the act of testing the waters to secure his own interests, acting as if he is a king, is beyond ridiculous—it is practically cute.
Hehehe.
While the transcendents were indeed transcendent, Emperor Zeracl, the transcendent of the political world, spared no mockery.
He was a man who had experienced the harsh politics of the empire since childhood.Laughing at fools who acted foolishly only to end up breaking out in a cold sweat was a small pleasure he had learned since boyhood.
Grand Duke Rivandale, who had watched over Emperor Jeracle since birth, shook his head as if to say it was a truly bad habit.
Voting continued.
“32 votes in favor, 7 against. I declare that the additional development plan for the Marine Magic Stone Mine and the Magic Stone Treaty have been approved.”
The proposal put forward by Orders Evendra, the president of the Virente Magic Association, was passed.
Actually, there was no reason to object.
The requirement for the Ten Great Magic Towers to explore ocean areas likely to be stockpiled in large quantities of magic stones, develop mines, and sell a certain percentage of the mined amount to each country was only beneficial in the long run, both nationally and globally.
Of course, even by magic tower standards, a huge amount of money would have to be poured in, but since the costs are spread out, it is fully manageable.Naturally, the profits must be shared, but it was better than not receiving any profits at all.
Nevertheless, the reason for the dissenting votes was purely personal.
Well… … I don’t care.
The dwarves controlled all the mines in the volcanic region, the elves had no need for magic stones, and the beastmen had no interest in magic stones.
In other words, it is not subject to the Masok Treaty.
Just because it is a World Council, there is no reason why it must apply to everyone who reigns over the world. Even excluding beastmen, elves, and dwarves, the world is still the world.
And the remaining dissenting votes were based on the flimsy excuse that they opposed it just for no reason, since the motion was going to pass anyway.This is not the story of some transcendent being who received two warnings all by himself.
Public discourse approached with such lightheartedness for some and heavy hearts for others—this is truly a world conference.
The Provider continued speaking.
“And regarding intercontinental trade, the discussion resulted in 37 out of 49 attendees expressing their desire to participate. It was announced in advance that voting would be meaningless. With this, I declare that the Continental Trade Agreement has been formalized.”“To think the North would have the opportunity to trade directly with nations across the entire continent like this. I never thought I would see a day like this.”“Cultures are bound to differ depending on where one lives. There will be much to gain for both sides.”
Eres and Vangelis praised the passage of the proposal.
It was the moment when trade was being implemented on a continent-to-continent level, transcending national borders, but the factions that declared their non-participation each had their own reasons.
The Dwarves have no intention of having allies other than the Arnark Empire.At least not for the time being.
Since the Ruas Theocracy was not a nation that profited from trade and was, above all, a religion dedicated to protecting humanity, the three divine beings observed the situation from a neutral standpoint.
Temple is a neutral force for which trade is meaningless.
The same was true for the Adventurer Headquarters, so the Head of the Adventurer Headquarters and the Black Sea could only watch.
The same goes for the goalkeeper.
The three major banks, including Magnus Bank, are not trade targets in the first place.
The Lefragium Magic Tower was indifferent to having connections with other forces.
Darkwarton Magic Tower was the only one among the ten major magic towers, excluding Lefragium Magic Tower, that did not require any significant trade relations.
“I never imagined a beastman would agree to trade. Anyway, since my proposal is essentially Lord Verden’s as well, I thought the Darkwarton Tower Master would respond favorably… Still, I did pull it off, right?”
Silis carefully clenched his fist.
I was so happy about the fact that I had helped my lifelong benefactor, and the reality that I was able to act in such a way that I could show the world.
Duke Esperensa, Calia, and Lorian watched Silis’s retreating figure with great pride.The witch who had tried to obliterate the capital of the Kingdom of Estiria out of revenge was no more.
With this, voting on all sub-agenda items proposed at the First Sub-Council is concluded. In accordance with the official laws of the World Congress, I declare a recess for rest.
The sub-unit is finished.
“I will begin the first General Assembly in one hour. That is all.”
Now it is the grand finale.
* * *
“It opened this morning, and it’s already night? Time really flies. Is it because of the atmosphere?”“Ugh… Senior, aren’t you mentally exhausted?”“It was truly a stage worthy of a world conference. I look forward to what comes next even more.”
Isabella, Junia, and Rateon evaluated the meeting in turn.
Verden and his party stepped out into the hallway and took a seat by the window to watch the view. Before they knew it, the sun had vanished, and the moon was shining brightly.
Since I could not go to the waiting room until the world conference ended, I was only able to rest in the conference room or walk around the hallway.
For reference, physiological functions are partially restricted in this rhombus-shaped dodecahedron meeting hall, which was realized by Ignacia’s super-level magic.
To be precise, the speed slows down significantly.
Thanks to this, during the World Conference, not only the transcendents but also the non-transcendent attendees no longer needed to go to the restroom.
Adrian said.
“I never imagined the Water King would get involved in trade. I wonder what his intentions are.”“It is probably just for fun, but… in my judgment, the Water King was similar to Ignacia, yet fundamentally different.”
If Ignacia acts for pleasure, the Beast King pursues pleasure because he has no clear purpose; Verden strongly felt this.The Beast King is a transcendentally powerful being, but he is not what is commonly referred to as a transcendent being. The concept of a transcendent being established by the First Demon King belongs to humans.
Therefore, the Water King has no ideal defined as an existence.
“Simply put, he lacks consistency, so his capriciousness might even surpass that of Ignacia. Whatever he does, it would be wise to remain on guard. His strength must never be taken lightly.”“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”
While I was talking with Adrian, the forces from the Bohemian Magic Tower walked over. It seemed they intended to pass Verden’s party and rest in another corridor.
“…….”
Lobelin and her guards only bowed their heads. Verden and Adrian accepted the greeting with just a brief, wordless nod.
Verden briefly took in the sight of Lobeline’s retreating figure as she passed by.
“For now, it is necessary to maintain this level of distance in official settings. That is the only way to use the given situation to my advantage. Just as I did at the last General Assembly of the Magic World, at the Remaining World Conference as well… … .”
However, the day will come when we no longer have to worry about what the world thinks.That time will not be far off.
“Verden.”
Kalia, a guard knight of the Kingdom of Estiria, arrived alone. There was no sense of incongruity at all in her joining Verden’s party.
“What about Silis?”“She is in talks with the Duchy of Liviant and the Republic of Beldirn. Just a few years ago, we were in a state of cold war, but after forming a bond with a wizard who visited one day, we became allies before we knew it.”
The Republic of Beldirn and the Kingdom of Estiria went to war, and amidst that conflict, the Duke of Liviant declared independence, giving birth to a duchy.In reality, restoring friendly relations was nearly impossible. The resentment etched in their hearts was deep, deep, and deep.
However, it was Verden who made that possible.
Kalia whispered.
“So, is everything going according to plan? Aren’t you having trouble in various ways because of the Beast King’s remark about killing a few transcendents?”“It was unexpected, but I intend to use that to my advantage. There is nothing to worry about.”
Verden spoke confidently. Kalia, who had been staring blankly at his profile, unconsciously clenched her fist. Her heart pounded slightly faster.
From her perspective, Verden was always like this.
He was confident from the moment they first met in the kingdom as a noble client and a commoner mercenary. It was the same when he saved Kalia’s life.He always carried out the noble intentions he held in his heart with his own conviction.
Callia desires justice, while Verden pursues a definition of justice that is far more comprehensive. His justice encompasses hers.
To be honest, his appearance and personality were more than ideal, but above all, his willpower was the very embodiment of the ideal type Callia had ever imagined.Even if she were to repeat her life several times, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime connection.
So… … she couldn’t help but admit it to herself once again.
“Kalia, as you know, the World Conference began because of me. Therefore, I am the one who will crown its conclusion.”“…….”“Watch until the very end. Watch the flow I lead.”
Callia de Esperenza fell in love.
* * *
“The revision of the representative system for the coexistence of heteromorphic species, plus a continental mutual trade agreement… What could be Verden’s ultimate ulterior motive?”
The Agent, Meia, muttered as she gazed out the dark window.The view of the massive city enveloped by the curtain of night was quite beautiful, but it was woefully insufficient to alleviate her worries.
“…….”
The Provider was also lost in deep thought.
Based on what was seen in the first Small Council, I tried to predict what Verden would do in the second Small Council and the Grand Council.
Coexistence of heterogeneous species.Intercontinental trade agreement.
‘Influence on the world… … .’
The Provider repeated to himself.
The impact on other countries… … .
My intuition reacts.My thoughts deepened.
The ripple effect on the world is quite significant… … .
Soon, the Provider glared and grabbed the window with a rough hand. His eyes, usually unwavering, trembled violently.
‘influence!’
Meia turned her head in surprise at the Provider’s sudden action. And beyond being surprised, she was a little, no, quite astonished.
“Providence, now…….”
The Provider is smiling, twisting the corners of his mouth.It was clearly ecstasy.
* * *
The air of the world conference hall had become so familiar that it felt like home. That was how intense the time spent here was.
I can say with certainty that I will never forget the memories of today, even after death.
… … .
As discussions on the representative system were about to begin in earnest, the atmosphere in the space grew even heavier.It was chillingly silent.The weight of the minor system and the representative system were truly on a different level.
“The Scales of the Red Dragon, Sarkandra, which is one of the reasons this World Conference was held, represent a fundamental representative system that we must resolve. As the World Chair, I will not accept any remarks that do not align with this topic, after issuing a warning. Do you understand?”
The attendees answered individually or nodded.Everyone expressed their agreement.
“Sarkandra, the Red Dragon who burned down several cities and massacred countless lives about a century ago before vanishing into the Demon Realm. Regarding the discovery of that dragon’s tail scales in the Demon Sea, the participants of the World Conference must gather an agenda on how to think about and respond to this, and decide on concrete actions.”
The Provider tapped the Senate table three times, just as before.Naturally, the senses of the attendees were heightened.
“I will begin the first delegate meeting. The vote will be held after the discussion is completely finished. Proposers, raise your hands.”
The reaction was immediate.
“Emperor Xeracle Dian Sereanor Arnach, speak.”
