C22 The Voting of the Six Countries' Envoys

Shabarov remained silent, yet the envoys from the six empires were quick to berate him.

They found Shabarov's actions disgraceful, accepting the Qian Empire's imperial edict with both hands in full view of the gathered crowd. Did he think he was living centuries in the past?

"Enough," Shabarov snapped, having held his tongue for three minutes. These people were intent on continuing their tirade, but Shabarov, a soldier unlike these politicians, valued straightforwardness. This was not the time for bickering, but for a clear report of the situation so they could devise a new strategy posthaste.

"Now, you will listen. The rifles they possess, I doubt even the Windsar Empire's laboratories could match..."

It took Shabarov a full five minutes to drive home the point to the six envoys that the martial threat they once wielded had now turned against them.

"Are you suggesting that if it comes to a fight, we wouldn't stand a chance?" asked the Junker Empire's envoy, incredulous.

For decades, they had clashed with the Qian Empire numerous times, claiming victory in over ninety-five percent of those encounters.

"You're missing my point. It's not about winning; it's about surviving," Shabarov stressed, his tone grave on the final words.

"That's preposterous. Everyone knows the Qian Empire is a sinking ship. How could they possibly have such advanced rifles?" the Junker envoy scoffed, laughing.

The others nodded in agreement, impressed by the army before them yet convinced it stood no chance against their combined forces.

"Let me be clear: I am a competent soldier. In my time as the Envoy to the Capital, have you ever known me to jest about anything, let alone a matter of this gravity?"

Shabarov had anticipated this skepticism. He needed to persuade them, for any misstep could lead to a bloodbath.

Having numerous advanced weapons wasn't the issue; it was who wielded them. In the hands of a fool, they'd merely rust away. Take the Qian Empire's forces, for instance; they had upgraded their arsenal significantly, yet it all lay dormant in storage.

Moreover, the generals didn't dare to confront the allied forces directly. But that young man we just saw, he's different. Shabarov watched him intently from start to finish; he's undoubtedly a devil incarnate. If we don't acquiesce to his demands, a confrontation seems highly likely.

After Shabarov's remarks, a grave atmosphere settled over those gathered. They no longer saw his warning as a laughing matter. Indeed, Shabarov was known for his integrity among the foreign military envoys in the capital. He was never the subject of scandalous rumors, and when time allowed, he'd be in the barracks drilling his troops. In the company of other capital-stationed military officials, Shabarov certainly stood out as an exception.

"Do you mean we should clear a path and let him through?" asked the Galru Empire's ambassador, spreading his hands in disbelief.

"That's absolutely out of the question. We cannot yield to such demands," countered the ambassador from the Windsar Empire.

"That's for you to decide. My duty is simply to relay the full situation to you," Shabarov responded. Seeing that he had convinced the room, he took his seat again, leaving the matter in their hands. After all, he was just the temporary commander of the allied forces.

Amidst the clamor, only Ryoji Otomo, the Envoy from the East Di Country, stood still, his face a mask of tension. While others had voiced their skepticism and arrogance during Shabarov's speech, Otomo felt a deep unease. Having previously clashed with Gao Shaoyi, he knew firsthand the kind of man he was dealing with. Otomo understood that Shabarov's words held no exaggeration—all of it was the stark truth.

Was he to be denied his vengeance? The thought was intolerable to Otomo, his fists clenched in frustration. If Gao Shaoyi and his men were allowed into the Embassy Area, it would mean living in his shadow indefinitely.

"Gentlemen, let's put it to a vote now. Those in favor of granting them entry, please raise your hands," announced the envoy from the Windsar Empire, who often took the lead in such proceedings due to their empire's preeminence.

Among the six empires, both the Junker and Morgen Empires indicated their reluctance to engage in conflict.

The Windsar and Galru Empires were staunch advocates for combat. The Rakshasa Empire, initially hesitant, ultimately joined the fray, unwilling to forfeit the benefits of the Embassy Area. The stakes were high—if Gao Shaoyi gained entry, their losses would be significant.

All eyes turned to Ryoji Otomo, the last to declare his stance.

"I agree to adopt a tough policy," he stated.

With the room's attention on him, Otomo swiftly aligned himself with Windsar. Having endured significant humiliation at the hands of Gao Shaoyi, he was not about to let this chance slip by. With everyone now united against Gao Shaoyi, this was their best shot. Failing to contain him now would mean a drastic change in their way of life.

Upon reaching this consensus, Shabarov closed his eyes, weighed down by sorrow. Without conflict, they might have preserved some privileges, but a battle against thousands could lead to swift defeat.

The Qian Empire's long history was marred by subjugation, stemming from a lack of confidence among its people and officials. Yet, if Gao Shaoyi managed to decisively win this battle, losing the Embassy Area's advantages would pale in comparison to the newfound confidence it would instill—a truly daunting prospect.

Shabarov, observing the Lord Ministers before him, harbored his own reflections.

As Shabarov emerged on horseback, Gao Shaoyi quickly followed suit. Clearly, a decision had been made; only twenty minutes into the allotted half-hour.

Gao Shaoyi recognized their indifference towards him, contrasting with Shabarov's demeanor. It was time to flex his muscles, to remind them of his strength.

A mere twenty minutes to reach a verdict—they clearly underestimated him. These pampered individuals were in for a rude awakening; today, he would alter their perceptions.