Felix was already feeling a headache from his new charm aura, but this was something he would simply have to get used to. Just before the meeting began, W burst into the conference room. She had apparently changed into a different pair of pants, shot Felix a fierce glare, then plopped down beside Ines with a huff, ignoring Ines's curious look.
"Loughshinny, you lead the meeting."
Felix handed the floor to Loughshinny. With so many capable officers, both in intellect and strength, all he needed to do was listen to their debates, gather several feasible proposals, then decide afterward whether to approve them.
Loughshinny withdrew her gaze, cleared her throat, and began outlining the diplomatic agenda for Tomorrow's Development.
Ever since Kazdel's unification, some national factions had been amused to hear that Kazdel was now ruled by two kings, the King of Liberation and the King of Dawn. When rumors spread that Kazdel's true leader was a Sankta, they nearly burst into laughter. Unless Sarkaz as a whole had gone crazy, how could they possibly recognize a Sankta as their king?
As for the connection between the King of Liberation and the King of Dawn, most factions still had no idea. But two tigers cannot share a mountain. Perhaps one day the two kings would start fighting among themselves. When that happened, they could simply sit and watch, maybe even assist the weaker one in exchange for benefits.
Setting the dual-kings aside, many nations were relieved to see Kazdel behaving so peacefully after the war's end.
Still, several countries and factions had begun contacting Kazdel. Some had no previous conflict with Kazdel, while others sought to ease past tensions. Historically, Kazdel had always been the aggressor, the one attempting to seize the lands of others.
At present, Kazdel's trade partners—besides Lungmen—also included Leithania and Rim Billiton. Leithania had indeed taken part in the war against Kazdel, but now under the twin Empresses, they showed no intention of stirring up conflict again. Not long ago, envoys from Yan's capital, Baizao, had come to clarify mutual positions. Since Felix was in seclusion at the time, they met instead with Loughshinny, Anthony, and several other high-ranking officials, holding a productive discussion.
The envoy was still waiting in the guest lounge aboard the Venus, hoping for an audience with Felix.
In addition, Felix had received a response from Duke Windermere. The duke promised to spend the next few years seeking out like-minded nobles and would await Felix's next move. This might be a form of bargaining, but for nobility, such behavior was normal. Their actions were driven solely by benefit.
After the main meeting concluded, Felix and Loughshinny walked to another conference room where the envoy from Baizao awaited.
"Envoy of Baizao, Liang Xun, greets the King of Liberation."
The man dressed in Baizao's official attire rose, withdrew his curious gaze from Felix's golden halo, and bowed deeply.
Felix nodded and took a seat at the table. Liang Xun's purpose in coming was not only to meet him and observe him, but also to coordinate agricultural cooperation. However, one member of the visiting group was so unusual that Baizao's administration had deemed it necessary to send a Watchman from the Sui Regulator to provide oversight.
"The Emperor extends his sincere respect to the King of Liberation. Having heard of your trade with Lungmen, the Emperor wishes to establish a basic trade agreement with Your Highness as well."
Felix nodded. Lungmen was Lungmen, but Great Yan's government represented the whole nation. Their weight far exceeded that of Wei Yenwu alone. Considering Wei's circumstances, this move likely carried additional meaning.
Their meeting lasted no more than half an hour. Most of the discussion took place between Felix and Liang Xun, while Loughshinny stood aside recording their points.
When all business was concluded, Liang Xun prepared to depart. Felix offered him passage on the Venus's aircraft. After some hesitation, Liang Xun accepted the offer.
Standing on the deck, Felix watched the departing plane and felt hopeful that Kazdel's agriculture could be revitalized. As for Yan's gesture of goodwill, he accepted it sincerely. With the strength now held by Tomorrow's Development, it stood as a force no one could ignore. Although it was often said to ally with distant powers and strike at those nearby, in times of peace, maintaining harmony with one's neighbors was the wiser path.
The next day, a flood of merchant caravans arrived aboard the Venus. These merchants usually came once a month, bringing goods rarely seen elsewhere on Terra. Players of Tomorrow's Development had always loved these caravans, which allowed them to buy foreign goods without traveling. Even though the players were currently absent, business remained lively—Terra natives enjoyed the caravans just as much.
As merchants began setting up stalls in the expansive B1 floor marketplace, operators of Tomorrow's Development flocked in to browse. Peace in Kazdel meant caravans no longer feared approaching. During wartime, they would never have risked it—if they were robbed, they wouldn't even know who to complain to.
Felix walked toward the ice cream counter, famous as a "Laterano specialty." The shop was run by several young, lovely Sankta girls whose constant trade had not dulled their cheerful smiles. When they saw Felix approach, two rosy blooms blossomed across their faces.
"One Laterano–style honey ice cream, please."
Felix glanced at the menu as he ordered.
"Okay～!"
The girl answered cheerfully. Felix lowered his head, pulling out his terminal to snap a photo. He wanted to share this place with Loughshinny and the others so they could also taste the flavors of his homeland.
"Customer, would you like a cactus tart?"
A calm, smiling face suddenly slid into the frame. The old man sported a long, Colonel–Sanders–like beard, holding a cactus tart in both hands.
"..."
"..."
Felix and the old man exchanged a silent look. The ice-cream girl, puzzled, turned toward him after handing over the cone.
"Grandpa, why did you suddenly run out of the break room?"
"Oh, at my age, it's good to get the body moving a little. Don't mind me. I'll stroll around with this young man."
"Okay～"
Felix took the ice cream and gave it a lick. The taste was just as sweet as he remembered. He turned slightly to look at the Pope beside him. The man's gentle smile never faltered, not even when a Sarkaz operator walked past them.
Felix had many questions he wished to ask, but the sight of the Pope calmly licking his ice cream pushed them all away.
"I truly like it here."
The Pope swallowed the bite of ice cream, his expression warm. "Even without empathic resonance, I can feel that the people of Tomorrow's Development are happy. They have goals to strive toward, and things they want to protect."
He looked at Felix. "These are the things you gave them."
"No… all I did was point out a path they could take."
Felix shook his head, refusing to take credit. "In truth, all I wanted at the beginning was to find a road that suited me in this world."
"You're far too humble. Perhaps this is the burden a Lone Sankta must carry."
The Pope smiled, his gaze filled with a kind of pride. He was looking at what might be the most exceptional Sankta produced since the founding of Laterano. "Your path is the right one."
"You don't rely on calculations. You don't live in a candy jar like Laterano. You left because Laterano had no road that belonged to you."
He let out a long sigh and looked into the distance. "Andoain did the same, though his method was different."
Felix nodded. "Laterano cannot provide salvation to everyone. There can only ever be one Laterano. What I can teach is a method, not force people to live the way Laterano does. That wouldn't be right."
"Pope, what do you think of the future between Laterano and Kazdel?"
"I cannot give you a definitive answer."
His reply sounded as political as ever, but then he continued, "As long as you remain the King of Kazdel, I believe there will be no conflict between the two."
That answer alone was enough.
"I once considered the possibility of you becoming a Saint, but that choice would only restrict your future."
The Pope sighed with a faint smile. "Kazdel's current state is so perfect it's unbelievable. I hope its future remains the same."
He glanced at the golden halo above Felix's head, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning. "As for the other Cardinals, I will persuade them. You are still a Sankta of Laterano… a citizen. Your home is still there."
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Holiness."
"Just call me 'Your Excellency,' King of Liberation."
"'Pioneer' sounds more natural to me."
Both of them smiled. The Pope continued, "In Terra's current political climate, Laterano and Kazdel cannot grow too close."
"Whether from history or old grudges, the two cannot fully reconcile. Otherwise, the pressure on other nations would become too great."
The Pope let out a quiet sigh. "In a few years, Laterano will guide the nations toward holding a World Summit. When that time comes, I will invite Kazdel."
Felix nodded. "We all need some time."
Talking with a smart person was always easier. With Terra's situation unstable in recent years, it was best for both Laterano and Kazdel to maintain a cold war while quietly strengthening their military. When the Summit arrived, that would be the appropriate moment to show their hand to the other nations.
As for Felix, maintaining a cold war with Laterano helped reassure the rest of the world. For them, as long as the flames of war didn't reach their own borders, they were always happy to watch from the sidelines and cheer for whichever nations ended up fighting.
Felix smiled as he watched the Pope walk away. He saw him encounter Mostima and Fiammetta at the turn of the corridor; the two were reporting their mission with perfect manners. Lemuen, however, had hurried ahead to Felix's side.
"You showed up without a word. You almost scared me. I thought you came to silence me."
Felix muttered while staring at the Pope's departing figure. Lemuen couldn't help laughing.
"His Holiness thinks quite highly of you… it's just a pity that your heart isn't with Laterano."
"He even said he planned to name me a saint. Shame that's not the path for me. By the way, how long are you staying this time?"
Lemuen's cheeks turned faintly red. Her toe tapped lightly on the floor. "Well… I don't plan to leave anytime soon. I want to stay on the Venus for a while. Are there any empty rooms left?"
"Of course."
"Good… Little Lemuel is here too."
When she mentioned that, she shot Felix a glare. "What exactly did you say to her? She gets all flustered the moment you come up in conversation."
"I didn't say anything. Lemuel and I are just ordinary friends."
Lemuen sighed. "She may act a bit boyish, but she's still a delicate, sensitive girl at heart."
Her words carried an unspoken meaning.
Seeing her slightly flushed and conflicted expression, Felix nodded. "Alright. I'll talk to her later."
"Good."
Lemuen let out a breath of relief. She felt she had given her little sister a good assist. After all, for someone as exceptional as Felix, other men couldn't compare. And with how busy he always was, it was already rare for him and Little Lemuel to even see each other. Deepening a relationship was almost impossible.
A man like him could only be reached by leaving a mark in his heart while he was still young. Otherwise, as time passed, he would move further and further ahead, until no one could catch up.
She didn't want her sister to live with regrets. Yet judging from Felix's attitude, he didn't seem entirely indifferent to Little Lemuel either. That stirred a tiny bit of jealousy in Lemuen, and she quietly took his hand as if to declare her claim.
Just then, the Pope turned around and gave Felix a slight nod. He had clearly noticed their gesture, and walked back a few steps with a childish smile. "The wedding can be held in Laterano."
"…Ahem. Thank you, Your Holiness."
Lemuen felt her face burn under Mostima's mischievous gaze, while Fiammetta coughed politely beside her.
"In that case, I will trouble the Fiammetta to escort me back to Laterano. Mostima, Lemuen, the two of you will remain here as Laterano's envoys to Tomorrow's Development."
The Pope chuckled with a satisfied look. He glanced at the silent Fiammetta. "Once this mission ends, resume monitoring Mostima."
Fiammetta nodded. "Understood."
With his hands clasped behind his back, His Holiness left in high spirits. Mostima quietly stepped to Felix's other side. Perhaps to make up for the long absence between old married couple, she wrapped her arms around him without hesitation and bit into him playfully.
A short distance away, W paused in the middle of eating cotton candy. "…"