251: Departure from expected development 3

Lanka Tower, top floor conference hall.

Chancellor Osborne and President Rocksmith's proposal was like a sharp knife, aimed directly at Crossbell's throat.

Mayor Dieter and Speaker McDowell's faces were ashen, and Princess Crois and Grand Duke Albert's opposition also seemed unable to change the situation.

Just at this tense moment, Prince Olivert suddenly chuckled, breaking the silence.

"Prime Minister, Mr. President," his voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable sharpness, "since you both attach such importance to territorial sovereignty and border security, then shouldn't the dispute between the Empire and the Republic in the Nord Highlands also be resolved today?"

The conference hall instantly fell silent.

Osborne's eyes narrowed slightly, and President Rocksmith's smile froze on his face.

The Nord Highlands, this vast land straddling the Empire and the Republic, had been the focal point of disputes between the two nations for decades.

It was rich in resources and a strategic location.

Olivert's question was like a heavy hammer, striking hard at the two leaders' weak points.

Princess Crois immediately seized this opportunity: "His Royal Highness's suggestion is very reasonable."

Her gaze swept over Osborne and Rocksmith: "Since you both are so concerned about Crossbell's 'security,' then the Nord Highlands issue, I presume, can also be resolved today, right?"

Grand Duke Albert also supplemented in a timely manner: "Yes, after all, the Nord Highlands dispute has lasted for too many years; it's time to resolve it."

Osborne's face was terrifyingly gloomy, but he quickly adjusted his expression, revealing a hint of a smile: "His Royal Highness is joking. The Nord Highlands issue involves complex historical factors and is not the subject of today's meeting."

President Rocksmith also quickly regained his composure: "The President is right. We are discussing Crossbell's security today and should not deviate from the topic."

Their reactions were surprisingly consistent.

They brazenly and forcefully changed the subject.

Prince Olivert smiled slightly, not pursuing further.

His goal had been achieved.

By attacking their weak point, the pressure they were exerting on Crossbell was temporarily interrupted.

Although as an Imperial Prince, he would not deny Osborne's actions to secure benefits for the Empire. But precisely because he was a Prince, he had to stop Osborne.

It was for the sake of the Imperial Royal Family and his own reputation, as well as for power.

As for Princess Crois, being able to strengthen the "non-aggression treaty" and even have the opportunity to further increase Liberl's prestige in mediating disputes, she had no reason to refuse.

Mayor Dieter seized this opportunity to regain control of the meeting's rhythm: "Crossbell cannot accept your proposals."

His voice was firm and powerful: "Border management rights are a core part of autonomy and sovereignty; we will never compromise."

Speaker McDowell also stood up: "If you insist on interfering in Crossbell's internal affairs, we will consider terminating all economic and trade cooperation with both countries."

These words were like a bomb, detonating in the conference hall.

Terminate economic and trade cooperation?

This meant that the Empire and the Republic would lose all economic interests in Crossbell. Considering that Dieter was also the president of IBC, this also meant that the Empire and the Republic would lose IBC's financial support.

Even if the two countries had the ability to form their own financial forces to stabilize the chaos, before that, their societies would likely already be in widespread distress.

A hint of killing intent flashed in Osborne's eyes: "Mayor Dieter, you are playing with fire."

President Rocksmith's face also became grim: "I hope you will seriously consider this decision and not make a foolish move that would shake the peace of the continent."

Mayor Dieter smiled slightly: "Of course, my original intention was not to let the situation develop to such an extent. Therefore, I have a proposal."

"A plan that can address all the doubts and concerns of the Empire and the Republic."

Seeing Dieter soften his attitude, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, they were curious about Dieter's proposal.

"For the peace of the continent," he scanned the crowd: "And for Crossbell's future."

"I propose—"

A few minutes ago, just as the atmosphere in the venue was tense, Detective Dudley's communicator suddenly blared an ear-piercing alarm.

Dudley quickly answered the call, and the Garrison Commander's urgent voice came from the other end: "Dudley! The border outposts on the east and west sides were attacked simultaneously! All radar equipment and communication systems were destroyed!"

Dudley's pupils suddenly contracted: "When did this happen?"

"Just this morning!" The Commander's voice carried a rare urgency, "We just received the news; communications have been cut off for six hours!"

Attacked in the early morning! Dudley's heart skipped a beat.

This meant that the border outposts had been paralyzed for at least six hours! And the delegations from the Empire and the Republic had just arrived this morning.

A terrifying conjecture emerged in Dudley's mind.

The outposts were attacked, and the perpetrators were likely the Red Constellation and Black Moon. As for the masterminds behind it, it was almost certainly the Empire and the Republic.

As for the purpose, it was to block border surveillance!

What did they want to hide?

Radar station... radar... His gaze subconsciously swept over the glass curtain wall of the conference hall.

In the distant sky, two black dots were rapidly approaching.

Could it be!?

...

Deafening explosions echoed in the underground passage, and the heavy metal door was forcibly blown open by military explosives, twisted metal fragments scattering everywhere.

Amidst the smoke, Shirley Orlando carried a chainsaw gun, her red ponytail swaying slightly in the heat, a look of excitement on her face: "Charge in!"

Dozens of fully armed Red Constellation Jaegers quickly poured into the underground hall.

Almost at the same moment, the isolation door on the other side was also forcibly opened.

Black Moon's elite troops silently stepped into the hall, led by Cao·Li.

The two teams met in the center of the hall.

A tense atmosphere filled the air, and the weapons of both sides were already pointed at each other.

But unexpectedly, the anticipated shootout did not happen.

Shirley tilted her head, her sky-blue eyes curiously sizing up Cao·Li opposite her: "Oh my, isn't this the purple-haired big brother from Black Moon?"

Her voice was still innocent, but the chainsaw gun in her hand was already loaded: "Are you here to join the fun too?"

Cao·Li smiled slightly, his tone calm: "Miss Shirley, long time no see."

His gaze swept over the members of the Red Constellation: "It seems our employers had the same idea."

Shirley blinked: "What a pity, today is not the time for a fight!"

She twirled the chainsaw gun in her hand: "Daddy said this mission is very important, and we can't cause any extra trouble~"

Cao·Li nodded: "That suits me perfectly."

The two exchanged a knowing glance, both understanding each other's unspoken words.

The big shot behind this operation is not someone we can offend. Each goes their own way, without interfering with each other.

After a brief silence, the two teams tacitly separated, each advancing towards the passage deeper into the hall.

The Red Constellation's target was the east passage, while Black Moon advanced west.

However, just as they were about to part ways.

"Boom!"

A dazzling sword light descended from the sky, striking heavily on the floor in the center of the hall!