294: Side story completed

The welcome ceremony was held in the center of Independence Square, which was decorated with solemnity and enthusiasm.

Crossbell's blue-and-gold lion flag and the Eastern Federation's red-and-gold star flag fluttered over the square, with honor guards in traditional ceremonial attire lined up on both sides.

As the Dong Lian Delegation descended from their airship, the military band played the national anthems of Crossbell and the Eastern Federation, their solemn melodies echoing across the square.

President Dieter personally bestowed Crossbell's highest honor medal upon Ambassador Li Weimin, symbolizing the beginning of friendship between the two nations.

Subsequently, the delegation members received wreaths and traditional handicrafts presented by Crossbell maidens, gifts imbued with deep cultural significance.

The welcome ceremony also included spectacular cultural performances. The most captivating was Crossbell's Rainbow Theater.

Led by "Flame Dance Princess" Ilya Platiere, they performed their most skilled and popular dance, earning thunderous applause.

The entire ceremony lasted nearly two hours, providing ample time for other nations on the Zemurian continent to react.

During the ceremony, high-ranking officials from the Erebonian Empire, Calvard Republic, Liberl Kingdom, and the Septian Church contacted the Crossbell Foreign Ministry through emergency communication channels.

As the matter was initially known only to a very small number of high-ranking officials, including President Dieter and Speaker McDowell, confidentiality was maintained exceptionally well.

Therefore, when news of the Dong Lian Delegation's sudden arrival spread across the continent via live broadcast, leaders of all nations were astonished.

In the Erebonian Imperial Palace, Chancellor Osborne immediately convened an emergency meeting.

He looked at the image of the Dong Lian Delegation on the screen, his expression grave.

"Contact the Crossbell Foreign Ministry immediately! We must participate in these talks! The origins of the Interstellar Peace Corporation are already self-evident; if we miss this opportunity, the Empire will be completely marginalized in the new era!"

Almost simultaneously, President Rocksmith of the Calvard Republic issued a similar directive from the Presidential Palace.

"Connect to President Dieter's hotline immediately! The Republic cannot be absent from this historic discussion! The appearance of the Eastern Federation signifies the arrival of the interstellar age; we must secure our position!"

The Liberl Kingdom and the Septian Church had similar thoughts, though compared to the Empire and the Republic, who had a blood feud with Crossbell, they had fewer worries.

However, one thing was clear to them all: the appearance of the Eastern Federation meant that the mysterious Interstellar Peace Corporation must also be an extraterrestrial entity, and it meant that everything of the past on the Zemurian continent would be completely rewritten.

If they could not secure a position at the subsequent meeting, losing the chance to stand at the forefront of this transformation, they would inevitably be swept into the torrent and utterly crushed in the coming wave.

These urgent communications surged towards the Crossbell Foreign Ministry like a tide, while the welcome ceremony was only halfway through.

President Dieter's foreign policy advisory team busily handled these urgent requests from various nations, simultaneously reporting the situation to the President in real-time.

"Mr. President," the Minister of Foreign Affairs whispered to Dieter, "Chancellor Osborne and President Rocksmith are both demanding to speak with you immediately, and their attitudes are very firm.

Liberl and the Church's requests are relatively milder, but they also wish to participate in the meeting."

Dieter nodded slightly, having already made his calculations.

During a break in the ceremony, he had a brief consultation with Speaker McDowell.

"They want a piece of the pie," Speaker McDowell said pointedly, "but we can't let them get this opportunity for free.

The two border passes we occupied during the War of Independence are good bargaining chips."

Dieter agreed, saying, "Exactly.

Let them formally acknowledge our sovereignty over these strategic locations in exchange for the right to participate."

After the welcome ceremony concluded, as President Dieter accompanied the Dong Lian Delegation towards Lanka Tower, this tense diplomatic game reached its climax.

In the special car en route to Lanka Tower, Dieter finally connected to Chancellor Osborne's emergency communication.

"Mr. Chancellor," Dieter said straightforwardly, "I understand your desire to participate in the talks, but this meeting is an important diplomatic event between Crossbell and the Eastern Federation."

"I don't think this has any necessary connection to your country."

Osborne's voice was calm, but a confrontational tone could be detected.

"President Dieter, the Empire believes that these talks concern the future of the entire Zemurian continent, and all major civilizations should have the right to participate.

The Empire's absence will affect the legitimacy and representativeness of the talks."

Dieter responded unhurriedly, "Crossbell fully understands the Empire's position.

However, since we are discussing the future of the entire continent, shouldn't we first resolve some historical issues?"

"For example, the sovereignty of the northern border pass occupied by our country during the War of Independence?"

A brief silence fell on the other end of the communication.

Osborne understood Dieter's intention, but he knew even more clearly what missing this opportunity to contact an extraterrestrial civilization would mean.

"President Dieter," Osborne finally spoke, "the Empire can recognize Crossbell's sovereignty over the northern pass, but in exchange, we must be granted the right to participate in the talks throughout, and to have equal status in any future continent-level diplomatic agreements."

Almost simultaneously, Dieter was engaged in similar negotiations with President Rocksmith.

The Republic also indicated that it could make a sovereignty acknowledgment but demanded equal rights to participate.

Dieter responded with satisfaction, "Very good.

Please have your representatives immediately sign the relevant documents; our meeting welcomes new participants."

In the conference room of the City Hall, an urgent signing ceremony quickly took place.

The Imperial Ambassador and the Republic Ambassador signed the sovereignty acknowledgment documents Dieter had already prepared, exchanging the sovereignty of the border pass for the qualification to participate in the historic talks.

When the motorcade arrived at Lanka Tower, President Dieter and key members of the Crossbell government accompanied the Dong Lian Delegation into the iconic building.

They walked along the red-carpeted corridor to the famous conference room where the trade conference that changed the future course of the continent had once been held.

The conference room was arranged with solemnity and elegance, with exquisite nameplates and fresh flowers on the long conference table.

Ambassador Li Weimin keenly noticed that among the Crossbell attendees, there were several individuals not on the original list.

He subtly gestured to his accompanying assistant.

The delegation assistant immediately activated his portable device, capturing live footage via a miniature camera and comparing it with the database.

Seconds later, a brief report appeared on Li Weimin's glasses.

"New attendees: Imperial Ambassador von Ostov, Calvard Republic Ambassador James Carter, Liberl Kingdom Special Envoy Princess Alicia, Septian Church Representative Archbishop Thomas."

Li Weimin immediately understood that Dieter had leveraged the Eastern Federation as a powerful flag, making a deal with these countries and obtaining many benefits.

A faint, imperceptible smile appeared on his lips; he was not bothered by such minor calculations.

After all, what the Eastern Federation needed was just an "interstellar diplomacy training ground" and an opportunity to develop Pathstriders.

As for these nations, whose overall scientific and industrial level was only in the mid-Second Industrial Revolution, and their internal squabbles, the Eastern Federation and the Company shared the same attitude: they didn't care.

As long as a civilization had not achieved unification, it would be impossible for it to embark on the path of an interstellar civilization.

Even if there were exceptions, they would absolutely pose no threat to the current Eastern Federation.

"Ambassador Li, please be seated." President Dieter warmly guided the Dong Lian Delegation to their seats.

"This conference room holds special historical significance; the trade conference held here not long ago changed Crossbell's destiny, and today we look forward to opening a new chapter of history here."

Li Weimin gracefully took his seat, smiling as he responded, "Thank you, Mr. President, for the thoughtful arrangements.

The Eastern Federation values exchange and cooperation with all civilizations on the Zemurian continent, and we believe today's talks will lay a solid foundation for our friendship."

After the meeting officially began, Li Weimin spoke first: "On behalf of the people of the Eastern Federation, I extend sincere greetings to all civilizations on the Zemurian continent.

We bring proposals for cooperation in various fields, including technology, culture, and economy, and we believe they can bring new opportunities for the development of your civilizations."

He specifically looked around at the newly added representatives and continued, "I notice several new faces among the attendees.

Here, I can state that the Eastern Federation is willing to establish friendly relations with all civilizations that uphold the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit."

Imperial Ambassador von Ostov immediately seized the opportunity to speak: "The Empire appreciates the Eastern Federation's open attitude.

Erebonia possesses a long history and rich cultural heritage, and we look forward to cooperating with the Eastern Federation in multiple fields."

Republic Ambassador James Carter was not to be outdone: "As an important nation on the continent, the Calvard Republic has unique advantages in technological innovation and industrial development, and we are willing to share our experience with the Eastern Federation."

"The Liberl Kingdom focuses on peaceful development, and we have accumulated some experience in orbal technology and airship technology.

We look forward to technical exchanges with the Eastern Federation."

Princess Alicia's dignified attitude surprised many in the Dong Lian Delegation.

While the ambassadors of the Empire and the Republic appeared outwardly proper, their words and expressions still carried clear negative emotions.

For example, an unfounded and inexplicable arrogance, and an extremely contradictory 'humility'...

Li Weimin patiently listened to all parties' speeches, then smiled and said, "The Eastern Federation appreciates everyone's willingness to cooperate.

We suggest first establishing regular exchange mechanisms, including Scholar exchanges, cultural exhibitions, and technology forums.

Specific cooperation projects can be gradually advanced after in-depth understanding."

Throughout the talks, President Dieter maintained a dominant position, skillfully guiding the direction of the discussion.

He clearly knew that although the Eastern Federation treated all nations equally, Crossbell, as the host, had already gained the upper hand in this interstellar diplomacy.

After the talks concluded, Li Weimin said meaningfully to Dieter in a private conversation: "Mr. President is truly adept at seizing opportunities.

It seems the Company's assessment of you was indeed quite accurate."

"You are indeed a qualified politician; what you lack to become a statesman is simply the test of time."

Seeing that Dieter seemed about to offer an explanation, Li Weimin raised his hand to stop him.

"However, please rest assured, the Eastern Federation appreciates visionary leaders."

Dieter paused, then smiled knowingly: "Crossbell will always open its doors to friends."

"We also eagerly anticipate establishing a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with the Eastern Federation."

"Haha, as it should be."