A war between the Sussex Empire and the Vladimir Empire is inevitable, and this is a continental consensus.

The world is vast but cannot accommodate two overlords.

The Sussex Empire dominates the seas, while the Vladimir Empire is invincible on land.

Tony doesn't want to pick sides, but he knows there's no choice.

Just like the Val City State, what they want to do is less important than whether they have the ability.

The great vortex is about to come, and the small fry won't survive at all.

Sahalin's conditions and threats are laid out clearly; it's just unclear what terms Roland and Sif can offer.

He personally poured tea for the distinguished guests and invited them to sit down.

Before Roland could speak, he calmly said, "Miss Sif, Mr. Roland, you should have met Sahalin just now; he just came to see me."

He cleverly avoided using their official titles, instead opting for neutral terms.

This was not impolite.

Since the Val City State hasn't perished yet, he's still a Val City man.

Facing foreigners, it's appropriate to address them as Mr./Miss/Mrs.

This also allowed him to maintain his dignity of equal standing.

This was his final defiance.

Roland and Sif exchanged a glance, leaving the lead in the conversation to Sif.

Although many say he can decide for Sif, it's all rumors; he never controls Sif's thoughts.

As long as Sif wants to do something, he will support her fully.

Sif calmly looked at Tony and said steadily, "Mr. Tony, join us, I will give you a stage to showcase your talents."

Tony, well-experienced, has seen it all before, so no clever rhetoric would work on him, and he got straight to the point.

Tony seemed somewhat stunned by Sif's directness.

After a moment of silence, he softly asked, "If I join your country and do not go into politics but enjoy a leisurely retirement, is that possible?"

"Of course, it is."

Sif looked into Tony's eyes, engaging her insight.

Above Tony's head, fierce flames burned, flames of hatred and resentment.

Seventy percent of these flames were directed at the Rurik People, with thirty percent aimed at her.

Tony was not an ordinary person, he knew the division of Val City also had the Sussex's contribution.

He was angry and didn't want to serve the Sussex government.

Tony didn't expect Sif to accept these terms and didn't know how to respond.

Amid his silence, Sif asked directly, "Mr. Tony, do you think our country is involved in the division of yours as well?"

Tony remained silent for a few seconds, trembling as he lifted the teacup to mask his feelings, but failed.

He simply put down the teacup, gritting his teeth as he responded, "Isn't it so?"

Roland and Sif appeared reasonable, at least not so ruthless as to attack him for a slip of the tongue.

Although Sussex people were also robbers, they at least pretended to be gentlemen.

The grievance pent up since the start of the international conference finally had an outlet for release, Tony stood trembling and accused:

"The only difference between your country and the Vladimir Empire is that you devour with better manners. Your ambition to annex Val City is no less than theirs."

Sif sat quietly, saying nothing.

She had no intention of refuting, for Tony was stating facts.

Since the beginning had been made, Tony spoke smoothly.

He named and accused the barbaric acts of the major powers, primarily the Vladimir Empire and the Sussex Empire.

Sif listened attentively, and Roland did not interrupt.

Mr. Tony indeed was well-informed; many things he mentioned were new to Sif.

Even though he spoke briefly, Tony still talked for a good ten-plus minutes.

With ten minutes left until the end of the workday, Tony exhaled lamentingly, "Miss Sylph, Mr. Roland, I have no grudges against you, I'm just tired. This world exhausts me. I just want to buy a manor in the countryside and enjoy my twilight years peacefully."

"Impossible to achieve." Sif calmly stated.

Tony was amused by anger. At least Sahalin put up a facade, while Sif didn't even bother.

He retorted irritably, "Since it can't be done, there's nothing to discuss."

"I mean it's not possible for you to enjoy a peaceful retirement."

Sif analyzed calmly for Tony, "Mr. Tony, I can accept you living as a civilian, but can the Rurik People accept it?"

"I have no reason to assign special protection to a mere civilian; sooner or later, you would meet a realistic unfortunate accident arranged by the Rurik People."

"And if it were on their side, no need to elaborate."

"I can go to other countries..."

Faced with Sif's clear gaze, Tony's voice grew weaker and gradually faded.

This kind of talk might deceive a passerby but not Sif.

Where else could he go?

The Tirol Kingdom, Prudon Kingdom, and Vladimir Empire were closely related and would likely tie him up and hand him over.

The Jin Yuan Republic might not fear the Rurik, but they wouldn't specially protect him either.

He had talent, but unrealized talent amounts to nothing.

His administrative capabilities made him the focus of competition among countries, leaving him unable to remain neutral.

Neutrality is not that simple.

Tony sighed helplessly, softly asking, "Miss Sylph, may I inquire about my worth?"

"Absolutely, as long as you bring your country's administrative system to serve me, I will grant your followers citizenship. Of course, citizenship is not free; they must pay taxes and contribute to the Empire."

"Citizenship?" Tony was somewhat astonished.

"Yes, no wordplay, full rights as an Imperial Citizen."

Tony couldn't believe his ears; this was an offer Sahalin would never dare make.

Sahalin promised him high ranks, wealth, and even the temptation of nobility titles, but when it came to the future of the Val City-State people, he was vague.

Surprised, yet still a bit skeptical, Tony tried to test, "According to treaty provisions, our citizens are not restricted by occupied zones and can freely acquire the nationality of any country. Would your country also accept 500,000 Val people?"

"Very welcome."

Sif smiled and said, "Do you remember the thirty thousand wandering refugees?"

Tony's expression stiffened slightly.

The spark that led to the division of the Val City-State was precisely these refugees.

A fleeting sadness.

Blaming the spark for the explosion is unreasonable; even without the refugee incident, the division of the Val City-State was inevitable at some point.

He understood Sif's message.

She was able to accept these over thirty thousand refugees despite the diplomatic pressure from the Jin Yuan Kingdom; naturally, she could withstand the pressure from the Vladimir Empire to take in all Val City-State people.

Tony pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I will inform everyone of your terms and let them choose for themselves. As for myself..."

He softly asked, "If I serve you, how do you intend to arrange for me?"

"I look at talent first, then character when employing someone. I fully recognize Mr. Tony's character; your level would depend on your ability."

Sif calmly explained, "You could start as the Deputy Minister in Charge of Internal Affairs in the Governor's Territory."

She was the Minister of Internal Affairs; the Deputy was the actual head of the department.

The term 'Deputy' was something Roland brought with him. It was a bit odd but unique.

Tony was momentarily confused, not quite understanding what it meant to be 'Deputy.'

Roland gave him a brief introduction, and Tony immediately understood.

In name, Sif's deputy, but in reality, the Minister of Internal Affairs in the Governor's Territory.

He did not expect Sif and Roland to value him so highly; he was somewhat caught off guard.

He almost nodded right then, but necessary reservation had to be maintained.

He slowly said, "I need to discuss with my family and will give you a reply by tonight at the latest."

Roland smiled and extended his hand to Tony, shaking it, "Mr. Tony, I believe you will make the right choice."

Tony did not respond immediately but couldn't help asking, "Mr. Roland, I'm curious, both you and Miss Sif seem to have a high regard for my ability. May I know why?"

"It's not my evaluation, but the assessment of ordinary people in Val City."

Roland slowly said, "In five years, you have significantly increased citizens' income, and this is precisely the ability we need."

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