Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

Colombia, ? ? ?, wilderness.

On the long-distance international bus, a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit, but with a weary face, gazed through the dusty window at the endless desert and the horizon at its edge.

The sky was overcast, with dark clouds obscuring the sky overhead, leaving only a bright band above the distant horizon. In ancient Yan Chinese proverbs, "A bright sky on the horizon means rain, a bright sky overhead means no rain," a harbinger of impending rain. Lightning flashed intermittently through the rolling clouds, the thunder always arriving a half-minute later than the lightning. If the messenger on the bus hadn't repeatedly emphasized that this was just a normal, localized shower, not a natural disaster, the dirty, coarsely dressed men and their gossipy wives on board might have screamed after each clap of thunder.

The middle-aged man stood out from the crowd. With his status and wealth, he was perfectly capable of boarding a passenger plane at Silicon Valley International Airport bound for Victoria, choosing first class, closing his eyes and taking a nap in a comfortable seat, then waiting to be woken up by the young and beautiful flight attendant, Liboli, and arriving at the unfamiliar land where he would spend the rest of his life.

But he didn't do that. He didn't trust the Colombians' credibility, nor did he believe they would let him leave knowing so many secrets. There might be a bomb on the plane, and this drafty bus could conceal his movements.

"Click!"

A sudden jolt caused his briefcase to fall to the ground, spilling out the documents inside. He quickly bent down to pick them up.

His identity was revealed by a stylish signature on a file titled "Silicon Valley Entry Control List".

His name used to be Chianti.

Chapter Fifty-Four: If you can destroy me, that's fine too.

Victoria, Lentinium, National Broadcasting Corporation.

The Victorian National Broadcasting Corporation (BNC) was transformed from Londinium Television and is the first state-owned enterprise to successfully transform under the guidance of Wayne. Currently, its upper management has been completely overhauled and is directly led by the Victorian Department of Information, which is dedicated to announcing, explaining, and responding to social concerns and related policies in the name of national authority.

But it also has an unusual responsibility: to act as a mouthpiece for the Aslan royal family, playing a role when necessary. For example, the upcoming press conference jointly held by Her Majesty Queen Vina Bruce, military chief Ernest Norfolk, and political leader Arthur Nicholler—three of the highest leaders on the Victorian side.

In fact, even before the press conference, almost every citizen of Londinium had sensed the tension that had been emanating from the Iron Palace for the past two days. Large numbers of military personnel were entering the palace, and squads of soldiers in steam-powered armor were preparing to march out of the city from their barracks. Even a three-year-old child in the civilian district could tell that Victoria was preparing for war.

They simply don't know who the enemy will be or what the reason for the war will be, but today, Her Majesty the Queen will personally answer these questions at this press conference that covers all of Terra.

The press conference was not only being followed by the people of Victoria. At the same time, heads of state from various countries also mobilized their informants stationed in Lentinium. Agents, spies, and intelligence personnel from all countries poured out to search for any clues about Victoria's actions.

Upon learning that the matter might be related to Colombia, the world leaders breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Victoria's iron fist was not meant for them. They happily brewed a cup of tea, intending to watch this entertaining spectacle of a father beating his son.

Colombia is in deep trouble, and the whole of Terra is watching with bated breath.

July 10, 7:00.

As the deep chimes of Big Ben echoed through the streets of Lentinham, people from all over the world, with their bowls of rice in hand and glued to their televisions, turned their gazes toward the Victorian National Broadcasting Corporation, which had switched to a live broadcast.

As previously announced, the three highest authorities of Victoria were seated in front of the camera. Vina, wearing a cloak and full red military uniform, sat slightly higher, while beside her were Marshal Ernest, also in aristocratic military attire, and Consul Arthur, dressed in a suit and tie.

After the long Victorian national anthem ended, Consul Arthur spoke first:

"Good morning, citizens who are watching this press conference. I am Arthur Nikov, the Governor of the City of Lentinium. I am hosting this press conference, and there are two agendas. First, to announce Victoria's official response to the Colombian incident. Second, questions from the press."

He paused, and Ernest on the other side naturally took over the conversation.

"On the evening of July 8, 1092 (Terra calendar), His Royal Highness Prince Victoria of Wales, Wayne Bruce, was subjected to unwarranted and inhumane violence by Colombian military forces in Colombia. Colombia has offered no positive response, refusing to apologize, provide compensation, or take any other actions to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. Their actions have severely damaged the reputation of the Royal Family and trampled on national dignity. Victoria has reached the limit of her tolerance and is now announcing a sanctions plan against Colombia, decided upon after discussions with Her Majesty the Queen."

Ernest glanced at the many ambassadors seated below the stage, invited to the press conference. There were those from Sargon, those from Ursus, and even those from the Great Yan, but the Colombians were conspicuously excluded.

Meanwhile, the Colombian ambassador was being stopped outside the venue by two Royal Guards. He was frantically trying to contact his country on his cell phone while pacing back and forth, sweating profusely.

There was a television screen right in front of him broadcasting a press conference live, so he naturally heard Ernest's speech. The more he listened, the more distorted his expression became, and the colder his heart grew, especially when he heard Ernest claim that "Columbia has done nothing." His expression at that moment was truly priceless.

He's not much better than the judge in parliament, whose face is contorted in a grimace.

"What do you mean Columbia is doing nothing? I've been hanging around the City Hall every single day these past few days, trying to see Arthur and Her Majesty the Queen, but when the hell have you guys agreed to it?!"

The ambassador couldn't help but curse inwardly, but on the surface he had to suppress his anger and force a smile to try to find a solution.

The televised address continued, and Ernest began announcing plans for "sanctions."

"Now, Victoria hereby warns the Colombian Federal Government that Victoria's army has marched to the border. Starting today, there are seven days left. The Colombian government must immediately release the Prince of Wales and send people to escort him back home. For every day of delay, Victoria's iron hooves will trample over a Colombian city until all seven mobile cities are occupied. If you still do not repent, Victoria will formally declare war on you for your disrespect of the Victorian Royal Family!"

The moment the word "declare war" left his lips, the Colombian ambassador outside the venue abruptly stopped in his tracks, his legs buckled, and he nearly fell to the ground.

declare war?

The Colombian ambassador never expected that Victoria would directly utter the words "declare war"! This was a national press conference; did Victoria not know what uttering the words "declare war" in this setting meant?

Words spoken are like water spilled; a nation's promises must be kept. Since Victoria dared to make such a statement, it means they are definitely prepared to launch an attack on Colombia and achieve victory as soon as the countdown begins.

This isn't just arrogance, this is downright arrogance!

The Colombian ambassador could already imagine the headlines in the newspapers of all the countries of Terra tomorrow. Victoria used this method to declare that the empire, which had once become the laughing stock of all Terra due to the vacant throne, the rebellion in the north, and the fall of the duke, had finally emerged from the shadows and once again reigned as the British Empire!

Colombia was the first stepping stone to the rise of the sun.

Damn it, it's all those stupid soldiers' fault. If they had any brains, wouldn't they have found out who it was before they made a move?

They even accused him of possessing weapons of mass destruction. I'm absolutely furious! Fine, you can accuse me, but don't try to pin it on the Prince of Wales! He really does possess weapons of mass destruction! Is it any of your business? Do you dare touch him?

The Colombian ambassador was nearly desperate; this was no longer a situation he could resolve on his own. Victoria had declared a seven-day countdown, and the immediate priority was to send those military idiots home, find a scapegoat to take the blame, and satisfy Victoria!

Columbia, who was used to bullying others, never expected that after so many years, he would still be unable to escape a beating from his father.

After Ernest finished speaking, Vina, who was getting a little tired of sitting, finally spoke her first words:

"This is Victoria's attitude. Now it's time for the Q&A session. You go first."

She randomly pointed to a reporter in the audience, who stood up and introduced himself:

"Your Majesty, greetings. I am a reporter from the Colombian Daily News..."

Vina raised an eyebrow slightly. Oh my, is this considered luck? Out of so many reporters, she picked a Colombian.

She nodded slightly, signaling the reporter to continue.

The reporter appeared somewhat agitated, questioning Victoria's almost unreasonable and domineering declaration:

"I would like to ask Marshal Ernest, what right does Victoria have to set such a seven-day condition? Doesn't Victoria care about its dignity as a great power in such an overbearing manner?"

Ernest chuckled, raised the microphone, and replied dismissively:

"Victoria's reputation is none of Colombia's concern, but Victoria is determined to rip off Colombia's facade once and for all, so what?"

The reporter's face flushed red: "Don't you consider that this move will anger millions of people in Colombia?"

Ernest remained calm and composed, replying indifferently, "I'm not worried. What does it matter to you if I destroy you?"

The reporter seemed to have found a flaw and pressed further: "Is Victoria's move intended to turn Columbia into a city of Victoria?"

Ernest was about to answer when Vina stopped her.

She was quite tired after sitting for so long. Moreover, she felt very uncomfortable with the reporter, even to the point of feeling nauseous.

"First of all, Victoria acquired Rhine Life through legal channels and in accordance with all legal procedures in Colombia. It was the Colombians who first overturned the table and disregarded the rules, and now you are turning around and accusing Victoria of violating international rules in its self-defense actions? Is this the true face of Colombia? If so, it is truly laughable."

Vina had absolutely no liking for this kind of Colombian double standard dog, and responded bluntly:

“Victoria is only defending its dignity and rights and has no territorial claims against Colombia. Of course, if Colombia wants to try to turn Victoria into your city and destroy me, so be it.”

Arrogant, that's the only word.

We, Victoria, can destroy you, and it has nothing to do with you. If you're dissatisfied, you can try it; if you can destroy me, so can I.

Unfortunately for you, Colombia, built on betrayal, is destined to lack that ability.

Backed by a powerful motherland, even a beggar in the gutter of Lentinium could have such confidence to say this to anyone who dared to challenge Victoria's authority.

Victoria has the power to turn you into one of our cities. If you are unhappy about it, you can try to destroy me.

This is confidence—national confidence, the confidence of a great power, and the confidence of a hegemon.

Chapter Fifty-Five: Division!

Colombia, Federal Parliament.

The politicians were no longer in the mood for joking around. They huddled together, discussing how to resolve the trouble.

This time, they were very efficient. In less than half an hour, a consensus was reached—sell out the military.

This wasn't just one person's idea; it was a rare alliance between the "Donkey" and "Elephant" parties. The reason is simple: politicians believe this whole affair is purely the military's fault. It is the military, having committed the seven deadly sins, that has led Colombia into its current predicament.

First, there's the military, which committed the crime of arrogance. If they hadn't been so arrogant, and had investigated the Prince of Wales's identity before taking action, and weighed the consequences of their actions, this international crisis would never have had a chance to erupt.

Secondly, there's the military, which committed the crime of greed. If they hadn't tried to secretly take a slice of the pie that the political world had prepared and had just been content to be ordinary soldiers, then the Rhine Labs acquisition and the subsequent furious blockade operation would never have happened!

Furthermore, if the military, which committed the crime of gluttony, had not attempted to monopolize Rhine Life, but instead had negotiated with the political establishment beforehand, regardless of the exchange of benefits, this matter could certainly have been resolved in a more amicable manner.

Lust, sloth, envy, and anger are also reasons why the military acted so impulsively in this incident, causing great harm to Colombia!

According to the Lateran Bible, those who commit the seven deadly sins should go to hell to keep company with Satan. Whether Colombia will keep company with Satan now is unknown to the politicians, but they know that if no one steps forward to take responsibility, Satan's messengers will soon return to reap their lives.

They sold off the military. As long as there's money, the army can always be rebuilt. Besides, the Colombian army's strength is just so-so. Compared to the Victorian army with its steam-armored soldiers, it's like ants compared to an elephant—utterly insignificant.

By selling off the military, the political establishment can create a more obedient army in the future. This army has now crossed the line of interests for them and the monopolistic giants behind them! Relying on their merits in the War of Independence, they act recklessly and arrogantly, causing great trouble for business operations and now making a huge mess. This is a good opportunity to purge the military.

Having made up his mind, the chief judge summoned a representative from the military and informed him of the political decision.

"For the future of Colombia, we have decided to temporarily relieve several five-star generals in the military, and several commanders will also need to be investigated by the Federal Parliament, in order to meet Victoria's demands."

It wasn't a question, but a statement. The judge's words were utterly unquestionable. The military representative, his face ashen, looked at him and refused:

"This is impossible. Where is there a precedent for dismissing a high-ranking official of our own country because of a mere foreign threat? We will not accept such a proposal!"

He spoke with righteous indignation and passionate fervor, waving his hand and saying:

"If the Victorians dare to come, then let them come. We, Colombia, are a free and democratic nation. How can we submit to such a hegemonic empire? Our country defeated them in the War of Independence. Back then, we were still wielding pitchforks and shovels. Now we have a mature arms industry, Originium heavy artillery, and war mages are not scarce. We will definitely win again!"

He spoke with such fervor, as if victory was imminent and Victoria's army would be driven back to their homeland by Colombia in the next instant. But the judge and the other officials merely chuckled coldly, dismissing his words with disdain.

Did they defeat Victoria a hundred years ago?

Absolutely not. They had only defeated a border pacification force under a corrupt border duke of Victoria. Although those troops were armed with heavy crossbows and staffs, what difference was there between them and the militia armed with pitchforks? They were nothing more than dogs conscripted from the local natives.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Victoria was single-handedly resisting the expansion of the then-powerful Gallo Empire, with his army largely concentrated on the front lines, leaving him no time to attend to his burning rear. Even so, defeating those "dogs" and seizing the thirteen mobile cities that had propelled Colombia to its rise to power still required immense effort and incurred unimaginable casualties!

And now? They face the Victorian regular army, elite troops, and central army, now reviving the glory of the British Empire, launching their first war abroad. At this point, the Victorian army, even the hilt of their swords, is honed to the point of being sharp enough to cut a hair. Does Colombia really dare to brazenly charge into Victoria's blade?

They'll just end up with their heads blown off. Their chances of winning are absolutely zero.

Not to mention, even if they could win, the political establishment had absolutely no intention of waging war.

The problem was caused by your military. We in the political arena did nothing from beginning to end. Now that we've caused trouble, you want us to take the blame and pay the price for you?

Do you military idiots even know how much it costs to fight a war? How much money has Colombia made since its founding? How can that support the expenses of a war with Vitória? What's more, this war is one with very little hope. If we lose, the political and military factions will be dragged down with Colombia. Even if we win, war means military expansion. If the military expands again, how will the moneyless political establishment check and balance you?

In any case, we politicians won't gain anything, and we'll have to give back all the money we've pocketed. You've got a clever plan, only a fool would do that!

Dream on! Colombia has no tradition of sharing joys and sorrows. The sooner and cleaner you traitors who betrayed politics and wanted to monopolize everything, the better!

"This matter has been decided, and there is no room for discussion."