Alchemists do not need self-cultivation

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Kingdom of Albion is a long-established and powerful nation with its own rich history.

Although it was divided into two countries in the revolution ten years ago, it still possesses considerable strength.

Due to its steam industry, most of Albion's cities are shrouded in fog year-round. Many foreigners who visit are intrigued by this mist-shrouded country.

In Albion's airspace, a black armed helicopter is moving towards the capital.

Isaac brought two people with him this time: Olivia, the president of Amestris, and Violet, who was acting as a temporary recorder.

"We're almost there," Isaac said to the person in the back seat as he piloted the helicopter. "Violet, you should know how to operate the weapons systems. If any fools attack, just fire a couple of Hellfire missiles at them..."

"Yes."

“We’re here for diplomacy, not to fight,” Olivia said, rubbing her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

I don't know how this meeting will turn out, and I feel that bringing Isaac to this kind of meeting is not a good choice.

“Isaac, do you remember what I told you?” Olivia asked.

“I remember, no giving the middle finger to world leaders, and no swearing,” Isaac replied. “Don’t worry, sir, I remember all of that.”

"The question is, can you do it?" Olivia looked at him skeptically.

"I'll try my best..."

"It must be done!"

Olivia sighed deeply and whispered to Violet in front of her, "Do you remember everything I told you before?"

“Yes, Your Excellency, I will be careful.” Violet nodded slightly.

"That's good."

Before long, the helicopter had entered Albion's territory. From the cabin, one could see the city below shrouded in white fog.

"Sir, what is that wall?" Isaac asked, looking down at the high wall that seemed to cut a country in two.

“That’s the London Wall, a high-rise fortified line that was divided into two Londons by the Republican Revolution,” Olivia said. “After the Kingdom and the Republic agreed to a truce, the Kingdom began construction on it. The Kingdom regarded the London Wall as essential to the defense of the Kingdom and as a monument symbolizing the Kingdom’s prestige. Non-military facilities were also built around and inside it.”

“I see.” Isaac looked at the city wall and suddenly had a bold idea. “Violet, let’s test the weapon by firing two missiles at the wall.”

“Understood.” Violet said, opening the button cover on her joystick.

"Stop it, all of you!!" Olivia shouted.

Damn, bringing these two people along is really exhausting.

Finally, the plane landed safely outside the Albion city hall.

When the three emerged, they found a large crowd had already gathered, including dignitaries from various countries and journalists. Upon seeing the group, the reporters immediately began snapping photos of Isaac and his entourage.

Chapter 386: Reunion & A Tumultuous Meeting

"Come on, sir, be careful when you get down."

Isaac reached out and took Olivia's hand.

“You’re quite the gentleman, Isaac,” Olivia laughed, as he helped her off the helicopter. “This plane is rather crowded.”

"The AH-64 was originally designed for two pilots; your configuration was something I modified on the spot."

"Well, it was an unforgettable air trip nonetheless."

After Violet and Olivia disembarked from the helicopter, the three were surrounded by reporters, their camera flashes going off incessantly.

A middle-aged man wearing a bowler hat and a suit strolled over and stopped in front of Isaac and the others.

"You must be a representative from Amestolis. Please follow me." The middle-aged man in the suit was very polite. "Let me introduce myself. I am Duke Normandy, the Minister of the Interior of the Kingdom of Albion."

“Hello, Duke Normandy. I am Lieutenant General Isaac Yao from Amestoris.” Isaac stepped forward and shook hands with Normandy.

“A lieutenant general? Mr. Yao is quite young,” Normandy exclaimed. “However, your surname seems to be from the new country.”

"Yes, my ancestral home is in Singapore."

"I see. Please forgive my unnecessary questions."

"You're too kind."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Normandy led Isaac toward the city hall.

In a huge conference room, a large round table was placed in the center. When Isaac and his entourage arrived, the area around the table was already full of people, all of whom were world leaders who could be seen on the news. Behind them stood their security detail. Reporters could only stand on the outermost edge to take pictures.

Isaac also saw his father, and the new emperor was already sitting inside. He seemed to have seen Isaac waving in his direction.

The most powerful figures in each country gather here.

As soon as Isaac and his group stepped through the door, all eyes turned to them.

"Now that the representatives of Amestoris have arrived, please take your seats," said an elderly woman at the head of the group, who coughed twice.

She is the current queen of Albion.

Isaac noticed two people standing behind the Queen: the Duke of Normandy, whom he had seen before, and a blonde girl.

Isaac didn't pay much attention to her, but the blonde girl was indeed curiously looking at Isaac.

Olivia sat down in the seat reserved for her, and the meeting officially began.

……

As is customary, the heads of state began to discuss diplomacy, trade, and politics, and shared their insights. Isaac, standing behind Olivia, was already starting to yawn shortly afterward.

"Mr. Isaac, Mr. Isaac..."

Just then, he heard a voice calling his name. He turned around and saw a familiar figure.

It's Charlotte.

With her signature flaxen hair and lovely face, she stood behind King Rhodesells, dressed in a formal gown. She had also come to this international conference.

“Long time no see, Charlotte,” Isaac said with a smile.

It's been almost three years, and that little girl has matured a bit now. But she's still a child.

“I knew Mr. Isaac would come, so I came with my father,” Charlotte said softly. “And my father also said that I will be able to inherit the throne and become queen in two years, so he thought it was no big deal to bring me here sooner.”

Upon hearing this, Isaac looked up and saw that King Dodsel was also sitting at the round table, just one seat away from Olivia. However, Isaac had not noticed him when he came in.

The king saw Isaac nod and smile at him, which was considered a greeting.

Charlotte then noticed Violet beside Isaac. Unlike before, she was no longer the little girl she once was. Violet, dressed in a blue military uniform, looked dashing and heroic.

"Violet is already your adjutant?"

“Yes,” Isaac smiled and ruffled Violet’s hair. “A very excellent adjutant.”

"Humph!"

Charlotte turned her head away from them, seemingly sulking.

Before long, the meeting reached a crucial stage.

"Now, there is something I need to discuss with the leaders of various countries," Queen Albion began. "It concerns some things that Lieutenant General Isaac Yao, the current lieutenant general of Amestris, did during the war on the continent of Tersis three years ago."

Everyone, including the reporters on the periphery, perked up. Olivia and Violet also became alert. Charlotte, however, grew somewhat worried. The new emperor narrowed his eyes slightly.

Isaac himself, however, seemed indifferent.

Duke Normandy, standing beside the Queen, picked up the manuscript and began to read: "In the war on the continent of Tersis, which began seven years ago, a colonel who was then part of the Eastern Army of Amestris intervened in the war three years ago and frequently used white phosphorus bombs, poison gas bombs, and a type of weapon of mass destruction called thermobaric bombs in the battle against the Caldaris Army, causing large-scale casualties."

He paused slightly at this point, gave Isaac a meaningful look, and continued reading: "In the final days of the war, a terrifying weapon called the 'hydrogen bomb' was developed, turning the city of Intans, which covered 150 square kilometers, into scorched earth and killing 300,000 Caldaric soldiers."

These words caused a stir among those present. Reporters' cameras focused entirely on Isaac. There were also whispers among the crowd.

"Hey, just one pill killed 300,000 people!?"

"Such terrifying weapons exist in the world?"

"That's terrifying..."

The elderly Queen of Albion looked at Isaac and asked, "Lieutenant General Isaac, is this intelligence accurate?"

Everyone looked at him, their expressions varied: some in disbelief, some fear and terror, some wariness, and some even with madness and excitement in their eyes.

Without exception, they all awaited Isaac's answer.

Isaac smiled slightly and said slowly, "That's right, that's something I did."

The entire room was silent at first, then erupted in uproar.

The weapon known as the hydrogen bomb does exist, which means that Amestoris possesses such a weapon.

According to the description, this weapon could completely dominate a war, or even wipe out any country in the world.

It's practically an invention of the devil.

"Why are you asking me this?" Isaac's eyes sharpened.

He was eager to see how the world leaders present would react to him.

This international conference is full of exciting developments.

Chapter 387: Condemnation and Counterattack

"Your actions are inhumane," said the Queen of Albion. "On behalf of the Kingdom, I strongly protest against your behavior."

“Fine, I accept your protest,” Isaac said indifferently.

The Queen frowned slightly at Isaac's attitude and said with displeasure, "Your Excellency Isaac, don't you know what you've done wrong?"

"Yes, I know. It caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and destroyed hundreds of thousands of families."

"then you……"

"Therefore I accept your condemnation, and I have no resentment whatsoever."

"...Let's move on to the next matter," the Queen said solemnly. "I hope His Excellency Isaac will issue a public apology, that Amestris will destroy its existing 'hydrogen bombs,' and that it will guarantee that it will not develop such weapons again."

Everyone fell silent, watching Isaac and waiting for his answer.

Olivia turned to Isaac and whispered, "Does our country still have a stockpile of hydrogen bombs?"

"No, I can make it on the spot if needed."

“I see.” Olivia nodded. As the supreme leader of Amestris, she needed to answer Queen Albion’s question directly.