Chapter 1908: Chapter 1901: A Temporary Measure

Again, the routine insurance measures are initiated, and as the meeting room is sealed, Lin Wei looks at Luo’er and earnestly asks, “Luo’er, when does Princess Melia plan to take action?”

“It’s still uncertain,” Luo’er shakes his head and says, “She seems to be waiting for our stance, but it is certain that if we approve, she might take action after the Lipei crisis is resolved.”

“Masaya, finally it’s coming to its endgame.” Lin Wei sighs somewhat wistfully.

“Luo’er,” another General frowns and says, “Can you guarantee that after Princess Melia unifies Masaya, she will still maintain relations with Lipei and headquarters?”

“Can’t guarantee…” Luo’er thinks for a moment, shaking his head.

“What we are worried about is that once Princess Melia gains power, she might use it arrogantly and negotiate with us or the Americans instead. If that happens, we will have raised an ingrate.” The General solemnly looks at his colleagues and continues.

“From what I know about her…” Luo’er purses his lips and hesitates for a moment before saying, “such a possibility can’t be ruled out.”

“Right.”

The General looks a bit smugly at the others.

“However,” Luo’er pauses and says, “it’s not something without solutions…”

“Princess Melia has studied much about Earth and periodically updates herself about Earth’s international political situation through news publications. She knows what she’s doing, so if she does get to this point, it would mean, at least in her mind, that we and the United States have equal strength…”

“People possess subjective initiative, and those in high positions consider many more aspects. Her choice means that such actions benefit Masaya Kingdom…”

“So, I think the issue the meeting should discuss is how we can prevent Princess Melia from thinking we are equal to the United States, rather than asking her to choose between the two powers after events unfold.”

“Your words are basically empty,” the General shrugs and says, “If we could dominate the world, why would we care about the New Cold War landscape?”

“I’m not saying we should confront the Americans head-on now,” Luo’er says, “but we need to make Princess Melia realize that leveraging power for alliances has its cost. As long as she feels that kicking us out after gaining power is not worth it, she won’t flip-flop on such issues.”

“So, do you have any good ideas?” Lin Wei asks.

“Hmm…”

Luo’er contemplates for a long time and then slowly raises his head, looking at the gathered Generals and seriously says, “There are indeed some ways…”

“First, we need to make Princess Melia aware that even if she acquires the crown of Masaya Kingdom, she still needs our support; otherwise, her throne is unstable.”

“How to do that?” Lin Wei spreads his hands and asks.

“I will go and talk to her properly.” Luo’er says.

“Alright, good.”

Lin Wei nods in satisfaction.

“Secondly,” Luo’er continues, “we need to ensure western countries completely break with Princess Melia. It’s well-known that NATO has secretly supported Masaya’s opposition. They dislike the current Masaya royal family, and Princess Melia is against the royal family too. This makes them easy allies, although she currently stands with us, no one can be sure that NATO’s influence hasn’t infiltrated.”

“So?”

“So, I need you all to manipulate operations on Earth’s side, using media channels to stir up populist trends in western countries and force them to compel their governments to make a choice. The content is to oppose Princess Melia’s seizure of royal power…”

“Once that’s achieved, even if NATO doesn’t plan to follow the public opinion, Princess Melia will, through various channels, learn about the situation on Earth and understand the opposition from western countries to her usurping power. In this case, I believe Princess Melia will not consider cooperating with NATO because once NATO slightly compromises internally, it implies disagreements between both sides, forcing Princess Melia into a dilemma.”

“Through public opinion, on Earth, build Princess Melia’s image as a usurper to force western countries to comply with populism, is that it?” Lin Wei asks thoughtfully.

“Correct, we need to promote Princess Melia’s negative image on Earth, forcing her isolation with NATO. Thus, we will become her only choice…”

“Once we’ve reached this point, we will slightly demonstrate our military power to let Princess Melia realize that in the New Cold War framework, we always have the upper hand. So, on one side is NATO with declining influence and domestic opposition, and on the other is us with a slight advantage and close cooperation. I think Princess Melia as a competent politician should know which choice to make.” Luo’er says.

After listening to Luo’er’s analysis, the corners of Lin Wei’s mouth lift constantly. Looking at the other Generals, he smiles and says, “See, like I said, Luo’er must have thought of a solution; our worries are completely unnecessary.”

“So, you’re here to consult us, right?” that General asks.

“Yes, such things I can’t decide alone. I can represent Lipei but not headquarters, let alone the nation.” Luo’er answers formally.

“Good, principled.”

The General gives a thumbs up.

“Luo’er,” Lin Wei says to him, “The higher-ups have given us instructions, agreeing in principle to Princess Melia’s actions. But we need to exert our influence and prevent the situation from escalating. So, theoretically, your plan can be directly approved.”

“Then, your meaning is…” Luo’er hesitates to ask.

“You are familiar with Princess Melia, right?” Lin Wei asks back.

“Sort of.” Luo’er nods and says.

“Great, then you must persuade her well that we will support your actions here; keep communication open. Most importantly, ensure there is no threat to Lipei’s Otherworld window.” Lin Wei says.

“Understood, I know what to do.” Luo’er salutes firmly and responds.

“Speaking of which,” Lin Wei suddenly thinks of something and asks, “Since you are familiar with Princess Melia, are you sure it’s alright to suggest ruining her reputation on Earth?”

“She is a politician first, and then my friend. Even if she knows the truth, I believe she won’t overreact.” Luo’er answers seriously.

“Seems like you know her quite well.” Lin Wei says, narrowing his eyes.

“After all, I do admire her, so…”

Luo’er shrugs his shoulders.

After leaving the meeting room, Luo’er wastes no time and directly takes a helicopter back to the Otherworld Gate, then travels through it to return to the inner city of Lipei.

However, he doesn’t immediately go to Princess Melia but instead heads directly to the Commander’s Office. He feels it’s better to take things slowly rather than agreeing rashly, which might make a person seem hasty.

Returning to the office, Luo’er feels utterly exhausted and seems sleepy. Crossing the Otherworld Gate is known to consume a lot of energy, and each crossing feels like strenuous exercise, consuming tremendous physical strength.

He sits in his office chair, yawning repeatedly, considering whether to rest for a while or have a drink to refresh himself when a female officer knocks and enters the office, reporting a surprising piece of news: “Commander Sir, Princess Nina has suddenly arrived at the Commander’s Office. Should I let her in, as there was no prior notice?”

“Let her in, it’s alright.” Luo’er waves dismissively, saying lightly.

“Understood,”

The female officer says, secretly glancing at Luo’er several times, seemingly trying to ascertain his connection with Nina.

After all, it is an open secret at the Commander’s Office that Luo’er is Princess Nina’s son.

Although their public stance might suggest otherwise, considering their mother-son relationship, Nina’s sudden visit doesn’t appear unusual to them.

After the female officer leaves, it doesn’t take long before the office door is knocked. Luo’er signals Feng to step aside and personally goes up to open the door. Upon seeing Nina’s warm smile, he feels his fatigue suddenly ease significantly.