Walking through the corridor with Mila and others in tow, I strolled along humming to myself. Mila, however, looked at me suspiciously.
"Why are you carrying a bucket of popcorn?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
"Oh, it's your first time this year accompanying me to the Senate," I replied. Mila hadn't accompanied me in senate meetings since we broke up, though she'd been staying at my office pestering me. I scratched my head in embarrassment. "You'll find out very soon."
Mila tilted her head as we continued walking towards the Senate door. Upon opening it, we were greeted by a chaotic scene—people swearing, punching each other, and slamming chairs.
"Welcome to the civility of civilizations," I remarked dryly, grabbing a fistful of popcorn and tossing it into my mouth.
"At this rate, someone will die," Mila sighed at the sight, probably shocked at how this country hasn't fallen into civil war with these people's little disagreements.
"Don't worry, no one will die," I said as I stuffed more popcorn into my mouth.
"Seriously? Are you drunk or something?" Mila said in an exasperated tone.
"I banned bringing guns, magic, any foreign pointed objects, or bladed weapons. There should be a few half-dead that can be saved by dragging them to the hospital real quick, and a few dozen wounded, of course." I paused as I handed her the popcorn. "Want some?"
Mila looked utterly exasperated, as if her head were throbbing. She shook her head, holding it in her hands. Glancing at the senators brawling, she then looked back at me with sharp eyes.
"Shouldn't you stop them?" she finally managed to say.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Oh, Mila, this is part of the Senate. They'll wear themselves out soon enough."
"So you knew... this is a Senate! Aren't they supposed to be discussing important matters?" she responded in annoyance.
"They are, in their own... unique way," I replied, scratching my head while munching on another handful of popcorn. "Trust me, they're definitely discussing important things. One of the opposition probably just got pissed off and started throwing punches."
"Yes, as expected of His Excellency, one disliked another's proposal and everything spiraled out of control," a middle-aged man said, standing by my side as I crossed my legs facing him. "Senator Andan from the Federal Territory of Matrios Archipelago at your service." He bowed lightly.
"Andan," I remembered that name. "Oh, you're the one who grabbed a security personnel's shotgun at last year's Senate meeting to stop that moron from shooting everyone with a submachine gun."
"Yes, it's an honor to be remembered," he replied courteously, then gave a polite nod to Mila. "My, Lady Mila finally accompanying His Excellency in his work at the Senate once more. It's truly a delightful sight to see her by His Excellency's side."
Mila smiled back. "It's just a whim," she said as she glanced around. It was silence, pure silence. Yeah, everyone was comically rushing to their respective seats after disengaging from their riot.
"It appears that everyone finally discovered your presence here, Your Excellency," Andan said, echoing my thoughts.
"I can see that, certainly." Servants began cleaning up the mess. Some senators were trying to sit on damaged seats that had likely been smashed earlier, or holding together demolished tables, trash strewn around their respective spots.
"Now," I said, turning on my mic. Everyone darted their eyes to me. A few years ago, I might have been shaken by these many eyes, but now, it was just a job experience, nothing more, nothing less. "That was quite a good show. So, anyone care to explain why you're smashing and punching each other like civilized people? No one died today, right?"
The room fell silent, with senators groaning and trembling at my words.
"I'll offer my explanation, Your Excellency. I am from Elvav. We're currently experiencing an influx of illegal immigrants. We're hoping to pass a law making them criminals to be deported, but it was slowed down by the Eridian senator who is adamantly opposing that proposition against the foreigners in our lands."
I nodded at his words, then turned my gaze to the seats of the Eridian senators. "I wonder about your defense," I said. One of them immediately stood up.
"Your Excellency, we certainly agree with not allowing illegal immigrants in our lands. But making them criminals, as an open thought of attacking and even allowing citizen arrests, might provoke other countries into making a move against these aggressive actions. We suggest stopping them and simply deporting them. There's no need to criminalize them and allow them to be attacked or arrested by our people."
"I do remember that neighboring countries don't care about illegal immigrants crossing our border; it's out of their jurisdiction," I uttered as I looked at the Elvav senators. "I wonder about their general objectives in jumping into our land. I don't remember us being that filthy rich in the frontier. If they go to our major cities and railway junction settlements with comprehensive ID inspections and monitoring, they'll be immediately discovered as illegal immigrants. What's their point?"
The Elvav senators soon opened their mouths. "Generally, they want to find work."
"That would generally fail or be no different from their own country," I said. "Unless they're in the major cities that I mentioned, it's impossible to live without citizenship as listed two years ago."
"That's correct, Your Excellency," the Elvav senators nodded. When our country was founded and the concessions from Valur were completed, the first projects we initiated were census gathering, followed by detailed ID collection and validation of our citizens. This process took five years. Anyone who wasn't documented two years ago is likely from the far edges of the federation, island territories, or primitive tribal groups, but should be generally considered as Cignite Valurians. Those who appear in the corner of the borders and waltz into the major cities without ID documentation are either straight-out convicts, bandits, spies, or illegal immigrants.
"Therefore, criminalizing them might be an overreaction," I continued, "but we do need a strong policy to deter illegal immigration. Deportation without criminal charges could be a lenient approach."
Eridian looked satisfied and victorious, facing Elvav who glared back with fury.
"Nonetheless, a strong deterrent needs to be implemented to reduce the chances of illegal immigrants crossing our borders." The Eridian and Elvav senators, along with other senators from the federal territories, Mineas, and Cignus proper, all turned their attention to me.
"Comprehensive information dissemination is required, probably along with a death penalty warning if they are captured by soldiers, or something similar. How does that sound? Psychological warfare, perhaps?" I suggested.
Murmurs rippled through the chamber as the senators considered the idea. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked troubled.
One senator finally spoke up, "Your Excellency, while it's a strong deterrent, it might've not be so effective as warning only,"
I nodded thoughtfully. "Fair point. No idiot would believe it if it's just a warning. Should we instead build metal fences throughout the border?"
"Building walls might be overblown, Your Excellency," said a senator. "It's not impossible, but our bulk of current metal output is being prioritized for rail construction and settlement expansion projects. We ought not to unnecessarily reduce the allocated resources, as it might delay our major projects in progress."
"I see." I looked at the map on my phone, our border highlighted. "Stones or cement?"
The senator continued, "We have plenty of stones and cement to build walls. Unfortunately, our people are already moving into the central regions. There are only around 3 to 3.4 million remaining in the border settlements, and the number is still dwindling with many towns and cities abandoned as they move to the heart of the country. We might lack manpower. Those already assigned to farming under our Border Frontier Militia Act, most of the farmers also act as soldiers. They can't leave to collect stones or do quarry jobs and begin to create walls. We don't have enough hands for such matters."
"So a lot is leaving the frontiers, huh?" I mused, considering the possibility that these areas might be completely deserted in the next couple of years.
"Yeah, fortunately or not, much of the 200,000 border frontier militia act families chose to live and farm in the borders. But in the long run, there might be a demographic imbalance that could force them to move further inland," the senator noted.
"Now that sounds alarming," I paused for a moment. "I should begin laying out plans for establishing stations and railways throughout the border." Our population is large, but it's too far from the borders, restricting our movements.
"I can request my mother to deploy soldiers, assuming you allow it. We can lessen the burden of immigration problems you have and focus on the Kashim borderlines," Mila offered.
"Will your mom even accept it?" I asked.
"She definitely will," Mila responded confidently.
Seeing her assurance, I shrugged. "I'll request it and cover the deployment expenses."
"No, no," said Mila, chuckling. "It's troublesome for us if our people keep flooding to you, you know. It's a loss of manpower and tax. We can't squeeze blood tax if there's no one left in our lands, you see?"
"Guess so," I glanced back at the senators. "So is that the reason why you guys are punching each other?" Something so petty.
"No," Elvav senators responded in denial.
"We didn't..." The Eridian senators started but didn't finish.
"Why so hesitant?" I muttered as my eyes narrowed at their reactions.
The Elvav senators opened up. "Eridian is suggesting Your Excellency visit Marjorie in the eastern conference."
"It's needed for our image. We also suggested a sufficient force to protect you," the Eridian side retorted.
"You're making His Excellency walk to some insignificant country, far-flung away from Cignus, with no relationship. The aim of the conference is likely to tarnish and force their demands on us. We can't let His Excellency experience the tarnation of those fanatical cults!" the Elvav senators argued.
"You're being too overprotective of His Excellency. We need to cement that we're not going to attack or become aggressors here. Sending diplomatic delegates is still enough, but the impact of His Excellency representing us is much more immense and profound!" the Eridian senators shot back.
They began spitting swears and cursive words. I worried about their mental stability over such a trivial matter.
While watching their circus, I turned to Mila. "Is that mandatory?" I asked.
She paused, thinking for a moment. "For a ruler? Not really. My mom attended for three years straight because she became the new ruler of Valur, but now she just sends a delegation."
"Guess I'll pass."
"I think you should try it, at least once more," Mila suggested.
"I already have someone assigned there." Also, got a bitter memories of my first attendance there.
"It would be much better if you went yourself."
"If it's indeed to pressure me and Cignus, my senators, federal nobles, and bureaucrats would likely declare war on everyone there."
"Didn't you just say you were sending the biggest dick on your side to lead the delegation? Isn't that practically declaring war?" she said, pinching me on the side.
"Ow," I said, shrugging as I distanced myself from Mila's delicate fingers. "It was aimed to intimidate, creating an avenue to avoid total obliteration and shut them up. I'm just utilizing your 'through strength, shall be left alone' logic. So, I'm pulling a gunboat diplomacy here, as the people won't understand until I have an entire fleet of ships with their guns aimed at their heads. But if I went and got insulted, I can easily imagine my entire parliament, bureaucrats, senators, and federal nobles would surely pass an order to exterminate everyone, down to the bacteria, in the countries that insulted me."
"I'm not joking," I continued. "Everyone is too serious about that. A little insult to me is good enough justification for them to declare war. Though I have the final say on whether to veto it or not."
"It's hard having gung-ho followers, don't you think?" Mila uttered, her voice blending through the surrounding.
"It is," I replied as I sighed.
"I was hoping if you joined... that before reaching Marjorie, you could visit me in the capital though."
"Visit?" I raised an eyebrow.
Mila's eyes narrowed, a flicker of doubt was directed to me. "I'm leaving tomorrow."
"Why?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.
"March 14."
"March 14?" I parroted, trying to recall the importance of the date. Wait, It kinda felt important, but the memory won't let me remember it.
"It's my birthday."
"Oh," I mumbled, the realization hitting me as my back, I felt cold shivering down my spine.
"You didn't remember?" Her tone was sharp, cutting through my thoughts.
"I did," I lied, straight to the face.
"You didn't remember," she repeated, her eyes glinting with a dangerous intent.
"I kinda forgot," I admitted, my voice dropping.
"You forgot of all things?" she simmered like a kettle, small fireballs appearing around her as her temper flared.
"Ah... Um," I stammered, my brains cogs running at full speed but failing to find a suitable response. "Eh," I added weakly, feeling the intensity of her gaze and the heat of her ire.
"I'm sorry," I apologized.
Mila immediately dispersed her fireballs, slumping in her seat with disappointment. "It's my 18th birthday, you know."
"You're a debutante. I guess that's important for a woman."
"An 18th debut is just for Cignus. I had my debut when I was 15, but you broke our engagement a day before, so you didn't manage to attend. Since then, you haven't celebrated my birthday with me. Last year was understandable with all your projects, but can you spare some time this year?" she asked, her voice pleading with hope.
"Your 18th birthday, huh," I mused, feeling a pang of guilt.
"I'm not forcing you to go if you don't want to," she said weakly. "You don't celebrate your birthday either."
"My birthday...," I repeated, thinking of November 4th. It wasn't really my birthday but the birthday of the person whose body I now inhabited. As a transmigrator, celebrating the birth of someone whose body I had stole felt so wrong.
I contemplated for a moment, inhaled deeply, and then said, "I'll attend your birthday." Mila's eyes lit up with happiness, and she immediately jumped at my neck, hugging me tightly, her arms embracing me in joy.
"You ought to be tactful, you're a woman," I muttered, but she was simply too happy to care.
People around us darted their eyes in daze and interest, but a quick glare from me and a gesture to avert their gaze made most of them comply immediately.
"Thank you, Oliver," she uttered with joy. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but internally think it's illegal in many ways.
"Yeah, yeah," I responded with a dry tone, patting her head.
I guess it's time to explore outside Cignus for a while. It's been a long time since I left the country. The last time was for Mila's 14th birthday. Most talks with other countries happen inside Cignus, so I don't get many opportunities to go abroad. I believe I've only traveled seven times: twice to meet with Empress Dahlia, three times for Mila's birthdays, once for the Eastern Conference, and once to visit Valur DMZ site inspection.
"Tell Leo that I'll be accompanying the delegation to the Eastern Conference, but we'll leave much earlier. We'll detour to the Valur Capital before heading to Marjorie. I want a substantial increase in escort. By substantial ask Nathan and other officials for the interpretations — they'll understand that.," I instructed my guard, Anton, nicknamed Skinhead due to his bald head. He nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly moved to carry out my orders.
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"Governor likely wanted this formation," said Karl Sung-Roh, a young officer with the rank of admiral, likely in his early 30s, similar to Oliver. He was formerly the admiral of the Legrand Coast Guard but had since integrated into the Cignus Federal Navy.
Ethan nodded in satisfaction as he read the manual. "Not overly numerous but intimidating while retaining the ability to be destructive," he said, giving his honest opinion.
"The First Fleet shall be reorganized as Battle Group Monsoon," Karl announced, noting the composition: two modified cargo ships with helicopters on their decks, eight escorting container gunboats, and their flagship, the Legend Class cutter Monsoon, supported by seven auxiliary ships.
"It should be able to accommodate the delegation and His Excellency luxuriously," Ethan added.
"Concur," Nathan responded.
"Though I prefer if we add more however... His Excellency, adding more, might be...," Karl trailed off.
"His Excellency might say it's overkill. He ordered substantial size, not overkill," Nathan concluded.
"But it appears the so-called Norvoga will appear," Karl said cautiously. "They're believed to deploy central battery ironclads. Our ships can outgun and outrange them, but they are still a significant threat."
"Norvoga won't be foolish," Nathan replied. "And our security details will ensure His Excellency's protection."
"I understand, but just in case, I'm adding two missile boats," Karl said decisively. "I don't want these floating scraps endangering His Excellency. Any Legend class should be able to sink them, but I'd rather add more BVR-capable ships to the fleet's roster. Is that overkill, Sir Nathan?"
"That's right on the money," Nathan responded.
The pride of the Cignus Federal Navy was being assembled at their ports, preparing for any potential confrontation. And soon, their largest and most powerful, Legend class CFN Monsoon would come side by side to their most advanced nemesis.
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