第７５４堀：大陸間交流宣言 (Part2)
"Well, in a sense, if there's someone with the guts to actually pull that off, I’d be curious to see it. Though, for the record, I’m not the type who can ignore the room like that. I mean, I’m pretty good at reading the atmosphere, right?"
"Thank you. But don't celebrate just yet. We have a new announcement to make before we officially open this grand conference."
The audience tilted their heads at Seraria’s words. A few faces in the crowd looked uneasy. Well, it seemed some of them had already caught on.
"Don't worry, there’s no need to be anxious. It’s not bad news. Initially, the continents participating in this Intercontinental Exchange Conference were limited to this land, the Rogari Continent, and the If Continent, which lies beyond the dungeon and across the sea. However, we have discovered yet another continent."
Seraria dropped the bombshell with casual ease. The audience was left struggling to keep up with the sudden development. I suppose it’s hard to grasp the reality of a new continent being found just like that.
"And from that continent, there are nations that have rushed to join this Intercontinental Exchange Conference."
*Murmur, murmur...*
The shock was palpable. Not only had a new continent been discovered, but for nations from that land to join the conference immediately was truly astounding.
"Allow me to introduce them: the Haiden Kingdom and the Findar Empire from the new continent, and the Haire Church, which brings prayer and healing to that land."
At Seraria’s cue, the representatives from the two new nations and the church walked into the venue, lined up in a single row. We decided on a single line to avoid the headache of arguing over which country should enter first. Of course, it wasn't just the monarchs; Kagura and the others, along with their royal guards, were all in full ceremonial dress.
Watching them, I couldn't help but think that the flag-bearer at the very back had it rough. A sturdy man was tasked with the job, but holding that pole for so long must be exhausting. Not that it isn't a great honor, but still...
Well, I just prayed Seraria would keep things moving.
The audience seemed half-convinced, likely because the newcomers didn't look particularly "foreign" at a glance. But that was expected; we’d just have to build recognition through future exchanges.
"Now, allies from the new continent, please place your flags."
Perhaps Seraria had considered the flag-bearers, as she decided to have them plant the flags first. We were supposed to start with greetings from each nation, but that would have taken forever. So, the members from the new continent lined up at the flag stands and planted them simultaneously. This was the proof of their participation in the intercontinental exchange. Protecting these flags would become one of our most important duties.
After that, the flow was for each nation to recite their oath of participation and sign the documents. With three from the new continent, six from the If Continent, and five from the Rogari Continent, that made fourteen times in total. It was a long process.
But honestly, we’d already simplified it quite a bit. Normally, we would have had performances to demonstrate each nation’s strength, but that would have stalled the conference entirely. We decided to save the performances for another time and prioritize showing the citizens and the allied nations exactly who was participating.
After fourteen repetitions of the same ritual, the flags of all the participating nations fluttered in the conference hall. Finally, it was time for the flag of our own Weed, the host nation, to be planted.
"And finally, though we are not a great power like the others, our Weed will now sign the oath of participation."
With that, Seraria signed the intercontinental exchange oath, took the flag, and walked forward. She slid it into the final spot, and the flag of Weed joined the others, waving in the breeze.
"From this moment on!! The Intercontinental Alliance is formed!! Peace is achieved!! Everyone here is a witness!! Thank you!!"
*WAAAAAAAHHHH!!*
Another massive roar of applause. With Seraria’s declaration, the intercontinental exchange and alliance were officially established from this day forward.
"I almost forgot the original purpose of all this... and honestly, shouldn't the story end here?"
"Ah-ha-ha-ha. This isn't that kind of ordinary story. Now, the real work begins. Do your best."
*Tch.* On such a momentous, celebratory day, I had to go and hear the devil’s whisper. It seems my story is far from over.
And so, the legend begi—no, that’s too much of a cliché RPG trope. We don't have that kind of history yet, but for this world, it is a matter of great importance. It’s been a long road to get here. But as is the nature of this tale, the story continues.