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Although it seemed like the 'obvious' thing to happen when it came to people in the know, for everyone else, the formation of the 'United Democratic Federation' and their declaration of war against the empire of Blue Dawn came completely out of the blue.
But just as it had always been, the common folk had no say in these types of events, and once the people in power made up their minds to ignore their positions, all their cries would only fall on deaf ears.
Consisting of thirteen powerful states with terrifying military might, everyone felt like the Federation would be able to easily crush Blue Dawn in a matter of days, and the only thing that could save Emilia and her empire was their recently formed treaty with Phoenix.
After all, the country of Phoenix had great ties with almost every nation, and its negotiation power was one of the best in the world. So long as they mediated, it shouldn't be impossible to convince almost anyone to put down their weapons in exchange for certain benefits. Or so most people thought.
In reality, not only was the country of Phoenix unable to 'protect' Blue Dawn, but they didn't even seem to try.
"It's not really a surprise. Considering they got such a huge 'surprise' just a few days after signing that mutual defense agreement… the prime minister of Phoenix must be feeling extremely regretful now."
"But still… surprise or not, since they've already made a deal, it's not like they can back out anymore, right?"
"So you'd think, but as it always is… it's not like anyone can force Phoenix to follow its own words… it's completely up to them. Even if they pretend to have never signed that agreement, at most they'll only lose some credibility."
The opinions of such 'experts' were echoed in most media and forums, but to everyone's surprise, the official channels of Blue Dawn remained eerily silent on the topic of Phoenix, and only continued denouncing the nations who decided to invade them out of greed and fear.
Even Emilia herself didn't hold back against them. "Don't mask your malicious intentions under this veil of fake righteousness, will you? I've only tried to help people wherever I could, and only when it became necessary for me to fight did I take up arms. Calling me a threat to the world's freedom and people's rights… do you have not an ounce of shame?"
Shortly after her speech was broadcast to the public, the official channels of both the empire of Blue Dawn and the White Deer Corporation shared proof of how the countries belonging to the Federation had ransacked and robbed most of their property shortly before their declaration of war, providing the victims neither any just cause nor any way out.
Of course, given that Noelle and Sam had long since known this was gonna happen, what they really suffered was just a fraction of the loss that they could have had they been caught off guard. Anything that they could get out or sell in time within those countries… they already had.
But even with all their preparations, the White Deer Corporation's stock fell sharply as anyone who feared losing their money withdrew their investments, and it didn't take long for people to start speculating on their downfall.
"The war hasn't even started yet, but the empire's biggest backing is already on its knees, and their allies are pretending they don't exist. I don't think this is looking good for them at all."
"Looking at the Federation's lineup… it's really no surprise, is it? Probably the only way out for the empress at this point is for her to surrender, but with Emilia's temper… I don't think that's gonna happen."
The host of the show and the expert both expressed their pity on how a place that had transformed itself from an impoverished hellhole to a fully developed utopia in just a couple of years was probably going to turn into ruins once again.
Although their words seemed kind, those who could read between the lines could tell that their intent seemed to blame Emilia for being too stubborn and not recognizing the reality of the situation had changed.
If she truly cared for her people as she claimed, wouldn't she put their well-being over her own pride?
Naturally, it didn't take long for many to start picking on this point, and some even started publicly denouncing Emilia.
After all, now that there was a war at her doorstep, they could say anything they want without any fear of repercussions, unlike before, when they had to seriously consider whether some fanatical knights would come knocking if anyone dared 'blaspheme' their empress in public.
"Since the Federation is only asking for her to step down and hold an election in Blue Dawn while giving up all her illegal roles in other countries, can't Emilia just do as she's told and stop this war any time she wants?"
"Do you think she doesn't know that? But as the little princess of the White Deer Corporation, she's probably never had to 'give up' any time in her life, and now that she's an 'adult', her temper must have only gotten worse."
Watching these people shift the blame for a war she never asked for, Emilia's knights could naturally no longer stay silent.
But with many of them being too busy helping out with the war effort, only those who either had no way to help or were excluded by Penny for whatever reason were able to speak out. And with the public sentiment growing against Emilia thanks to the Federation's efforts, their voices were swiftly drowned out.
At this time, the Federation finally announced their leader — the president of Red Dusk. With the country being the weakest of the thirteen in their 'alliance', to say that this came as a shock would be an understatement.
Of course, those in the know understood that the 'face' of the Federation was actually just a puppet, and probably only the most disposable of them all would be given the 'honor' of such a spot.
Still, since it gave him a significant boost to both his reputation and prestige, the president of Red Dusk didn't hesitate to embrace the opportunity, and didn't hold back against Emilia in his 'opening speech' at all.
"It's abhorrent how a single girl's greed for power and authority can put so many lives at risk. This is exactly why we, the people, need to put more restrictions on just how much these parasitic corporations can be allowed to grow. Because as much as we may hate Emilia, she's really just a product of the culture she was born in."
The president continued with a sneer. "Of course, had it been a real innocent and kind girl in her place, I have no doubt that not to mention surrendering her position, she would have even agreed to surrender her dignity if that was what it took to protect her people. Emilia's current stance only shows what she truly values, and I believe those who were foolish enough to trust in her before should at least be able to open their eyes now."
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