```
Lionel was now visibly anxious, showing none of the composure expected of the Chief Civil Servant of the Federated Provinces Republic.
"So, what is the real reason you've gone to such lengths to come to Sea Blue?"
"The reason is complex, but I'll keep it short." Lionel leaned towards Antonio and said, "I can no longer suppress the young faction within the Provincial Army. As soon as you send troops to Tanilia, the Provincial Army will use it as a pretext to move against Vineta."
"On what grounds?"
The Secretary of State was almost frantic: "What reason do those mad dogs need? The Provincial Army has always wanted to turn the Alliance into a real state, aren't you aware of that? And aren't pretexts easy to come by? The diplomatic rights of the republics have been handed over to the Alliance government, Vineta doesn't even have the power to declare war! You've already violated the 'Sovereignty Charter'!"
