— A few Days Later —
In the conference room of the Forbidden Palace, high-ranking officers, court mages, and strategists of the Qing Empire sat in somber silence. They watched a large screen displaying news of the USA selling Astral Corporation weapons and power armor to the Ming Federation.
"He didn't sell the weapons directly to the Ming Federation, but let the US do it instead! He's exploiting a loophole in the contract!" one of the high-ranking officers roared indignantly.
Zhuge Liang recalled the day he received the contract from Daniel. Daniel had seemed satisfied and immediately signed it. Now, he realized that Daniel's satisfaction stemmed from the contract's advantageous terms.
