Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

"At the same time... our greatest interests still lie in East Asia... everyone should know about this huge pie, right..."

Upon hearing Nie Bing's words, the group immediately became curious...

After all, their purpose in integrating Western resources is simply to target the East!

After Nie Bing glanced at Xiao Ce, Xiao Ce continued the conversation...

"That's right, just as our chairman said, the establishment of the Western Alliance is not for the sake of settling in one corner. Its core goal is to integrate the power of the West to counterbalance and ultimately overwhelm the East Asian Alliance!"

Xiao Ce then scanned the room with his gaze before continuing, "Gentlemen! The East Asian Alliance is nothing but a disorganized mess, a cobbled-together entity held together by fear and self-interest, a piece of rusty steel! But our Western Alliance will be forged into a single, unyielding titanium alloy! We possess a deeper foundation, a more ancient civilization, and richer resources! Once integrated, our power will far surpass that of East Asia, and our potential will be limitless!"

As he spoke, Xiao Ce looked at Ed White.

Ed White had already sent people to prepare, and then a huge map was raised on one of the walls.

This nautical chart not only includes the Western world, but also the entire East Asian region...

In fact, these things, those unknown technologies, have already 'scanned' this planet long ago.

Xiao Ce had met him, Nie Bing had met him, Ed White, even Victor King, and all the members of the twelve families had met him.

However, they had seen something that these kings had never seen before...

They were still surprised when they saw the complete map.

"This...this is...this is the whole world? How can it be so huge..."

"Yes, we knew there were those wild and untamed lands before, but we never imagined they were so vast... especially those Xiao Kingdoms and the Western Regions... how can those places be so expansive..."

Their initial surprise was quickly replaced by barely suppressed greed; after all, now that an alliance had been formed, everyone should have a share in the future...

Immediately, their eyes filled with curiosity...

After Xiao Ce saw that everyone's emotions had been stirred up enough,

He pointed to the huge hanging Western map, his finger sliding firmly towards the vast continent to the east: "President Nie Bing has declared his ambition: to uproot East Asia and incorporate it into the Western territory! But this grand undertaking requires a solid foundation!"

This requires our collective effort, therefore, our phased tasks are extremely clear!

"First, we need to consolidate our foundation! Although our Western countries were very powerful before, they were fragmented, each focused on its own interests, and closed off from the future! So, although we were the first to undergo the Industrial Revolution, we failed to expand this advantage and were caught up by East Asia!"

Therefore, our most urgent task now is to complete the integration and consolidation of the Western Alliance in the shortest possible time. This includes establishing an efficient administrative structure and governorship system, setting up a powerful standing army, integrating the elite forces and new weaponry of various countries, and opening up resource distribution channels based on the Alliance City and Guarantee system, so that the Alliance war machine can operate efficiently!

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, the group did not express any differing opinions...

Xiao Ce continued, "The next step is simple: forging spears! Relying on the advanced technology provided by the Illuminati and the integrated industrial power, we will arm ourselves to the fullest extent! We will build ships! We will train our troops! We will develop more advanced decisive weapons like the ones before us! We will elevate our military power to an unprecedented peak!"

"We could even replicate the Iron Legion... then we would be invincible... Although we can't do it now, we have the industrial foundation... I believe it's still very possible..."

"Finally, there is the third step, which is the Eastern Expedition. When our strength has accumulated to its peak, it will be time for our sword to point eastward! The guild leader will personally lead the Western Allied Forces to conquer East Asia, bring that rich land into the territory of each family, and win eternal hegemony for the West!"

Xiao Ce's highly inflammatory vision of the future, coupled with the cold glint of the Iron Man robot and the advanced weapons, ignited the flames of ambition in the hearts of most of those present.

The patriarchs of the twelve families envisioned establishing new fiefdoms and trade networks across the vast lands of East Asia.

Warriors like Leclerc and Okayama Bolton yearn for unparalleled glory in epic wars; merchants see immeasurable wealth in the future; even the relatively conservative Charles Bourbon and Medici are captivated by the grand narrative of "Western destiny."

However, there are always voices of reason.

Archduke Franz von Habsburg, with a worried expression, said, “Mr. Sean’s blueprint is enticing. However, the Eastern Expedition will be extremely costly and protracted. Austria-Hungary has suffered from frequent natural disasters in recent years, and its national strength is in dire straits. I fear it will be difficult to bear such a long-term and enormous burden. Shouldn’t the principles for the distribution of benefits, the sharing of military expenses, and the distribution of spoils within the alliance be agreed upon in advance to avoid future rifts?”

"Furthermore, I've long heard that the East Asian Alliance is no longer the same group of roughnecks they once were... After they stole our technology, their weapons seem to be far more advanced than ours..."

"Therefore, this battle will definitely not be as simple as we imagine, and the costs will likely be enormous..."

After listening to Habs's words, Xiao Ce smiled slightly. He had been waiting for this entry point, which was also the core of his strategy to divide and conquer. "Your Highness Habs is very insightful and his considerations are extremely wise."

He nodded approvingly. "That's precisely the meaning of the alliance. We're here to share risks and benefits."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, the group of kings became even more curious.

However, since no one spoke up, they didn't interrupt either...

Xiao Ce continued, "First, we look at basic contributions. The main observation points are that each country, based on its national strength level, parliamentary weight, and economic scale, bears a corresponding proportion of the alliance's daily operating expenses and standing army maintenance costs. The specific proportions are calculated by the parliament based on the three-tier weighted system and actual economic data."

"Secondly, the war expenses will naturally be shared equally. Special military expenses and materials requisitioned during wartime will be distributed according to the principle of 'whoever benefits, bears more; whoever leads, is incentivized.' Kingdoms/families that initiate or lead key battles may have their share of the burden reduced by a portion of the alliance's financial subsidies and will receive priority and an additional share in the final distribution of spoils."

Xiao Ce said this to encourage warmongers like Leclerc and Okayama to take the lead.

They still looked at everyone with expressions of great curiosity.

Xiao Ce continued, "Finally, there's the matter of how the spoils are distributed. Actually, this also needs to be divided into several parts."

"First, there is the land, the conquered land. In principle, it follows the model of 'whoever occupies, governs, and the alliance supervises.' The occupying country obtains the main governing power and corresponding tax revenue of the land, but must pay a certain percentage of 'administration fee' to the alliance and accept the supervision of the alliance's governor. The governor's powers and responsibilities are limited to the interests of the alliance, and the specific governance of the local area still belongs to the occupying country. Of course, if it involves core strategic locations, it will be directly governed by the alliance."

"Secondly, there are the resources and wealth captured. Of the acquired spoils and important strategic resources such as large mines and ports, 50% will be centrally controlled by the Alliance for its operation, military expenditures, and technological research and development, while the remaining 50% will be distributed according to the actual number of troops, materials, and casualties each country invested in the campaign. The greater the investment and the greater the sacrifices, the greater the share!"

"Finally, it's about capturing talent and technology. The core technologies, blueprints, and top craftsmen and scholars captured from East Asia will be managed, researched, and utilized by the Alliance's 'Genesis Workshop' and Alliance Academy. Of course, the country and family of the unit that discovers and captures this technology and talent will receive huge rewards from the Alliance, including money, honor, and priority in technology licensing... The Alliance won't take these things from you for nothing!"

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, the group nodded in agreement. The news they had received from the twelve clan leaders was essentially the same...

Moreover, they've gone to even greater lengths here. These requirements and conditions are reasonable, with both advantages and disadvantages.

After weighing the options, they felt it was feasible.

Seeing that no one spoke up to refute him, Xiao Ce continued, "The Illuminati is well aware that the relationship between the twelve families and various countries is not monolithic, and each has its own demands."

"The alliance promises to provide differentiated, tiered benefits based on each family's specific contributions to alliance integration, resource supply, technology transfer, and the Eastern Expedition. These benefits will be provided through dedicated funding, granting franchises, awarding newly acquired land, and prioritizing access to the East Asian market. In the future, the greater the contribution, the larger the share of the future 'incremental' feast! You have to give to receive..."

Xiao Ce described this meticulously detailed, almost ruthless, profit-sharing scheme as a complex, intricate network. It clearly outlined the future "pie," but emphasized the rules for its distribution: distribution based on contribution, more work, more reward, and high risk, high return.

It both appeased countries like Austria-Hungary that were worried about being overburdened by providing a basic share, and greatly stimulated military strongmen like Leclerc and Okayama, as well as the expansionist forces among the twelve families, with priority in spoils, extra shares, land governance rights, and differentiated incentives.

Although von Habsburg still had concerns about the weakness of Austria-Hungary, he could not find a fairer solution and could only remain silent.

The patriarchs of the twelve families fell into deep thought, considering how to maximize their family's interests under the new rules.

...

The long negotiations, led by Sean (Xiao Ce), finally overcame numerous obstacles and reached the final stage.

Xiao Ce glanced at Ed White.

Ed White then solemnly unfurled the finalized charter of the alliance, with the assistance of several scribes, on the table in the center of the council chamber.

On the thick parchment, the still-wet ink of the clauses embodies the compromises and opinions of all parties.

"Your Majesties, Your Clan Chief!"

Ed White's voice carried a hint of weariness and anticipation at the completion of his mission!

"The final text of the Western Alliance Charter has been drafted. Please review it. If there are no objections, then it will be a moment to witness history!"

"The relevant details await discussion within this framework, with each of us sending our respective personnel... Everyone, please take a look and see if you have any objections to this overall framework! If there are no objections, please sign and affix your seals..."

The kings and chieftains stepped forward one by one, carefully examining the texts that concerned their respective fates.

The air was heavy, you could hear a pin drop; they were all extremely careful...

Finally, Charles Bourbon, representing the kings, was the first to pick up his pen and sign his name at the bottom of the scroll. Leclerc followed closely behind, his pen strokes sharp and swift.

Medici, von Habsburg, Tels, Okayama Bolton... each name bearing the mark of its respective kingdom is imprinted on the scroll.

When it was the twelfth family's turn, Cassivus Aurelius took a deep breath and signed his family's full name.

The chieftains of various clans, including Lust and Jin, signed their names in turn, representing the millennia-old clans' recognition and bet on this momentous change.

Finally, Nie Bing picked up the golden pen, a symbol of supreme power, and signed his name, "Nie Bing," at the very top of the scroll. The steady, powerful strokes of his pen proclaimed the official birth of the Western Alliance!

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience...

On their faces, a radiant smile was on their faces...

Upon seeing this, Nie Bing's smile widened, and she subconsciously looked at Sean (Xiao Ce).

She knew very well that everything had gone so smoothly thanks to Xiao Ce.

Without Xiao Ce, none of this would have gone so smoothly...

She looked at Xiao Ce and then gave him a smile.

Xiao Ce returned the smile, thinking to himself that these Westerners were really too naive...

Once this basic framework is defined, it's just the beginning...

The real problem lies in the execution.

However, regardless, it marks the beginning of a new chapter...

It can be considered a good start.

Xiao Ce continued with a smile to Okayama Bolton, "Your Majesty Okayama, and all the other Your Majesties and dignitaries, seeing is believing when you see these weapons... Let's go and take a look at these cannons and weapons..."

Xiao Ce paused for a moment, then continued, "The main thing is that Iron Man robot, you must be very curious about it..."

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, the group couldn't contain their excitement.

They were naturally interested.

Although the matter has now been framed, they know which weapons are advanced, and have heard that the robots are advanced as well.

However, I have only heard of this knowledge, never seen it.

Now that Xiao Ce had spoken to them, they were naturally interested.