Once the first handover process was concluded, the AI referee materialized a holographic screen at the center of the room. The screen flickered to life, displaying footage of Aron in the midst of his negotiation with Liasas. Without preamble, the recording began to play.
“...is to remain outside the Conclave as independent allies, while also establishing a free trade agreement with no tariffs or blockades imposed against us,” Aron’s voice echoed through the room.
The representatives of the civilizations seated around the semicircle exchanged glances, some raising their brows in surprise or mild dismay. During the negotiation period, they had been so confident in their victory that they hadn’t paid much attention to what Aron’s side was proposing. Now, they realized their oversight had come back to haunt them.