554 Discussion in the Study (2)
Although humans have many countries spanned across the entire Pangea continent, many places were still inaccessible to humans. The dangers that existed in such perilous regions made it difficult for full explorations.
The Thousand Fog Mountains were only one of many examples.
"The Pangea continent only covers about fifteen percent of the planet's surface. Humans haven't fully explored the Pangea continent, let alone the sea. If an alien civilization truly exists on this planet, it could be hidden anywhere," Vaan calmly mentioned.
Naturally, the Divine Serpent Empire was the first on the list of suspicion due to the mist covering its entire land.
However, the sea and sky were vast, unexplored territories that couldn't be ignored either.
"How do you know the Pangea continent only accounts for fifteen percent of the planet's surface, Vaan?" Astoria asked with astonishment.
She knew the Boundless Sea was vast, but she didn't expect it to be that vast. She had originally thought the Pangea continent was quite huge. But considering the whole planet, it would indeed be quite small.
"When you can enter the sea of stars, the planet of Pangea will be quite clear for you to observe," Vaan calmly said.
"I see..." Astoria uttered with a look of realization.
She couldn't help but smile wryly at such an obvious answer. But then again, she had yet to enter the sea of stars. Thus, the thought didn't cross her mind.
Nevertheless, she couldn't help but anticipate the day she could enter the sea of stars on her own.
Shortly after shaking her head, her eyes glinted with seriousness again.
"We may not know who or where our enemies are, but we have a good chance to unite the continent. And a united humanity will be much stronger than it is now-or at least, that's what I believe," Astoria said.
"You're not wrong, but you are also wrong, Astoria," Vaan partly agreed and disagreed, saying, "A united humanity is stronger than a divided humanity - there's no doubt about that. However, it's not as easy to unite the continent as you think."
"I was told the Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe's five ancient families would return to revive its glorious days if a member of the tribe awakened the Golden Dragon Bloodline. Even my father's messages confirmed the bloodline awakener would become the chieftain of the revived tribe," Astoria said.
"And now, we have found out that the five ancient families of the Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe are much more influential than we could have previously imagined."
"Although I don't know which Evermore family in Pangea belongs to the Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe as there are too many Evermore families, the Armstrong family is the name of the Great Ratholos Empire's imperial family, and the president of the Freedom Federation heralds from the great Weissman family"
"As the head in the field of magitech research and development, the Weissman family could be said to be the most influential power in the entire Freedom Federation and its neighboring countries. If we can gain their cooperation, we'll be seventy percent close to a unified race," Astoria stated hopefully.
"But that is also where the problem lies. Human nature is unpredictable and susceptible to change. Those in positions of power and authority are more likely to be unwilling to relinquish their power and authority to someone else," Vaan calmly mentioned.
"Even if Emperor Varan Armstrong and President Elfed Weissman acknowledge you as the chieftain of the Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe, it doesn't necessarily mean they would return to serve the Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe. They are more likely to continue their independence. For better or worse, the Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe is a thing of the past."
"What will you do if they even consider proposing marriage to claim more authority and power for their own families in this revived Blessed Golden Dragon Tribe? Do you think they will cooperate if you refuse them?" Vaan casually mentioned shortly after.
Astoria blinked with surprise at Vaan's statement before her lips soon curved into a cunning smile.
"Would they dare ask for my hand in marriage in front of you?" Astoria asked, briefly teasing Vaan with a naughty look.
"You'd be surprised by human stupidity," Vaan casually replied.
"That's true," Astoria readily agreed without a hint of surprise, having already been aware of the issues Vaan mentioned. "Humans can be quite stupid."
"However, I feel like we are running out of time. We must take the chance to speed up our unification before Gehenna decides to invade us in full force. Even if I can't get Emperor Varan and President Elfed to cooperate with us, revealing myself as the awakener of the Golden Dragon Bloodline could force our enemies out of hiding."
"Unfortunately, that's too risky, Astoria," Vaan objected.
"We don't know who our enemies are nor their strengths, but they are remnants of a once super-advanced civilization. We can be sure that they won't be weak. It's quite possible that in the process of luring them out with your golden dragon aura, we risk losing everything. I can't put you and everyone in danger"
"Haste only makes waste," Vaan stated.
"That's true, but..."
"No, buts Vaan assertively denied Astoria's protests and said, "Just focus on developing this country. This package of notes will keep you busy for a while. So, you won't be able to handle too many things at once. Leave the other matters to me and everyone else"
"...Fine," Astoria reluctantly agreed when faced with Vaan's assertiveness.
Glancing down on the package of written papers, she could guess Vaan had recorded a lot of things to aid her country's management. She was also aware there was only so much a single person could do.
"Then, before you leave for other matters, can we... do it again?" Astoria hesitantly requested with a blushing yet bold look.
"Can't wait to get another taste?" Vaan smiled amusingly.
"How can I when you gave me such an unforgettable night? Is that a problem?" Astoria softly replied, learning how to seduce Vaan with her womanly charms as she gave him a tender look.
"Kyuu?"
Topaz tilted her in wonder regarding the direction of their conversation.
"Alright, back you go, Tia" Vaan smiled, patting Topaz on the head before sending her back inside the earth spirit space.
Shortly after, he walked around the desk and boldly pulled Astoria up into his embrace. He went easy on her because it was her first night, but it seemed he would need to give her a taste of the next level.
Meanwhile, Astoria was immediately startled by his sudden move.
"Wait, not here... Ahh~!"