The debate continued with ever-growing intensity. Leaders from various nations kept asking questions — sharp, demanding, and sometimes laced with distrust.
The idea of the principality now seemed broadly accepted by the Assembly, but several leaders insisted on having partial — or even total — control over the energy produced by the celestial rings.
That demand was, for us, entirely non-negotiable.
I forced myself to remain firm, repeating again and again that the neutrality and independence of Riveria were absolute prerequisites to guarantee fair and peaceful use of this technology.
Hours passed, and I felt my mind gradually growing heavier under the weight of repeated arguments. Thankfully, Iris, still connected through my tablet, encouraged me tirelessly. Her determined gaze and her precise advice offered precious support when I needed it most.
The debate took a harsher turn when some leaders began pointing fingers at Atlantis, insinuating that they were manipulating me from the shadows for their own gain. These accusations, though predictable, struck me deeply. I knew that Natali's constant presence at my side fueled suspicion.
But since President Atlas had revealed that he personally knew Séléné — the goddess herself — my trust in him and in his government had only grown stronger.
Despite the heated exchanges, a short recess was eventually announced, allowing the leaders to deliberate privately.
I was escorted back to the waiting room where I had first been brought upon arrival. The celestial ring was returned there as well, guarded closely by soldiers who watched it like a national treasure.
Once they left, Natali and I were finally alone.
I collapsed into one of the Renaissance-style armchairs, exhaling a long breath to release some of the tension coiled inside me. The silence of the room — after the roaring debates — felt both soothing and suffocating.
My mind was still cluttered with arguments, criticisms, and political calculations, but I knew I had to regain my focus before returning to the battlefield.
"You didn't do too badly, considering it was your first time," Natali remarked in her neutral tone while handing me a glass of water.
I accepted it, my fingers grazing hers for a moment.
"Thank you. After all, it's thanks to your guidance," I replied with sincerity. Despite her harsh methods, her support and instruction had been invaluable.
A faint smile — barely noticeable — touched her lips.
"I don't doubt that at all," she answered with a hint of playfulness.
I could have sworn I heard a muffled chuckle before she put her mask of composure back on. She sat elegantly in the chair opposite mine, crossing her legs with natural grace.
I watched her for a moment, searching for the right words.
"How do you do it?" I finally asked.
She lifted an eyebrow, pretending not to understand.
"Do what?" she replied, her tone cool and distant.
"Stay so calm and impassive. Facing that whole assembly drained me. Honestly, I think it exhausted me just as much as my trip to Mars," I admitted, rubbing a hand over my face where fatigue must have been written clearly.
She studied me, a subtle glimmer of amusement lighting her eyes.
"It's simply a matter of habit," she replied with disarming confidence.
Then, with a cryptic smile, she added:
"And to be honest, I find this Assembly rather peaceful — compared to the time when you literally split the sky open with your ship."
Her confident tone caught me off guard. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't suppress a faint smile that quickly turned into a quiet laugh.
"You really do have a talent for putting things into perspective, Natali."
The waiting time stretched longer than I expected.
Natali eventually left the room — most likely to join President Atlas. I couldn't blame her. She followed orders, and she was here to serve her country before anything else.
A fleeting thought crossed my mind: What guaranteed that she wasn't spying on me as well?
Taking advantage of the break, I contacted my daughter, Seraphina, and Daniel, who were still in Atlantis overseeing the creation of the machine that would produce the Titan-sized celestial rings.
Through the tablet, I summarized the earlier meeting, its key moments, and the tensions still simmering among the leaders.
As always, Iris encouraged me with her simple yet powerful words. Seraphina, though quiet, offered a few practical suggestions.
"I'd much rather be by your side right now, honestly," I admitted.
"I understand. I've taken part in some UN meetings myself, and I get why you're frustrated. But whatever you do, don't lose your temper — or you'll lose all credibility," Seraphina warned.
"I'm glad I'm not in your shoes," Daniel added, earning a sharp glare from Seraphina.
"It should be over soon, Father… Stay strong. I'm with you from afar," Iris said gently.
"Thank you, all of you. I'll do my best to return with good news," I replied.
Suddenly, the door opened and Natali stepped in, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"We're resuming," she announced, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"All right… I have to go. Good luck to you as well," I told the three faces on the screen.
"Count on us!" Daniel and Seraphina replied in unison.
I rose, adjusting my tie with a nervous gesture, and followed Natali back toward the debate hall.
But this time, the atmosphere was entirely different.
The moment I stepped inside, I felt it —
The weight of the leaders' gazes pressing down on me.
It was no longer curiosity.
No longer anticipation.
Something far more serious now filled the room.
No… what I saw now was a cold mistrust — sometimes even tinged with contempt.
It felt as if I were no longer standing before an assembly, but before a tribunal, ready to hand down its judgment.
I returned to the podium, taking a deep breath to contain the mix of frustration and apprehension rising within me. After a tense moment of silence, the President of the European Union stood up.
He spoke with a calm yet firm voice, his tone carrying a hint of condescension:
"Mr. Chapi, after a thorough analysis of your proposals and internal discussions within our member states, several issues have been identified. First, certain nations are firmly opposed to the conditions you have presented."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the assembly before continuing.
"In particular, the question of your principality's sovereignty and its complete independence is highly contested."
I remained motionless, but I could feel my anger slowly rising.
"Furthermore," he continued, "several nations insist that the plans for your energy generator be made public. They argue that doing so would prevent any monopoly, whether by you or by the nation of Atlantis which, let us not forget, has granted you asylum. Finally, there is also a proposal that you operate under the authority of a UN technological unit to ensure fair international regulation."
A heavy silence followed his words, thick with tension.
I clenched my fists beneath the podium, bitterness and frustration building inside me. These so-called "compromises" were nothing more than an attempt to shackle me — a way to put a leash around my neck to ensure I could never act freely.
My project, my vision, reduced to a tool under their control.
On my tablet, I could see my daughter doing everything she could to calm me down, sending cute pictures of cats and animals, even holding up a small sign that read "Zen."
I let a few moments pass, forcing myself to appear composed even though a storm was raging inside me. My eyes drifted across the faces of the leaders: some expected a submissive answer, others — like the French president — stared back at me with thinly veiled hostility.
Finally, I spoke, my voice steady but firm:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your feedback, however divergent it may be. But allow me to clarify a few points."
I placed my hands on the podium, letting my gaze linger a moment longer on the French president.
"Regarding the sovereignty of the Principality of Riveria, I will be categorical: this is a non-negotiable condition. Riveria must be independent to guarantee total neutrality and prevent any outside influence, while allowing a certain degree of freedom. It is precisely for this reason that I refuse to work under the authority of a UN technological branch. An innovation of this magnitude cannot afford to be restrained by political games."
A wave of murmurs swept across the room. Some leaders nodded in agreement, while others exchanged skeptical glances.
The French president wasted no time reacting, his voice dripping with contempt:
"Mr. Chapi, what you are proposing is absurd. You demand French territory, yet you refuse to comply with the legitimate requirements of the international community. Do you seriously believe we will accept this without conditions?"
I did not flinch. I answered calmly, but with unwavering resolve:
"Mr. President, I am not demanding anything. I am offering a mutually beneficial agreement. Riveria would stand as a partner to all nations wishing to collaborate with it. However, I also reserve the right to oppose certain conditions imposed upon me."
His expression hardened even further, but I continued before he could interrupt:
"As for the Celestial Ring and your request to make the blueprints public, allow me to be direct: even with the complete schematics, it would be impossible for you to replicate it. Its construction surpasses the current state of human knowledge. Handing over these plans would only ignite global conflict over a technology you could not exploit, and it would lead to immense wasted resources after dozens of failed attempts."
This time, a ripple of anger ran through the assembly.
The Russian president allowed himself a faint amused smile, while the Chinese president nodded subtly, clearly analyzing my words with interest.
"So, what then?" the French president snapped, his tone icy. "You place yourself above nations, above international law, and you expect us to simply trust you?"
I drew a deep breath, letting the silence settle before answering:
"I do not place myself above anyone. My goal is to provide a peaceful, universal solution to a global energy crisis. I am offering an equitable partnership under clear conditions. And if that means taking difficult decisions to protect this vision, then I will take them."
The entire hall seemed to hold its breath.
The French president briefly turned toward President Atlas, who sat calmly, hands clasped, expression unreadable. His silence weighed heavier than any words he could have spoken.
I scanned the room, seeking those with open minds:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, my project is a unique opportunity. But I will not compromise on the neutrality and integrity of Riveria. This principality is not a whim; it is the key to ensuring that this technology remains a benefit for all — and never a weapon or a tool of domination."
I paused briefly before adding:
"The door remains open to any constructive discussion. In fact, I will soon present a new medical discovery to the World Medical Association. I leave you to reflect on the future you wish for this world, and I remain open to further proposals."
I straightened up, finishing on a tone that was calm yet unyielding.
The silence in the room was deafening.
The French president's expression had hardened, but other leaders—though wary—seemed intrigued. President Atlas did not move a muscle, but an enigmatic smile tugged at the corner of his lips, as if he had foreseen this outcome from the very beginning.
I was escorted out once again and brought back to the waiting room.
"I'll walk you back, but I won't remain with you," Natali said as we reached the door. "I have something I need to take care of."
"I hope it's nothing serious…"
It surprised me that she would leave me alone now.
"Don't worry. You're doing very well on your own. I just need to verify something. Stay with the guards in this room, and do not leave under any circumstances until they tell you to."
After spending so much time together during the training, I could tell her tone wasn't normal… but when it came to her work—protecting me—I trusted her.
"Very well. I'll do as you say."
"Good luck with the rest," she said before turning down a hallway, leaving me alone with the guards.
I let out a long sigh as I stepped back into the waiting room, the weight of the confrontation still pressing on my chest.
I sat down on the couch and picked up the tablet. Iris's face appeared—always the only thing capable of calming my heart—but her expression, calm and thoughtful, said everything about what had just happened.
She broke the silence with a soft but direct voice:
"It seems things are more complicated than expected."
A faint smile curved my lips.
"You're absolutely right, my daughter. But that's no surprise. These leaders protect their interests, just as I protect my vision."
She rested her virtual hand under her chin.
"Still… you knew they would react this way about the Celestial Ring schematics and Riveria's sovereignty. What bothers you the most?"
I rubbed my tired face.
"It's the constant hypocrisy… They talk about collaboration, but what they really want is control."
Iris nodded slowly, her eyes shining with intelligence.
"That's nothing new. You knew defending Riveria would be a fight. You're ready to stand your ground, aren't you?"
I took a deep breath before answering, my tone heavier:
"Of course I'm ready. But it's frustrating. Every minute spent debating here is a minute lost on real progress. And you? What did you think of the atmosphere?"
A small amused smile appeared on her face.
"The French president is… let's say, true to his reputation. He was clearly on a crusade. But I think some leaders are genuinely listening to what you have to say. Not all—just enough. You only need to convince the right ones."
I nodded, appreciating her insight.
"That's true. We don't need everyone to agree—just a coalition strong enough to support the project."
"But they do have a point on one thing, dad. It would honestly be easier to settle in another country that wants us," she added, displaying the flags of China, Russia, and the United States in her palm.
"I'm not saying you're wrong," I admitted, rubbing my head. "But I really want it to be here."
"Because it belonged to grandfather?" she asked curiously.
"Yes, partly," I replied with a wide smile, pausing a moment. "But not only that. Everything started here—my childhood working on tractors with grandpa, the madness of creating the Celestial Rings… but most importantly, this is the place where you were born."
She looked at me with an expression full of gratitude.
"I understand, father. Let's do our best then. But remember—we can create new memories elsewhere too, if necessary."
She was right… yet this place mattered deeply to me. She was part of it now.
"Yes, my sweet girl. And I hope we'll create many more. And how are things going in Atlantis with Seraphina and Daniel?"
She shrugged with a small laugh.
"Let's say supervising Daniel and his… creative ideas about the Titan Rings isn't exactly peaceful. But we're making progress. The main machine is almost ready."
A wave of relief washed over me. That glimmer of hope reminded me why I was fighting.
"Keep going. What you're doing over there is the key to everything."
A knock at the door interrupted our conversation.
A guard entered, face neutral but formal.
"Mr. Chapi, the assembly wishes to see you again."
"Very well, I'm coming."
I swallowed lightly as the weight of the moment returned. I glanced one last time at the tablet.
"Ready, my daughter, for round three?"
She gave me a playful wink.
"Always ready, dad. Go on—show them why we're here."
I rose to my feet, resolve hardening inside me.
The stakes were clearer than ever: defend Riveria's vision, face the critics, and prove to these nations that my project wasn't just a dream—but a reality capable of reshaping the future.