Chapter 1027 - 950: Schemes on All Sides

Capital Butare, Sen Republic, within the President's Mansion, a secret meeting with a distinctly different atmosphere is taking place behind heavy oak doors.

Outside, the neatly trimmed lawn is bathed in the glaring afternoon sunlight, and the fountain sparkles with a deceptive tranquility, forming a stark contrast to the repressive undercurrents indoors.

President Du Er sits behind an excessively large desk, his stature is burly, dressed in a crisp olive green military uniform adorned with medals on his chest, yet deep within his eyes lies a barely perceptible anxiety.

Opposite him sits "Senior Economic Advisor" Weber, dispatched by Her Majesty's Government to the Sen Republic.

Weber is dressed in a perfectly tailored light gray suit, behind gold-rimmed glasses are a pair of eyes so calm they border on coldness. Relaxed, he leans against the chair back, his fingertips unconsciously tapping on the smooth wooden armrest in a rhythmless yet precise beat akin to a flawless clock.

"Mr. President."

Weber speaks with a gentle voice, carrying the accent of standard Oxford, yet as precise as a scalpel.

"The presence of 'Musician' defense in your country's northern three mining areas has already become a huge obstacle preventing the complete return of Sen's economic sovereignty. Their company's expansion is too fast, akin to a nation within a nation, if not withdrawn from Sena, it will become a great security threat to you. Just imagine, if someone coveting your scepter colludes with them, your position..."

He leans slightly forward, his gaze from behind the glasses sharply directed at Du Er: "Lady M, my superior, feels deeply anxious about this. This is not merely economic interests, but also affects the prestige and independent image of Sena New Government."

Du Er's sturdy knuckles tapped on the desk, producing a muffled sound.

"Mr. Weber, that group of desperados from 'Musician' isn't easy to provoke. Especially that Song Heping..."

At the mention of this name, a hint of dread flashed in Du Er's eyes, but was quickly replaced by forcibly suppressed greed.

"...even though it's said he died in the desert of Siria, those he left behind are well-equipped, highly trained. Forcible expulsion might trigger intense armed conflict, causing unnecessary international ramifications."

He emphasized "international ramifications," glancing at Weber, probing the British bottom line and what support they could offer.

Weber's lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile, a sign of insight into the other's thoughts.

"Conflict?"

He snickered lightly, his tone carrying just the right amount of contempt: "Mr. President, eliminating illegal armed groups on sovereign territories and upholding national legal dignity is an indisputable power of any legitimate government. The international community will only see the Sena New Government's resolve to maintain the rule of law. As for armed conflict..."

He paused briefly, leaning back into the chair, appearing more relaxed, as if discussing an insignificant hunt.

"That is precisely an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the combat strength of your country's newly formed 'Rapid Response Force', isn't it? General Lumar is full of confidence in this regard."

He picked up the bone china teacup on the table, took a sip elegantly, and when placed down, the bottom of the cup made a crisp sound with the saucer.

"Moreover..."

Weber lowered his voice, infused with a devil-like temptation as he continued: "Once successful in reclaiming the mining area and expelling the mercenaries from 'Musicians' defense, the mining rights and subsequent profits from those rich deposits will belong entirely to the Sen Republic, to your leadership of the new government. We only need to ensure that in the future development, British companies can have a fair, prioritized opportunity to participate. This is crucial for Sen to attract international investment and reshape its economic structure."

"Fair, prioritized opportunity to participate..."

Du Er repeated these words, the greedy gleam in his eyes no longer concealable.

Immense interests twined around his heart like a poison snake.

He needed money, vast amounts of it to consolidate power, win hearts, satisfy personal desires.

The British offered not only the possibility of military support, but also a ticket to a kingdom of wealth.

"Lumar!"

Du Er suddenly pressed the intercom button on the desk, his voice carrying a determined ferocity.

The office's side door responded by opening, and the newly appointed Sen Republic Army Chief of Staff, General Lumar, walked in.

"Mr. President!"

Lumar glanced at Weber, seemingly aware that today's discussions are not trivial.

"Order!"

Du Er's voice was decisive and unquestionable: "First, starting today, secretly mobilize the 2nd and 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalions, the 3rd Armored Company, and parts of the Mountain Special Assault Battalion to assemble at the designated perimeter of the northern mining area. The operation must be highly confidential, nighttime maneuvers, radio silence! All unit commanders are to accept your direct orders only! Understand?"

"Understood, Mr. President!"

Excitement flickered in Lumar's eyes.

The intent of such military mobilization was as apparent as the fleas on a bald man's head—looks like the President intends to act against those mercenaries.

"Second."

Du Er turned his gaze towards Weber, seeking confirmation: "Advisor Weber will provide you with the latest deployment maps of 'Musician' defense in the northern base and mining area, as well as their main patrol routes and possible retreat paths. Your men must tighten the pocket like hunters stalking prey!"

"The deployment map will be delivered to the General tonight."

Weber slightly nodded, his tone flat, as if handing over a standard document: "Accuracy, you can rest assured, it's obtained through our high-precision spy satellites."