Although Director Gardner was furious at Secretary Foster for looking down on him, he took a moment to scrutinize her point of view. Even though Secretary Foster didn't mention her reasons, it wasn't too difficult for him to guess.
As such, he didn't fall for Secretary Foster's provocation and kept a cool head.
"You're right, Secretary Foster. The North's growth is unstoppable," Director Gardner surprisingly agreed before coolly adding, "However, that doesn't mean we should do nothing about it and just watch."
"Even if we can't stop the North from growing into a hegemonic superpower, we can still try not to fall too far behind," Director Gardner stated.
When President Hugo heard this, his unattentive gaze flicked with interest. He was forced to re-evaluate Director Gardner of the Starry Steel Research Tower.
In truth, he had been very disappointed with the Starry Steel Research Tower's lack of progress and achievements in space development despite receiving a substantial amount of the federation's funding.
After all, he had high expectations of Director Gardner's visionary dream.
As such, he was even more disappointed that another country had beaten them in the space race. Furthermore, it was a complete and overwhelming defeat that left no room for jealousy and resentment, only resignation and acceptance.
There was simply no competition between them.
What the North demonstrated wasn't just a few years ahead in technology but possibly decades to a century.
It was impossible to catch up with their own capabilities.
That was also why it was very improbable for the North to agree to any negotiation of the technology's acquisition. The North had no reason to give up its absolute advantage and benefit those outside its influence.
President Hugo originally thought Director Gardner was blinded by greed and ambition.
However, Director Gardner insisted on negotiating with full awareness of the matter. It seemed he had other considerations that gave him some confidence.
Ultimately, Director Gardner was still a top academician. He shouldn't be short-sighted.
"I apologize for hastily dismissing your proposal without hearing you out, Director Gardner," President Hugo sincerely recognized his fault before saying, "It's a sensitive period, so I pray for your understanding."
"Please tell us how the federation can keep up with the North's growth. Do you really think the North will agree if we try to negotiate the acquisition of Heavenreacher's technology?" President Hugo asked.
"I didn't say it would be easy," Director Gardner calmly shook his head and said, "However, our federation has its strengths, which we can utilize to appeal to the North and increase the chance of succeeding."
"Oh?" President Hugo raised an eyebrow with interest and requested, "Please elaborate, Director Gardner."
"Yes, President," Director Gardner nodded before explaining, "Although the North has succeeded in establishing access to space and the moon, it doesn't change the fact the North only occupies a small fraction of the continent."
"If the North wants to expand further into space, their limited territory won't be able to support the astronomical demand for resources like rare metals. They'll definitely turn to us for that."
"I'm sure they would be willing to make some concessions to establish trade with our federation," Director Gardner believed.
"I see," President Hugo uttered thoughtfully.
Indeed, the Freedom Federation was Pangea's current economic leader. It occupied the central continent and shared friendly relationships with many countries, both small and big.
With the exception of the mysterious Divine Serpent Empire and the witch kingdoms of the north, it had practically traded with every other country in the past century.
Even the Holy Knight Empire and Great Ratholos Empire weren't exceptions.
It wasn't far-fetched to say that it had access to all the resources on the continent. As long as their surrounding neighbors were willing to trade, it wasn't difficult to acquire any type of resource that could be found.
As such, the Freedom Federation was more than capable of supplying the North with vast amounts of resources if they could agree to an exchange of interests.
Nevertheless, President Hugo suddenly sighed.
"It's uncertain how long our federation can hold onto the position of Pangea's economic leader. Given the showcase of the Heavenreacher and the conditions listed by the Black Rose Empire, other countries might consider joining the North's United Nations," President Hugo mentioned.
The mood of the office shortly became depressive when the subject was raised.
Indeed, it was only a matter of time before the United Nations surpassed the federation's influence and replaced it.
How quickly that day came depended on the attitude of the other countries.
"This is why we should strengthen our relationship with our neighbors. That would make them reconsider joining the United Nations," Director Gardner suggested.
"That won't work, Director Gardner," Secretary Foster suddenly spoke after being quiet for some time.
"Oh? And why do you say that, Secretary Foster?" President Hugo asked with interest.
"The attitudes of our neighbors are important in determining the North's growth and our federation's economic leadership, yes, but what's most important is the attitude of the Black Rose Empire," Secretary Foster calmly stated.
"This is a country with an existence capable of slaying a Great Devil and has dragons as its subordinates. If our attempts of stunting the North's growth angers that existence, we may very well be facing a war."
"Moreover, it will be a war where we will definitely lose. I believe the other countries are also aware of that, so they will definitely treat matters related to the North with extra care." "Everyone wants to maintain their power and authority, but I'm sure no one is willing to die for it since there's only one outcome," Secretary Foster stated.
"What you say makes sense, Secretary Foster," Director Gardner surprisingly acknowledged, but then said, "However, that's only true if the North doesn't care about the consequences of waging war over such minor issues."
"Considering the Black Rose Empire built the Heavenreacher, its ambition to conquer the continent and unify humanity is quite clear. As such, the North won't recklessly wage war, not when the shadows of Great Devils have long penetrated deep into Pangea."
"On that note, if our federation can prove itself to be a worthy ally of the North and help it purge the dark forces of Gehenna hidden in Pangea, I don't see why it wouldn't give us some benefits like sharing its technology," Director Gardner said.
Secretary Foster immediately furrowed her brows as Director Gardner's intention became
He seemed to be against the North at first, and yet now he was suggesting an alliance with it?
What exactly was he after?