Committee Member Ⅰ: We are on page 21, section 3.
Committee Member Ⅰ: Ms. Z insists on adopting this draft.
Committee Member Ⅰ: Ms. Z, please walk Madam Constantine through this section.
Constantine: No need for that. I have read the stenographer's report.
Constantine: In fact, this is the second time I'm addressing this proposal. Considering the Integratus has been very determined to its submission, I believe many delegates must have a burning interest in the case.
Constantine: At least it's worth some discussions.
Constantine: Pedra, why do you oppose it?
Committee Member Ⅰ: The rise of Manus Vindictae has caused the arcanum world to gradually break free from the Foundation.
Committee Member Ⅰ: Therefore we need to monitor what our arcanists think and control what they do in a stricter manner, in case they go too far.
Committee Member Ⅰ: Manus Vindictae has a subversive slogan. Their influence has been getting bigger since the first "Storm," so has the scale of their infiltration.
Committee Member Ⅰ: In The Walden incident in 1929, we were given away in advance. It probably had something to do with the infiltration.
Constantine: Very well, a point worth discussion.
Constantine: But it is not relevant to our subject here and now.
Constantine: Stenographer, please take down the point Mr. Rosa just made. That will be the subject of our meeting in the third week.
Constantine: Katz, what do you think?
Committee Member Ⅱ: The expectations of our constituencies are on our shoulders.
Committee Member Ⅱ: Fear of the arcanists has grown due to the attacks by Manus Vindictae in many regions.
Committee Member Ⅱ: It's not ideal for us to implement the "Peace Policy" and promote the arcane technology.
Committee Member Ⅱ: To maintain the Foundation's reputation, we have to start with the registered arcanists. Strengthen the regulations, and show the public that arcanists are reasonable and trustworthy.
Committee Member Ⅱ: That is why I am opposed to the draft.
Constantine: ... Inspiring.
She stands up, pacing around in the meeting room.
Constantine: However, what a shame, none of you have realized the key factor in this subject.
Constantine: What is the key element that decides whether this proposal will be approved or not?
Constantine: Manus Vindictae?
Constantine: The constituents?
Constantine: No. It's far simpler than those.
Constantine: It's Vertin.
Z: ...
Constantine: According to the proposal, Vertin will become the only tie between these unregistered arcanists and the Foundation.
Constantine: As the number of Vertin's field missions increases, she will inevitably get in touch with more and more unregistered arcanists.
Constantine: That is to say, outside the Foundation's jurisdiction, a group of people is getting stronger each day—an armed force.
Constantine: Her attitude towards the Foundation will be the key to all the issues.
Z: Vertin received her education in SPDM from an early age. She has a clear tendency.
Constantine: Yes, that's what I think.
Constantine: That's also why I have asked someone who can provide a valid argument on the issue to join us.
Constantine: You may come in, Sonetto.
Z: ...!
The door is pushed ajar.
Sonetto enters the room, humbly and prudently. Her uniform seems to have changed a little.
Sonetto: ... Good day, Madam Vice President. Greetings to all committee members. May the peace be with us.
Constantine: The Timekeeper is still in treatment. Before she is restored to health, I appoint you to take care of all the relevant matters on her behalf.
Sonetto: Copy that.
Constantine: Now, I will ask you some questions. Please answer them truthfully.
Sonetto: Clear.
Constantine: Based on your observation, do you or do you not think the Timekeeper has been loyal to the Foundation?
Sonetto: ...!
Sonetto: Of, of course!
Sonetto: All the students of the School of Primary Defense of Mankind are devoted to the peace of mankind. We have pledged lifelong allegiance to the Foundation that leads the cause.
Constantine: Heh heh, that's not what I'm asking.
Constantine: Let's put it differently. Why do you think Vertin would provoke other students to rebel when she was in school?
Sonetto: I ... I do not know ...
Sonetto: I am sorry.
Constantine: After the incident of the "Storm," why would Vertin show reluctance to invite the unregistered arcanists to join the Foundation?
Sonetto: Because ... Emm ...
Constantine: At one point in her negotiation with the Manus Vindictae, Vertin has agreed to join them. What do you think her true intention was?
Sonetto: I ...
Constantine: That'll be enough. I believe we all have our answers by now.
Sonetto: Madam Vice President! A-According to our investigation of the event in 1929 and Timekeeper's report, it is highly possible that Arcana of Manus Vindictae has the arcane power to influence the sanity and consciousness of others from a certain distance.
Sonetto: She is able to exert an irresistible psychic influence on others through short conversations. Timekeeper ... Timekeeper was under huge threats at that time.
Sonetto: I think all of her responses were out of her survival instinct.
Sonetto: This is also one of the survival strategies that have been taught in Chapter 1, Book 3 of Introduction to Strategy edited by the School of Primary Defense of Mankind.
Constantine: I see. You may leave the room now.
Sonetto's eyes turn red.
Sonetto: I ...
Constantine: We appreciate the information you just added. You have always been an excellent student. We are very proud of you.
Constantine: Now it's time to leave and rest.
Sonetto: ... Copy that.
She leaves the room as instructed.
Committee Member Ⅰ: ...
Committee Member Ⅱ: ...
Z: ...
Silence fills the room.
Constantine: What a controversial issue.
Constantine: What's your view on this, Ms. Z?
Madam Z stands up. She takes her time before speaking.
Z: In my point of view ... Vertin does have doubts about current system.
Z: But doubts don't mean disloyalty.
Z: In fact, if we want to further expand the staff to contend against the Manus Vindictae...
Z: We need flexible management.
Z: Apply customized standards to arcanists with different backgrounds and different training objectives.
Z: Through this, not only can we remove the doubts of Vertin, but also ease the tension between the Foundation and other unregistered arcanists.
Constantine squints at her.
Constantine: You have been very thoughtful.
Constantine: Carry it out then.
The stenographer pauses out of surprise.
She looks up at Constantine, seeking confirmation from the look on her face.
The stenographer quickly regains her composure and starts typing.
"Pass"
