"Citizens of America.
Today, on 5th November, I am pleased to announce that the operation against the Warlords and self-proclaimed Republic of Murtia has been successfully completed, and all enemies of the state have been exterminated, and the people of the former Mexico have been liberated.
Our own forces suffered only minor losses of life, which is still something that pains me greatly as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces and the overall commander of the operation.
Upon deliberations with the other members of the former Mexican Military who survived the civil war and the wars between the Warlords, they have agreed to be incorporated as the 52nd State of the Union.
Why the 52nd State of the Union, some of you may ask?
Yesterday, it was confirmed that Canada would be joining our family and becoming the 51st State of the Union after it was released from the Commonwealth. With these significant extensions in terms of territory and expansion of the United States, all straight from the frozen shores of Alaska to the tropical jungles of Central America, there is a need to establish a new order that would encompass not only the original United States but also newly joined Canada, Mexico, and all other special administrative territories of the United States.
A System that would represent all the people of the Americas. With the deliberations being made, it's my utmost honor to introduce you to the United States of Federal Americas. I can assure you that most things will work as they are, because we are only extending the existing model of government in the United States to new areas of our influence and governance.
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.
I also want to give my full thanks and show my utmost respect for the men and women of the United States Military who marched against the forces of the Warlords and terrorists that were waging brutal wars on our southern border and terrorizing the local population.
Many of these brave men and women put their lives on the line for the greater good of our nation, and only thanks to their sacrifices do we stand here. Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, everything that we have, everything that we command, every advancement that we made, and everything that we have built, was done only due to the sacrifices that someone made in order to create everything that we have.
In the spirit of this, I want to quote the 35th President of the United States, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy:
'In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility–I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country, and all who serve it–and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country. Finally, as the citizens of America, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.'
With this quote, I want to ask you all, those listening to the foundational speech, to join the efforts to build the new part in the history of our nation. It is something that cannot be done alone with empty speeches and promises that politicians usually give. It is something that could be achieved only if the people living on the land decide to do something for their country, and later, their country will do everything for them.
Our democratic system was never about a simple notion of going to vote and then being done with it for the next few years.
No.
We build our system, our greatness, our power, and our wealth through the cooperation of the American People. All united in their goal, toward the greater and better tomorrow. For that, countless people during the decades joined the Military to protect their homeland, went to Universities to study, pushed the boundaries of science, or went into the bureaucracy that actually holds this nation together.
And this time.
In these troubling times, it won't be any different.
More than two centuries ago, the founding fathers established this great nation when they signed the Declaration of Independence, and thanks to the collective efforts of successive generations of the American people, we have built what we have now.
And I wholeheartedly believe that through our collective efforts, we will once again reach even greater heights. That I swear to you with God as my witness, that the United States of Federal Americas would be the greatest and grandest nation that ever existed and would exist on the face of Earth.
One Nation, Under God. Indivisible. With Liberty and Justice for All.
God Bless America."
-Speech of President Jacob Edward III. Grey from 5. 11. 2020 at the White House during the Declaration of Foundation, the establishment of the United States of Federal America, shortly after the incorporation of Canada and Mexico into the Union.
***
Washington D.C., 5th November 2020, Headquarters of the Illuminati Society
More than one week has passed since the end of the war in the south. Following the death of the last Warlord, the forces of the United States and Mages from the Illuminati Society started the damage control procedures.
Systematic casting of Memory Erasure Spells on the population to forget about the supernatural, destroying all dates like photos and videos that recorded supernatural events, and many other things.
Because of this, the Magic Association Council was established, where all important players in the world converged and came to a collective decision. The revelation of the Magic Side of the World was something that nobody really wished for; thus, the Brits could only grit their teeth in anger as Canada formally left the Commonwealth.
It was clear that their own Campione, 4th Campione the Black Prince Alec, Alexander Gascoigne, wasn't really interested in helping them, and thus, it resulted in the tremendous weakening of Great Britain on the political scale.
Perhaps in a few years or even months, the entirety of the Commonwealth will fall apart.
While Great Britain was once a very powerful country in terms of Mages and Knights, that was far in the past. Nowadays, most of them were just clinging to the shadows of their long-lost glory.
With the destruction of Camelot, the disappearance of Merlin, and the death of King Arthur, England wasn't what it once was. It was rather ironic, that when Alexander Gascoigne appeared, many Mages and Knights in England really hoped that the appearance of Campione in their kingdom would be the true resurgence of England.
Unfortunately, the reality could be, and often, it is very cruel.
The 4th Campione only cared about his kleptomania and collecting things.
It was like public knowledge at this point.
Yakou, though, was rahter satisfied with the outcome, as soon enough most of them were going to the White House to listen to the Grey's Foundation Speech because today would be the Foundational Day of the United States of Federal Americas.
Grey, in his petty nature and just to spite the British Royal Family, decided to announce the establishment of the United States of Federal Americas on 5th November.
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Fireworks Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5th November, primarily in Great Britain, involving bonfires and fireworks displays.
Its history began with the events of 5th November 1605 O.S., when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. The Catholic plotters had intended to assassinate Protestant King James I and his parliament.
Celebrating that the King had survived, people lit bonfires around London. Months later, the Observance of 5th November Act mandated an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure.
Within a few decades, Gunpowder Treason Day, as it was known, became the predominant English state commemoration. And because of the problems the British were causing Grey in his ambition to annex Canada, he decided to make 5th November their greatest humiliation.
Yakou personally found it rather entertaining...
"When are we leaving again?"
He asked as he was together with Eve in the dressing room of the headquarters, because she was helping him to choose the outfit to wear for the Grey's speech. Every one of the Knights of the Round Table was going to the White House to witness this historic moment.
"In three hours... and I still need to change my clothes... this is far from enough time."
Eve answered as she was being swarmed by countless attendants, as Yakou raised his eyebrows but chose to remain silent. Unfortunately, the same thing couldn't be said about the Huginn and Munnin, who were both seated on their perch as they were following their Master, everything.
"Vain woman!"
Huginn shouted as Munnin immediately mimicked the action of the white Divine Raven.
"Indeed! Indeed! Very vain woman!"
Both Huginn and Munnin started spouting insults one after another, because well... that was their favourite pastime. They especially loved provoking people and seeing their reactions, but they would flee the scene if someone wanted to beat them up.
Even though they lacked the combat prowess, they were rather apt at escaping from danger.
Yakou admitted that the two were an absolute menace with the constant mischief and problems that they were causing. On the brighter side, Yakou found them pretty entertaining, and the chaos that they created was funny.
Unbeknownst to him, this was a pretty similar trait to Katahara Metsudō, as the old man had very similar habits of causing and enjoying chaos. Obviously, the main reason why the old man loved chaos was that it was a prime opportunity to make a profit from the said chaos.
And it also brought him some entertainment.
Which was an added bonus.
"Huginn, the vain woman, isn't reacting to us."
Munnin stated as he outstretched his right wing and pointed at Eve, whose brows were twitching, because she really wanted to punch the beyond annoying creatures.
"She must have gone deaf... probably from the loud music that those stupid youngsters are listening to."
Well, as Yakou listened to them, he had to give them an added bonus point for being creative.
Not like it was going to save them from what was to come, as suddenly several stones materialized around Eve and shot toward the Divine Ravens at staggering speed. Both Ravens were rather caught by surprise when the stones hit them directly on their heads, and Yakou laughed at their misfortune.
"Ehhhhhh?!"
Both of them were very surprised as they instantly started flapping their wings and turned their attention to Yakou, who finished trying on probably the 15th suit that Eve prepared. She was rather adamant that he looked as representative as possible, as this would be the first public event where he would be showing his face.
Even though he was Campione of the USA and King of the Association for something around three months, he hadn't attended any public event yet, nor had most people actually even seen him in person.
"Master, this blonde bimbo is bullying us!"
Huginn flew to Yakou as he immediately did what he knew best, with Muninn closely following after him. When they couldn't beat the opponent, they would plead with their master to take care of the problem for them.
As simple as that.
"You know, you can hit them harder? Even though they are pretty weak, their durability is no less than that of a Divine Ancestor."
Yakou didn't even bother looking at them and said something to the Rockefeller Heiress, who looked livid, calling her a blonde bimbo. She knew very well from where the two of them heard it...
There was only one person who dared to talk about her like this, and she had purple hair, an unpleasant expression, and wore a general's uniform with five stars on her.
"I think I will be using them as living targets during training long-ranged spells..."
When Huginn and Muninn looked at the blonde young woman, her eyes promised vengeance as she looked at them with anger and revenge. Yakou, meanwhile, only shook his hands, as the tailor attending to him passed him a new vest that he tried on.
"Is all of this really necessary?"
He asked as they returned to the preparations for the Grey's speech because the entire event was for the elites of the entire USA who would be attending. All Executives of the Illuminati Society and many High-Ranking Members would be present as well. Aside from them, both chambers of Congress would be present, together with military leadership and other important people in the United States.
"You told me that you want to participate in the workings of the Society and not just be the aloof King. And this is the prime opportunity to show Your Majesty to your subjects, as practically everyone who means something in this country would be present in the White House."
Eve remarked as she finally found a dress with which she was relatively satisfied, and then proceeded to start choosing jewelry and other accessories for the dress that she chose.
And Yakou, who heard her answer, grimaced for some time, because he found it stupid to be arguing with himself over this thing. Nevertheless, he just nodded and decided to go along with the flow, as he dismissed Huginn and Muninn.
"Ts... either way, anything important that I need to know?"
He asked as he too finished choosing from the suits and other clothes that were prepared for him.
"Nothing much... obviously, due to your status, only a few people would dare to approach you, and they would also be filtered by the Enforcers who would be posing as private bodyguards in your public identity."
Eve stated that obviously, not just anybody could meet Campione. Most of the people would be stopped by the Enforcers, who were playing the role of the bodyguards, so that he wouldn't be swarmed with people.
He could imagine that otherwise there would be an endless line of people wanting to kiss his ass.
Still, he could understand the sentiments because right now, the mood in the Illuminati Society was at its highest.
With the digestion of knowledge obtained from the various Mages, Knights, several Guilds, and Magic Associations across Canada and former Mexico, it could be really admitted that the Illuminati Society has caught up to the average Magic Association.
In terms of lore and knowledge.
Another thing was that, because a large share of Society's power stemmed from the direct strength of the United States of America, the stronger the USA became, the stronger the Illuminati Society would be.
Everyone would be there in the full setup and with their public identities. Aside from being the Knights of the Round Table, practically everyone had also had a public identity prior to joining the Illuminati Society.
For the Executive-Level Members and Knights, it was a must, while the other members of the Illuminati Society didn't always have a public identity. If one didn't have a suitable public identity, then the Society would arrange one for them.
The other members of the Round Table, aside from Keira, Eve, and Grey, had a variety of public identities.
1st Seat Johan Georg Faust had identity as Owner of the Golden Circle, a massive conglomerate that owned several of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world and was the largest manufacturer of medicine and chemicals in the world.
4th Seat George Holton, aside from being the Head of Department of Judgement, was also CEO of the Holton Consortium. Holton Consortium has investments practically in every segment of industry... ranging from AI research to making fertilizers. Not to mention, the Holton Family itself was deeply intertwined with the political scene of the US and was one of the biggest donors to the Republican Party for many decades.
5th Seat Thomas Andre was actually also the General of the United States Secret Service, so obviously, he would be present. The United States Secret Service was officially under the White House and tasked with protecting the President, the White House, members of the Cabinet, and other important state leaders. It was also one of the primary recruitment grounds for the Society to recruit Enforcers.
6th Seat Dairenji Shidou was actually one of the members of the Cabinet and was the Director of the Institute for the National Archive. This was a rather good public identity for the Head of the Society's Department of Lore.
And even the last Seat of the Knights of the Round Table, 7th Seat Julian Miller, who was assigned a public identity as another Cabinet member, Administrator of the Cultural Relics Protection Agency. Rather vague pseudo-department of the US government that almost nobody understood its purpose.
Even Yakou was given a public identity that he would be using in the more public events, now that he had decided to be involved in the mortal matters as much as possible. His public identity was that of Founder and CEO of the Militech International Armaments, shortly only Militech.
This was the public identity that the Society prepared for him, as the corporation was entirely in his name, with rather high capital and a lot of investments and stocks owned by the company in the military-industrial complex.
It was Yakou's own decision to play these political games, as he understood another thing...
Loyalty was an interesting thing.
It could be something enduring for centuries, or something fleeting that will pass in mere months.
He understood very well that from the Magic Associations that were serving Campione, only the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains could be said to be loyal to its Campione. Even if calling the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains a Magic Association is a bit of an overestimation, because most of their members are Martial Artists.
Nevertheless, it didn't change the fact that the Magic Association was not loyal to the Campione himself, but instead to their power. They wanted and often needed the protection of the Campione.
As long as the Campione is alive, they would serve, but many would have side intentions that would often be detrimental to the Campione they claim to serve. Yakou knew that most people wouldn't really have any geniue loyalty toward the Campione, because everything was about exchanging benefits.
Campione provided protection and power, while the Magic Association served and provided convenience and luxury.
Yakou had his personal experiences with the concept of loyalty.
Not really the good one around.
And then, there was something that he learned from Katahara Metsudō.
The old man always taught him that cultivating loyal subordinates was one of the most important things that a man in a powerful position could do. Yes, loyalty was troublesome and could be fickle, but at the same time, it could also be cultivated.
Katahara Metsudō cultivated his personal force, the Bodyguards and even monsters like Kanoh Agito... The Bodyguard Force was something that old man Katahara cultivated over the course of many decades in his goal of securing supremacy for his lineage.
If there was one person whom Yakou considered as family... aside from Kirari, it would be the old man Katahara. Yeah, he was half-insane, but Yakou considered the man his own grandfather.
In the end, after the death of his mother, when he ended up on the streets, if it wasn't for the old man, who knows how he would have fared. Not to mention, he didn't turn him in to the History Compilation Committee, as many of his positions would have.
He felt rather regretful that he couldn't go to Japan much sooner than he wanted, because he still had a few people there. He was sure that the old man must have gotten the letter that he sent him...
Yakou had been helping Katahara Metsudō his entire life to repay the debt he owed to the old man, but he always felt he would never be able to repay it. Thanks to him, he got education, shelter, safety, training, and money when it was needed the most.
He also became friends with Katahara Metsudō's son, Katahara Retsudo, who was a few years younger than he was and is now 21.
Katahara Metsudō was cultivating the Kengan Association for one purpose only.
He wanted to swallow the entirety of Japan.
Not only the Martial Artist side, which he already controlled, but also the Magic side, which was controlled by the History Compilation Committee. It was insanity worthy of Katahara Metsudō's grand ambition, because nobody would really think that it would work.
Yakou knew that even though the two sides were relatively evenly matched, especially if the Kure Clan was taken into account, they actually could go on the side of the Kengan Association.
The fact that the History Complication Committee could use two Heretic Gods wasn't something that the old man could deal with.
At least till now.
Now, there was another Campione on the board that was actively scheming against the Committee and, with one more Campione that was heading toward Japan to take their Hime-Mikos to conduct a Heretic God Summoning Ritual.
***
"Are you finally finished? Can't you just pick up something? it's just the jewelry... nothing really special or important."
Yakou complained because he had finished some time ago already, and right now he was just waiting for Even to be done. They decided that they would attend the event together, which could be good, as he could use Eve as an excuse to avoid talking to not-so-important people.
Not to mention, both of them concluded that they could treat this as another part of their courtship, so they went together. Eve, who was more experienced with the high-profile events like this, so she was telling him many things and her own experiences.
He swore that she had rather high levels of patience, because if he were being swarmed by countless potential suitors for his hand, he would have gone crazy.
"Ts... men."
She scoffed but didn't say anything more as she was more focused on choosing the jewelry that she would wear during the event. Yakou already felt social anxiety, because places with a lot of people were never really his thing, not to mention, his lover slash future wife slash mother of his child was nearing her birth date.
Kirari was currently in her eight or so month; he didn't really know exactly.
But he knew that was nearing the date of birth.
Certainly, he was rather nervous about this one as well.
"So, what would be part of the event today if you care to explain?"
Even though Yakou usually refrained from drinking any kind of alcohol, when there was a top-notch scotch that cost several thousand dollars per bottle, he wouldn't say no to it.
Either way, as Campione, mortal-made alcohol didn't have any effect on him, and he seriously doubted that even alcohol made with Magic would have any serious effect on his person.
"Reception, after that Grey would have a rather lengthy, annoying and pompous speech about his own greatness and his visionary plans for the nation, where he would declaim the formation of USFA, and after the reception would be the private banquet for the invited guests. Mainly Senators, Generals, Heads of important Federal Departments, Secretaries, and some other people. Most of them are either members of Society or connected to it one way or another."
Yakou nodded at the explanation as he saw similar events when he was doing bodyguard jobs for Kirari or Marie... when he was much younger, he attended a few together with Katahara Retsudo as an old man forced to go.
But as neither of them was too interested in a bunch of empty talk involving politics and finance, they tended to sneak out and cause problems.
"Don't worry... obviously, all people know your temper, so only either the most seasoned or ignored ones will approach you."
Eve knew that the ordinary ones among the guests wouldn't have the guts to approach Campione under any circumstances. Especially not the one whose reputation wasn't really the best one around and was on the same level as Marquis or Martial Ruler.
"Well, what's better than idiots and cunning foxes... one better than the other one."
He muttered as neither of the two options was really ideal.
"You wanted to play the part, so bear with it... and you did rather well in our lessons, so it would be alright."
Yakou decided that he actually wanted to play a much different role, contrary to the traditions of the Campiones that were before, and decided to integrate himself as a fundamental part of the Magic Association.
"Whatever..."
He knew that he needed to be just as intimidating as usual, and everything would be alright.
It was evident that Kirari wasn't coming to the event because it wasn't really the most suitable thing to do. Something that even he understood rather well, because it wouldn't be really appropriate, no matter how much Kirari wanted to come, just to mess with people.
Furthermore, he ordered Tsuchigumo to keep her contained, and she even had Miroslava entertain herself... in more than one way. Their other slave, Midari, was too submissive and would do literally everything ordered, even the most revolting things that came to Kirari's mind, with a smile on her face.
When it was finally time to finish, Yakou celebrated in his mind because Eve was choosing clothes and accessories way longer than he was translating the newly discovered Grimoire.
"Even though I started thinking that I would spend eternity here, you really look breathtakingly beautiful."
Nevertheless, he had to admit that she looked stunning in the formal kind of suit-like costume that was golden in color, with several very faint patterns across the entire upper part. On the lower part, she actually wore a long skirt with the same patterns and black leather boots reaching her knees, which were no less elegant.
She even had an overcoat over her shoulders to keep her warm, because it was pretty cold outside already, as it was November. On the side of the coat, above the place where her heart was located, she had the Family Crest of the Rockefeller Family engraved in a subtle yet very stylish and noticeable way.
"Thank you. Even you look good in that suit, though that's given considering that I personally chose everything."
He chuckled at that, because it wouldn't be her if she didn't give herself some credit.
***
White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Right now, the entire White House was in a state of emergency as the final preparations were being carried out before the first guests arrived. The entire speech and event would be held in the White House State Ballroom, which replaced the demolished East Wing many years ago.
The White House State Ballroom had a seating capacity of more than one thousand people and had a size of more than twelve thousand square meters. Under the presidency of Jacob Grey, the White House State Ballroom underwent significant renovations to improve the sense of luxury and other things...
Everything needed to be perfect on this day, and the entire city was also in a state of alarm.
Mainly because the people attending right now, were practically the entire Senate, a large part of the House of Representatives, all Governors, military leadership, and other high-level members of the Federal Government.
The Secret Service was on the highest alert, and the perimeter of the White House was sealed so that not even a fly could pass through their lines. The Mage-Knight Blazer Corps Regiment was deployed to protect the entire avenue, and the National Guard was patrolling large parts of the surroundings.
All police forces were at the highest level of stand-by, awaiting the possibility of something happening.
The first guests were already arriving at the White House and undergoing very strict security checks. Nothing was left to chance, and every nook and cranny of every single car, bag, purse, or anything was controlled with both mundane and magical means.
While the chances of something actually happening on this day were pretty low, considering the fact that it was public knowledge that Campione would attend... rather be safe than sorry.
Yakou and Eve were sitting in lumuisine as they were waiting in the row of cars for the line of checkups. To keep up with the public appearance, they chose to go this rather quiet way because of many reasons, and Yakou actually found it pretty entertaining.
"We should have gone directly there."
Eve said impatiently, because well... it seemed that she wasn't really used to waiting.
Normally, anywhere where she went, people would just make a way for her, and this was it...
Now, they were in the long row of cars that were all headed for the same destination.
"Like the last time you told me, bear with it."
Yakou remarked as he looked through the windows and noticed that Grey was really going all out on this event, with practically everyone from the major media company in attendance.
Yakou even noticed that even some of those dumb political influencers were present, recording their TikToks or their bullshit.
"Look at them... everyone behaving like a sheep..."
Eve too joined Yakou in the observation efforts because they had a rather good view of the perimeters, and from a distance, countless people were there with cameras and were filming and commenting on everything.
"Ignorance is bliss."
Yakou commented on the people outside, behaving like a flock of sheep and discussing the political situation. Not really aware that the entire world moved to the whims of a few selected overpowered people who had the power to destroy entire continents with ease.
Not like he cared, as he closed his eyes for a moment and just decided to wait until they arrived for their own checkups. Fortunately, considering the number of guests that were attending this time, the staff that was conducting the security checks did it pretty fast, and they were soon enough near the final checkpoint.
Due to the importance of the event, there were several rounds of checkpoints for security reasons and measures. And these were only the visible ones, as there was also a good number of the invisible ones.
Overall, it took around half an hour until they arrived at the reception area, as they exited the car. Yakou was the first one to exit, as he then helped Eve to exit the car as she locked her arm with his, and together they went to the reception.
From a certain point of view, they looked like a perfect, successful couple.
"Look... the hyenas are already coming."
Eve pointed to a rather rotund-looking Senator, who was trotting toward them. He was around sixty years old or something, a plump-looking man about whom many would think that he was slick and crooked just from the first look.
"Who is that?"
Yakou asked as he didn't recognize the man, as he actually recognized a little person who was here.
"Senator Ron Davis of the State of New York, basically one of the most important people in the Democratic Party for the past two decades, current Minority Leader in the Senate, and a High-Ranking Member of the Society. As the Society is a rather new Association, a good number of our members are mundane people."
This was something in which the Illuminati Society was far more interconnected with the mundane than any other Magic Association ever was. The fact that many of their members were also ordinary humans was something almost unthinkable for the rest of the Magic Associations.
"Yet, I can see pretty strong Chi in his body..."
Yakou's keen eyes picked up on this little detail rather fast.
"Yeah... since the influx of Martial Artists into the country, many of the non-Magic members of the Association are picking up the Martial Arts instead to obtain some form of power, strength, and longer life."
He nodded as that was understandable. No ordinary man wanted to remain ordinary in front of the extraordinary.
When Senator Davis saw them approaching, he immediately went to them, because he obviously wanted to speak with the Campione and Rockefeller Heiress. For someone like him, he had no way of meeting Campione and the King of their Association directly.
Even meeting with one of the Knights of the Round Table was a rare opportunity, because the Knights met only with the Executives of the Society that handled most of the things regarding the Society's functioning.
Seeing that Senator Davis was approaching them, Eve waved her hand and gave him a subtle sign with her fingers. It was meant to keep low and not be formal with the Campione, as technically speaking, not everyone here was aware of the Supernatural.
And the entire event was also recorded by countless media, which was the bigger reason.
"Miss Rockefeller. Sir Tsuchimikado. It's my honor."
The fat Senator of the state of New York shook hands with both of them as he was the very first person to notice them and greet them. Which was probably a huge advantage, because right now, Yakou wasn't really tired, but he had a hunch that he would soon enough be.
Dealing with the politicians was never really his forte... or rather, it would be more precise to say that he never attempted to do anything like this. He preferred solving problems and everything with his fist and Magic.
That was much easier than this.
"Senator Davis. You were certainly fast... did you plan this in advance, or were you just scouting if someone higher ranking enough would appear so you could bother them?"
Eve's words were sharp as usual, but Yakou didn't really pay attention to them. It wasn't any secret that the Democratic Party was at odds with the Rockefellers, who were major sponsors, donors, and members of the Republican Party.
Even though everyone high-ranked enough was, in the end, a member of the Society, competition existed, and it was a fierce one. Especially in the arena of politics, where the competition between various people was brutal and unforgiving.
"Everything is fair in the elections, Miss Rockefeller."
Senator Davis sneered, because like he said... everything was fair in the election as it was all about who would win.
Victory was everything that mattered.
Other things.
Not so much.
"Ts... spoken like a true politician, so why are you here Davis? You know very well, that our resident Campione won't be abusing his position as King just to elevate you into the place of Executive."
Eve scoffed because she knew very well why Davis was here.
"Of course, of course, that was never even my intention. I am just here to introduce myself to Sir Tsuchimikado, and I even heard that he owns a newly established company named Militech. I am sure that we can conduct some business with the Federal Government."
Yakou actually nodded in agreement, even though he had seen through the Davises' intention almost immediately. The man has no shame at all, and money was worthless to the Campione.
But it wasn't the same thing to his Clansmen or future descendants, as he planned to leave them their own source of income. He didn't want his Clan to be dependent on the Society like some leeches and just laze around; in that case, he would prefer them to be destroyed in the passage of time.
Militech International Armaments was not producing any products right now... it was only investing money in various companies or buying stock in weapon manufacturing companies.
Though in the future, Yakou planned to gather some research and actually started developing weapons. And not just any weapons; instead, he planned to start manufacturing the CADs and Blazer Devices once the concept was thoroughly researched.
Certainly, the Society would need to manufacture them somewhere, and coincidentally, they lacked the source of manufacturing for them. He decided that he would take this to the Militech and make the Militech the sole manufacturer of the CADs and other gadgets.
Yakou was also going to participate in the development of the advanced CADs and Blazer Devices, which were headed by the Department of Magitek.
With his Divine Authority of Mímir's Well, his repository of knowledge was growing each day at a staggering pace, and soon enough, he would basically learn everything that the Society knew about Magitek.
"Kissing asses again, Ronald? It's really weird that someone didn't kick you into that huge ass."
Suddenly, a deep male voice sounded behind Senator Ron Davis, as the Senator in question flushed red from a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Senator Davis knew very well to whom the voice belonged, as he was filled with anger that the man was destroying his perfect opportunity.
The man who spoke was a sharply dressed old man in his mid-seventies, with white hair slicked backwards and a white beard. He also walked with the help of a cane, as he arrived next to them, much to Davis's displeasure and Eve's amusement.
This man, though... was actually someone whom Yakou recognized.
"Mr. Landsdale. It has been a long time already."
Yakou said as one could observe how the face of Ron Davis went pale as a sheet, which was something that Eve greatly enjoyed.
Morgan Lansdale was someone with whom Yakou was rather well acquainted. He was Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for many years, to the point that he was often nicknamed "Second Coming of Hoover" or "Hoover 2.0".
Despite that, he was very good at his job, like really, really good, and under his leadership, the FBI increased the rate of their solved cases, lowered the number of deceased or injured agents by a huge margin, and achieved many other things.
Yakou did a few jobs for Director Lansdale and even played his bodyguard when the man was in Japan several times.
"Lansdale."
Davis and Lansdale belonged to opposite Parties, and neither of them liked the other for many decades. Lansdale never went into active politics, as it wasn't really his forte or even something that he was keen on doing.
"How are you these days, Mr. Lansdale?"
Yakou came to the Morgan Lansdale as they shook hands, and he asked about his condition... because that cane that he was using wasn't just some sort of decoration. Not many knew that Lansdale was actually a Mage, and during one of his Magical experiments, as he was something akin to a Magic scholar, he managed to cripple himself.
His ability to cast Magic was currently almost abysmal, and he also needed a cane to support him while walking. Yet he was also a rather generous client and someone with whom Yakou could discuss the intricacies of Magic.
He also learned a lot from the old man Lanslade.
"Same old, but it's you who got lucky... when I first heard the news, I thought that Ron here actually fell from the skies and crushed me to death, and I was in heaven."
For the Morgan Lansdale, someone like Davis was not much different from a cockroach... they were equally disgusting, useless, and annoying. Then there was the fact, that Lansdale was considered as a Presidential candidate for the Republican Party in the next elections after Grey's term had ended...
This made Lanslade the prime target for the Democrats, and Davis was pivoting the efforts to sink that ship before it could even sail. Now, seeing that Lansdale had a direct connection to the Campione, Davis's heart sank, as it was clear that Lansdale would be elevated to the position of Executive.
Senator Davis realized that there was nothing to gain here, aside from arguing with the Lansdale, so he politely excused himself and left to make some other deals. Though he was still a bit satisfied, because he managed to obtain some promise from the Campione, and Yakou told him that if he needed something, he would contact him.
"Well... I almost died in the efforts to win..."
Yakou started retelling the tale of his fight against Odin with Eve standing quietly next to him, looking like a dutiful wife, as she actually ignored the stares of jealousy from the nearby women who were aware of the fact that the man next to her was Campione.
As they were talking, more and more people were arriving as soon as enough for the first event, which was the Grey's Foundation Speech of the USFA. Among the people who were present, not all of them knew what the topic of the President's speech was, but all Senators and other high-ranking personnel were aware of this.
"Well, at least now it seems that we are still in one camp... still, I found it a bit weird that we are acting so chummy-yummy with the Chinese."
The Director of the FBI pointed at the Chinese delegation that was currently speaking with Vice President Matthew Tyler. Only a few delegations from foreign countries were invited to witness today's speech.
Namely, China, the Brits as Grey waned to humiliate them further, but they didn't show up, which was a shame as Yakou was eager to see some drama. Then the Ambassador of the Korean Empire, Italy as it was home of Lord Salvatore Doni, Israel, which was the home of the oldest Magic Associations and Covens in the world, the Holy See, and lastly the Lost Domain, which was Voban's pseudo-nation.
"Especially when we were fighting against each other till now."
Since Yakou became Campione and the Empire of Japan effectively became an unspoken adversary, the USA began getting closer to China. And the Chinese, with the support of their Campione, who was becoming more involved in mundane matters, were even gathering much of their military forces on the island of Taiwan as they spoke.
Taiwan was one of the biggest military bases for China, as the entire island was one enormous fortress, home to several naval and air force bases. It was also an area where a lot of tensions were stemming from, as the Chinese were often projecting their might from the island, while the Americans did the same from Okinawa.
But the fate was a fickle thing.
The Campione of the United States was extremely hostile to Japan, so the country in which he was residing was forced to mimic his approach more out of necessity than of his own will.
Though it was also an undeniable fact that if there was some sort of alliance between the Marquis, Martial Ruler, and Ten'nō no Onmyōji, it would be far more beneficial. As the three of them would basically divide the world into the areas of influence where they could develop without clashing with each other.
"Times are changing, and those who don't go along with the change will be left behind and perish. Though I agree that the mess it created on the international scale is something that I wouldn't want to deal with either."
Yakou knew how much chaos was in the world over the past several months.
One could say that the old international order was compeltely falling apart. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was basically dead; that much was acknowledged, because with the formation of the United States of Federal America, NATO would crumble, USA, or rather USFA, would leave.
Several of the member states of NATO were now either directly hostile or unfriendly toward the USFA due to their Campione's relationship or due to some moves of President Grey, especially regarding Canada.
"I agree, but seeing the world order of almost a century to crumble like a house of cards is... weird."
The current world order that was created after World War II was something that everyone was used to. And why wouldn't they be?
It existed for around eighty years or so...
The USA and the European Union were the closest allies and worked closely on an economic, industrial, and military basis. Russia was the enemy of the EU and the USA, as usual, but they had their own problems when Voban took over the entirety of Siberia and proclaimed it his own territory.
Only a very few people actually know that the real Russian Federation is now only the part west of the Ural Mountains. The EU, on the other hand, was in a much more complicated position due to internal friction, where Italy and Great Britain were the strongest voices due to having Campione.
Though only Italy could claim to have the support of Campione, because even though Salvatore Doni was a muscleheaded sword-obsessed fool, he actually supported his Knight Orders and his mother country.
The same couldn't be really said about Alexander Gascoigne, but at least the Brits had Campion as the only nation in the entire Union.
In the Pacific, the USA allied with the Empire of Japan, out of sheer necessity to counter the threat of the People's Republic of China that was backed by the Campione, and soon enough, the Korean Empire joined the tri-pact against China.
That notion fell apart in August, as right now, the Empire of Japan remained alone, the Korean Empire allied with the Americans, as they were their bigger partner than the Japanese, and they got assurance of protection from the American Campione about their protection.
Interestingly enough, the situation in Africa or the Middle East didn't really change that much.
Everything there was a mess as usual, and the fact of what was happening in the world on a global scale didn't really influence the local conflicts and squabbles between various Warlords and factions.
"The real effect of your choice is that... the Mundane Side of the World and Magic Side of the World are getting closer and closer than ever."
Yakou nodded, hearing Lansdale stating that because the elderly man was indeed right in this one. Since Yakou decided to meddle in the mundane politics, it basically destroyed the status quo and threw the entire board out of the window.
It was a total game-changer.
Some Campiones were now mimicking Yakou's approach.
He knew that some would eventually try it.
Not because they cared about what happened in the mortal world, but they were bored.
Especially the cases like Marquis and Martial Ruler, who were both several centuries old, and there were not many things that could provide entertainment for them. For longevity beings like that, everything that provided something new in life was precious.
So they would find the notion of meddling in the mortal affairs rather entertaining.
For the Campiones that were standing at the zenith of the world, there were only two things that they could do to alleviate the boredom.
The first was going out and fighting the Heretic God. But that was much easier said than done, as the Heretic Gods descended randomly, and when they did, sometimes they were too powerful for the Campione, so there was a possibility of dying.
Thus, many Campiones were rather selective about the Heretic Gods that they would fight, because losing the fight meant death. And those who cannot die from illness or old age, were sometimes most afraid of dying.
The second source of entertainment was Tomb Crawling and searching for powerful Relics and Heirlooms. Some did it because it was interesting, some hoped to obtain powerful Relics for their subordinates, and some even wanted to obtain a Growth-type Heirloom that could help them break past their base parameters.
Suddenly, as they were speaking, everyone could hear the familiar song being played in the backround by the United States Marine Band.
The United States Marine Band is the premier band of the United States Marine Corps. Established by act of Congress on 11th July, 1798, it is the oldest of the United States military bands and the oldest professional musical organization in the United States.
The song that they were playing was the national anthem of the United States of America, The Star-Spangled Banner.
As the base music was being played, everyone went to their seats, as Eve and Yakou said goodbye to the Director Lansdale and were to their designated seats that were a bit in the backround.
Mainly to avoid the prime attention of the media.
Though both of them really doubted that anyone who was present would be the center of attention today and the following days, considering the things that would be said during Grey's speech.
"O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,
'Tis the star-spangled banner - O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
Suddenly, as the hymn ended, a holoprojection of Jacob Grey appeared on the podium of the White House State Ballroom, showcasing the latest technological advances of the United States of America.
Grey was never a person who would pass up an opportunity to flex muscles and the superiority of his nation over the others.
It was written in his DNA.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this special occasion."
Grey stated as everyone sat down after the anthem finished playing, and the President started his speech.
"Citizens of America.
Today, on 5th November, I am pleased to announce that the operation against the Warlords and self-proclaimed Republic of Murtia has been successfully finished, and all enemies of the state have been exterminated, and the people of the former Mexico have been liberated.
Our own forces suffered only minor losses of life, which is still something that pains me greatly as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces and the overall commander of the operation."
As he was speaking, Yakou cast a spell around himself and Eve, so when they spoke, nobody would be able to hear them or see them. It was a rather advanced illusion-based spell, but for him it was as easy as waving his hand.
"I know that I said it before, but he really loves hearing his own voice... rahter too much."
Yakou commented as Grey was opening the Foundational Speech with partial interest.
Everyone among the High-Ranking Members of the Illuminati Society and above already knew what would happen, so nobody was really surprised to hear where all of this was going.
"That man is a megalomaniac with the ego of a moon. His ambitions were always more than clear, at least on the bright side; he never really bothered to hide them. Grey wants to be immortalized in the annals of history and would do anything to achieve that. His idea of annexing Canada?"
Eve scoffed as she spoke about Grey's ambition, clearly she considered the man a bit insane... but who among the Knights of the Round Table wasn't... a bit touched in their head.
Politically said.
"He had that idea a long way before you became our King. He even wanted to militarily invade Mexico to wage war on the Cartels and destroy their drug trade in the US, but the political situation was vastly different before and after your appearance."
For some reason, Yakou wasn't really surprised because during the time that he knew Grey, he thought that this was certainly something that would be his idea and something that he would want to do.
He swore that the man would have already proclaimed himself as Supreme Leader or some kind of Dictator if he had the power to do so.
"Still... I have to admit that he is very good at spewing out all of that nonsense..."
Yakou found himself nodding at her words, because Grey's speech was total dragon dung... most of it was copied from the speeches of different presidents and mashed up to suit the current situation with minor adjustments.
Still, it was undeniable that the man was good.
Now, more than half a planet was watching the live broadcast from the Oval Office in the White House, and the world held its breath. With the single speech, the global order was destroyed as it would never be the same...
Though Yakou found it rather amusing.
He was rather interested in how people would react when the pact between Illuminati Society and The Holy Cult of the Five Mountains was sealed... which would also mean the permanent military and economic alliance between the United States of Federal Americans and the People's Republic of China.
That one would be even funnier.
At least for him, because he didn't really need to deal with the political aftermath.
"Are you already thinking how to make money off this?"
He asked as the Grey's speech was once again much unnecessarily longer than it should have been, but that was already a common occurrence at this point. At least he was still better than Castro, who could keep speaking for five hours straight without any pause.
"I am already making money on this... just thinking that if the alliance with the Chinese will give us access to their market. There are plenty of opporutntiuies ot make a lot of money there with their huge population."
Yakou and Eve spent most of the Grey's speed by talking as both of them had already seen the entire speech because Grey submitted it to the other Knights of the Round Table during the latest meeting.
"Well, if you think about it, he is right, you know? In this era of the superstates, only the strongest and most powerful would thrive even without our intervention. Look at the pattern... every big player was actually doing the same thing... the resources on our planet are scarce and sooner or later everyone hits the limit of their development. The next step? Expansion. As simple as that."
Yakou shared his view, as he actually agreed with Grey on a lot of things.
There was a certain limitation of development for the nation while they were confined to their territory. Certainly, it wasn't a problem right now, and the problem could be pushed to a later day, by making the industry more advanced and efficient, but it doesn't solve the root of the problem.
Limitations of the resources.
And there was only one way to solve that.
Territoriy expansion.
Thus, the concept of the superstates became something akin to an inevitable thing in his eyes.
Especially in the case of the United States and China, as both countries were at their peak, and without the new resources and territory, they would start stagnating.
"More than two centuries ago, the founding fathers established this great nation when they signed the Declaration of Independence, and thanks to the collective efforts of the successive generations of the American people, we built what we have now.
And I wholeheartedly believe that through our collective efforts, we will once again reach even greater heights. That I swear to you with God as my witness, that the United States of Federal Americas would be the greatest and grandest nation that ever existed and would exist on the face of Earth.
One Nation, Under God. Indivisible. With Liberty and Justice for All.
God Bless America."
When the Grey's speech ended, there was silence.
Deafening silence and nothing more.
It was last unnerving.
Nobody dared to move or breathe a bit, as it was shocking.
Especially for the people who were not aware of what the President was going to say or to the billions of people who were watching the speech on their televisions and other devices.
Suddenly, one person stood up and started clapping.
Then the domino fell.
The attendees all stood up and started clapping in happiness and cheering.
Whenever they belonged to the Democratic Party, Republican Party, Independents, the Military, or the Private Sector.
The reaction was the same.
Yakou and Eve naturally joined in.
Indeed, this was certainly an event worth celebrating.
The Foundation of the United States of Federal Americas also meant a tremendous increase in the Society's power.
"Well, that escalated quickly..."
Yakou muttered as the new stations across the world were struck by the breaking news, and everyone was reporting the same thing.
Establishment of the United States of Federal Americans.
With President Jacob Grey becoming the first president of USFA, and the unification of the entirety of North America under the singular banner of the USFA.
But that wasn't the end.
Soon enough, reports began flooding in that a civil war had erupted in Russia and that all areas behind the Ural Mountains that were previously part of the Russian Federation had declared independence from Moscow and formed a new nation known as the Lost Domain.
Afterwards, in the remnants of the Federation, a brutal civil war erupted between various factions and oligarchs over who would rule what remained. Interestingly enough, even in this situation, nobody fired the Nuclear Missile yet.
And if it wasn't enough...
Not even one hour after the Grey's speech, Chinese Troops started marching into surrounding nations except Mongolia and taking over their territory. Most of the states that were previously areas of influence were incorporated and taken over in a matter of days.
Surprisingly enough, it was without bloodshed as they were all merging into an entity that was called the Huaxia Federation.
The old order was dead.
The new one was rising.
The time of superstates was beginning.