Everyone in the chamber nodded slowly and continuously as the Goddess of Judgment listed the full contents of the proposal. The first two points had matched most of their expectations. But the third—the honorary Tier 1 council seat—hit like a thunderclap.
Had they been younger, less composed, or less trained in the art of diplomacy, some might have fallen out of their seats. It was that surprising.
But after hearing the Goddess of Judgment explain that William Velhart's request had been far too modest given the scale of what he offered, they began to understand. The logic was subtle, but deliberate. This was not mere generosity—it was positioning.
It was a strategic move.
The goddesses weren't just rewarding him—they were anchoring him to the Federation. If he could casually offer Tier-7 warships and transfer advanced technology, then who knew what else he might have? To form a relationship with him now, before others tried to, was simply smart.
