Positive developments.
There was a more straightforward way to put that: benefits no one could refuse.
Perhaps the earlier news about the apocalyptic crisis and the looming threat of war had put too much pressure on everyone, or perhaps they had simply heard enough of such threatening, unpleasant topics. When Gawain finally decided to put away the stick and offer a carrot, the representatives in attendance actually broke into applause in unison. Amid the heartfelt clapping of many, the elven officials serving at the venue began distributing documents to the representatives.
These were documents Gawain had prepared long ago—he had specifically instructed the elves to bring them out only now.
"First, let us look at the draft of the Charter of the Commonwealth Alliance of Mortal Civilizations—if you find that name too cumbersome, you may simply call it the Alliance Charter," Gawain said after confirming that the representatives had received the documents and begun reading. "This is only a draft, intended to establish the Alliance's framework of order. It includes the Alliance's basic mode of operation, the responsibilities and obligations of member states, procedures for carrying out affairs, and so on. Its core articles cannot be altered for the time being, but we will still have opportunities to discuss its detailed provisions or amend its contents in the future should circumstances change."
Beneath a stone pillar somewhere in the conference venue, a flag bearing a black iron hammer fluttered gently. Paladin Huishan Yan sat in his designated seat and opened the "Charter" before him. The first thing he saw was the set of principles Gawain Cecil had just mentioned—member states would watch over and assist one another, while every nation bore the responsibility and obligation to safeguard the interests of the entire Alliance; openness and transparency, honesty and mutual trust;