Xiao Ran stared blankly at Shanamia, seated at the far end across from him. Her face was flushed, and though she looked delicate, determination shone from her eyes. He had never expected her to say something like that.
A marriage alliance... a Marriage Alliance? A Marriage Alliance! He understood exactly what those words meant: forming a cooperative relationship through marriage. He also understood its significance. In the current situation, it meant promoting the integration and unity of Earth and Frey, setting an example for everyone on Earth, and representing Earth's support for Frey joining this larger family.
Fine, but Xiao Ran could not understand why Shanamia had chosen a Marriage Alliance to secure Frey's future. Was there no other way? Although Xiao Ran had to admit that perhaps this was the best method. It benefited both sides and benefited him as well. He would basically be getting a wife for free, along with another force under his command.
A Marriage Alliance between Xiao Ran and Shanamia—and from the look of Shanamia's attitude, it seemed as though it was absolutely necessary. Otherwise, if Earth wanted something from Frey, it could trade for it. If it wanted benefits from Frey, it could trade for those too. But if they formed a Marriage Alliance, then everything would be negotiable.
What Shanamia wanted was a guarantee, and Xiao Ran himself was that guarantee. Only if Xiao Ran and Shanamia formed a Marriage Alliance would she believe Frey could truly continue existing within Earth. Only then would she believe that Frey, after disbanding its military, would truly be protected rather than targeted and weakened. In short, as long as there was a Marriage Alliance, everyone's problems could be resolved.
After coming back to his senses, Xiao Ran coughed twice and rubbed his somewhat stiff face.