Hearing: Symboli Rudolph

After Mejiro Takamine finished her statement, she gave a slight nod, stepped back, and returned the stage to the host.

The entire process had flowed seamlessly, logically organized, backed by solid data, and supported by a startling proposal—along with an elegant, genuine "arrogance" that effortlessly crushed every doubt with absolute strength.

Nase Fumino quickly leafed through the three documents before her, unable to hide the flash of shock in her eyes. Yet her formidable professionalism allowed her to swiftly regain her composure.

She raised her eyes and swept her gaze over the representatives opposite her, whose expressions kept changing and who even looked somewhat dazed, before announcing in as steady a tone as possible, "The materials have been received. Representatives of the Association and the Federation, please proceed with your questions or statements."

The conference room fell deathly silent.

The contents of those hefty documents—the risk-hedging models precise to two decimal places, the densely packed signatures of the advisory group, and the staggering number of co-signatories—were like invisible boulders weighing heavily upon the hearts of everyone who intended to object.

A prolonged silence spread through the opposing seats.

Those representatives who had been so eager to speak moments earlier now seemed to have had all their strength drained away. Their lips moved a few times, but they could not produce a single syllable of any real substance.

As if by unspoken agreement, they turned their gazes, clinging to their last trace of hope, toward the center of the seats.

The Association Chairman and the Commercial Federation President were slowly reviewing the documents before them, their fingers tracing the irrefutable data and clauses.

Under the cold white lights, their expressions shifted unpredictably. Their initial astonishment gradually gave way to a profound gravity, mixed with an indescribable hint of dejection.

The rustling