"We are deeply shocked by the Starfish Republic's baseless accusations and categorically reject them. For many years, the Sea of Stars Most Holy Human Empire has adhered to a foreign policy of peace and trust, never initiating a war without just cause.
We have consistently upheld the diplomatic principles established by the Sea of Stars Community, respected the territory and sovereignty of other nations, and never violated the Sea of Stars Community's spirit of peaceful diplomacy. The Starfish Republic's allegations that we fomented rebellion and instigated unrest are undoubtedly slander, and the Sea of Stars Most Holy Human Empire denies them.
We demand that the Starfish Republic immediately cease its accusations and faithfully observe the spirit of interstellar diplomacy. Our nation has always advocated resolving differences through civilized dialogue. No attempt to mislead the public can shake the international community's fair, fact-based judgment."
Those clever cans of starfish had actually guessed that he was the mastermind, though Xi Yan was not particularly surprised. After all, the universe was only so big. Apart from the Lost Empires, only the equally powerful Human Empire could have pulled this off. It was hardly strange that the starfish had figured it out.
Of course, how could he possibly admit to something like this? He had covered his tracks perfectly anyway, and the Starfish Republic could not produce a shred of evidence. Xi Yan adamantly insisted that he had done nothing, then turned around and filed a slander complaint against the starfish with the Sea of Stars Community, kicking off a protracted diplomatic squabble.
What could a bunch of measly starfish do to him?
Sure enough, the Starfish Lord was fuming and gained a whole new appreciation of Xi Yan's shamelessness.
Why were humans so wicked?!
However, diplomatic condemnation could not resolve their major strategic