Counterfeit Hero

The news of Flavio’s return to Leray, as the headline of the Southeast Star Domain, quickly spread far and wide.

The ordinary people of the Fei Alliance countries, upon seeing the news, gave their utmost admiration to this elder for returning home to lead the war to protect the nation at a time when Leray only had one precarious star domain left. This was an encouragement to the divided people of Leray and also to the united opposition against common foes in the Fei Alliance. President Hamilton’s suicide left Leray headless, but Flavio’s return was like a battle flag once again raised on Leray’s land, fluttering in the wind.

However, for the leaders of the Fei Alliance countries, there was nothing to be happy about.

Inside the Fei Alliance Joint Congress building, they have dealt countless times with Leray’s new president. They had more to say about this old man.

To be honest...... compared to Hamilton’s graceful demeanor, the impression that Flavio, with his veteran background, gives is quite unlike that of a president.

He has a loud voice, robust spirit, and a pair of sharp triangular eyes with an aggressive air. His high nose and slightly thin lips, along with his square double chin, all reveal the stubbornness of this elderly man. Whether walking or talking, his pace is exceedingly fast. His expression of emotions is shockingly direct. When displeased, he would immediately express his contempt and disdain with a heavy nasal voice, without any concealment.

Like all people with similar straightforward personalities, he possesses a strong sense of humor, is open-minded, and energetic. At times, he appears as candid as a child. So much so that one can hardly believe he is a veteran who participated in the Leray peacekeeping force, charging in the human regional conflicts and accustomed to seeing life and death. It’s even more unimaginable how he step by step reached his current status.

Such a person is utterly incompatible with what one imagines a politician should be! He could become a distinguished general, a skilled but temperamental chef, an outspoken scholar, an engineer, a worker who enjoys a little drink, a gardener tending plants and flowers.... He can be anything except associated with cunning plans, deceit, and the self-seeking nature of politicians!

Yet, it is precisely this contrast between identity and character that lets the already seasoned leaders of various countries see through Flavio’s surface to perceive things not visible to ordinary people. This difficult awakening comes from countless material aids, countless compromises, countless times of absurdity, deeply profound!

This rough-looking veteran is a cunning old fox!

Ever since Hamilton’s suicide and that Major General named Tian from Leray accidentally seized control of the Mars Free Channel, this old fellow who remained in Chuckna, always quiet and seemingly dull, taught everyone a lesson.

At Hamilton’s memorial, his speech, rich in emotion and strong in persuasion, conquered all the Fei Alliance people. The living Flavio and the deceased Hamilton performed this drama together. In an instant, they reversed the situation of Leray dramatically. Standing on the moral high ground, they stirred the sympathy and respect of the Fei Alliance people into a storm sweeping over.

Overnight, the Leray refugees, originally hovering beyond national borders, became honored guests that countries vied to accommodate, with food, shelters, blankets, everything they needed. Specific settlements were designated, with housing erected ground up. As long as the public did not criticize, as long as the opposition party did not take advantage, as long as the media did not stir trouble, everything was negotiable.

Leray’s refugees were settled, and so were its military forces. Following Bernadotte and others’ visits to Chuckna, and stationed in the Feiyang Republic under the command of Alliance forces, a few Leray fleet detachments and several Armored Group infantry groups didn’t need further mention. After being left in limbo for several months, they turned around, becoming Special-level troops with substantial advanced weaponry given, all set to turn these supplementary Leray troops into a top-notch elite.

More supplies followed the distant interstellar channel from Feiyang to Knevel, arriving at the provisional capital of Leray, Miloke Jialipalan. This time, there was no pretense; the military aid from all Fei Alliance countries was promised with plans made. What remained was just execution. The words were spoken, naturally no one would go back on their word, with the coordination of Fei Alliance Council and the Alliance Commander, munitions and other strategic materials were immediately loaded onto ships.

If it were just like this, the leaders of the Fei Alliance countries wouldn’t be as troubled by Flavio. The key is, this old man quickly climbs up a pole once given, like a monkey. After Hamilton’s memorial, he energetically rushed from state to state, collecting offerings from governments, not just satisfied with government support, but needing corporate sponsorships. His delegation traveled around the regions, one touching report after another, sweeping up emotions with a Leray storm.

In the United Command and the Fei Alliance Council, he seized every advantage he could. When there’s no benefit, he could create it for himself. His usual tactic is to fervently clamor for offensives here and attacks there, appearing eager to squander every small fleet and Armored Group he has. If you truly believe that was his intention, you should prepare to enter a school for special children, as he could turn the tables and pull you into the pit along!