Yao had requested an immediate transfer to Germany after he saw Ivan. It took a little while and he had to wait with strange men that treated him more like a captive than a country but he got through it. When he finally received word he could come, he got in a military vehicle and went over. He had to do this as much as he didn't want to, for himself and for Ivan. It was possible that he'd be turned down but he had to try.
It couldn't be said whether Germany knew already or not; if he didn't that would be ideal, but he doubted it. Why was he granted an audience otherwise? He could only imagine that Germany already knew and already knew what this was going to be about. One doesn't become the second most powerful nation in the world by being an idiot.
Yes, Germany was the second most powerful nation in the world. Japan was far superior, in several ways. The first and foremost being that he was Asian. That makes the most important difference between the two. It was for that reason he wanted to fix it with Germany first. Letting this get to Japan wouldn't be a good thing. Instead, he would try to negotiate, with whatever he could. He didn't have a lot to give, everything that was his was now Japans.
Yao was escorted to the heart of Nazi Germany, Berlin… The home of the 3rd Reich. He was given a military escort the entire way to where Germany was but he couldn't help but feel stared at. The entire time he moved through the city he didn't think he saw one Asian person on the way. Not that it was any different, swapped in Japan or even in China for that matter, but he felt uncomfortable. They walked into a large white building. Everything was painted white, it looked clean and sterile. These Germans seemed to really like white and for every white thing, a red thing with a Nazi emblem was plastered on it. They seemed to like giant birds as well…
As he moved through, every now and then people would yell things at each other and reach their arms out. Yao flinched every time it happened, but he tried to remain clam. He didn't understand why everyone was always shouting here. Especially when they were all shouting their bosses name, if China did that to his boss it would be so rude.
He was marched up a long carpeted stairs and into a long hallway that opened into yet another perfectly white double door. It was opened for him after a few minutes and he went in. Calmly, he kept his head down and approached Germany's desk. He bowed a quarter to him and folded his hands in front of his lap. "Thank you for seeing me."
When Germany was notified that China wanted to come see him, the request wasn't something that he thought about very hard at all. Mostly because he was mildly annoyed that one key bit of information wasn't passed along with the request: what the piece of Japan wanted to talk to him about. After all, it could be something either important or unimportant - he has no idea because he has no information to judge that on.
Well, except that the picture of a tattoo brought to him not very long ago might be a clue. Though if this is about that, he's made up his mind about what to do with it already. Then again, perhaps it's not completely impossible that his mind could be changed, depending. It's rather unlikely, though. But as it is, he might be doing himself a disservice if he's too quick to assume that this request has to do with that and that the conversation would be a waste of his time.
And that's all just a guess anyway - after all, he knows that China actually went to see Russia after the photo was taken and then made the request, so the subject matter may be about something else entirely. Perhaps Japan had even told him to speak with him while he was here. Therefore - after berating the man who passed along the request for not having the insight that perhaps he might want to know why China wishes to speak with him - he approved the request if only because it would be painfully tedious to tell him to go get that information, wait for it to be obtained, decide based on that limited summary whether or not approve the request, and then if it's approved to wait for the man to arrive. At this point he might as well approve the request and simply dismiss the recently conquered nation if he decides that conversation isn't worth his time.
While he waits, he goes back to his paperwork - he has a lot of it, thanks to the end of the war. There were a lot of things that he and others were putting off until the end of the war, and now that it's over it's time to do all of them. So he has a lot of orders to issue, orders to follow, reports to write, and reports to read. Which means that he's seated at his desk, halfway through writing a sentence, when China is brought in.
The desk he's seated at is quite impressive, actually. Germany himself would be satisfied with just any desk as long as it had plenty of drawers and compartments so that he could keep his things organized. But his Boss had insisted that he should have something indisputably nice as well. So in addition to having all the features that he wanted, it's a large, mahogany thing richly decorated with Nazi iconography. Which he eventually decided that he liked, once he got used to it - he's an empire now, after all, so it's only right for him to have grande things befitting his position in the world.
He waits to look up until he's finished his thought, and then sets the page slightly to one side and turns his attention to China. "You're velcome," he says, and then finally asks the question that he shouldn't have had to ask, "And vhat is this about?"
As China lifted his eyes, he happened to notice just how much worse everything was in the room around him. His gaze went over the large desk in front of them. It was enough desk for 3 people to work at comfortably. The size of the desk wasn't the only thing overbearing about it. Just the craftsmanship and the detail that went into the emblems must have cost a fortune. They seemed to really like their icon a lot, they made sure to show it to everyone and remind it to themselves often.
With his question, China's fingers tangled into each other. He lifted up but kept his head down. "You've had a picture take of me.. I would like to have the picture." He stated his purpose clearly and plainly. It wasn't the only one he had in mind though. He needed to do something about Ivan, or at least try to plant something in his mind about it.
As much as the thought of working with the German on it disgusted him, he knew it was the only way Ivan had a chance. Breaking him out wasn't an option. It was done purposefully. The German had obviously placed Ivan just a short distance away so he could reach him personally if he needed to. He bowed a quarter again as the thought went through his mind and tried to speak before Germany. " You know I have been here a long time, I have peacefully been with Japan since the end of the war. I've been cooperative and peaceful with you…" He tried to explain that he wasn't coming from a place of hostility, but it also wasn't likely that the German was going to give up the picture.
But Yao wasn't completely useless just because he was owned and governed by Japan now. If anything that could make him more useful. China had been alive for millennia and had lots of practice in this area diplomatically. He hoped it would be something simple that he could exchange for the picture, but he doubted that it was going to come out of the Germans generosity. There was going to have to be something given in return, exactly what that was, he wasn't sure of.
Ivan was another story completely. He wasn't going to press that issue until the first one was taken care of. He needed to get the picture from him, or he wouldn't have any influence anywhere. He'd be lucky if Japan ever allowed him outside the door again. It was almost promised that he'd certainly never be allowed to come back here.
When China states his purpose, Germany simply states, "I vould imagine so." There is absolutely no emotion in is voice, simply because he doesn't care. While he doesn't know what would happen to the protectorate if this information leaves his hands, he suspects that it certainly isn't good. But why should that matter to him? Especially since, as far as he's concerned, China has it coming to him no matter what it is.
But that doesn't mean that he isn't willing to hear the man plead his case, as long as it isn't too annoying or too time-consuming. He leans back slightly in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him as he listens. "...And?" he asks when China merely explains that he's been behaving himself. That's simply expected behavior.
Rather than leaving it at that, and to hopefully save them both some time, he decides to outline for the other nation exactly what he's up against in trying to get the photo. "You are not my subordinate, so this... information is none of my concern. Hovever, I do believe that it is something that my ally vould be interested to knov. And it is certainly in my best interest to give it to him - not only is it important for vorld peace for our relationship to remain strong, and a part of that relationship is the sharing of information that affect each other's interests, but if he vere to later discover that I knev such a thing but did not tell him he might be angry vith me. And rightfully so."
Having said that, he goes silent again, giving China an expectant look, as if waiting for the man to say something that matters in the context of everything he just said.
Yao didn't like the tone of his voice. Actually, Yao didn't like anything about this situation, anything about this room or anything about him. Well, maybe not everything about Germany made it onto that list, But most things did! The way he was so passive and dismissive with his words was enough to make Yao's skin boil. This child was sitting here playing with his power in front of one of the oldest nations on the planet. He had no idea what or who he was messing with. But the truth was, China was not as strong as him…So he kept his head down and brooded silently.
Germany went onto speak and he gripped his own hands tightly. He wasn't even trying to help by saying there was something he could do, or could he explain. The German clearly didn't care and instead made his interest in Japan instead. This German didn't know anything about Japan. NOTHING! But he would soon, he would soon find out exactly who he was dealing with and Yao would be there to see him burn.
But in the meantime… He had to stay in both of their good graces.
"What do you want?...What must I do to get you to give it to me?" He asked directly, since the German seemed to want everything to be blunt and direct. The way he talked was so dry and forward it felt like he was talking to a toaster, one input and one output. " There must be something I can do, something you want. I would much rather tell Japan myself.. In my own time… As its intentions might not come off clear coming from you." He tried to explain further that it might just be everyone jumping to conclusions.
Just because he had a tattoo doesn't mean that it meant anything. Did the communists really own the stars? Of course they were completely right to be suspicious of it, but they could prove nothing. Still, it was enough to grab both Germany and Japan's attention if he found out. Japan would be just as unlikely to believe him, but even worse if it came from the German.
Does Germany respect China for his age? Yes and no. He would be lying if he said that it didn't impress him to a degree, and to that degree he is also jealous. On the other hand, he also sees China's success as... outdated. Something that it's high time someone else replicated. And is it arrogant for him to believe that he could? If so, then he's arrogant. And longevity doesn't necessarily equal greatness. It helps, certainly, but then again greatness is a bit of a moving target, isn't it? Many centuries ago China was great, but that level of greatness was surpassed by others long ago - now that greatness seems quaint and antiquated. If China was so worthy of admiration now, why did he lose to Japan?
When asked what he wants, Germany's response is to simply ask, "Vhat do you have to give the empire who has everything?" Which isn't to say that China has nothing to offer him, but what he does have to offer is rather limited - he's simply not in a position to give him many things that others may be able to give him. And as direct as he may be, he's not about to list off for China what the exceptions are to that, because all of them are things that are unlikely to be genuinely given if they are asked for rather than offered. His question is a clue of sorts though, because it's not true that Germany has everything...
"I vasn't planning on telling Japan anything, merely shoving him a picture - that I'm sure he can interpret just as well as I can," he adds, as that's all he was planning on doing. It's to his best interest to give his ally accurate information, after all, and any attempt to provide an interpretation to it would risk inaccuracy. Of course, Germany is quite confident that it means what he thinks that it means - especially since China seems to be so eager to have the photo himself - but it's better to simply pass along exactly what he received - the photo itself. Then if it's falsely interpreted then it won't be his fault. After all, it's possible that red stars mean something different to Asians - he doubts it, but it's possible.
China had been around a long time. Long enough to see this one come into the world and now rise to power. He knew that many nations were jealous of his age and jealous of his secrets. Did China have a secret to his longevity? Yes. But He'd never let the German get his hands on it. Still, Germany was probably arrogant and young enough to think that he didn't have any secrets he couldn't pry out of him. Yao would be lying if he wasn't the tiniest bit frightened of the man, but honestly, he was a lot more intimidating in person than he was across the continent. It didn't help that they were surrounded by things that continued to make him feel small and inferior to the German and he imagined this was done on purpose.
His response wasn't exactly what he was hoping for but it was one that he should have expected. His hands moved nervously for a moment and picked at his own fingers. He didn't have anything to offer Germany that the German knew about but he wasn't completely useless. He just needed to know what the German wanted.
Most of all, he wasn't leaving without that picture. Yao came forward a bit more and stood at the end of his desk. He bowed politely and rose again only to speak softly and quietly to him. "Almost everything." He corrected as silently and as gently as possible. Germany had most of Europe but he was still a long shot from having everything in the world. He had practically nothing in southern Asia and Japan, although his ally, was probably reluctant to give it up.
If there was one thing that China had learned from all of his years is that nations like Germany were gluttons. They took and took and took until they'd gorged themselves and then took some more. Eventually, allies become enemies, friends become rivals and the fighting ensues to create the world anew again. The best place to be, Yao found, is the one waiting for everyone to kill each other and if you can help put doubt in each others minds, the better. "I need that photograph." He stated carefully. His next words needed to be placed just right, Germany wouldn't trust someone so easily that would just hand over anything for nothing. It would make him untrustworthy and Yao needed to have as much of that as Germany would grace him.
"I am closer to things you may want. I have known about much longer than you." Yao stated his credibility and his knowledge about Kiku without actually saying his name. He was sure Germany was smart enough to know what he was talking about. If anyone knew Kiku, it was Yao. "Perhaps we could make an exchange instead? A relationship of information for one meaningless picture?"
It isn't true that Germany sees China as completely useless - in fact, he's quite sure that he isn't. It's just that, seeing as he doesn't actually know the man very well, he doesn't actually have a firm understanding of exactly what that usefulness might entail at this point. Naturally Germany is familiar with the Chinese army and the resources of that country and things of that nature, but all of that belongs to Japan now. What is left - what China himself has to offer, is not something he's as familiar with. And though he may have a much poorer opinion of the nation than China would believe that he deserves, it isn't so low that Germany would assume that he doesn't have anything worth paying attention to.
So when he's corrected, Germany's lips shift slightly - the corners lifting just a bit. Apparently this answer pleases him. But he otherwise doesn't respond to it, because if that question had been a test, then it wasn't a very difficult one. Someone who needs to be told how to make themselves useful is usually a complete waste of time - you'd have to hold their hand through everything.
At China's restatement, Germany merely comments, "So you've said..." Again, he uses that tone that seems to do nothing but underline how completely uncaring he is about the conquered nation's wants and needs.
But what China says after that is far more interesting. "I'm listening..." he states, allowing his interest to creep into his voice and indicating that he approves of this line of reasoning. "And vhat information is one picture worth?" he asks in return, desiring more specifics before he seriously considers the deal. And the way that he emphasizes the object they're talking about is almost mocking in nature, responding to China's attempt to describe it as meaningless by pointing out that yes, it is one picture that they're bargaining about - such a trivial thing for him to want so very badly.
Yao took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. Germany was looking down at him despite the fact that he hadn't gotten up from his chair. Even with Yao standing over him, he still felt smaller than him. Maybe it was the incredible amount of power resonating from him or maybe it was just the intimidating room. From Germany's approval he was already able to note that he wanted him to continue, but he didn't know why he had to spell it out so clearly for him. Wasn't it enough that he said what he did? Why was he making this so complicated? Frustrated, he slowly came around the desk, each step being slower than the next. The last thing he wanted to do was make Germany think it was a hostile gesture and get thrown out.
Still, He felt the walls had ears and each emblem had eyes on him. There were spies everywhere, German, Japanese…anything there were eyes and ears everywhere. He made it around the corner and stopped to see Germany in his chair. He didn't go any further and probably wouldn't unless he got a better cue from him that he could get any closer. "I would be willing to give you anything that…I or you might find important for you to know. Like if someone plans to do something behind your back or…any secrets they may keep from you." He swallowed, trying to keep the language neutral. "I can be your listener, for the footage that you captured."Or whatever else Germany wanted for that matter. At the moment he was stuck between only one party knowing about it or both. Both could turn into a nightmare, at least at this point a negotiation may be able to be reached. "Japan is not to know of this…" He clarified one more time to make his point clear. He wasn't just talking about a picture and then Germany picks up the phone to tell Japan but apparently it needed to be spelled out.
A bit more frustrated he shuffled in his position and bowed his head respectfully for the opportunity to speak on the manner. "My siblings have often enjoyed talking about the West…..I doubt they are going to stop." He gave him a last piece in saying that it wasn't just Japan he could listen to either. There were a great many people living in his siblings house now and he was just one of many. In his position he was better suited to listen to all of them anyway.
Yao's hand touched the edge of his desk, just wanting to feel the material. His fingers slid closer to him, testing the waters.
The good thing about the way japan currently treated him, was that Kiku clearly didn't see him as a threat. He'd let him work in his home, provided safe quarters. So far he'd been nothing but pleasing to Japan. It was so much so that he'd even been granted a visit to Russia and been allowed to sit with his siblings as a family. He didn't know how long that would last, but it spoke volumes of what Japan thought of him and how dangerous Japan thought he was. It was an opportunity to get very close. If Japan was underestimating anything, it was how age had informed China how empires rise and fall. When it came to knowing how to wage a war, outward or inward, Yao had literally written the book.
As China moves around his desk, Germany's reaction is nearly non-existent. He doesn't find the movement to be either favorable or threatening - mostly he simply doesn't care where China chooses to stand. In fact, the only way he acknowledges the movement at all is by turning his chair so that he is still facing the defeated nation.
And he listens with his expression equally unaffected. "So anything you find out about that I vould be interested to knov from nov on?" he asks, merely to clarify that this is what he means. It would be so much simpler if China would simply be concise. Then again, given his discussions with Japan, he's partway used to having conversations like this. They're tedious, but generally worth having. And amusement comes to his face when the other nation feels the need to emphasize that he's not to tell Japan anything, "Of course not - if Japan knovs about this, then vhat reason do you have to tell me anything?" Does China believe for a moment that this is the first time that he's arranged such a deal?
When the unfortunate nation then mentions his other siblings, Germany comments, "Also interesting, though I'd imagine that they don't have very much time and opportunity to learn about the Vest, given their present situation. I'm sure that the stories that you'll bring home about the generosity of the Vest vill be a pleasant distraction." After all, clearly China has a mouth in addition to his ears, and it would seem stingy of him to only offer the services of one and not the other.
As China reaches his hand toward the desk, there is no reaction from the German. The waters remain clouded and still. Rather than responding to the Asian's movements, a pair of blue eyes simply watch and observe, gazing upon their target in the same manner that a wolf, already having gorged himself on a deer and many hours away from feeling hungry again, might watch a deer wandering nearby.
Yao tried to not seem frustrated with his response. Of course, it would have to be from this point on. If he wanted to know something personally about Japan, he could tell him, but he'd have to know what. He could talk to him about Japan all day and all night but every little detail probably wasn't what Germany was interested in. Yao had done this before as well and he knew the important details aside from the ones that weren't. So when he continues to talk down to him China tried to ignore it. What he needed to do now was too important for him to blow it. Germany had let him get this close and he wanted to see just how close he could get.
He mentioned his siblings and Yao finally gave to a small pout. The thought of using his mouth for that wasn't a pleasant idea. His siblings would question his sanity if he suddenly started to praise the choices and the generosity of the West. "Shi, I…would have nothing but good things to say." He repeated to him anyway, despite not agreeing with it. It wasn't like he had much of a choice but to comply with any extra demands he had.
"But.." He rolled his lip as he spoke and bit the edge. Before his nerves got the best of him he moved forward to the powerhouse of a nation and got into his lap. He knew he had to move quickly to grab his attention, so he grabbed the top of his uniforms tie and held it firmly. Yao leaned in close and whispered. "But there is much better use for my mouth" He teased to keep his attention. Anything to keep the upper hand in such a dismal situation. Pressing forward he put his lips close to the German's ear. "I know things about Japan that he'll never tell you.. Never show you…Where he hides his treasures..What he thinks of you."
The nation before him was incredibly powerful. In this space, it was difficult to ignore that if he wanted to he could have thrown him through the next three walls at least. Yao didn't fear for his life but Germany could do damage if he wanted to and certainly make his stay unpleasant. The goal was to get Germany to see the truth, that's why it would work. Doubt, was the goal. To put even a glimmer of doubt in Germany of his confidence in intelligence of Japan, just a speck of dust, would be success. The fact that it was true made it all the more credible…But even if it wasn't it didn't matter. Doubt was the goal..
When his words get no response from China, Germany takes that as a confirmation. But he doesn't appreciate the need to assume - it was a very simple question and China is apparently incapable of answering it? Or is he doing that Asian thing where you don't say anything in order to avoid disagreeing? Though since it's China who suffers if there's any miscommunication going on, he doesn't feel the need to be any more demanding about the need for clarity than he already has been. After all, if China does not fulfill the agreement as understood by Germany, he will react accordingly regardless of what China thought the agreement was.
As for him, he doesn't react when China agrees to talk to his siblings - mostly because that was completely expected. What certainly isn't expected is for the conquered nation to literally climb into his lap. Or at least, not completely expected - perhaps it would surprise China to know that he isn't the first to do something of this nature to Germany. Desperate nations do desperate things. Both for that reason and because he feels absolutely no attraction for the weakened, defeated, Asian nation he reacts to this intrusion of his personal space with almost the same level of dispassion as he's felt for everything else that has happened since China entered the room.
Even as what he supposes are supposed to count as sweet nothings are whispered into his ear, he reaches up and grabs the other nation by the throat. Grabs, but doesn't squeeze - no, he hold's China's throat in much the same manner that one might grip an egg, firm but not tightly. There probably won't even be a bruise to prove that it happened. And it's not Germany's intention to injure, yet the nation now being held in his hand can no doubt get a sense of just how much strength he could bring to bear if he wanted. His vice-like hand moves China away from him, pushing him back until his arm is fully extended. "Do not overestimate your usefulness to me, little man," he states, offering that advice and then letting him go again.
It's not like China is his only source of information, after all, and he already knows that what Japan treasures is not what he treasures. And the last person he needs to tell him what Japan thinks of him is his older brother, who is most likely biased in several different ways. He already knows exactly what Japan thinks of him. And yes, he knows that he has reason to doubt his ally - only foolish nations don't doubt their allies.
There was always a communication problem between the West and the East and Yao was aware of it. The West had this rude way of speaking that had no context or base for understanding. It required nothing and came off cold and unwelcoming. Yao would never speak that way but he understood that others spoke differently than him. He'd been dealing with the West for a long time now and they'd been slowly showing him exactly what they think of him. After draining his resources and taking full advantage of his labor, he was just about sick of their friendly practices. The West was like a poison that threated to choke and squeeze out whatever it could get ahold of and right now it ruled the world.
As Yao hovered over him and pressed himself against his body he didn't expect the sharp press to his neck. He had hoped that Germany would be somewhat taken with it. Yao wasn't exactly used to being immediately turned down in this manner. Perhaps Germany had no feeling what so ever or the man hungered for blood so much it was the only thing that turned him on.
Yao struggled in his grip as he held him out and rubbed his neck when he was finally dropped. He didn't feel like the squeeze was that hard. It was obvious that his intention wasn't to hurt him. Germany could have certainly hurt him easily if he wanted to. Perhaps he didn't want to have to explain to Japan what happened or he was still willing to make this a good deal for both of them. If Yao had learned anything about Western men, personal gain was always at the forefront of their mind. Maybe what the Germany needed wasn't a list of things that Yao thought he could do but a statement of loyalty instead.
As he rubbed his neck he looked down at him, trying to collect himself. "The smallest cracks are often the biggest fissures." He mused and finally let his fingers fall. There was no damage done and Japan wouldn't be any wiser to it. "Then you tell me what you will use me for. If I do as you say. Obviously, you know what you are doing, you don't need my help. So direct me and I'll do what you want." he finally stated, it killing him somewhat inside. Soon he would get back at these men that thought they rules the world. He still had one thing that they didn't, Longevity.
The reasons why Germany has no interest in China are many. He actually finds even the idea of it mildly revolting - in fact the picture has something to do with that. To say that he doesn't like communism would be putting it mildly, and that's only his biggest objection. The arrogance of China to even think that might have worked!
Fortunately for China, Germany is not so offended by the attempt as to want to do anything about it himself. In fact, he may not even mention it to Japan, and if he does it's more likely to be brought up as a humorous incident. Since the moment he started to be truly powerful - approximately the same moment when his victory over France was a given - weaker nations have been throwing themselves at him because they want something. And since his victory over Russia that's been even more the case. Often they throw themselves at his feet instead of into his lap, but either way he's used to it to a certain extent. He hasn't rejected everyone as quickly as China, but then again they weren't communists.
But besides making that rejection clear, he's not affected by the incident enough to abandon the idea of working with China, just as long as he doesn't make doing things like that a habit. Though he feels just the slightest bit of irritation when the man says he knows what he's doing, because he suspects that the words are less than sincere. Then again, if he refused to work with everyone who wasn't sincere with him, he'd run out of people to work with. They clearly need to work out some sort of an understanding, though.
"To be blunt, I do not care about you. I do care about Japan. If you vant me to care about you, then you need to shov me that you still matter. I respect usefulness and loyalty, and I revard those vho are those things vith far more than a picture. If you are not, I suggest making an effort to avoid darkening my door - I have no patience for things that vaste my time," he states, then adds, "Those vho are useful do not need to be told hov to make themselves useful, because then they require too much management. They learn vhat is needed - not by guessing but by paying close attention - and they do vhat is vithin their pover to provide it."
Which, incidentally, explains why Italy is so incredibly useless.
Yao hated the way that the man stared at him. He was looking at him like he was nothing, low, unimportant and the scum of the earth. If he wasn't in such a position he'd have half the mind to chew him out. The picture had changed everything, not that the German wasn't suspicious before, but this had made everything worse. He'd said it once and he'd say it again, he was NOT a communist! There was no way that anyone could prove it. This star? It was just a star right now! It just held his hopes, dreams and feelings. It wasn't anything that Germany should take any notice of what so ever.
Rejection, he was less used to, especially when it came to him initiating. Yao had expected Germany to be a little gruff, but to push his out completely was a bit of a surprise. It wasn't like the German was anyone special. A few years ago he could barely stand up for himself, let alone win a war. Not much could be said about that now though. Yao had always been a major figure in the world, whether he was on top of the world or not. The world certainly never ignored him.
Germany might not care about him now, but he would. It wasn't smart to ignore him. The nation in front of him may have been practically overflowing with an aura of power, but he was going to drown in it if he kept that attitude. Power can blind the arrogant and that’s the quickest way they fall.
Yao bowed, wiping the irritation from his expression. "You'll have what you desire then" and more than he currently bargained for. But this is exactly what he deserved and what did he expect giving no instruction. It was practically begging for the field to be played from both sides. Perhaps Germany considered knowing the information to be a liability. In that case it only proved how unfit he was to sit at this oversized desk. Yao rose back up but kept his gaze politely down. "I have another matter, that I believe does need discussion. I doubt it will get very far. Russia is in unsuitable confines for a nation of his size. Surely Russia belongs to Asia." He hinted at where he was going with it, though in little position to talk about where Russia should be.
He might not have been in power either way, but he was one of Russia's oldest friends. They might not have always been on each other's best side and lately he'd had a strange habit of stalking him, but at least it was easier to keep an eye on him.
