Scotland will gain the status of a "fully autonomous kingdom," possessing full sovereignty except for symbolic foreign diplomacy and defense, including North Sea oil and gas.

Wales and Northern Ireland will initiate "maximum devolution" negotiations.

England will establish an elected Parliament and draft a written constitution.

The existing British Parliament will be reorganized into a "United Council" responsible for coordinating regional relations and a few shared affairs.

As the speech aired, the real-time viewership curve plummeted. The public seemed tired of such meticulously packaged declarations. More straightforward comments flooded social media: "Why not just say 'the country is breaking up'?" "What about my pension?" "An English Parliament? Whoever wants to elect them can; I don't trust these people anymore."

At the end of the speech, the Prime Minister announced that he had submitted his resignation to the Queen, and a new government will be formed after party consultations, responsible for implementing the "transition."

The moment the camera turned off, the Prime Minister collapsed into his chair as if his spine had been pulled out, remaining motionless for a long time.

Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, Scotland, thousands gathered under a huge screen in the square of Holyrood Palace. When they heard "fully autonomous kingdom," cheers erupted, and a sea of blue and white flags surged. McTavish did not appear before the public but quietly watched the live broadcast in his office with Callum, MacLaine, and others.

"The first step is complete," MacLaine said.

"Ninety-nine more steps to go," McTavish replied calmly. "Build the army, issue currency, handle diplomacy, stabilize the economy... We can't get involved with London's mess anymore. Tell everyone to celebrate tonight. Start working tomorrow."

In Birmingham, England, in the basement of a community church, Sarah Kent and her companions were also watching. When they heard "England elected Parliament," the room filled with applause, but it was not enthusiastic.

"They've acknowledged it," Liz said.

"They acknowledged it under pressure," Sarah corrected, "and this is just the beginning. Where is the Parliament? How much power will it have? Who decides the election rules? Who drafts the constitution? These are the real battles. Tell all local chapters to maintain pressure, remain organized, and not be lulled by a piece of paper. The Parliament we want must be born under our supervision, operating according to our rules."

In Mexico City, atop the "Feathered Serpent Temple."

Victor watched the live broadcast for only a moment before turning off the screen.

"The last page of the old script is turned," he said to Bramo. "It's time for us to write the next page of the new script. Reply to Europe's negotiation invitation formally, but set the initiation time three months later—let them get a bit more anxious. The Scottish advisory group departs next week, taking along the best infrastructure and financial experts. Through a middleman, send an 'organizational guide for local parliamentary elections' and 'community financial autonomy model' to the English Congress, anonymously."

"What about India?" Casare asked, "Gujral has stepped down, and the new government may seek to ease relations with us to save face."

Victor responded indifferently, "Let them mess around for half a year. Once they're utterly desperate, then send someone to negotiate. We can set higher conditions—like exclusive operational rights at several key ports or sharing their submarine cable data in the Indian Ocean. Before reaching out to help a fallen person, it's best to ensure you can take what's left in his pockets first."

He walked to the window, where the Olympic lights were still dazzling, though approaching their end.

"After the feast, comes clearing the battlefield, and also dividing the territory."

Victor's voice was soft but carried undeniable authority, "Hidden in the dust of the fallen Old Empire are the stones of the New World. What we need to do is move these stones, one by one, back to our foundation."

...