"We need money," Sara whispered. Organization, printing, staff subsidies—money was needed everywhere.

Allen took out an ordinary, thin envelope from his briefcase: "An anonymous donation from an 'International Foundation for the Promotion of Democratic Practices.' Two hundred thousand British Pounds, transferred in small amounts that are difficult to trace. The condition is that it be used for 'civic education and election organization.' Clean money."

Sara took the envelope, feeling both its lightness and weight. She knew the money wasn't "clean," and there had to be a purpose behind it. But right now, she needed every bullet.

"Tell them," Sara raised her head, "we will spend every penny teaching the English how to govern themselves."

...

North Sea, Stavanger, Norway, at the headquarters of the National Petroleum Company (Equinor).

The meeting room was filled with the characteristic faint smell of North Sea oil, mixed with metal and seawater. A giant screen on the wall displayed a geological map of the North Sea seabed, with an area marked as "Odin's Eye" flashing red.

Liv Holst, the Norwegian Minister for Petroleum and Energy, John Peterson, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and several senior advisors were seated around the meeting table. The atmosphere was heavy.

"The conditions offered by the Scots are very attractive," Equinor's chief geologist said, pointing at the screen. "'Odin's Eye' gas field straddles the economic zones of Scotland and Norway, but the main concentration area is on the Scottish side. They are willing to jointly develop it, with Scotland holding 51% of the shares and us holding 49%, with us leading in technology and management. This is much more economical than developing our own marginal fields alone in this country."

"But what about the political risks?" Minister Peterson frowned. "The Scottish 'autonomous kingdom' has not yet been widely recognized by the international community, and the legal validity of resource agreements signed with its government is questionable. Over in London... the attitude is ambiguous. More importantly," he paused, "we have received some... informal concerns from Berlin and Washington, suggesting that our over-commitment to Scotland may affect Norway's position within the European energy security and NATO framework."

"The shadow of the Mexicans," Minister Holst said coldly. "Who provided Scotland with the equipment? Who sent the technical advisors? It's said that Mexican engineers also participated in the design of the development scheme for 'Odin's Eye.' By cooperating with Scotland, we are indirectly cooperating with Mexico. The Germans fear this, and the Americans are wary of it."

"But this is our most tangible interest right now!" Equinor's CEO couldn't help but interject, "Minister, the golden era of the North Sea is over; new discoveries are becoming fewer, and extraction costs are getting higher. 'Odin's Eye' could be the largest, and possibly the last, major gas field in the North Sea over the next twenty years. Turning down the cooperation is equivalent to giving away massive wealth and job opportunities, and it might push Scotland towards other partners—such as French Total or even letting the Mexican Company take the lead."

"So we need a balanced solution," Peterson pondered aloud. "We can discuss cooperation, but we must involve a third party to dilute the political color. Perhaps... inviting Dutch Shell or British BP (if they still have some strength) to participate and form an international consortium. Development contracts must be filed with the 'United Council' in London for some form of endorsement. Technically, we can lead, but finances and sales channels must be diversified, not overly reliant on a single market or currency."

"London's endorsement?" Holst shook her head, "How much longer can London hold on? As for BP... their stock price has plummeted like a cliff."

At this moment, an assistant hurried in and handed Peterson an encrypted brief. He quickly skimmed it, his face subtly changing.

"Latest intelligence," Peterson's voice lowered. "Before contacting us, the Scottish delegation had already secretly contacted Russia's Lukoil Company. The terms are similar, but the Russians are willing to provide lower-interest development loans and require part of the production to be settled in Rubles. McTavish is playing with fire, also putting pressure on us."

The room fell silent. Russia... that was a more dangerous path. But if Norway refused, Scotland might turn eastward.

"Furthermore," Peterson added, "the American ambassador in Oslo 'coincidentally' visited the Foreign Ministry this morning, mentioning that American energy companies are very interested in 'new investment opportunities' in the North Sea, hinting that if Norway makes a 'choice that aligns with Western overall interests' on the 'Odin's Eye' project, the US would consider accelerating the negotiations for a long-term LNG supply agreement with Norway."

Carrot-and-stick, a typical American approach.

Minister Holst stood up, walked to the window, looking at the oil platform supply ships anchored outside Stavanger Port. Norway's prosperity was tied to the North Sea, and now the North Sea's future was filled with geopolitical reefs.

"Reply to the Scots," she finally spoke without turning around, "we are interested in the joint development in principle. But we need to build an international consortium including at least one European Union company and one American company. Contract negotiations cannot be held only in Edinburgh; they must be alternated between Oslo and London. All financial settlements must be made through banks recognized by the Norwegian Central Bank, located in the European Union or Switzerland. Moreover, the development plan must include strict environmental protection clauses, supervised by the Norwegian Marine Research Institute."

She turned around, her gaze sharp: "This is the most secure plan we can offer. It both seizes the opportunity and builds a wall. Tell the Americans our conditions, and also let them know that pushing Norway too hard may push the resources in an unpredictable direction."