It seems that behind it is not the official Federation, but a faction of opposition forces within the Federation supporting this Zaral rebellion.
...
Meanwhile.
On the street outside the banquet hall, a long line of luxurious carriages bearing various family crests stretched along the roadside for miles.
Inside one of the luxurious carriages, two men sat facing each other.
"Lord Richmond, I didn't expect the first collaboration between the Empire and the Federation to achieve such a great victory," a solemn-faced middle-aged man in a tailcoat said.
"It can be foreseen that those members of Congress advocating for union with the Empire will certainly seize upon this victory to vigorously push for deepened cooperation between the Federation Congress and the Empire."
"This does not align with our interests! So, Lord Richmond, as one of the leaders of the Zaral rebellion, you should act swiftly."
