I'm Lara Croft?

A few weeks later, a conference was held in Paris at Grand Palais. The glass dome shimmered under the sunlight, casting reflections onto the bustling square below. Banners bearing the emblem of Paititi alongside flags of the European Communities adorned the entrance.

Inside, sunlight streamed through the glass ceiling, illuminating the steel and iron framework of the venue. The central hall had been transformed into a diplomatic haven, with rows of arranged seating and a grand stage adorned with flags and emblems.

Delegates in suits, representing the twelve member nations of the European Communities, mingled and exchanged greetings. Some strolled around displays showcasing artifacts and cultural objects from Paititi, while others engaged in conversations with Etzli and Uchu, or with Lara and Winston.

Ministers from Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands showed interest in Paititi's history, culture, and biodiversity. Their discussions with Uchu and Etzli revolved around the importance of Paititi.

Meanwhile, representatives from the United Kingdom, France, West Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium gravitated toward Lara and Winston, focusing their conversations on potential contracts, business opportunities, and investments.

Though the Croft business empire wasn't as big as Stark Industries, its rapid expansion into the European market was drawing significant attention. The countries had taken note of its advanced technologies, particularly in the military sector through Croft Arsenal, which rivaled Stark's level.

Speaking of Stark, Tony was back in England at Croft Manor. He stood beside the newly constructed artificial hot spring, watching Coconut float lazily in the warm water with Wyclef Montgomery III and Mr. Worldwide perched on its back, forming their usual stack.

With a sigh, Tony stepped into the hot spring, scooping both Wyclef and Mr. Worldwide off Coconut's back and placing them into the water. "Guys, don't stack, even in the hot spring. You two need to exercise, or your muscles are gonna atrophy from relying on Coconut all the time," he lectured.

Wyclef looked up at Tony with what seemed like a nod of understanding, while Mr. Worldwide turned his head, his expression unmistakably sulky, as if offended by the suggestion.

Tony turned to step out of the hot spring, shaking his head. But just as he reached the edge, he glanced back—and there they were, stacking again, Wyclef and Mr. Worldwide perched on Coconut as if nothing had happened.

Tony groaned, stepping back toward them. Scooping the two off Coconut once more, he sighed. "Alright, that's it. I'm staying with you in the hot spring." 

Back at the conference, one thing was in common: every country in attendance had already signed good contracts with Croft Arsenal or Croft Technologies. Additionally, influential politicians from each nation had been carefully persuaded—whether through negotiations or well-placed bribes—to support the recognition of Paititi as a sovereign state. 

This conference wasn't solely about Paititi—it was also an opportunity for Lara to strengthen her ties with politicians from European countries.

After more mingling and discussions, the time came for the official speeches. Etzli, as the King of Paititi, took to the stage first, delivering a speech about his people's history, culture, and aspirations for their newly recognized sovereignty. He was followed by representatives from several European countries, who spoke about the importance of cultural preservation, ecological protection, and international relations.

The event finished in the signing of a Bilateral Agreement, formally acknowledging Paititi as a sovereign state. The signing ceremony was broadcasted on television, recorded and photographed.

'Finally, it's over,' Lara thought as she stepped out of the Grand Palais alongside Winston and several Croft bodyguards. The exhausting conference was behind her, and all she wanted now was to return home to her manor. Before returning to Europe, she had taken some time to explore Paititi after recovering enough from her ordeal, even taking a few "unimportant" local things with her. Yet, even now, the lingering fatigue in her body and mind reminded her she wasn't fully healed. Recovery would still take time.

Once she was back to full strength, she planned to travel with Jonah to the Himalayas near Tibet. Speaking of Jonah, he had finally become a couple with Abby, after so much flirting that even Lara—normally indifferent—had started feeling sour, much like Tony. At the moment, Jonah was in New Zealand, visiting his sister and introducing Abby to her.

As Lara took her first steps outside the Palais, she was immediately swarmed by reporters. The bodyguards quickly stepped in, forming a protective barrier to keep them from getting too close.

One reporter managed to call out, "Lady Lara, what connections does Croft Holdings have with the new sovereign city of Paititi?"

Before Lara could respond, more reporters bombarded her with questions, shouting over one another. Winston stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chaos. "One at a time. If you don't respect this, there will be no answers to any of your questions."

The crowd quieted down almost instantly. A female reporter began to speak but was silenced by two nearby reporters, who clamped their hands over her mouth. One whispered, "If you don't shut up and she leaves, everyone here will eat you alive."

Having a chance to interview Lara Croft—at just 19 years old, a billionaire who never till now accepted interviews—was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Lara turned back to the first reporter and calmly answered, "I stumbled upon Paititi during a vacation in the Peruvian jungle and saw its potential. Croft Holdings is simply assisting in its development and providing security. Next question, from someone else."

Another reporter jumped in, asking, "What is your relationship with Tony Stark?"

"Friends," Lara replied briefly.

A third reporter pushed forward. "Do you feel any guilt about becoming an arms producer?"

"No," Lara replied firmly, without a hint of hesitation. Croft Arsenal produced and sold exclusively to countries, never to organizations like terrorist groups or dictatorships. She intended to keep it that way. After all, the company wasn't established to chase massive profits—it existed to equip her own organizations and subtly increase her influence in European Armed Forces.

A fourth asked, "What do you think about the Soviet–Afghan War?"

Lara paused for a moment before responding, "The final nail in the coffin for the Red Bear." With that, she subtly signaled Winston, who instructed the bodyguards to clear a path through the crowd to some bulletproof cars.

As the bodyguards escorted Lara toward the vehicles, Uchu and Etzli emerged from the Grand Palais, drawing the reporters' attention away from her. The reporters swarmed them with questions, giving Lara enough time to reach the car and slip inside. Minutes later, Uchu and Etzli joined her in the bulletproof vehicle, while the remaining bodyguards filed into the accompanying cars.