Time slowly passed amidst the heated debates of the prominent figures at the first table and the conversations of guests at the other tables.
Dean Bruce, feeling increasingly bored, began to scrutinize the ten individuals at the first table.
Aside from Medro Cep, everyone else was of a higher rank than Magus, each holding a respectable status.
The matter that could stir such a debate among these people must be significant!
Dean Bruce began to ponder. Were they really here to discuss the Lulu Ruins?
Given how cautious the Nine Provinces Alliance had been regarding this, they shouldn't be so reckless as to make the existence of the Relics public!
[It seems that the gathering of the Nine Provinces Alliance here isn't solely for the Lulu Ruins; there must be other matters at hand!] Dean Bruce squinted, sensing the unusual atmosphere and feeling a sense of anticipation. He wondered what secrets might be hidden near this remote little town!
After an unknown period, Jennier William and the others finally concluded their debate. They exchanged glances, signaling that they had reached a consensus.
This was, after all, the lord's estate of Stanlow City, a domain of Koreya Cep. He quickly rose, tapped the table with his hand, and spoke in a deep voice, "Everyone, please quiet down!"
"..."
All the influential forces who could speak to Koreya Cep were seated at the first table. The guests at the other tables, upon hearing the host's call, dared not continue their discussions and immediately returned to their seats.
Obona Jones was no exception, rejoining Dean Bruce and the others.
Surveying the room, Koreya Cep nodded in satisfaction at the sight and then addressed the assembly, "Those of you who have been summoned are among the most notable forces and families in the Mors Province. I am here not only representing the lord's estate of Stanlow City but also the major guilds and the Nine Provinces Alliance to announce something!"
He paused for a moment, his tone becoming serious as he continued, "The Black Dragon Mountains stretch across the entire Mors Province, cutting off communication between several cities. To connect, one must either take a long detour or face the risks of crossing the mountains!"
"Cities and families have suffered greatly under the burden of the Black Dragon Mountains. Recently, we discovered a Relic in the heart of these mountains. If we can decipher this Relic, there may be a chance to eradicate the Black Dragon Mountains!"
"However, our individual strength alone makes it difficult to unravel the mysteries of this Relic. Therefore, we wish to consolidate the power of the Mors Province, collaborate with all of you, and form an alliance to decipher this Relic! There will be no profit sharing; everyone may freely obtain what they find within the Relic!"
"I wonder what everyone thinks?"
As his words hung in the air, the crowd exchanged astonished glances, their faces filled with surprise.
Dean Bruce and Lina Jones stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend why the Nine Provinces Alliance would publicly announce the existence of the Relics!
Could it be that they no longer wished to decipher the ancient magical runes?
Furrowing his brow, Dean Bruce couldn't make sense of why the members of the Nine Provinces Alliance would be so generous!
Or did they believe they lacked the strength to explore it on their own?
However, according to Lina Jones, the Nine Provinces Alliance was notoriously arrogant, making this possibility highly unlikely!
"What kind of Relics are we talking about? How dangerous is it?"
Seeing this unfold, everyone fell silent.
To support an entire family, these powerful factions were no strangers to wrongdoing.
They worried that Koreya Cep might have dirt on them, leaving them momentarily speechless.
Dean Bruce nodded slightly, finding Koreya Cep's actions quite commendable.
This was the kind of authority a city lord should wield!
In contrast, Medro Cep, despite holding positions in both the War God Temple and the Nine Provinces Alliance, acted recklessly, resorting only to brute force when angered.
Comparing their methods, Dean Bruce couldn't help but wonder if Medro Cep was truly his biological sibling.
As Dean Bruce pondered these thoughts, Koreya Cep scanned the crowd and calmly stated, "You need not worry. As long as you are willing to cooperate and join the alliance, we will honor our commitments regarding the benefits."
"After all, we are not representing just one faction, but a coalition of multiple forces. Our goal is not merely profit but to explore the Relics and completely destroy the Black Dragon Mountains!"
Upon hearing this, many in the crowd couldn't help but smirk internally.
No one rises early for nothing!
In this world, there are no truly selfless individuals! No matter how noble the words sound, everyone has their own motives!
Unfortunately, with Edel Rap's example as a warning, they dared not speak out.
After all, Koreya Cep represented not only the lordship of Stanlow but also the Nine Provinces Alliance and several other powerful factions!
How could they resist?
If they declared they were stepping back today, they might find their families wiped out by tomorrow!
"Since no one has voiced any objections, I take it everyone agrees," Koreya Cep continued. "As the host, my family is willing to bear all expenses for your gathering. Therefore, I propose that my son, Medro Cep, take on the role of leader of this alliance. How does everyone feel about that?"
As his words sank in, everyone looked up at Medro Cep, whose proud demeanor elicited mixed reactions.
Even those who hadn't witnessed Medro Cep's previous failures didn't want to see a young man leading over them!
But as they looked around the table and saw the calm expressions on the so-called strong, they realized that the earlier debate had already solidified this decision.
Though they were unsure of what price Koreya Cep had paid to bring about this situation, they understood that they could no longer stop it.
Seeing that no one dared to speak up, Medro Cep smiled and stood, saying, "Thank you all for your support. However, I believe that if we are to form this alliance, the position of leader should go to someone strong!"
"If anyone disagrees, feel free to challenge me!"
As he spoke, Medro Cep's gaze fell upon Dean Bruce.