Chapter 79

The noisy sounds were incessant.

Peter shrank back, instinctively keeping a certain distance from the documents in front of him. He squinted, and with his glasses off, his old, blurry eyes could only see a vague outline, but perhaps this was for the best... or rather, this was how it should be. At least, he wouldn't have to face those annoying faces. Otherwise, Peter really couldn't imagine whether he would have the will to continue.

"Quiet, quiet!!"

A sharp, resonant voice rose, suppressing the noisy arguments.

"Gentlemen, we are not here to argue."

The middle-aged man in fine clothing stood up, spreading his arms wide.

"In recent months, there have been continuous attacks on cargo ships in the border regions. This has not only caused dissatisfaction among the Merchant Association but has also led to a rapid increase in prices across the entire Kingdom of Light. We must curb this trend and take action!"

"What can we do?"

Another person put down the documents in his hand and spread his arms helplessly.

"We have already dispatched an investigation team, but so far, they have not provided us with a clear and specific report! We need to know what exactly happened and who is behind it!"

"This will take time. After all, the clues are too few, and we need to continue our investigation."

"But we don't have time. Due to the rising prices, public support for our parliament is rapidly declining. We must find a way to reverse this situation, or the entire country will face serious unrest."

What's the point of saying this now?

Peter massaged his temples and sighed deeply. Meetings were held every day, but no conclusions were reached. Just then, in Peter's blurry world, a dark figure stood up.

"Gentlemen, I have something to say."

Bode.

Hearing this voice, the old Peter immediately perked up. He grabbed his glasses, put them on, and picked up the quill in his hand, focusing intently on the man walking towards the podium. He was in his early forties, wearing a simple black coat, with a resolute face that gave a sense of reassurance and authority. His thick lips were tightly pressed together, and his golden hair was meticulously combed back, showing his meticulous and rigorous personality. As he approached the podium, the previously noisy parliament hall became much quieter.

"I believe your discussions are just a waste of time, meaningless. We should not focus on how to solve this issue itself. No matter what, the incident has already happened, and prices of various goods in the country are rising, even if the increase is not significant, it still causes public dissatisfaction. Haven't you heard?!"

As he spoke, the man suddenly waved his hand and pointed out the window.

"That is the voice of the people's protest. We are entrusted with a heavy responsibility by them, and we cannot betray their trust. Indeed, the investigation of the attacks on merchant ships must continue, but our immediate priority is to stabilize prices and prevent further unrest. This is what we should do!"

"But Mr. Bode, what should we do?"

Hearing the question from the parliamentarian, a smile appeared on Bode's face.

"We can request aid from the Principality of Muun. They can supply the parts we are currently lacking, thus stabilizing market prices."

"I oppose this!"

"I also oppose it!"

Immediately, someone stood up to express their opposition.

"This matter has been going on for so long, and the Principality of Muun has not responded. This shows that they do not want to help us! If we make a request, they will certainly use it as leverage to force us to make concessions and compromises!"

"That's right, that dictator, that tyrant, I don't believe that woman will be so kind to help us."

"How could she care about the lives of the people? To stabilize her rule, she can even slaughter her own people. It's unimaginable that she is an angel! I oppose this proposal. Mr. Bode, the Kingdom of Light has a history of freedom and a glorious tradition. We absolutely cannot bow to evil over such a trivial matter!"

"Regardless, the Principality of Muun is our ally."

Faced with the unanimous opposition, Bode waved his hand sharply.

"Moreover, we have no other choice. Other countries do not have the resources to support our shortfall. Only the Principality of Muun has the resources and capability to help us. We can send envoys to express our goodwill to Miss Lydia. As long as the Principality of Muun is willing to supply us with goods at a low price, we can discuss their demands. I hope you understand, gentlemen, this is not the time to discuss abstract concepts. If we cannot meet the people's demands, then in next year's election... I think you all understand."

Hearing this, the parliamentarians who were previously indignant now all softened. They looked at each other but could not say a word. However, someone still expressed their concern.

"But... if the people know we are requesting aid from the Principality of Muun, what will happen? If this news spreads, it will also be a heavy blow to us..."

"You don't need to worry about that."

Bode pressed his hands down.

"The people are most concerned about the rise in prices. As long as we don't say, no one will know where the food and supplies they buy come from. Indeed, bowing to the Principality of Muun is not a pleasant thing, but for the sake of the country and the people who support us, we must set aside our meaningless pride and make some concessions to maintain national stability. Of course, this is our problem. The people do not need to know where these goods come from."

At this point, Bode paused.

"They didn't know before, so they won't care about this issue now."

Hearing this, the parliamentarians' anxiety was replaced by excitement and enthusiasm. Indeed, this issue had been causing them a lot of trouble, and now they had found a way to solve it, which naturally calmed them down. They all knew that as long as they could appease the public's dissatisfaction, they would likely continue to sit here in next year's election, which was the most important thing.

As for face? That can be put aside for a while, or even third place, it doesn't matter. After all, it won't hurt them.

"Then, Mr. Bode, about sending envoys..."

"I will go personally."

Bode straightened his chest, speaking with confidence.

"I will bring the parliament's greatest sincerity to Miss Lydia and ensure the completion of this glorious mission."

At this point, Bode looked up.

"I request the parliament's approval."

Faced with Bode's gaze, the old man in the high seat was silent for a moment. He sighed deeply, looked around wearily, and then reluctantly nodded.

"I accept your request. We will make a decision after the parliament's vote."

A last-ditch effort.

Hearing the old man's response, many of the parliamentarians had the same thought. They looked at the old man with a hint of disdain. At his age, how long did he want to stay in the position of governor? Damn it, if it weren't for this old man's sluggishness, the parliament wouldn't have been in such a passive position. Hmph, it looks like this old man will have to step down from his position in the next election. At that time...

Thinking of this, many people looked at the confident and proud man walking down from the podium.

Perhaps a new era is about to begin.

At this moment, in the distant Deepstone City, the scene in the Mercenary Association was different.

"Damn bastard!!"

The mercenaries watched in surprise as Billy, dressed in fine clothing and with a sullen face, slammed the door and stormed out, angrily crossing the hall and leaving the Mercenary Association, getting into his luxurious carriage.

"How did it go?"

At this point, the man hidden in the shadows in the carriage finally spoke.

"That guy denied everything."

Billy spread his hands helplessly.

"Although I presented all the evidence and magical images proving he was the culprit as you requested, he was completely unmoved. That guy actually said it was all forged!!"

Thinking of Rod's calm expression, Billy gritted his teeth, wishing he could cut off his head with his own hands. He had put in so much effort, wasted so much saliva, and even presented evidence, but that guy could still distort the truth so easily?

"What about the Mercenary Association's stance?"

"They said they need to continue the investigation."

Billy's expression was unhappy, but he immediately became humble when he saw the man across from him.

"Respected sir, why don't you go personally? If you went..."

"I won't go. It's not the right time. Don't underestimate the Principality of Muun, and don't underestimate that woman. She is allowing us to be here, not because she doesn't know about our existence."

"That's why I hate this country."

Billy snorted coldly.

"Surveillance is everywhere. You have to be careful with your words and actions, or you'll be in trouble at any moment, with no freedom at all. Moreover, I still don't understand why you are so cautious about a minor noble. Even if that woman is watching us, a minor noble being eliminated wouldn't cause any problems. Would that woman really break ties with us over this?"

"You wouldn't understand."

On the contrary, the man shook his head, his voice becoming much lower.

"I have my reasons."

Rod yawned.

After seeing Billy off, Serek, who returned to the room, looked at the young man helplessly and exchanged a glance with the old president. They were not fools. Since Rod brought Lise to the Mercenary Association, these two knew something was unusual. Now, it seemed to be true. After all, Billy, as a special envoy of the Kingdom of Light, had no need to纠缠不清 with a small mercenary captain like Rod. Although there was the issue of Marin between them, to escalate the problem to the level of two countries seemed exaggerated.

So, what does this young man have that the Kingdom of Light needs?

To be honest, Serek didn't want to know too much. The Mercenary Association was just an association, not the highest ruler of the city or region. Although the aggressive attitude of the Kingdom of Light's special envoy was annoying, it wasn't a problem that could be solved by their status.

"Alright, kid."

At this point, the old president stood up, came to Rod's side, and glared at him fiercely.

"Speak up, what kind of trouble have you gotten into? Don't think we will really protect you. You should know that before you came here, our Mercenary Association was never this restless. To be honest, I really want to tie you up and hand you over to that nagging bastard, to do whatever he wants with you. So I hope you tell the truth!"

Faced with the old president's gaze, Rod quietly put down his teacup and then spread his hands innocently.

"This won't be the answer you want to hear."