Elira gave a small smile. "It would reflect badly on your position if another city was openly trying to poach you, wouldn't it? That's why I came in secret."
Isaac stayed quiet, fingers lightly tapping the armrest.
Elira leaned forward with a smile. "You aren't being treated right here, Mr. Isaac. You're a verified SSS-rank Farmer, and yet…
"You're being forced to purchase land like a common merchant, competing companies are trying to suppress your influence, and you even had to go out and fight assassins, putting your life in danger in the process."
Isaac listened to her silently. But inside, his mind was already spinning.
'It's normal they know about the land deals.'
What caught him off guard was the fact that she knew about the interference from the Economic Council. It wasn't something the general public had access to. Only a few insiders and top-level authorities in Stronghold and the city were aware of that.
'Do they have that good of a spy network? From another human city, no less?'
Something about him felt wrong to him.
He could understand the Florathi race being better than humans and infiltrating human cities with easy, but another human city shouldn't be able to do the same with ease.
Elira continued. "We're offering you something different. In Fortified City 22, you wouldn't have to pay a single Obol for land. You'd have as much as you need. Woman, power, treasures. We will give you everything you want."
Isaac raised an eyebrow at that but still said nothing.
"We can provide you with top-tier advancement quests, help you complete your Class Advancement without hassle, and ensure your leveling is seamless. Everything you need to become one of the top figures in this generation will be delivered to your doorstep."
The offer wasn't bad. In fact, it was quite generous.
Even if she was exaggerating a bit, the resources of a city like 22 would definitely help him grow faster, with less friction.
Fortified City 22 had more connections to the cities of other races, so Isaac could get more resources there, and he might be able to trade with other races too.
Isaac leaned back in his chair. "Thank you for the offer. Can I have some time to think about it? This isn't an easy decision to make."
Elira nodded. "Of course. Though… wouldn't it be better to act quickly? The longer you stay in this environment, the more your growth will be slowed. You're already in danger. If they decide to suppress you further, or worse, what then?"
He gave a slow nod. "You make a good point. I'll give you my answer as soon as possible."
For a brief second, she revealed a surprised expression.
Clearly, she hadn't expected him to pause or hesitate.
But then she smiled again. "Very well. I look forward to hearing from you."
Isaac maintained a neutral expression. But inwardly, his instincts were kicking in hard.
'She expected me to say yes.'
The confidence in her words wasn't just from preparation. It felt calculated, like she had seen this happen before. Like she knew how to get people to agree.
That thought led to another.
'How did she get in here?'
The office wasn't locked, but still it was on the first floor, and the stairs were visible from the storefront. His people should have seen her, or at least informed him of her arrival.
'Then why didn't anyone stop her or tell me?'
It clicked.
A social skill. Not just a simple one, but something dangerous instead.
A high-level mind-affecting ability. One that tampered with perception. She must have used it to suppress her presence, or make people overlook her.
Worse, she definitely had more than one social skill.
She must have used the second one him to make him agree to her demands, and take him with her.
Isaac kept smiling, but he was prepared to activate his skills in an instant. If she tried anything else, he would be ready to retaliate.
She opened her mouth again, likely to press a little more.
But then a familiar voice filled the room, low and dangerously amused.
"Now, I think that's enough time for an emergency appointment… don't you?"
Elira froze.
A cold glint of metal touched her neck. And out of nowhere, Professor Catherine stood behind her, a curved blade resting gently on the ambassador's throat.
She was wearing a sleek, black combat outfit. It was tight enough to move easily in and provided no hinderance with reinforced fabric hugging her frame.
She had a sly smile, but her eyes were sharp, and calculating.
She gave Isaac a wink.
Then turned back to the stunned ambassador.
"So?" she asked.
Elira didn't respond immediately. Her shock was visible. For someone who had walked in with full confidence and control, her reaction said everything.
She turned her head slowly. "You… how?"
Professor Catherine didn't answer. She just smiled slightly, but it was the kind of smile that didn't warm the room, it made it colder.
The silence was more effective than any threat.
It told Elira exactly what she needed to know.
She had misjudged the situation.
She had assumed no one saw her. She thought she had manipulated the staff, the building, maybe even Isaac. But Catherine had seen her. Not only that, she had been in the room the entire time.
Isaac didn't show his surprise. But now he understood.
Professor Catherine had been guarding him since the moment Elira arrived.
Elira forced a polite smile, though there was tension in her shoulders now. "You're right. I suppose the appointment time is up."
She rose from the chair slowly, keeping her movements measured.
Then she turned and left without another word.
Professor Catherine didn't sheath her sword until the woman had disappeared down the hall. She kept watching the door with a cold gaze masked by her sly smile.
Only after the silence stretched out did Professor Catherine finally turn to Isaac.
"So?" she asked. "How was it? Did you fall for me after seeing my entrance?"
Isaac rolled his eyes, but couldn't help a chuckle. "Thanks. That was perfect timing."
She sheathed her sword with a swift motion.