Now, he doubted that anything 'The Journeying Jaguar' Runaway City could offer would compare to the immense deposit of Vylkr alloys.
Therefore, he wanted to proceed cautiously, mindful of every step they took.
He also began to suspect the man who caused a commotion in the wards and the bazaar by healing various sickly, incurable individuals, including the Queen's younger sister. He had decided to cross-check the information on his identity that they had collected. However, this was a discussion he could only have with the Queen privately, so he didn't bring it up.
Queen Eleanora nodded, her brows furrowing in deep thought. "You're right," she acknowledged, her tone hopeful. "Do you have a solution for handling this issue?"
"The only way would be to misdirect them until we uncover any traces of Patriarch Rylan and the Divine artefact," Lord Asher responded, showcasing his quick-wittedness and decision-making in delicate situations . "Then we'll observe how they act—whether they plan to snatch them away from us or escort us to 'The Journeying Jaguar' Runaway City before leaving our city."
"When we deliver the message to the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, we will have them pretend to have given up searching for the Patriarch Rylan and the Divine artefact and return to their territory. And if it comes to it, we'll have no choice but to eradicate them and enter a temporary alliance to face 'The Journeying Jaguar' Runaway City. Even if our alliance isn't strong, I doubt that either Runaway City would want to face a grade 2 Runaway alone.'
"Although I hate to agree with Lord Asher's words, he is right. Our Runaway City must never let go of this opportunity, so we must utilize every available option to make it possible. And if the worst happens, then you don't have to worry because my teams and I will be ready to fight against any enemies we encounter, no matter who they are," Commander Sy'ra responded with a gruff.
Her expressionless gaze landed on Captain Freya, who immediately straightened her back before it withdrew, causing the Captain to exhale in relief.
The other leaders nodded in agreement with Lord Asher's words.
"Okay. Lord Griffin, we will be leaving the matter for you to handle. Ensure that you take whatever you need for protection before leaving," Queen Eleanora said, her eyes fixed on a tall, handsome man with short, dark hair and sharp features dressed in a beautifully tailored deep navy blue robe accentuated with subtle silver and golden threads.
He was the Chief Diplomat and Envoy responsible for maintaining and expanding the city's diplomatic relations and securing beneficial alliances and treaties.
Lord Griffin has negotiated numerous impressive alliances and treaties on behalf of their?Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City in the past, so Queen Eleanora knew she didn't have to instruct him directly on what to do. She trusted that he could devise the best approach to deal with The Sleeping Fox Runaway City and their current situation.
Hearing the Queen's words, Lord Griffin nodded solemnly. "I'll ensure that I handle the situation in a way that minimizes any issues arising," he responded, his tone determined. He knew such a delicate situation couldn't go exactly as planned, so he decided not to make any promises.
Queen Eleanora and the other leaders nodded, understanding the meaning behind Lord Griffin's words.
"Now that we have taken care of these issues," Queen Eleanora shifted her attention towards Commander Sy'ra. "I want you to punish every member of the 1st unit of the Vanguard team who abandoned their mission and ran away. We cannot allow such cowardice to survive among our gods' chosens, especially in a delicate situation ."
"If Captain Freya hadn't been brave enough to continue her mission without the members of their unit who had abandoned them, they would have never uncovered the tremendous Vylkr deposit on time. Even worse, The Sleeping Fox Runaway City might have beaten them to it, having witnessed their shameful actions.
"Of course, My Queen, they are already regretting their actions severely at this moment," Commander Sy'ra responded, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes as she recalled their current condition.
Even if the Queen hadn't given the orders, she would still have severely punished them.
'It seems I'll need to start the tests early and begin searching for more potential candidates to wield the Devourer's Bracelet,' Commander Sy'ra thought, deciding to commence the academy's new recruitment earlier than scheduled.
Queen Eleanora nodded and responded, "As for the mining of the Vylkr alloys, I've decided to put Captain Freya in charge of it, overseen by Lord Kael and Commander Sy'ra. Both of you are responsible for protecting and ensuring that every Vylkr alloy is well accounted for. Do any of you have any disagreements with this arrangement?" she asked.
The leaders all shook their heads in response. While they were eager to get their hands on the Vylkr alloys, they understood the need to handle external situations before deciding how to distribute them among themselves.
Captain Freya inwardly exhaled, relieved by the leaders' response. It showed their sensibility, which she had underestimated. After all, managing such a vast structure in a harsh world required incredible intelligence.
Nonetheless, she couldn't help but find Queen Eleanora more pleasing to the eye after hearing her decisive decisions.
With this, she was confident she and her remaining unit would secure their share of the Vylkr alloys.
"That's it. You may all return and begin with your tas––" Queen Eleanora began, but an ear-splitting crash of thunder and lightning suddenly broke through their conversation, interrupting her.
Queen Eleanora and the rest of the leaders immediately frowned. The sky was clear and would remain so for the next three months, mainly since the Vylkr Veil Phenomenon had just dissipated, so they couldn't comprehend where the thunderous sound had come from.
Another ear-splitting crash of thunder and lightning resounded as if the sky itself had gasped in surprise.
"Let's go and check out what's happening this time," Queen Eleanora turned to the other leaders and said. She stood up from her seat and walked towards the door, with the others following her.