They went to one of the restaurants and booked a table on the top floor. That area provided a private space for people who wanted to talk about sensitive matters while enjoying exclusive food.

Their specialty was seafood dishes like fish, clams, and others. Ethan and Ashley had no problem with that kind of meal.

"So, you've already done something for Porco City?"

Ethan nodded. The two of them sat at the dining table inside a private room. Each table on that floor had its own room.

He picked up the wine bottle and poured some for Ashley. Since Ethan knew Ashley wasn't a strong drinker, he kept an eye on how much wine she drank.

"You could say that. I already ordered Hans to send teams there," answered Ethan.

"Hmm, you're acting more careful now. Did something happen?"

"Guild Alanor came to my office this afternoon. They're the former rulers of Porco City. Now they're based in Mavelard," explained Ethan.

"We talked about many things, including their suspicion about a big guild getting involved in the Porco conflict."

Ashley narrowed her eyes when she heard Ethan mention the involvement of a big guild. In Ashley's view, only three large guilds had the potential to mess with Porco City.

Redemption Sword, Scavenger, and Silver Star.

"Among the big three, which guild?" asked Ashley quietly.

"Silver Star."

"I already guessed that. They still can't accept losing Mavelard."

Ethan nodded. He suspected that was one of the reasons Silver Star supported the Red Faction in Porco.

If that city fell into their hands, access to Mavelard would become extremely fast, and that would be dangerous for LionArk.

"I've blocked access for anyone from Silver Star. That should reduce the problem," said Ethan.

"They can still trick the system. If they leave the guild just to use the teleport feature, then it doesn't matter because they can rejoin the guild afterward," replied Ashley.

Ethan realized that. But it was outside his control. The best choice now was to enforce tight security on the city's four gates.

"We also can't guard the gates too strictly. We need fast investment right now," replied Ethan.

"It's better if you finish your problem in Porco first. After that, we can read what their next move will be."

The man nodded. What Ashley said was true; thinking too much about everything at once would split Ethan's focus.

That could make all his plans fail or run poorly.

Not long after, the door was knocked, and a female server came in carrying a tray filled with various seafood dishes.

Ashley and Ethan ate their dinner slowly, not talking about their next plans for Porco City.

The food was delicious. The seafood was fresh and not fishy, the seasoning was perfect, and it went down smoothly. Ethan was impressed with the quality of their dishes.

"So, what have you done to deal with Porco?" asked Ashley, holding out her hand and asking Ethan to pour more wine.

Ethan explained again about the two plans he was running. Ethan described his two-foot strategy.

On one side, Ethan was responsible for destroying the Red Faction's facilities and morale. On the other side, Ethan had the duty of acting as a mediator.

Ashley didn't understand at first because Ethan was using a complicated strategy to win the Porco conflict.

Ethan explained it again, slowly, of course using vocabulary that she could understand easily.

Slowly, Ashley nodded. She understood and realized the reason behind the two-foot plan.

The woman grew even more impressed with Ethan. She didn't expect Ethan could create a detailed plan that well.

"Hans will send them out at midnight. I hope they can reach Porco City and meet Guild Master Avalon right away," said Ethan.

"Then when will you arrive in the city and become the mediator?"

"Tomorrow."

"Let me go with you," Ashley asked.

Ethan immediately refused that. Ashley couldn't come because she had to lead the city when one of the two leaders was gone.

If Ashley left, Mavelard would be without a leader even if it was only for one day.

Ashley listened to Ethan's explanation. She agreed that he was right. It would be dangerous for Mavelard to lose its leader, even for a single day.

"Alright. I understand, Ethan."

Their conversation ended. The clock showed nine at night, and it was time for Ashley to rest.

After paying for the dinner, Ethan and Ashley left the restaurant. They were still wearing their LionArk uniforms and cloaks.

The LionArk cloak could only be worn by high-ranking members like Officers, the Vice Leader, and the Guild Master.

When they reached the headquarters complex, Ethan stopped on reflex when he faintly heard something like footsteps.

"Who's there?!" Ethan said sharply.

Within seconds, nine people appeared and knelt in front of Ethan. They weren't wearing any guild attributes, only black cloaks and black shirts.

They were not warriors but assassins. From their quick and silent movements, it was clear the nine of them were assassins.

They were divided into three small teams, each with three members. Their faces were covered by masks. Ethan couldn't see their faces clearly or recognize them at all.

"Who are they?" asked Ashley.

"People from Hans."

Ashley was stunned. She had never seen them before. From the start, Ethan had ordered Officer Hans to train a tactical group capable of infiltration, sabotage, spying, and covert missions.

Hans, who was an assassin himself, managed to recruit several assassins and train them well. Now Ethan finally had the chance to see what they were capable of.

"Move fast and silent. Go to Guild Avalon right away," said Ethan.

"We understand. We'll take our leave, Sir Ethan."

In seconds, the nine of them disappeared from the area. Ashley and Ethan watched them leave.

"They seem like expert assassins," said Ashley.

"Hans trained them well and with discipline. We'll see the results tomorrow."

Finished with them, Ethan and Ashley entered the LionArk headquarters. Ashley said goodbye to Ethan and went into her room, and Ethan did the same.

Uniform off, cloak hung, curtains closed, door locked. Ethan lay down on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Whatever happens, Porco City must fall into LionArk's hands.

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