The staff member from the City Security Authority nodded in acknowledgment. After receiving confirmation, she turned and left the area to inform Hanss about Ethan's decision.

Her footsteps echoed lightly as she walked away, maintaining a professional posture befitting her position.

When she arrived at the front courtyard of the headquarters, Hanss, who had been waiting there, turned his head and immediately noticed his female staff member approaching.

Without saying a word, she nodded once more, clearly signaling that the request had been approved.

"Deputy Chairman Ethan is willing to meet with you," Hanss announced in a firm and authoritative voice.

"Only the representatives are allowed to enter. Everyone else must remain here."

His tone left no room for argument. The authority he carried as part of the City Security was evident, and none of the people present dared to question his words.

The two representatives nodded obediently. Their expressions were restrained, but traces of nervousness could still be seen in their eyes.

They stepped forward together, moving in sync as they followed Hanss into the LionArk headquarters.

Behind them, the remaining members of their group stayed behind as instructed, watching silently as the three figures disappeared into the building.

As soon as they entered the LionArk headquarters, the difference in atmosphere became immediately apparent.

The interior was spacious and well-organized, with clean corridors and carefully arranged workspaces.

Numerous administrative staff members were busy at their desks, each focused intently on their own responsibilities.

The steady rhythm of work filled the area, punctuated by the soft sounds of pages being turned, keyboards being tapped, and occasional quiet conversations related strictly to work matters.

The representatives from Glorious Sword observed this scene carefully.

The staff members here worked with a level of concentration, seriousness, and dedication that was rarely seen elsewhere.

There was no wasted movement, no idle chatter. Every person seemed to understand their role perfectly and carried it out with precision.

Just from this alone, the difference in status between Guild LionArk and Guild Glorious Sword was unmistakable.

Compared to LionArk, Glorious Sword felt small, unpolished, and lacking in both resources and influence.

Hanss led them toward the staircase without stopping. The three of them ascended steadily, passing the second floor before finally reaching the third.

The atmosphere grew quieter as they went higher, suggesting that the upper floors were reserved for more important matters.

When they arrived, the door to Ethan's office was already open. Inside, Ethan could be seen sitting alone behind his desk.

His posture was straight, his expression calm yet imposing. Documents were neatly arranged in front of him, reflecting his disciplined nature.

The moment someone entered his workspace, Ethan lifted his head. His eyes sharpened as he looked straight ahead, instantly recognizing the situation.

Hanss stepped forward first, followed closely by the two individuals behind him, who were clearly representatives of Guild Glorious Sword.

"Greetings, Sir Ethan," Hanss said respectfully.

"I have brought representatives from Guild Glorious Sword," he added.

Ethan's gaze shifted briefly toward the two visitors. His eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed them, then he responded with a single nod.

Without saying anything further, he extended one hand, gesturing for them to enter fully and take a seat in front of his desk.

"Thank you, Officer Hanss," Ethan said calmly.

"You may return now," he continued.

Hanss cleared his throat, nodded in acknowledgment, and excused himself. He turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Once Hanss was gone, Ethan stood up from his chair and motioned for the two representatives to sit down across from him.

The pair consisted of a man and a woman, both maintaining formal expressions.

"I am Larson, the Deputy Chairman of Guild Glorious Sword," the man introduced himself.

"This is my aide, Giselle."

Ethan nodded slightly. "I am pleased to receive you here," he said. "

Have you already received my letter?"

"Yes, Sir Ethan," Larson replied promptly.

"Then what is your response?" Ethan asked directly, wasting no time on unnecessary pleasantries.

Larson hesitated for a brief moment. He glanced subtly toward Giselle, who met his eyes before nodding once.

The decision had already been made by the Chairman of Guild Glorious Sword, and both of them had been entrusted with the responsibility of conveying that decision.

"Silver Star has served as our protector for several months," Larson began.

"They treated us well during that time."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"However, after the news spread about your invasion of Silver Town, the situation in Arkban City became extremely difficult. Because of that, many representatives from Silver Star withdrew from Arkban."

"I have already heard about that," Ethan responded evenly.

He stood up from his seat and walked behind his chair, his movements unhurried. His gaze drifted toward the garden behind the LionArk headquarters.

Through the large window, vibrant flowers in full bloom could be seen, their colors vivid and lively. The peaceful scenery stood in stark contrast to the tense discussion unfolding inside the room.

"The damage inflicted upon Silver Town was severe," Ethan said.

"They also lost many of their members as a result of my invasion."

He continued speaking while still facing the garden.

"It is only natural that they would pull back many of their representatives from cities under their protection, including Arkban."

"I am glad that you understand the situation, Sir Ethan," Larson replied, relief briefly flickering across his face.

Ethan let out a slow breath. He then turned back around, fixing Larson and Giselle with a sharp and penetrating gaze.

"So," Ethan said, "you came here to ask LionArk for protection?"

Larson and Giselle fell silent. Neither of them responded immediately. Their heads lowered, and they avoided meeting Ethan's eyes. The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon them.

In the past, Ethan had already sent a formal message proposing the formation of a city alliance.

However, the Chairman of Guild Glorious Sword had rejected that proposal without hesitation. Worse still, he had burned the letter, treating it as something unworthy of consideration.

At that time, Glorious Sword firmly believed that Silver Star could protect them far better than LionArk ever could.

That belief had been shattered when Silver Star abruptly withdrew their representatives from Arkban City and left without even offering a proper explanation or farewell.

"Compared to LionArk and Silver Star, Glorious Sword is merely a small guild," Larson admitted at last.

"To be honest, we are powerless."

He clenched his hands slightly as he spoke.

"We are fully aware that our actions may have insulted your proposal. In hindsight, we should have accepted your offer from the very beginning."

Larson took a deep breath before continuing.

"We did not come here with any proposal of our own. The only thing we ask is for you to allow us to join the city alliance that you proposed."

Ethan sighed quietly. There was a trace of displeasure in his expression. He disliked situations like this, moments when people only came to him after exhausting all other options.

To him, it felt as though LionArk was merely a backup choice, someone to be relied upon only when desperation set in.

"The City Alliance in the Eastern Plains has already been established," Ethan said.

"Although LionArk initiated it, I cannot guarantee that you will be able to join."

Larson and Giselle reacted immediately. Giselle inhaled sharply, while Larson's eyes widened in surprise.

Earlier, Giselle had already warned Larson about this possibility. She had predicted that LionArk might reject them due to the disappointment caused by Glorious Sword's earlier refusal.

Even so, Larson had insisted on coming, believing that he could negotiate directly with Ethan.

Now, reality had proven harsh. Ethan could not confirm their acceptance into the alliance.

"I thought you would accept us right away," Larson said softly.

"I am human, not an angel," Ethan replied calmly.

"You may belong to the Eastern Plains, but you rejected my proposal before."

He paused briefly, then continued.

"You came here because you have no other place to seek protection, isn't that right?"

"About that—" Larson tried to respond.

However, Ethan had already walked back to his desk. He sat down straight and picked up the documents in front of him, returning his attention to his work.

With Sherly absent, there was an overwhelming amount of paperwork that needed to be handled personally.

"I have received your request," Ethan said without looking up.

"But I cannot guarantee anything at this time."

He then raised his head and looked directly at Larson and Giselle.

"That is my answer."

"You may leave."

Larson hesitated. He attempted to negotiate further, offering various concessions, including influence and authority within Arkban City.

However, Giselle discreetly stopped him. She understood that continuing would be pointless. Ethan was clearly not someone who could be swayed by such offers.

If he already held absolute authority in Mavelard, there was no reason for him to desire power in Arkban.

"Very well," Larson said at last, disappointment evident in his voice.

"We will wait for good news from you."

They stood up and formally bade farewell to Ethan before leaving the office. Their footsteps echoed softly as they made their way back down to the first floor.

Upon exiting the LionArk headquarters, their expressions were heavy and drained of hope.

Hanss noticed them immediately. Seeing their faces, he could already guess the outcome. Without needing to ask, he understood that they had not received the answer they wanted.

Larson gave instructions to his members, ordering them to prepare to return to Arkban.

One by one, the members of Glorious Sword departed from the LionArk headquarters, leaving behind the city of Mavelard.

Moments later, Ethan appeared at the front entrance of the headquarters. Hanss's attention shifted toward him instantly. Hanss hurried over, seeking clarification.

"They are like chicks that have lost their mother," Ethan said with a displeased tone.

"They have no sense of shame."

"What should we do next?" Hanss asked.

Ethan glanced to the side, then placed a firm hand on Hanss's shoulder.

"Summon envoys from Star Shield and Yotsuba," Ethan said.

"Tell them I want them here as soon as possible."

Hanss nodded obediently. "Understood. I will inform them immediately."

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