"Carry out a coup?" Ayaka asked, her voice calm but clearly tinged with disbelief.

Her eyes moved toward Ethan, searching his expression for any sign that he might be exaggerating or speaking metaphorically.

The word itself carried weight. A coup was not a small matter, especially when spoken in the context of a major city within the Eastern Plains.

Kevin, the guild master of Avalon, quickly took the initiative to respond before the discussion escalated further.

As one of the more cautious leaders within the alliance, he believed strongly in long term stability rather than rapid, forceful change.

He proposed that Ethan should not take any aggressive steps, at least not openly.

"In my opinion," Kevin said, his tone firm but respectful, "Arkban City is not just another city. It is one of the key cities in the Eastern Plains. Any large scale disruption there will have consequences far beyond its walls."

He continued, explaining his reasoning in greater detail. Arkban sat at an important crossroads for trade and population movement.

Merchants, adventurers, mercenary groups, and even smaller guilds all passed through it regularly. If internal chaos broke out within Arkban, the ripple effects would spread quickly.

"Once chaos begins inside a city," Kevin said, "public trust drops. When people lose trust in the authority that governs them, they start acting for themselves. That kind of instability spreads fast, and it can weaken the entire Eastern Plains."

The atmosphere inside the meeting hall grew heavier as Kevin spoke. The other guild representatives listened closely.

None of them could deny that internal unrest was far more dangerous than an external threat. A city tearing itself apart from within was far harder to control.

"The coup I am referring to would not be carried out directly by LionArk," Ethan finally said, breaking the tension.

His voice was steady, neither defensive nor aggressive. He slowly swept his gaze across each permanent member of the alliance, making sure they were paying attention.

"What I mean is not a direct seizure of power."

He paused briefly, allowing his words to settle before continuing.

"In my view, the most effective form of a coup is not one carried out with troops or banners," Ethan said. "It is done by funding another guild."

Gregor and the others exchanged glances. Some frowned slightly, others raised their brows. Ethan's words were unexpected, yet intriguing.

Funding another guild as a method of overthrow was subtle, indirect, and far less likely to provoke immediate resistance.

Ethan went on to elaborate, speaking in a measured tone. He explained that taking control of Arkban City could not be done quickly or openly.

If LionArk moved too fast or revealed its hand too early, the citizens of Arkban would feel threatened.

"When people believe an external force is trying to take over their city," Ethan said, "they will unite, even if they are normally divided. That kind of unity would work against us."

He explained that fear often strengthened bonds among people. Even rival factions could temporarily set aside their differences if they felt invaded.

That was the worst possible outcome for any external actor.

"News about Glorious Sword not attending this meeting will spread throughout the Eastern Plains," Ethan continued.

"It will not remain confined to this room."

His fingers tapped lightly against the table as he spoke, emphasizing his confidence in the flow of information.

"The people of Arkban City will hear about it," he said.

"And when they do, they will question why their ruling guild chose not to attend a meeting that directly affects the stability of the entire region."

"When they realize that," Ethan added, "they will regret Glorious Sword's decision."

Ayaka leaned slightly forward. Her expression showed both understanding and concern. "So dissatisfaction, and no clear guarantee of security," she said slowly.

"Is that what you are aiming for, Ethan?"

Ethan shook his head gently. "That is only the worst possible consequence," he replied.

"It is not the plan itself, but the outcome that Glorious Sword risks by isolating itself."

He then expanded on the idea further. Dissatisfaction would grow gradually, not suddenly. Merchants would worry about safety.

Smaller guilds would question whether Arkban could still protect their interests. Rumors would spread, exaggerated with each retelling.

"Once dissatisfaction takes root," Ethan explained, "it becomes easy to apply pressure."

He described economic embargoes imposed by alliance members, reduced trade cooperation, restrictions on access to certain resources, and delays in logistical support.

None of these actions would look like open hostility. On the surface, they could all be justified as precautionary measures.

"These are not acts of war," Ethan said.

"They are consequences."

Kevin listened carefully before responding. "We should not act recklessly," he said.

"Civil war is destructive beyond measure. Porco suffered deeply because of it."

Kevin's voice carried a trace of personal experience. He had seen cities burn, families displaced, and alliances crumble due to internal conflict.

"Kevin is right," Gregor agreed.

"We should prioritize the stability of the alliance over direct involvement with Arkban City. Time itself can be a punishment."

Ethan nodded in agreement. He did not argue further. He had already anticipated their response.

"I do not need all of you to help with this," Ethan said calmly.

"Arkban City will become my personal concern."

He looked around the room one last time. "You can focus on strengthening your own guilds, recruiting capable members, and improving your city economies."

Ayaka and the others nodded. They understood their roles clearly. Stability within their own territories was just as important as any broader strategy.

With that, the discussion about the alliance came to a close. Ethan stood from his seat and gestured politely, signaling the end of the meeting.

He gave them permission to enjoy the city freely. There were no restrictions placed upon them.

Soon after, Ethan and Ashley left the city hall together. The first meeting of the Eastern Alliance had concluded successfully, producing tangible results rather than empty promises.

Ashley felt optimistic. Based on the discussions alone, she could already predict a sharp rise in economic activity once trade routes between alliance members fully opened.

They entered their horse drawn carriage and departed as the sky darkened. One by one, the city's lamps were lit, illuminating the streets with a warm glow.

The city center was noticeably more crowded than the previous day.

Beyond the alliance representatives, many visitors from other cities had arrived after hearing news of the Eastern Alliance meeting. Curiosity, opportunity, and ambition had drawn them to Mavelard.

Fortunately, LionArk had welcomed these visitors after much of the city's damage had already been repaired.

Reconstruction was still ongoing, but the worst disruptions had passed. The city was once again able to show its charm.

Eventually, the LionArk group returned to headquarters. Members split off to rest, while Ethan and Ashley went inside and climbed to the third floor.

The work scheduled for that day was postponed. Both of them chose rest over pushing themselves further.

"What a tiring day," Ashley muttered as she stretched.

Ethan nodded.

"At least the Eastern Alliance exists now," he said.

"It will benefit the Eastern Plains greatly."

"I agree," Ashley replied.

"And it gives us a chance to see how strong Redemption Sword truly is."

Ethan reflected silently. His original goal had been stability, with LionArk guiding the alliance. But if the Eastern Plains grew faster than expected, the balance of power could shift.

Perhaps one day, the Eastern Alliance could stand against Redemption Sword.

That day was still far away.

For now, there were closer problems demanding his attention.

Glorious Sword.

Arkban City.

***

The next day.

"As far as I know," Hanss reported, "there are three guilds with significant popularity in Arkban. Glorious Sword, White Coat, and Sacred Bonds."

"Glorious Sword holds authority," Hanss continued.

"White Coat and Sacred Bonds oppose them."

He added that White Coat and Sacred Bonds were not allies. Their relationship leaned closer to hostility. Yet both shared a deeper resentment toward Glorious Sword.

Ethan listened carefully. He had assumed Arkban's power structure was simpler. Learning that three major guilds competed for influence changed the picture entirely.

"If I want to destroy Glorious Sword," Ethan asked, "which guild should I support?"

Hanss hesitated, weighing his words. "Sacred Bonds is extremist," he said. "White Coat is liberal."

He compared White Coat to Avalon in Porco, noting similarities in ideology and organizational identity.

Ethan stood and walked toward the glass wall overlooking the rear garden. He stared out thoughtfully.

"White Coat. Sacred Bonds," he murmured.

After a moment, he nodded.

"Send a scout to Arkban," Ethan ordered.

"Contact Sacred Bonds. Tell them I want to meet."

Hanss bowed respectfully and left.

Alone, Ethan reflected on his choice. Extremists thrived on chaos. Sacred Bonds would ignite disorder without hesitation.

A chaotic city bred dissatisfaction. Prices rose. Supplies vanished. Fear spread.

And Glorious Sword would suffer the consequences.

"Sacred Bonds creates chaos," Ethan said softly. "White Coat offers hope."

I do not know why, but it feels like I have already won this conflict, even before they begin spreading chaos.

The feeling lingered in his chest, calm and unwavering, as if the outcome had already been decided long before the first move was made.

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