Endless Debt

And ...

"I don’t understand, our negotiations went smoothly before. Why are you so resistant this time, and why is your attitude so firm?" Nesanel probed. "It’s as if you aren’t worried at all about the consequences of breaking off talks with us."

"We just don’t want to be tied to the Order Bureau’s chariot, fighting a meaningless war," Ossana said without changing her expression. "Over these years, the All Secrets Order has avoided conflict, our development has gone smoothly, and everything is peaceful. We hope this peace continues."

"Remaining absolutely neutral? That sounds too idealistic."

Nesanel was no child; he didn’t believe in absolute neutrality at all. As for the treaty Ossana once proposed... Treaties are made to be broken, and Nesanel didn’t believe in them either.

"It seems like we won’t reach any conclusions today," Nesanel complained.

Ossana responded with silence, but secretly, she clenched her fists.

Before arriving at the Order Bureau, Ossana was aware of the difficulty of this trip. The All Secrets Order foresaw the coming war, but the Ancestral Council didn’t want to get involved, just like during the Rage of Scorched Earth.

Nesanel took a deep breath, closed the documents, and said loudly, "Then let’s try a negotiation method that’s more sincere."

"Such as?"

Ossana breathed a sigh of relief. Nesanel remained restrained and didn’t choose more radical means despite the unsatisfactory result.

"I will lead a delegation to return to the Land of Secrets with you," Nesanel said, "to personally meet the Ancestral Council and negotiate directly with them."

Ossana’s expression slightly changed, and as she just wanted to say something, Nesanel interrupted.

"We are all Condensers, nothing to be isolated about, and... please stop trying to provoke us, will you?"

Nesanel stared coldly at Ossana, filling the calm air with a terrifying aura that rendered everyone speechless.

"Your refusal to honor the agreement and attempts to remain apart have already made us quite dissatisfied. If it were any other day, we might let it go, but in these special times, you’re only deepening my disappointment."

Ossana quickly adjusted her mood and maintained her unruffled demeanor. "The Land of Secrets has never been open to outsiders. I need a roster of the delegation."

Nesanel nodded slightly and then clapped his hands, "Let’s adjourn the meeting, everyone."

Silence lingered for several seconds, then people quickly left the meeting room as if fleeing.

Nesanel remained at the podium, his head slightly lowered, lost in thought. As Ossana passed by him, he suddenly spoke.

"Does the All Secrets Order have something to rely on? Do they think they have the means to stand against the Order Bureau?"

Ossana stopped in her tracks, staring straight ahead, "I only convey the will of the Ancestral Council; I know nothing beyond that."

"You’d better be wary of the Ancestral Council; those guys have lived too long," Nesanel said aloofly.

Ossana turned her head in confusion, only to hear Nesanel continue.

"I’ve always thought people shouldn’t live too long. Even Seekers of Glory are no exception. Like food spoils, people living too long inevitably end up the same."

Ossana said no more and directly left; she was eager to return to the Land of Secrets.

As the number of people in the meeting room dwindled, only a few remained. Nesanel looked at Bologue, who was still seated, and showed a cheerful smile.

"Hey, Bologue, the new star of our Field Operations Department."

Bologue sighed; just hearing Nesanel’s rough praise made him anticipate trouble.

Fortunately, Bologue wasn’t opposed to trouble; he might even seek it out himself.

"Do you have any thoughts?" Nesanel gestured toward the door.

"I don’t know much about the All Secrets Order, but based on previous interactions, their sudden firmness suggests internal changes," Bologue was a pro and knew what Nesanel was asking. "Much like when the King’s Secret Sword suddenly ceased its clashes with us because the King’s Shield Guard was causing unrest within their territory."

"You think someone is helping the All Secrets Order, assisting them in breaking away from our control," Nesanel said.

"Probably... Will my name be on the list?" Bologue asked.

"Of course," Nesanel sat on the desk, "You are our key development target."

"Like Holt?"

"Pretty much, but unfortunately, no matter the accomplishments you achieve in the future, your position will be at most Deputy Director."

As Nesanel spoke, he pulled a cigarette from inside his jacket and bit it between his lips, "After all, the Undead can’t connect with the masses."

"Oh..."

Bologue just started to express his thoughts when suddenly he realized something. He studied Nesanel’s face, which displayed a carefree attitude despite its aged appearance.

"It’s time to go, Bologue."