Endless Debt

If... if...

More and more suspicions formed in Bologue’s mind, and just as they were about to explode his brain, the sound of clear footsteps broke into his thoughts, interrupting the countless musings.

Bologue looked towards the doorway as if waking from a dream. He saw those mysteriously dressed and somewhat luxurious people, who seemed like nobles of a bygone era, completely out of place with the Order Bureau.

"They’re here," Yas said, "It’s your first time seeing people from the All Secrets Order, right?"

Bologue nodded without speaking.

"Unless necessary, they never set foot in the mundane world," Yas explained, "Most of the time, they live in the Land of Secrets."

"Where’s that?"

"The city of the All Secrets Order, and the only city. It’s said to be hidden in the primeval jungle and ruled entirely by the Condensers."

"Have you been there?"

"No, they are very exclusive. Only a few people from the Order Bureau have been there, but those who have are tight-lipped about the details."

Yas continued to mumble, "But what is known is that many have praised the beauty of the Land of Secrets. Yet, on the other hand, they also despise the city. As for the specific reasons, I don’t know."

While Bologue was puzzled, Yas whispered in his ear, "In the eyes of the All Secrets Order, we might all be bumpkins reeking of dirt, right?"

"Bumpkins?"

Bologue was amused by the word. He never thought such status discrimination would exist among the Condensers.

The members of the All Secrets Order took their seats, and Bologue turned to examine them. Each one was unbelievably elegant, with solemn and indifferent expressions, as if wearing a mask.

"Who is she?" Bologue whispered.

Yas didn’t need to look to know whom Bologue was referring to; the dazzling person always stands out.

"Ossana, the Defender of the All Secrets Order, the leader of the new generation of Condensers, and the envoy of the All Secrets Order this time," Yas said, "The old ones have high hopes for her."

Bologue took a few more glances at Ossana. Compared to her colleagues, she seemed less aloof and more approachable, and her short auburn hair was extremely striking, easily recognizable in a crowd.

"To make it easier for you to understand, her status within the All Secrets Order is just like Holt’s in the Order Bureau."

"Holt? Is he special in the Order Bureau?"

Bologue remembered that guy full of strange jokes. It seemed that the more powerful a person was, the less reliable they appeared; Serey was like that, Fuen was like that, and Nesanel even more so.

Yas glanced sideways at Bologue. He wanted to say something but swallowed his words and sighed helplessly.

"Holt is the most talented person in the Order Bureau in recent years and the youngest Defender among us. The Decision Room values Holt highly. In our private discussions, we once thought Holt would be the successor to the deputy chief. Once he is promoted to Seeker of Glory, he will be the most powerful force of the Order Bureau for the next thirty years."

"I thought I was the youngest Defender," Bologue joked.

"In terms of working age, you do outshine Holt," Yas said, "But you’re an Undead, that’s just cheating."

No matter how reluctant he was to admit it, Yas secretly envied the Undead, and many people felt the same.

Bologue chuckled and didn’t continue the conversation because another person walked in. His presence instantly made the atmosphere in the room more solemn, with some even finding it hard to breathe, as if facing an invisible terror.

"Is everyone here?"

Nesanel stood before everyone, his gaze sweeping over each face, pausing momentarily on Bologue’s face before moving on.

"I think the previous discussions should have been sufficient."

Nesanel flipped through the documents, with a tone of impatience.

"I believe continuing to hold out won’t produce any results, right?" he said, looking at Ossana.

Ossana did not back down. She met Nesanel’s gaze firmly and responded forcefully, "The conditions of the All Secrets Order will not change. We require our independence to remain pure."

Nesanel’s lips curled slightly, as if amused by Ossana.

"No room for compromise?"

"Naturally."

"Ossana, such a tough stance will only lead to divisions between us." Nesanel still attempted to persuade her.

"There is no division or misunderstanding. The All Secrets Order’s stance has always been clear."

Ossana also grew somewhat impatient. Similar conversations had been repeated many times over the past few days, and she was tired of the negotiations.

"If neither side is willing to compromise... you do know what will happen, right?" Nesanel said.

"Are you threatening us?"

Ossana was unmoved; she indeed had some fortitude.

"It’s not a threat; I just want to clarify the pros and cons."

Nesanel felt a bit of a headache. Both were forces of the Rhine Alliance, and from the perspective of the Order Bureau, the All Secrets Order only had two choices: either join the war alliance or disappear.

With persuasion proving futile, Nesanel couldn’t help but contemplate the "disappearing" part. Would they really have an internal war within the Rhine Alliance before the war even began?

Despite how much Nesanel detested internal conflict, he equally recognized how crucial a swift and decisive internal war could be.