Chapter 1414 Chapter 1267: Their decision and Maria's Gift
Maria said she wanted 60 percent of Gandor's assets, which was a huge amount.
Of course, the dark elves could take their time, but Maria wasn't amused. Felerai was also aware that Maria wouldn't wait for them, she wanted 60 percent of their assets but would seize all of them instead, before returning the remaining 40 percent to them.
And they weren't sure if she would even return the 40 percent.
Therefore, this was entirely a joke. Maybe Maria only spoke casually because the operability was truly too low and she couldn't possibly understand it.
Rather than waiting for the dark elves to hand out their assets, she would rather annihilate them all and take her time to recover the assets, wouldn't she? At least, judging from the current situation, Maria was capable of messing over all of Gandor City.
The reason why she gave them two choices was entirely for cover. But everyone knew that it was apparent Maria intended to lay hands on the city.
Felerai'e guess was right. Maria had indeed decided to do it. This is her real aim.
°°°°°
Noon.
When the matriarchs of the council received the news from Felerai, they fell into silence.
They didn't feel relieved after receiving reports from the front. It could be seen that Maria had no intention of stopping her assault even though she was in the midst of negotiation with them.
Luna and Saeko each took a district and wreaked havoc. Luna was more ruthless than her gentle side showed. Judging from her aggression, perhaps the core district she was in would collapse like the other districts in just two hours.
Felerai passed on to the council the two choices that Maria had raised. Of course, the matriarchs treated the first choice as a joke and were more focused on the second option. Dark elves were naturally cunning and had a strong desire for authority. That was why they quickly realized that the reason why Maria gave such choices was that she needed their strength in some areas.
"Is this the only choice for us?"
But even so, the matriarchs were unconvinced.
But there was nothing much they could do. Their earliest plan to contact that person was postponed as Maria's group of three didn't give them the time at all.
"I think we should make our decision now."
Felerai spoke softly. She swept a glance at the other matriarchs and smiled in her mind. Just a few moments ago, she came up with a rather decent plan. If she succeeded, she could regain the status of the first family in Gandor.
"Everyone. Our choices are limited, aren't they?"
"Of course."
At that moment, the dark elf clad in a black robe and sitting in the center of the table spoke. Upon hearing her voice, Felerai narrowed her eyes.
The first family; the biggest obstacle to her progression.
And now, what would the first family do?
Would they give up on their authority?
"We, the first family, have decided to accept that woman's proposal."
At that moment, the dark elf, the first matriarch and most powerful among them Lelselea Nightgaze announced her decision.
°°°°°
Back to Maria's location.
While Luna was sightseeing outside Maria and Saeko were having a conversation.
"The dark elves have decided to surrender?"
When Saeko heard this news from Maria, she was astonished beyond words. Shortly after, this Saeko puckered her brows and gazed at her the beautiful ice beauty in uncertainty. She sized her up and tried to get a read on her face, but it was a pity that her face was as emotionless as ever.
Therefore she couldn't stop her curiosity thus raising a question.
"Big sister, surely you don't believe in the matriarchs' promise, right?"
"Why can't I?"
Facing Saeko's question, the corners of Maria's mouth perked up into a confident smile.
"Dark elves are a bunch who keep their promises; at least, that is the case in certain aspects. Nonetheless, I think we do need a labor force, don't you agree?"
"I know however one must remain cautious in any situation. They capitulate too quickly."
Saeko gazed at Maria speechlessly. She felt like his smile concealed a hint of oddness as though the situation wasn't as simple as she imagined. Although Maria was confident in Maria's abilities, destroying the dark elves was one matter, while manipulating them was another, especially in the current situation.
''Let's thoroughly make use of them.'' Maria declared with a strange smile before disappearing leaving Saeko to wait for Luna's return.
°°°°°
On the other side, in the meeting hall.
''We, the first family, have decided to accept Miss Maria's?proposal."
A crisp, melodious voice echoed in the meeting room. Everyone couldn't help but turn around and stare in bafflement as soon as they heard the first family's matriarch's decision. Many among them were doubtful as to why the first family's matriarch made her decision so quickly. Felerai was the only one whose heart sank slightly. It was apparent that the first family's matriarch was the same as her. They realized the rich, hidden benefits and opportunities, which was why she made this decision.
'I wonder what the other matriarchs think about it.'
At this thought, Felerai shot a look at the other matriarchs. At that moment, they were stumped as though they didn't expect the first family to give up their authority and position. Of course, no one was sure how many of the matriarchs were putting on an act to disguise their surprise, that was.
While the matriarchs exchanged looks, a voice shattered the silence.
"I'm glad all of you made a smart choice."
"Who's there?!"
Upon hearing the voice, the matriarchs turned toward it, gripping the swords and snake whips hanging on their waists instantly. The thick shadow before their eyes warped. At the next moment, a woman donned in beautiful medieval clothes sauntered out of the shadows.
Her fancy dress flowed from top to bottom and has a sweetheart neckline, which lightly revealed the rather simple dress worn below it. The smooth, corset-like tied fabric of her dress covers her stomach where the continuous flow is broken up by a long ribbon worn high around her waist.
Below the ribbon, the dress opens up to the right and reveals the dress below. The front of the top dress reaches the ground generously, and the back continues to flow a small length behind her and ends in a narrow rectangle.
Her sleeves are slightly shorter than her arms and have a comfortable fit, their flow is broken up well below the elbow where they're divided by long, stylish bands, these are the same fabric and color used to outline the neckline of the dress.
Upon witnessing his emergence, the matriarchs tensed up. There was only one person who was powerful enough to slip into the secret meeting room guarded by dozens of secret spells.
"Y-Your excellence Miss Maria."
The matriarchs stuttered. They didn't know how Maria learned about this place and managed to enter. But this wasn't the most important right now. Judging from her decision to arrive here, it was apparent that she wasn't interested in waiting for their final decision. To the dark elves, apart from making a decision immediately, they didn't have any other choice.
"Seems like you've made up your mind?"
She unveiled a strange smile, sweeping a glance at the matriarchs. Upon sensing her gaze, the proud matriarchs couldn't help but lower their heads. It wasn't that they were trying to express their loyalty, but the moment Maria turned around, her overwhelming aura enveloped the entire meeting room. If it weren't for the matriarchs' years of experience, perhaps they would have already plopped to the ground.
"Your excellence, we…"
One of the matriarchs puckered her brows and tried to speak under the suppression of Maria's full strength. But Maria merely swept a glance at her and she shut her mouth instantly.
Shortly after, another matriarch knelt on the ground, lowering her head respectfully. They already knew that since Maria came knocking on their doors, any resistance against her was futile.
If they didn't want to die like that bunch of idiots, the best choice for them was to surrender.
"We're willing to accept your conditions and become your most loyal followers, Your excellence Miss Maria, a woman of the most powerful man on the continent.''
''Great, you seemed to have done your research well. I'm pleased with your choice."
Upon hearing the matriarchs' answer, Maria gave a short reply. She was not surprised that they managed to find out her identity, not that she bothered to hide it, to begin with. She deliberately didn't hide it. All of this was used to put pressure, no means to easily convince the other party not to mess with Alex's women, and above everything else she was certain if this city had a connection with the Chaos Organization, the latter wouldn't stop them from accepting Maria's proposal as they could use it against them. This decision of hers could be considered a double-edged sword but Maria wasn't worried because she would put them to good use.
Maria narrowed his eyes, scanned the surroundings, and nodded.
"Seems like you've agreed to submit to me. In that case, I shall not mistreat you. I shall bestow upon your my blessings.''
She spoke and extended her arm. Along with her words, a dark gold parchment appeared.
The dark gold parchment was ripped apart and turned into a strange mark, this mark gradually took the shape of a black rose midair. Upon witnessing the mark, the matriarchs couldn't help but lift their heads. It went without saying that they sensed the pure, powerful energy brimming from it, or was a suffocating energy, who could they not understand what this marking entails? They shivered at the sudden realization.
At the same time, Maria's deep voice rang in their ears.
"You better not resist my gift or else I don't know what might happen.''
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