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After all, time had passed. Even the uninformed should have received news that the storm on the Shattered Sea had stopped. This was the first time since Terra’s conquest 800 years ago that the entire Ava State was defenselessly exposed to the empire’s fleet.

The overlord of Isu City, Ward Windsong, called for the Mooncycle Conference almost the day he confirmed the news, hoping to summon the seven city lords to Phoenix Hall and reach a new holy resolution under the witness of the Holy Fire.

However, he seemed to be the most relaxed person in the venue.

“Thankfully, you’re back. I thought you would remain melancholic at Storm Bay for a few more days.”

!!

Ward Windsong spoke after Remides took her seat. He used a frivolous tone to hide his dissatisfaction.

The city lords of the seven city-states had the authority to initiate the Mooncycle Conference to propose holy bills every year. This authority could be said to be a symbol of a city lord’s status. As for Remides, she used her authority as governor to postpone the Mooncycle Conference for a day. Although this was completely compliant according to the rules, it ultimately failed to respect tradition.

This was especially so for the initiator of the meeting; it made him feel put down.

Remides ignored him and cast her gaze at the person who didn’t belong to this meeting.

A person wearing a gray linen robe sat quietly in a corner of the hall. His face was hidden under the shadows, and there was an inverted triangular austenite pendant hanging from his chest over his robe. In the middle of the pendant was a sun pattern.

Few people on the Vic Continent that adhered to the Astral Laws knew about this symbol. Not many people in Ava State even knew about it despite them having inherited the classic magic system.

Tacma Church was the source of magic; it was founded by the original research scholar who had tried to understand witchcraft since the Bronze Age, the founder of the magic system, and it was the oldest magic sect.

Although strictly speaking, the Mooncycle Conference was the highest-level meeting in Ava State that was restricted to the city lords of the seven city-states, the consultant sent by the Tacma Church was an exception.

From the era of the first King of Mist to the current era of the joint ruling of the seven cities, the Tacma Church kept a certain level of cooperation with every ruler of Ava State. Although the Tacma Church wouldn’t interfere in specific matters, the suggestions they sent as consultants were advice that every Ava State ruler needed to seriously consider.

Tacma seemed to sense Remides’s gaze and nodded slightly in greeting. Remides nodded in return before looking around at the six city lords. Finally, her gaze landed on Ward Windsong and she said in a calm voice, “Then, under the witness of the Holy Fire, let’s begin this Mooncycle Conference.”

Under Remides’s empty gaze, Ward—as the initiator of the Mooncycle Conference—felt unprecedented pressure.

However, after calming down, he said in his usual tone, “Although I’m the initiator of this Mooncycle Conference, I believe everyone present knows what the theme of today’s meeting is. The storm, which has lasted for more than 800 years, finally stopped two days ago. This also means that a new era has arrived.”

The man in dark-gold scales sitting beside him interrupted, “Please hold on. Finally? A new era? Mr. Windsong, why do I sense a longing for this to happen? Or do you not know that the empire’s army is gathering a fleet at White Goose Port and Greenwater Port?”

Earlier this year, the Riel Empire had sent envoys to Ava State, claiming that the Eighth Holy Spirit had manifested its divinity. He would soon calm the storm in the Shattered Sea and make the entire Ava State submit to the empire.

Back then, they believed that this was just a routine threat from every emperor shortly after they took office. The elves had a long lifespan, and many of the people present had experienced this situation a few times. They also understood that the other party was just a fruitless threat.

However, it was different this time. After the young empress named Erin Riel sent an ultimatum through the envoy, she seriously began training her troops and redirecting ships to carry out preparations.

From the looks of it, the other party had long expected the storm to end.

Of course, whether this had to do with the manifestation of the Eighth Holy Spirit was another matter for Ava State, who didn’t believe in the Holy Spirits Church.

However, at the very least, the other party had indeed found a way to make the Shattered Sea storm disappear, or she had predicted the time it would disappear.

“However, this will also be an opportunity. The disappearance of the storm means that the once ancient sea route can be plied again, and our large-scale trade with the Vic Continent can begin again. When that happens, the weapons forged by the craftsmen of Clockwork City and the crops in Pine City can be sold far away on the Vic Continent,” Ward Windsong said excitedly.

Every city in Ava State’s seven city-states symbolized a job. For example, Isu City was the City of Farsailers. In the past, Isu City was in charge of all foreign trade and fisheries in Ava State. In the era before the Vic Continent was unified, they relied on the wealth accumulated through foreign trade to become the strongest and richest city-state in Ava State.

However, after the storm sealed off the Shattered Sea, Isu City could only rely on fisheries to barely survive. Its status plummeted until 20 years ago, when Ward Windsong took over as the city lord of Isu City and began to strongly support the Chamber of Commerce’s organizational development, gradually reviving the city-state.

“Trade? Do you not understand what I just said? Then let me repeat myself. The Riel Empire’s fleet is gathering on the other side. The other party is here to invade us, not to trade with you,” the golden-armored man said angrily.

“But all of this can be resolved without bloodshed, right?”

As Ward spoke, he cast his gaze at the Shadow Queen, Remides, and continued, “The empire envoy who came at the beginning of this year said that we can accept the empress’s conditions until the first Riel Empire soldier steps foot on Ava State, right? To be honest, I don’t think those conditions are bad.”

Back then, the empire’s envoy promised that as long as Ava State was willing to bend its knee and acknowledge the empire’s rule, they would be viewed as part of the empire’s sphere of influence as an autonomous province. Other than needing to pay taxes, the elves of Ava State would be able to completely retain their cultural traditions, faith, and political system. They were even allowed to retain their army.

“It’s only the building of a tower and permitting the preaching of those human deities. There won’t be any other changes. Oh, right, there’s also the signing of a contract to buy large amounts of food. This is indeed a little troublesome, but the other party also said that this aspect is negotiable.”

Upon hearing Ward’s words, a female elf dressed as a clergywoman spoke.

“Just a tower? That’s a vile tower that guides Moon Realm demons into Currere. Is this as trivial as you put it?”

The golden-armored man nodded and continued, “Do you still remember the oath our ancestors swore before the Phoenix Holy Fire? To sever all powers related to the Moon Realm and enter Ava State. This was the only thing we couldn’t compromise on.”

The two of them seemed to have diverted the topic. The city lords of Clockwork City and Pine City—who had been slightly tempted—suppressed their emotions and joined in the opposition.

Ward sneered and looked at Remides.

“I don’t object to you saying that you want to cut off the use of Moon Realm powers, but I’m very curious. Could the storm that has wreaked havoc on the Shattered Sea for more than 800 years be a power stemming from Currere?”