107 Inevitable

"Compensation?" Sect Leader Haste muttered.

"Of course, you can't be thinking that we called you here just to have a little chat, can you? I mean, even though I know for sure that you guys weren't involved in the attack, is it not your duty to take responsibility for your subordinates' actions?"

"Mhhm, I agree, as a sect leader, you have to take responsibility for your subordinates' actions. I mean, when this news gets public, it would be better for your own image if people learn that you deeply condemn and are disappointed by your subordinates' actions and are also open-minded and polite enough to pay some compensation in order to maintain the peace of the city." Sect Leader Fianna nodded her head repeatedly.

"You…" Sect Leader Maxim swallowed his own words as he realized that though she had selfish reasons to say that out loud, she wasn't really wrong.

A good image is the only thing that keeps their sect growing. If the Inferno Sect attacks back, and chaos spread all around the city, they can't have rumors flying around that it was their sect that started this all. Not only would they lose their self-respect, but they would also be targeted by the kingdom.

"How much do you want?" perhaps having the same line of thoughts, Sect leader Haste questioned begrudgingly.

"2 Percent of your total treasury" Maeve replied with a bright smile as she lifted her index and middle finger.

"2 Percent!?" Sect Leader Denim shouted in shock and fury. Even Sect Leader Fianna had a surprised expression. She had never thought that Maeve would be so greedy.

'Perhaps I misjudged her intellect…' Sect Leader Fianna thought inwardly. She knew there was no way that these geezers would part with 2% of their wealth.

But of course, Maeve wasn't finished.

"2% is for Heavenly Phoenix and Holy Dragon Sect, Mr. Denim.

But since Payn, your subordinate was the mastermind behind the attack, it's 20% for your Vicious Snake Sect"

Hearing this outrageous number, the people reacted in different manners. Shock, anger, realization, interest, and a bright smile… all kinds of different expressions could be seen around the table.

"Outrageous! Aren't you too bold to offer these terms!? Do you really think we are scared of your husband!?" Sect Leader Denim shouted in fury.

'She… she is terrifyingly cunning…'

Sect Leader Fianna, on the other hand, had different thoughts and immediately confirmed that this beautiful lady in front of her is by no means simple…

"I agree to the terms"

"I agree as well"

And to confirm her conclusion, the two sect leaders readily agreed to Maeve's conditions.

"What…?"

Sect Leader Denim stared at the other two sect leaders with a shaken look but the two had just closed their eyes, ignoring everything around them.

"You…"

Though the shock and anger hindered Denim to understand their reasoning, it couldn't cloud his cunning brain for long and soon, he realized why the two agreed to it so readily.

Well, sure, 2% is a big amount, but if they could use this amount to turn 4 strongest Sects into 3 strongest sects. They would even pay double the amount asked.

This situation was a big win for them, 20% of Vicious Poison Sect's treasury; this would cripple the growth of Vicious Poison Sect for generations. Paying so little to deal with one of the four strongest sects, it was a no-brainer, really.

Sect Leader Denim would have done the same if he was in their place but understanding and accepting were two different things, it was clear that the people here were trying to hoard all his money; how could he accept that!?

"That's ridiculous!? Why would I pay such a huge amount for something I haven't even done!? Hmph! You are too bold!

What? Do you really think I am scared of your husband!? Bring it on! I'll show him who the boss is!"

In anger, Sect Leader Denim tried to attack Maeve but was surprised to see Sect Master Haste and Sect Master Maxim blocking his attack.

"What are you two doing!?" Sect Leader Denim shouted in rage.

"What are YOU doing? Do you really want to pull our city into the realm of chaos? So what if the compensation asked was a little too much? Doesn't the Peace of the city deserve this little amount of sacrifice?" Sect Leader Maxim replied.

"Yes, and do not forget, it was your sect's elder Payn who started all this, not only that, he also had the guts to pull our sect elders into it. Mrs. Maeve is already giving you a lot of face by just asking for compensation." Sect Leader Haste nodded.

Sect Leader Denim would have spurted out blood if he wasn't an old monster leading his sect for years.

Elder Payn pulled their elders into this!? Elder Payn!?

How was this even possible? Elder Payn doesn't even have that much influence. Obviously, it was they three who planned this all out and just happened to learn about Elder Payn's grudge with Ace, so they turned him into a pawn. Now these two had the galls to put all the blame on him!?

Fucking Traitors!

"Mhm, they are right, and if you still try to act smart or cause any more trouble, Elder Ace isn't the only one you would have to face." The one who seemingly profited most from this situation, Sect Leader Fianna stated boldly, gaining a nod from the other two.

"You… You…" Sect Leader Denim muttered in disbelief.

Just like that, the targets changed and the 'weaker' side gained support and became the stronger one.

And the one who caused all of this, quietly sipped on her tea with elegance, as if the whole scene doesn't have anything to do with her.

"So, are you willing to pay the compensation, or are you going to resist?" Sect Leader Haste questioned with narrowed eyes. His meaning was clear,

Pay, or Perish.

Sect Leader Denim gritted his teeth so hard that the sound could be heard by everyone in the room, his eyes were red in anger as he looked at Haste and Maxim, his fists were trembling in fury, he just wanted to attack all these people present here and kill them all, but in the end, he weighed the pros and cons and agreed.

"I'll pay."

"Good, I always knew you were a smart and sensible man" Sect leader Haste nodded.

"Now let's discuss by when should we pay the compensation" Sect Leader Maxim muttered, gaining a nod from others.

The discussion continued, some participated readily, some with a sour face, some were just ignored, but the main element, the one who planned and played everything till now, the dark puppeteer, stayed silent and just sipped on her tea casually. She didn't even spare a glance to enjoy the result of her plot, as if everything going according to her plan was…

Inevitable.