Russian alliance, foreign enemies coming

The room fell silent again. Everyone knew that this old man, with his immense power as a Tier-3, wielded significant influence. His opinion could not be dismissed lightly.

But in the midst of that silence, a soft yet firm voice suddenly spoke from the other side of the table. The man in the black robe, who had been quiet all along, began to speak.

"I agree with Lein's proposal," he said calmly yet with conviction. His sharp eyes gazed around the room, particularly at William Alexander. "I believe it would be wiser to accept these terms now."

His statement shocked nearly everyone in the room, including William Alexander. The man in the black robe was usually reserved, only speaking when absolutely necessary, but now he was openly supporting Lein. William Alexander was curious about his reasoning.

"Why do you think so?" William Alexander asked, breaking the silence that followed the black-robed man's statement.