Lord of the Sky City

When Lexington made it clear that as long as the family agreed, he would have his fleet level Thunderhawk City, all the other Elders immediately looked toward Atted.

Everyone knew about the rivalry between the two men and understood that Atted had been forced to award Thunderhawk City to Baron Wolin. Now that Baron Wolin had failed, they were certain Atted would not make it easy for Lexington.

As expected, Atted fell silent afterwards, taking a while before he finally spoke:

"I remember that half a year ago, Rocky was already expelled from the family. So to call him a family traitor now, I think, is somewhat inappropriate…"

While speaking, Atted slowly turned his gaze toward Lexington.

"Lexington, let the family consider this matter," he said.

"There's nothing to consider!"

Lexington immediately retorted, "Since Rocky is no longer a member of the family, it's perfect. I don't need the family's consent to act. I am expanding the family's territory; nobody has objections to that, right?"

Lexington was of course aware of what Atted was planning—he wanted to delay. Thus, he countered accordingly. Since Rocky was no longer part of the family, he could use the pretext of expansion to dispatch his troops without needing the family's approval, considering he was using his own forces.

The discussion initially centered around Rocky had now evidently turned into an internal confrontation within the Mairente Family, serving as a catalyst for the power struggle between Lexington and Atted.

No sooner had Lexington finished speaking, Atted smiled and said, "You're right, but since it's for the family, we can't let you fight alone. After all, Rocky is far stronger than we anticipated. We can't afford more losses. I think we should dispatch troops in the name of the family. What does everyone think?"

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

"Approved."

Right after Atted proposed, more than half of the Elders present expressed their agreement, effectively approving the proposal.

Lexington was naturally left fuming with rage.

He had to be angry because, despite Atted's persuasive speech agreeing to target Thunderhawk City for expansion, and even suggesting mobilizing in the family's name, one must not forget that if Lexington acted independently, he could dispatch his fleet immediately after the meeting.

But if it were a family decision to dispatch troops, the matter would become complicated. Who knows when Atted and his people would get the troops ready? A day? A month? Or even a year? No one knew.

So despite seeming supportive, Atted was effectively stalling Lexington.

And although Lexington was well aware of this, he had no other choice. His faction might have been powerful within the family, but Atted's position as Clan Leader proved he had the majority's support. Therefore, when Atted made such a decision in his capacity as Clan Leader, Lexington, despite his dissatisfaction, could only comply.

In such a circumstance, Lexington left the meeting in a huff before it even concluded, but that did not mean he had given up.

Just as Baron Wolin managed to find Matu to lend a hand, if Lexington were to ask, many City Lords outside the family would readily assist him. Thus, he planned to seek the aid of other City Lords to deal with Rocky!

As he departed, the family meeting also came to an end. Atted, the Clan Leader, returned to his study, seeking some peace. But just as he had settled down, someone came looking for him.

"Father."

Standing at the threshold of the study, Cyril knocked on the door before entering the room.

Looking at his daughter, Atted drew a deep breath and then closed the book he had just opened: "Are you here to see me about the Rocky matter?"

"Yes."

"Since when did such a large family start revolving around a castaway?"

"Since the castaway had the power to disrupt the chess game," Cyril stated with a hint of pride, standing before her father.

"Lexington's retaliation has been held off by me," Atted glanced helplessly at Cyril, then relayed the decision of the meeting, "However, Rocky is still not safe, and Lexington will surely seek other City Lords to harass him, so you must prepare him for it."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Atted, as a father, was well aware of the connection between Cyril and Rocky, but in his eyes, Rocky was far too insignificant to warrant his attention; to his surprise, that had now proved to be of use.

However, after he finished speaking, Cyril did not pick up on his point; instead, she brought up another matter:

"Father, I think the family should reconsider the decision made half a year ago."

"Half a year ago? You mean... bringing Rocky back into the family?"

"Exactly, in six months, a single person defeated Baron Wolin in The Abandoned City, proving he has the strength to occupy a place within the family."

Actually, when Cyril learned that Rocky had defeated Baron Wolin, she was as incredulous as anyone else and hence thoroughly investigated the details of the great battle. The more she learned about the battle, the more astounded she became.

A flagship at the helm of a fleet?

Two sets of Void Magic Armor?

And a city of two thousand people, no, now three thousand?

All of this made Cyril think that there must be a mistake in the information she had received. Was this really talking about Rocky? Yet, faced with a string of investigative results, Cyril had to admit that she had underestimated Rocky previously.

Before this, her reason for helping Rocky was largely due to guilt, but now it was different. Rocky had now used his own strength to make Cyril take him seriously.

That's why Cyril put forward the suggestion to Atted for Rocky to return to the family; it had nothing to do with personal feelings, but rather, she thought that bringing Rocky back into the family would be a win-win for both him and the family.

"Impossible."

As soon as she finished speaking, before she could even elaborate on her reasons, Atted shook his head and refused outright.

"Father, why? Is it because of Lexington?"

Cyril was very puzzled by Atted's easy refusal.

"Not because of Lexington..." Atted shook his head at his daughter and slowly said, "It's because of Kelly."

Upon hearing her father's words, Cyril, who was somewhat confused and even resentful, immediately fell silent.

The Mairente Family currently consisted of three factions: one led by Atted, another by Lexington, and the third by Kelly. Among these factions, those of Atted and Lexington were evenly matched in strength, always contending for the position of Clan Leader. In contrast, Kelly's faction, while weaker, played the most crucial role.

Since Atted's and Lexington's factions were nearly equal in every aspect, whoever gained the support of Kelly's faction could rise to prominence. For example, the reason Atted could now sit in the position of Clan Leader was due to securing support from Kelly's faction, and their reason for backing him was related to Rocky.

"Cyril, you should know that Rocky's medium-sized Sky City is already in Kelly's hands. If we call him back to the family, what would he think? What would Kelly think? We can't afford to lose Kelly's support right now, so let's not speak of this matter again in the future."

"But, but Father, if we don't support Rocky, there's no way he can escape Lexington's retribution!"

"That may not necessarily be the case..."

Looking at his daughter, who was obviously anxious, Atted rarely showed a smile: "Cyril, don't you think that Lexington is being a bit too agitated this time?"

"Agitated?"

"Yes, his reaction is too excessive, it's not normal," replied Atted.

In the midst of conversation, Atted slowly stood up, then moved to stand in front of the window, gazing through it at the blue sky. He watched for a long time.

Atted knew his old rival too well, so even the slightest abnormal behavior from the opponent would not escape his notice—and this occasion was no exception.

So, after looking at the sky for a while, Atted turned his head to look at Cyril, "I suspect... Lexington might know something we don't, related either to Rocky or to Thunderhawk City. That's why he's so agitated."