The Grand Elder whispered solemnly, "Alavin has a strong bond with Cedrick of the Iron family. It might be Cedrick who called upon the Iron family's folk."
Lord Falconcrest's face was a mask of icy sternness as he spoke even colder, "Alavin has quite the gall to summon the Iron family's kin. I suspect you had a hand in it. Cedrick is a direct heir of the Iron family, sent by the clan's patriarch himself to be fostered by Cobalt Strike. Now, you dare to rebel and nearly slew the Cobalt Strike Commander. The Iron family values loyalty and honor; they won't let you off easily."
The Grand Elder's face shifted from pale to flushed, but he could find no words to counter, nor did he dare to challenge Lord Falconcrest. He could feel the Lord Falconcrest's prejudice against him. He clamped his mouth shut and retreated to the back, his expression dark and dreadful. He, the Grand Elder of Cobalt Strike, was reduced to a state where he could be humiliated by others. It felt as though a dagger was being twisted in his heart. These last few days, each time a Lord visited or a Commander came by, that bastard, Jarad, would mock him mercilessly, parading him before others for their scorn. He couldn't withstand such humiliation.
Lord Mountguard spoke gravely, "We can't keep waiting like this; we must devise a plan."
The Stellar Precepts Commander pondered silently. With the Iron family joining the fray, Stormcast’s strength had increased by at least a third. Jarad, Banneth, and the Iron family patriarch were all wild madmen of Stage VII and Stage VIII in prowess. His gaze shifted subtly, glancing toward the Five Lords. Should he join forces with them? No, he must not! But how, then, could he breach the walls and secure the Kings' Acceptance?
Inside the ancient city, Balder and Mariela greeted Cedrick personally, while the Mallister family folks were too moved to speak. With the Iron family's involvement, they had enough might to deter the Eight Orders and the Five Lords. They were saved at last!
"Where is Alavin? What has befallen?" Cedrick's brows furrowed with concern. When he had left, it was to attend the Iron family's clan gathering. Upon their departure, Cedrick had initially invited a dozen kinsmen to visit Stormcast, hoping they would have a sit-down and stay awhile, to show the close ties between the Iron family and the Mallister family. But the patriarch had never anticipated such an unexpected turn, and in the end, he had rallied a hundred kinsmen to follow him.
They came out of curiosity for the Kings' Acceptance, to witness the rare confluence of events, and to lend aid to Cobalt Strike.
"Alavin is not in the city, but he will return shortly. We assure you." Celesse bowed in respect to the Iron family members, explaining the situation with Alavin. She was well aware of the Iron family's power and influence and was keen on retaining their support as best as possible.
One day... Two days...
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