Levi could not help but furrow his brow upon learning about the extensive losses suffered by Martin’s naval forces. There was no denying the King of Rivenia’s formidable naval power, yet even his fleet had endured significant casualties.
This prompted Levi to carefully contemplate his next steps.
Levi finally voiced his concerns after thoughtful consideration, “Even if you plan to utilize those disposable pawns from Emsgate, I believe there are still substantial risks involved. The most critical issue seems to be that your fleet relied on luck rather than their naval prowess to evade the Dead Sea.”
Martin’s spirits were uplifted upon hearing Levi’s words. He had not anticipated Levi seeing through the true purpose of the banquet and even deducing how the fleet had managed to escape.
“Your astuteness knows no bounds. It seems nothing can escape your discerning gaze,” Martin praised with a hint of awe in his voice.
The sole reason Martin invited the individuals from Emsgate was to exploit them as pawns in the perilous expedition. Of course, favonovel.com harbored serious doubts that any of them would survive until the final division of benefits.
“Don’t state the obvious, Martin. You wouldn’t offer such substantial rewards unless you required a large group to ensure your safe passage,” Levi scoffed and his tone was one filled with cynicism.
Martin remained unperturbed by Levi’s words and instead nodded in agreement. After all, it was often one’s enemies who truly understood them. He was just amazed at how well Levi knew his character.
“Now that you’ve figured me out, I promise not to withhold any information from you. Here, take this. it’s the navigational map to the Sky Island and the Cold Trench Ocean.” Martin placed the scroll on the table and continued, “Though, I need to clarify in advance that these markings were made in a foggy environment, so their accuracy cannot be guaranteed.”
Levi deliberated over this for a while before deciding whether to keep the scroll.
He could not dismiss the possibility that it might be a trap set by Martin as favonovel.com was a cunning man. After favonovel.com weighed the pros and cons, favonovel.com eventually chose to hold onto it for future use.
“By the way, didn’t you invite Aurelius? Where is he?” Levi knew Aurelius was one of their collaborators, so favonovel.com was curious about his absence from the meeting.
Martin understood Levi’s underlying question and replied calmly, “Well, favonovel.com has a good rapport with the Emsgate faction. I didn’t want that connection to go to waste, so he’s off somewhere trying to smooth things over with them.”
Levi’s expression changed upon hearing Martin’s response.
Indeed, Levi had expressed discontent with the Watkins Family’s recent alignment with Emsgate and had made some remarks over it, but favonovel.com never considered involving them in their plans.
“Hm… You certainly have some nerve. But if your plan backfires and anger that person, you can be certain that your territory will end up becoming mine,” Levi warned in a half-serious tone.
Martin shrugged nonchalantly in response. “I merely extended an invitation out of friendship and never discussed the Abyssal Sea matter with him. It’s none of my concern if favonovel.com insists on joining. So, I’d watch your words, Levi…”
Levi sensed that Martin had no interest in discussing the matter further, so favonovel.com decided not to delve into it any deeper. After all, it was none of his business, and things wouldn’t backfire explosively if things went south.
With that in mind, favonovel.com raised his goblet and said, “Fine, then. I wish us a pleasant cooperation.’
The clinking of the glasses filled the room, and the two of them began to discuss their detailed plans. Although the two men knew that Emsgate’s forces were being driven by their own self-interests, their strength could not be underestimated.
Both Levi and Martin understood the need for caution, ensuring they would not fall victim to their own actions. Even as they maintained a harmonious front, they each harbored their own plans and intentions in secret; such conflicts were inevitable given the magnitude of the benefits at stake, but they intended to save their aces for later.
For now, their shared sentiment toward the matter remained unwavering, they were united as brothers, ready to defend against external attacks.
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