An Extra’s POV

"Greetings, esteemed Otherworlders!"

Conrad stood to his feet and moved towards the edge of the barricaded platform, all so he could get as close to the four who stood before him.

He had a bright smile on his face, and as his blonde hair swayed, his neatly trimmed beard seemed to twitch slightly. His eyes reflected joy—no, relief—at the presence of the Otherworlders, especially the one who was the center of attention.

"We welcome you to our summit." He continued, ensuring his tone was both audacious and respectful.

Going as far as bowing his head before them, he concluded his opening greeting. "Thank you for coming."

Vida was also standing in front of her seat, and she followed his cue and bowed the moment he did so. Once the other nobles saw this, they knew they had to follow suit.

'Arrogant fools. They have no idea who they're dealing with…' Conrad sighed, nearly shaking his head as he spotted many among the nobles who displayed reluctance when lowering their heads.

'Still, incompetent ones like them have their uses.'

Sadly, the Alliance still had much use for the contributions of nobles, hence the reason why the entire system hadn't yet been abolished. It was a way to incentivize rich and powerful people to contribute to the Alliance's cause.

That way, even merchants could become nobles if they paid the appropriate price.

'We expended a lot of resources on the rebuilding and compensation efforts, so their influence is needed now more than ever.' Conrad took in a deep breath, letting his thoughts sink in.

Thanks to their growing importance, they even had the gall to refuse coming to the Capital despite the Council inviting them. They gave several excuses, but Conrad knew the primary reason was due to their safety.

'The Capital has been attacked by Dragons twice now. They didn't want to take the risk, so they were going to remain in the South.'

Normally, Conrad would have threatened to strip them of their Noble Status for refusing a direct invitation, acting treasonously against the Alliance, but the current circumstances couldn't allow such a brash action.

'For one, their fears aren't particularly unfounded. The safety of the Capital is indeed questionable. Plus, with their resources being relevant to us now more than ever, it's not really a decision I'm willing to make so hastily.'

The invitation was merely to commemorate the nearly complete reconstruction of the Capital, after all. It was a monumental occasion, after all, considering how quickly they were able to move.

important enough for them to risk their

least ninety percent of them were present, and the remaining ten percent had sent messages prior to

Recovery Gala would have full attendance of all the influential figures

why they had a sudden change of heart, but this is good.' Conrad

be meeting the nobles, and the same also applied vice versa. There were a lot of things that could happen as a result

best of results.' Conrad thought to himself, waiting for a response from the parties he

Conrad." Rey suddenly said with an audacious voice. "I

'H-huh? Rey, you…!'

from the most

Vida and I were too swamped dealing with all of these nobles and time passed before we both

long now, and the only reason he looked so fresh was due to Magic. He had to look his best in such a

could do, after all they were very useless when it came to actually protecting the Capital—or

no better than the nobles who hide away in the South. While Calamity befell the Capital, we were tucked away into the secret

regarding the United Human Alliance, they had to

groveling before their saviors, he would

his heart to be angry at Rey for hiding his power, considering how much help he had rendered to

of his as well… attitude aside,

so much progress in barely three months. His power and insight were otherworldly, to say the

humans and simply saving their own skin, they all decided to

where he went, but I believe he is also doing

their group, their resolve was much stronger

than deserving

when Rey suddenly acted so familiar with him despite

said, Conrad was not oblivious to his intentions. As such, he decided

you for your services, do I not?" He responded, trying his hardest to sound

between the two of us. It seems you're doing well, though. You too, Vida.

chuckled, staring at each other while exchanging meaningful

both understood what Rey was