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.

not important enough for them to risk their lives

to come, here they were—at least ninety percent of them were present, and the remaining ten percent had sent messages prior

Gala would have full attendance of all the influential

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

vice versa. There were a lot of things that could happen as a result of this

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

the formality, Conrad." Rey suddenly said with an

'H-huh? Rey, you…!'

from the most important

gone to see him yesterday, but Vida and I were too swamped dealing with all of these nobles and time passed before we

for so long now, and the only reason he looked so fresh was due to Magic. He had to look

were very

away in the South. While Calamity befell the Capital, we were

use was the administrative affairs and decisions regarding the United Human Alliance, they had to perform their duties to the

groveling before their saviors, he

his power, considering how much help he had rendered to the Alliance

of his as well… attitude aside, he's beyond

much progress in barely three months.

their own skin, they all decided to double down

idea what got into the Hero, or where he went, but I believe he is also doing what he can

group, their resolve was much stronger than

than deserving of all

when Rey suddenly acted so familiar with him despite having no reason

not oblivious to his intentions.

need to thank you for your services, do I not?" He responded, trying his

the two of us. It seems you're doing well, though. You too, Vida. You both look great despite the amount of stress you

Vida chuckled, staring at each other while exchanging meaningful

understood what Rey was trying