Chapter 342: Gordon Responsibility as Head of Officers

After the meeting ended, Atlan and Yuna both smiled as they took turns shaking Ethan’s hand.

The discussion had wrapped up smoothly. A number of important points had been agreed upon by both guilds.

Ethan had offered them security support to help stabilize their city. However, Atlan firmly declined.

He stated with confidence that they were still fully capable of maintaining order and stability on their own.

What truly interested them was a trade agreement between Mavelard, the capital of the Eastern Plains, and the city governed by Sacred Hall.

Since their purpose in coming here was to establish stable economic relations, Ethan suggested that they speak directly with Ashley.

"Even though I’m the vice guild master, I don’t handle the city’s economy," Ethan explained.

"Anything related to trade and finance is entirely Ashley’s responsibility. She’s also my wife."

Yuna froze for a brief second.

She had not known that Ethan’s wife was Ashley, the Guild Master of LionArk.

She had always known that Ethan was married, but she never expected that she would end up negotiating directly with Ashley.

So I’ll be sitting across from his wife...

Of all people.

"Well then, let Yuna handle it," Atlan said calmly. "I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to economics."

Ethan nodded and turned to look at Yuna. She returned the nod with quiet confidence.

Ever since the beginning, Atlan had been more skilled in military matters, while Yuna had always focused on economic strategy and development.

If Yuna from Sacred Hall and Ashley from LionArk met face to face, there was a real possibility they could build a strong economic partnership that would benefit both cities.

Atlan excused himself. Ethan instructed Sherly to escort Atlan and the Sacred Hall team to their guest residence.

Sherly nodded obediently and carried out the order without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Ethan gestured for Yuna to follow him to the third floor. She agreed without a word.

They walked side by side down the hallway. The air between them was quiet. Neither of them started a conversation.

Ethan had no intention of speaking first. Any visible closeness between them could become a dangerous rumor.

Yuna understood that as well. Everyone knew that they were simply vice guild masters of different guilds.

Nothing more. If she spoke too casually with Ethan, people might start speculating.

It’s better this way. Distance keeps things simple.

Not long after, they arrived at the door to Ashley’s office. Ethan knocked. A soft voice from inside invited them in.

The door opened.

Ashley’s face lit up the moment she saw Ethan. A bright smile spread across her lips. But her expression shifted slightly when she noticed another woman standing beside him.

"Ethan?"

"I came to escort Sacred Hall’s representative," Ethan replied calmly.

"Oh. I met Atlan earlier, but I haven’t met you yet," Ashley said as she stepped away from her desk and approached them.

Yuna smiled and accepted the handshake Ashley offered. The two women were friendly with each other. Both of them had once shared a bed with Ethan.

Despite that complicated history, they appeared warm and comfortable around each other. Ashley’s naturally kind and attentive personality made it easy for Yuna to relax during conversation.

She really is different from what I imagined.

Seeing that there was no tension between them, Ethan turned to Sherly.

"Stay here and accompany Yuna during the meeting."

Sherly nodded.

Once the discussion ended, Ethan instructed Sherly to escort Yuna to the guest house prepared by LionArk.

Ethan then returned to his own office. He opened the door and found Gordon inside.

Not only Gordon, but Hanss was there as well.

Both men had come to discuss sending LionArk’s team to the Central Plains to hunt down Scavengers.

Ethan had already expected their visit.

"You’re here to talk about the Scavenger hunt, right?" Ethan asked as he stepped inside.

"That’s correct," Gordon replied.

"I’ve prepared LionArk’s best team to send to the Central Plains to assist Redemption Sword," Hanss added.

Ethan nodded and walked past them, stopping behind his desk chair. His gaze drifted toward the glass wall of his office, staring out at the city beyond.

"Send the reserve team to the Central Plains," Ethan said. "Not the best team."

Gordon and Hanss exchanged confused glances. Their eyes narrowed slightly before they looked back at Ethan.

"Why?" Gordon asked.

"We need to go to Seacrest."

"Seacrest?" Hanss repeated.

"What is Seacrest?" Gordon asked.

Hanss began explaining about Seacrest and the ruling guild there. Ethan’s intention was clear. He wanted to destroy the Trident Sea.

During the recent event, Trident Sea had openly betrayed LionArk. That alone was enough reason to punish them under the rules of the Eastern Alliance.

If Ethan allowed that betrayal to go unpunished, he feared that rebellion would spread. Without consequences, others might follow their example.

Gordon finally understood.

Hunting Scavengers was important, but enforcing law and order across the Eastern Plains was far more critical.

"I agree," Gordon said firmly. "The Eastern Plains come first."

Ethan nodded. He turned to Hanss.

"Prepare our best team. One thousand LionArk members. We will move against Seacrest in three days."

Hanss and Gordon immediately moved to carry out their orders. But before Gordon left, Ethan asked him to stay for a moment.

Ethan deeply respected Gordon’s analytical ability and strategic mind. Much of LionArk’s past success had been built on Gordon’s intelligence.

He had no intention of wasting that talent.

"There’s something I want to discuss," Ethan said.

"What is it?" Gordon asked.

"My workload keeps piling up. It never seems to end."

Ethan paused before continuing.

"I have a proposal. How would you feel about becoming Commander of the Officers?"

Gordon blinked. "Commander... of the Officers?"

"You would oversee, plan, analyze, and evaluate all officer activities. You would report directly to me," Ethan explained.

"In short, if city security requests increased patrols, you decide. If legal authorities request investigation approval, you authorize it."

Gordon fell silent.

"That’s a heavy responsibility," he finally said quietly. "I’m not sure I’m ready."

"You have to be," Ethan replied. "The public needs to know you. The alliance needs to know you. You are the future chairman of the Eastern Alliance."

"You need relationships with the other guild leaders."

Ethan’s voice softened.

"If you handle these matters, I won’t have to worry anymore."

Gordon lowered his head.

Deep inside, he did not want Ethan to enter the raid tower. If Ethan did, there was a chance they would meet as enemies.

That would not be a good ending for two close friends.

But if Ethan did not go, the people trapped in this world might never escape. They would remain under Ethan’s absolute control forever.

No matter which path he chooses... someone loses.

In the end, he had no choice.

"Alright," Gordon said. "I will accept the responsibility."

Ethan stood and approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder in gratitude.

"For your first task, resolve the issue with Trident Sea’s leadership."

Gordon nodded. He promised to seek a solution that would not require killing them. He would discuss the matter with other guild members and attempt a peaceful resolution.

Ethan thanked him sincerely. Gordon’s presence would greatly assist in stabilizing the region.

With LionArk’s power and influence, achieving peace across the Eastern Plains was entirely possible.

***

Two days later.

Gordon, Hanss, Darcy, and one thousand LionArk members departed from Mavelard toward Seacrest.

Ethan did not accompany them. He remained in the city, monitoring the situation from afar while awaiting reports.

Around noon, Ashley visited Ethan’s office.

She seemed relaxed.

"I thought we could have lunch together," she said.

"Perfect timing," Ethan replied.

He summoned the Epic to Legendary tier weapon chest he had obtained from the event and handed it to her.

Ashley’s eyes widened in surprise.

"What is this?"

"A weapon chest ranging from Epic to Legendary tier. I thought you might need it."

"Like a gacha?" she asked playfully.

"Not exactly," Ethan said. "Open it thirty minutes after midnight. There’s a good chance you’ll get a Legendary weapon."

"Really?"

Ethan nodded.

It was a valuable trick exploiting a gacha bug to secure the best possible reward. Ashley’s excitement was obvious.

If this works...

"Thank you, Ethan."

He took her hand gently.

"Let’s go eat."

They didn’t leave the headquarters. Instead, they bought food from the guild cafeteria. It wasn’t as good as a restaurant, but it was quick and convenient.

They sat across from each other with simple lunch trays.

"I heard LionArk’s team went to Seacrest to deal with Trident Sea," Ashley said.

"That’s right."

"You didn’t go with them?" she asked.

Ethan shook his head.

"Gordon is there. I don’t need to worry."

Ashley studied his expression.

"You trust him that much?"

"I do."

"What are we going to do with them? Those traitors," Ashley asked.

Ethan fell silent for a moment. The decision was entirely in Gordon’s hands now, together with Darcy.

Even so, Ethan knew what kind of person Gordon was. He was a good man. He would never choose to kill as punishment.

Gordon would surely come up with a solution, something even Ethan himself might never have considered.

"We’ll wait for Gordon’s decision. No matter what, we have to trust him."