After Anthony stated his demands, he was very assertive.

Although he didn't explicitly say it during the conversation.

But his words consistently indicated that he wanted to obtain the information from Frank first, and only then would he assist with the upcoming academic investigation.

The initiative was never in Frank's hands.

Facing a person about to 'seek death', he didn't have much to persuade him with.

After much thought, Frank finally relented first:

"Alright, I do have some information here, but I can't guarantee it will be useful to you."

Anthony replied:

"Just tell it."

Frank organized his thoughts a bit and continued:

"As far as I know, the Gride side has sent a new fleet to crusade against the Caster of the Nine Commandments, and they've already reached the northern sea dwellers' territory these days."

In the eyes of the people from the southern continent, Gride is undoubtedly an insurmountable giant. Presented with such news, Anthony naturally had to pursue further inquiries:

"Did the Nine Commandments react to this?"

Frank confirmed:

"Yes, and the reaction was very intense!"

"Their response to this crusade is vastly different from last time, as if they're facing a life or death crisis."

Anthony deliberated briefly and judged the importance of the information:

"This information is indeed crucial."

"But I am about to take action, and given the circumstances, the information doesn't overtly appear to be helpful."

Confidently, Frank continued:

"Then let me continue."

"The power play between the two major forces is obviously beyond our current ability to influence. But the Nine Commandments itself has been facing issues recently. They discovered another maritime ruin not long ago, and gained significant results. However, due to a previous spatial shift, communication was temporarily interrupted."

Upon hearing this, Anthony's tone became serious:

"You mentioned this, so the situation must have changed?"

Frank nodded:

"Exactly, they re-established contact with the people of that ruin two days ago, and reportedly encountered quite some trouble. On one hand are the crusaders of Gride, and on the other, the ruins that hold tremendous benefits. Confronted with such a choice, what do you think the Nine Commandments people will do?"

"They definitely won't let go of either side." Anthony was certain of the outcome, "They've never changed their approach when dealing with Cliff Fortress, Blue Bay, Poczy and Mico, or the Arsat School and Stream School before."

After Anthony practically stated the outcome, Frank clapped his hands and said:

"Exactly, they are unwilling to let go this time as well!"

"Therefore, the capital's strongest Casters of the Nine Commandments have now split into two groups. One batch remains to defend against Gride's assault, while the other is setting off tomorrow night to provide maritime aid to their comrades in the ruins!"

Anthony didn't hold back his sarcasm and sneered immediately:

"Facing a great enemy and still dare to disperse their forces?"

"Such arrogant acts can only be pulled off by Nine Commandments people."

In contrast, Frank didn't immediately respond.

The elderly Caster, who was also on the opposite side of the Nine Commandments, remained silent for a while before he spoke again in a suppressed tone:

"Anthony, attacking their stronghold is a death sentence."

"But if you really want to act, this… might just be your best chance."

Anthony realized that his old friend was lamenting for him.

He chuckled softly, and replied:

"Frank, I have already made my decision."

"Moreover, I'm very glad to have your assistance here at last."

"..."

Regarding the Nine Commandments information, the two Casters only spoke that much.

However, they didn't immediately leave the hall and continued discussing other matters, such as how to deal with the difficulties of academic investigation later.

Seeing no more need to pay attention here, Ronald refocused on his breakfast.

How should I say…

The manor was quite attentive in hosting them, and almost half of the dishes required advanced techniques to prepare. But in contrast, the selection of ingredients appeared rather frugal.

The carefully cooked food only used ingredients commonly found on ordinary people's tables, which contradicted the true high-level mysterious lifestyle.

It seems that, while still maintaining a seemingly good life on the outside.

Under the Nine Commandments' suppression, Frank's actual living standards had been forced into compromises.

Not long after, Ronald and the others finished their breakfast.

Originally, their hosts intended to extend an invitation for them to continue touring the manor. However, before they left the dining room, Anthony and Frank, having completed their communication, happened to walk in from outside.

"You've finished eating," Frank inquired.

The leading Caster immediately stepped forward and responded respectfully:

"Yes, we just finished breakfast."

Frank then turned his gaze towards Anthony:

"The young ones have finished eating."

"Should we old fellows also have breakfast together?"

Anthony shook his head at the invitation and made another request:

"I'm not hungry right now."

"Frank, prepare a room for me. I need to discuss matters with my apprentice and also prepare for the contents to deal with those who come for 'friendly visits'."

Seeing this, Frank signaled a maid over with a wave:

"Take the three of them to the study on the second floor, prepare some bread, nuts, and honey water."

After giving his instructions, he turned back to Anthony:

"Old friend, you should still eat something."

"Had it been in our youth, I definitely wouldn't have been this hospitable to you. But today is different; since you still have to debate with me, how can you do it without some food?"

This time, Anthony didn't refuse and nodded in gratitude.

Subsequently, Frank stayed in the dining room for his meal, while Ronald and the others were led by the maid to the study.

Clap—

Once everything was settled, the maid left the room according to instructions and closed the door.

After hearing the gradually receding footsteps, Anthony finally spoke to Ronald:

"I got some decent information from Frank, about the Nine Commandments a few days ago…"

Ronald interrupted directly:

"They split into two groups a few days ago, so now the capital's power is somewhat hollow, making it suitable for us to launch a raid."

Anthony's expression froze but quickly realized Ronald had sensed the conversation between him and Frank!

"Did you hear everything we said earlier?"

Ronald calmly confirmed Anthony's thoughts:

"I have good hearing; I heard everything about the Nine Commandments in the first half."