Grace, Gareyas, and Alistair could be considered the top-tier figures of Atester, serving as three of the four chiefs of the major departments.
The remaining one was the Chief of the Ministry of Justice, but Aililan had not yet found the time to implement the rule of law, leaving that position in a state of limbo.
Aililan asked, “What do they want with me?”
The messenger’s expression stiffened. “That… I do not know.”
‘How could I possibly know the business of three major department chiefs?’ he thought, complaining inwardly. ‘The Saintess is truly making things difficult.’
“Fine, I understand.”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
The carriage Aililan was in immediately turned around, speeding toward the Rinzheng Tribunal.
Perhaps due to the urgency of the situation, the three chiefs had already cleared all obstacles along the way, even assigning guards to open the path.
Atester City was quite large, and it took nearly thirty minutes to reach the destination.
“Saintess, please follow me.”
An administrative official greeted her respectfully while handing over a document. Aililan browsed through it quickly as she walked.
Inside a high-level meeting room, the three chiefs and several extremely important governors had been waiting for a long time.
Aililan set down the document, her expression grave as she asked, “I have skimmed through this. It says there is trouble with the Orcs… They are not attacking us, are they?”
As the Military Chief, Gareyas was the first to stand up, offering a word of reassurance. “While there is some movement among the Northern Orcs, they will not be heading south in the short term.”
Aililan frowned. “Then what is the reason for such urgency?”
Chief of the Ministry of Administration Alistair stood up and said, “Allow me to explain. We have received secret intelligence that the War Pig Tribe and the Jackal Tribe are about to make contact.”
Aililan interrupted, “With us mediating, they should not be able to start a fight, right?”
Alistair sighed.
“That is precisely the problem. The War Pig Tribe seems to have sent envoys to the Northern Royal Court of the Orcs. We suspect they want to gain recognition from the Royal Court to legitimize their rule over the territory they currently occupy.”
Upon hearing this, many people’s expressions turned solemn.
Had Aililan spent nearly one year of painstaking effort just for the small profits of the Mutual Market? Of course not. Her true goal was to divide the Orcs and turn them into a barrier for Atester.
However, the racial differences were undeniable. Compared to the Humans’ side, the War Pig Tribe clearly yearned more for recognition from the Orc King.
But—was that even possible?
More importantly, how could she let them have their way?
Aililan let out a cold snort. “Since they have boarded the ship of us Humans, there is no way for the War Pig Tribe to remain untouched. They want this, and that, and everything else? That is absolutely impossible.”
Gareyas fell into thought for a moment before asking, “Saintess, what do you plan to do?”
Aililan waved her hand. “No rush. Is there any movement from the Jackal Tribe?”
Gareyas shook his head. “The Jackal Tribe shows no abnormalities.”
As expected. An alliance formed only through interwoven interests was ultimately nothing more than a fleeting dream.
In contrast, from the Patriarch to the offspring, everyone in the Jackal Tribe had their weaknesses held in Aililan’s hands. They would not dare to have treacherous thoughts even if they were given 100 times their current courage.
It was just like high-ranking officials in certain countries; if someone held their fatal secrets, how would they dare to act recklessly?
“The problem is not significant.”
Aililan sneered. “Those pig-brained War Pigs have no idea that their economic lifelines are firmly gripped by us from top to bottom.”
“Economic War.”
“Hehe.”
Chief of the Ministry of Finance Grace hesitated for a moment, then asked in a low voice, “Saintess, do you already have a countermeasure? If we do not take action soon, the War Pig Tribe will truly become entangled with the Northern Royal Court.”
Aililan took a deep breath and said calmly, “It is quite simple. First, have the head of foreign affairs… Wait, who is the current head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”
Alistair gave a slightly embarrassed smile.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not currently have a chief. After that incident, you never appointed a replacement. The most senior person now is named Blaise, and he is currently with the Elves.”
He felt a bit guilty. After all, the departments that had originally opposed the Saintess were primarily the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Administration.
The Ministry of Administration had to promote people due to its heavy workload, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been suppressed and marginalized.
Aililan nodded. “Then let Blaise serve as the acting head of foreign affairs. He does not need to return. Have him go directly to the War Pig Tribe and ask them exactly what their attitude is.”
Alistair nodded and asked, “And the specific procedure?”
“Draft an alliance agreement and place it right in front of the War Pig Tribe. Ask them whether they will sign it or not.”
“What if they try to stall for time, or try to have it both ways by playing both sides?”
“That is impossible.”
Aililan’s tone was icy. “Give them ten days. If they have not signed after ten days, they cannot blame us for what happens next.”
She pondered for a moment before continuing her arrangements. “Gareyas, you are to immediately mobilize for war. Prepare at least 10,000 combat-ready troops. They must be elites. Maintain a posture as if you are ready to march at any moment.”
“By your command, Saintess.”
“Grace.”
“Yes, Saintess. Please speak.”
“Your job is the most critical. You oversee finance, including all trade in the Mutual Market; everything will be your responsibility.”
After a pause, Aililan continued, “First and foremost, you must reassure the merchants. We cannot allow the commercial prosperity that has just gotten on the right track to fall into decline.”
“Therefore, the primary task is to boost merchant confidence. The specifics are as follows: issue official letters to the merchants, requesting a reduction in the types of goods being transported to Atester. This will inevitably trigger suspicion or even panic, so you need to sign trade agreements with the merchants in the name of the Ministry of Finance.”
“There are two reasons for this.”
“First, to guarantee the merchants’ confidence.”
“Second, to regulate the commercial environment, unify the market, and gain complete control over bulk trade, establishing the prestige of both the Ministry of Finance and the officials of Atester.”
“I want to start from the roots—no, from the most basic necessities like food, clothing, housing, and transportation—to break the pride and the backbone of the War Pig Tribe once and for all.”
“Finally.”
Aililan’s tone turned cold.
“Gareyas, go to the Inspection Office yourself. The military and the Inspection Office will conduct a joint operation to keep a close eye on certain people. I do not want a single rat’s dropping to spoil the pot of soup.”
“If necessary, I do not mind catching the rats—do you understand?”
From her words, everyone could sense a thick, murderous intent.
Gareyas said solemnly, “Please rest assured, Saintess. We will never let that filthy rat blood stain your eyes.”
Alistair still had concerns. “We can catch the rats inside Atester, but what about the ones outside?”
Aililan spoke softly—
“Kill them.”
Every person present felt a chill.
They could faintly sense it—
The world was about to change.