Endless Debt Chapter 1388 - 4: The Reformer

Stone pillars encircle the courtyard, as if supporting the heavens and earth, creating a vast space where stairs and hanging corridors intersect, and the staff silently pass by like precise mechanical components driving the high-speed operation of a colossal entity.

This was not Ossana’s first encounter with the Order Bureau. Long ago, when she surpassed her siblings and even her elders to inherit the honor of the Duke, she had already negotiated with the Order Bureau.

These true rulers of the Rhine Alliance came one night to confirm the overlap of power with the newly appointed Duke and left silently before sunrise.

The Order Bureau, enigmatic and unpredictable Order Bureau, even living on the same land, Ossana’s understanding of them was limited to books and legends.

Before coming, Ossana had tried to imagine the various possibilities, attempting to construct a clear image of these mysterious individuals in her mind, but these images completely shattered upon entering the Cultivation Room.

There’s no need to observe carefully with her eyes; just relying on her own keen Ethereal Perception, Ossana could sense the Cultivation Room’s solidity and power. After decades of operation, the Order Bureau had already built this place into a fortress.

Ossana marveled at the Order Bureau’s technological advancements. Since the rage of scorched earth, unity and division, the Order Bureau’s rapid development compared to the stagnation of the All Secrets Order left her with the feeling that their group of conservative nobility would eventually be eliminated.

"No more than this."

A voice sounded, complaining softly, "These people from the Order Bureau completely betray tradition, what is this even supposed to be?"

Ossana turned her head and only heard Rorford continue, "These bastards desecrate the sanctity of the Condensers."

"Quiet, Rorford, we are guests."

Ossana’s voice grew stern, and facing Ossana’s reprimand, Rorford shut his mouth obediently, though his gaze continued to wander, showing disdain to every staff member he faced.

After getting Rorford to behave, Ossana sighed helplessly.

All members of the All Secrets Order are ancient extraordinary nobles. When invited by the Order Bureau, they unanimously chose their ancient honor, refusing to integrate into this vast Alliance.

Initially, the All Secrets Order could still maintain some leading position by relying on ancient knowledge, but as times changed, the rapid development of the Order Bureau exceeded their imagination, now completely dominating the All Secrets Order.

The Order Bureau rarely cares about the All Secrets Order, as long as they remain stable within the Rhine Alliance Territory, the Order Bureau has no opinion on them.

Ossana knew that this wasn’t the Order Bureau conceding to the All Secrets Order, but merely that the All Secrets Order held no real value for the Order Bureau.

Ossana had come precisely for this visit.

"How long do they want us to wait?" another man said, his name was Soti.

Ossana took a deep breath, clenched her fist silently, and whispered, "Quiet, don’t make me say it again."

The group exchanged glances; despite their reluctance, they closed their mouths obediently.

They were a bunch of bastards who prided themselves on their ancient noble status, yet Ossana was more noble than any of them, and in the face of power, they could only submit.

After complaining, they remained silent, their gaze sweeping over the surrounding staff. The staff had long heard about the troublesome nature of the All Secrets Order and directly ignored their lofty stares.

Compared to those complicated historical factors, there is a simple and straightforward logic that can explain the relationship between the All Secrets Order and the Order Bureau.

City people looking at country folk.

The Order Bureau is the country folk.

Rorford and Soti were complaining, and the staff were also complaining.

"Every time I engage with the All Secrets Order, I want to apply for work-related injury," a staff member whispered.

"Did they hit you?" another asked.

"No, it’s just that talking to them feels gross," the staff member said. "I’ve never seen such arrogant people. In this era, they’re still hiding in the shadows, claiming to be extraordinary nobles. Look at their outfits, isn’t it uncomfortable to wear?"

"I read a similar rationale in a book. Some people reject modernization and feel superior by maintaining their outdated traditions."

"The description fits them well, viewing their own honor as everything."

"No, essentially, they fear change. They fear the world changing and taking away everything they have, fear accepting new ideas, a New World, and cling desperately to so-called honor to comfort themselves."

The staff’s whispers didn’t escape Ossana’s ears. Her expression was calm, undisturbed until the elevator door opened, and a staff member strode toward Ossana.

Ossana didn’t know his name or his position, but she could sense the deliberately released faint Ether from him.

Defender.

"Hello, I’m Holt, the leader of the fourth group."

Holt briefly introduced himself and reached out to Ossana.

"One of the four Dukes of the All Secrets Order, Ossana."

Ossana nodded slightly and shook hands with Holt, briefly acknowledging the gesture before Holt turned and walked briskly, gesturing for Ossana to follow him.

Without looking back, Holt said, "Your timing for the visit is somewhat unfortunate. Normally, we would arrange accommodations for you and meet the next day."