Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2606: 1435: Straight to the Point

While Sina’s words dripped with seductive charm and ambiguity, her internal state was one of frozen indifference.

Previously, when analyzing the demographic of the Shadow Market, the thought had crossed her mind that Leo Ray might be the architect of this gathering. However, she had dismissed it as a fleeting, impossible notion.

In her estimation, the Human Clan led by Leo Ray was far too fragile. Having only recently set foot in the Outer Region, achieving such a feat seemed beyond their capabilities.

Her conviction was bolstered when she spotted a Light Half-Elf in the market. She assumed this individual was the true supplier of the equipment, as the Light Half-Elves, backed by the Light Elves, certainly possessed the necessary wealth.

What remained hidden from her was that the "Light Half-Elf" was actually Little Jie. As a Stone Spirit, Little Jie possessed the unique ability to mimic not just Humans, but any of the Ten Thousand Clans.

The only requirement for this transformation was prior close contact with a powerful member of that race. Since Little Jie had spent significant time around Ruth and her kin, manifesting as a Light Half-Elf was a simple task.

Sina’s luminous eyes flickered as she continued to study Leo Ray’s form.

It was now evident that this young Human Emperor was far more formidable than she had calculated. He had skillfully engineered this entire scenario specifically to lure her and Loris into his presence.

She knew that under normal circumstances, she would have viewed a diplomatic summons from Leo Ray with utter disdain and refused to attend.

A crucial question now plagued her: why had Leo Ray brought both her and Loris together? If his goal was a strategic retreat or a favorable deal, a private audience with a single party would have been the logical approach.

“I certainly wouldn’t dwell on such a minor grievance,” Leo Ray responded with a slight nod and an enigmatic grin.

Leo Ray had anticipated the mental gymnastics his guests were performing.

Though the atmosphere was paved with polite smiles, it was clear that every individual in the room was nursing their own hidden agenda.

His objective, however, was straightforward: demonstrate his power to unmask the conspirator, locate Dana and Davis, and then exact a fitting retribution.

He had already devised his strategy: he would be blunt and direct. By doing so, he hoped to sow seeds of paranoia between the two familiar rivals, allowing him to spot the cracks in their facades as they turned on each other.

Knowing that one of the two people before him was the mastermind who had tried to cast his allies into the abyss, Leo Ray’s smile took on a dark, predatory edge.

At that moment, the Administrator signaled for Loris and Sina to take their places, seating them a short distance from Leo Ray.

“I suspect both of you have realized by now that my presence here involves more than a mere trade of armaments.”

Leo Ray’s smile vanished as he looked between them, his voice turning cold and level. “Someone is attempting to bring the shadow of war and slaughter to my doorstep, and I do not intend to watch it happen.”

“Perhaps Your Majesty is being a bit too paranoid?”

The grin on Loris’s leonine face also faded as he tried to maintain a neutral tone. “The mobilization of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance troops to the frontier is standard procedure. Our forces are positioned near many territories, not just yours. The conclusion is simple; we aren't specifically focused on the Human Clan.”

“The Desert Alliance maintains a similar stance, merely preparing for unforeseen circumstances. We certainly won't be the ones to initiate hostilities.”

Sina’s tone remained playful as she smiled at Leo Ray. “Furthermore, if Your Majesty is inclined, the Desert Alliance is open to negotiations. We might find ourselves in agreement sooner than you think.”

“Hah! Your words are as sweet as ever,” Old Susan interjected, unable to remain silent. She glared at Sina before offering Leo Ray a strained, awkward smile. “Your Majesty, when we were clashing with the Half-Giants, she said the exact same thing. Then, while the war was at a standstill, they shamelessly struck our vital points and seized our mines and water. We haven't forgotten that betrayal.”

Old Susan turned back to Leo Ray, her expression grim. “You must be cautious, Your Majesty. Their polite gestures are merely a mask for their predatory instincts and murderous intent.”

“That’s rich coming from you. Didn't your side seize several of our oases while we were locked in combat with our enemies years ago?”

The Masked Man countered sharply before addressing Leo Ray. “Your Majesty, these people have always been heartless. I trust you won't be fooled by these wolves and tigers.”

Leo Ray remained impassive as he listened to the bickering. He returned to the main point. “If it were only a matter of border patrols, I wouldn't be concerned; that is your prerogative. However, someone has crossed a line I cannot ignore by harming my high-ranking officials. I intend to find the culprit.”

“Therefore, in today’s elite market, only one of you will be permitted to complete the trade. That party will also receive a unique gift from me.”

As he spoke, Leo Ray turned his hand, revealing a Tier 6 Magic Medicine that filled the air with a potent, exotic aroma.

It was an energy-restoration type Tier 6 Magic Medicine. While not as prized as healing or permanent stat-boosting elixirs, it was still a legendary treasure that third-class powers could rarely obtain.

Leo Ray produced the medicine as bait, hoping the allure of such a prize would force the two factions to expose one another’s secrets.

The sight of the medicine caused eyes to bulge throughout the room, though many also looked perplexed.

Based on their bewildered expressions, it appeared none of them truly understood the "unpardonable act" Leo Ray was referencing.

Leo Ray’s sharp gaze swept across the room, meticulously reading every flicker of emotion on their faces.

“Your Majesty, exactly what incident are you referring to?” Loris asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Sina remained silent, but a look of genuine confusion clouded her beautiful face as she waited for his explanation.

“I shall be blunt, then.”

Sticking to his plan, Leo Ray provided a detailed account of the ambush near the Forest-side Fortress.

“Your Majesty, I assure you, we had no part in this!”

Thomas frowned deeply upon hearing that the event took place near the Rainforest Fortress Alliance border and involved Centaurs. He gestured emphatically. “This is clearly a frame-up orchestrated by someone else!”

Thomas then cast a pointed look at Sina and the Desert Alliance delegation, his meaning unmistakable.

“Indeed, Your Majesty. Such an obvious trail suggests a deliberate attempt to incite a war between us.”

Loris’s lion-like face hardened. “The identity of the one who benefits from such a conflict is painfully obvious. It is a truly wicked plot.”

“Are you suggesting I am responsible?”

Sina’s expression turned icy. “My territory is located hundreds of thousands of miles from that fortress. To reach it, one would have to bypass dozens of your strongholds and cities undetected. How could that be done? Furthermore, if I wanted to strike, I have far more efficient ways than this convoluted scheme.”

“Your Majesty, it is clear the Desert Alliance has been plotting to spark a war for a long time!”

Old Susan stood atop her chair, let out a cold snort. “Why else would she already have 'other methods' in mind?”

“And there is something else to consider.”

Old Susan’s voice dropped an octave, dripping with accusation. “The Vice Leader of the Desert Alliance is mysteriously absent. They are likely the one behind this, unable to return in time for the Shadow Market after attacking the Dragonborn Queen!”

“You old hag, stop spewing lies!”

Sina’s brows shot up, her face flushing with genuine irritation.