Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 689: Aftermath – Judgement of Allies II

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"With the Grand Elder’s mandate, his authority over our Wildlands resources became absolute. He possessed the Black Scar Syndicate’s entire might, enough to annihilate the insignificant Lost Heathens without breaking a sweat. Yet, he refrained from such a direct approach.

"I suspect many of you, much like myself, anticipated him channeling the Syndicate’s raw power to retaliate against Brock Peyton after the failed negotiations and the public insult.

"However, his actions deviated from this expectation. He opted to leverage our soft power—our intelligence apparatus and covert influence—to cultivate an environment where his own retinue could operate effectively. Furthermore, he did not utilize these assets indiscriminately. Each instance of employing our network or influence saw the Syndicate appropriately compensated."

"This compensation came in various forms, whether through funneling the spoils of his campaigns via our established trade routes, thus generating revenue for us, or by expanding our reach and influence through strategic alliances, notably with the BattleBane Guild and, more crucially, the Drumvale Merchant Company."

The Third Elder paused, his gaze sharpening as he continued.

"I trust I needn't remind you, Fourth Elder, of our long-standing difficulties in establishing a solid presence within Afordocia. Your familiarity with this challenge should be unparalleled, given your oversight of the initiative.

"Despite considerable investment of our collective resources, we have faltered in securing a stable foothold. Your own assessment highlighted the pervasive local opposition—the ’snakes in the pond,’ as you termed it—preventing even an entity as formidable as ourselves from penetrating without resistance."

He surveyed the assembled Elders, his voice resonating with subtle emphasis.

"The Legatee may very well have provided us with a critical opportunity—and not merely any opening, but one that grants access through a direct connection with a member of the city’s ruling council."

"The Drumvale Company’s Wildlands division is but a minor segment of a much larger enterprise. It remains highly uncertain whether a partnership at this localized level will translate into meaningful ties with the parent organization," the Fourth Elder countered.

"Your point is valid. I do not dispute it," the Third Elder conceded smoothly.

Raven Horn tilted his head, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. He had assumed the Third Elder would recognize the profound significance of the Theolonium Alex had secured for the Drumvale branch, an achievement surely substantial enough to capture the main organization's attention.

Yet, the ensuing words revealed the Elder’s perspective was guided by a different calculus entirely.

"You are observing the individual branches, not the entire forest," the Third Elder elaborated.

"Whether the Legatee’s alliance with the Wildlands branch ultimately paves the way for us is secondary. The core of my argument lies in the underlying principles of his conduct—particularly how he acted when empowered with absolute authority.

"Despite having unfettered access to our extensive resources, the Legatee deliberately avoided entangling our Syndicate in what was essentially his personal dispute. Furthermore, on the occasions he did engage our capabilities, he ensured that adequate, even generous, compensation was provided for every service rendered. This was done notwithstanding the fact that he already possessed the legitimate authority to utilize those very resources without restriction.

"This pattern clearly demonstrates that he does not view our Syndicate—the culmination of generations of dedication—as an entitlement merely by virtue of his Legatee status. Instead, he consistently champions a strategy of mutual benefit, diligently striving to maximize gains for both parties involved in any collaboration.

"This, gentlemen, is the crux of my assertion."

A palpable shift occurred within the chamber as a quiet understanding dawned upon those present.

A brief, contemplative silence descended upon the Elders as the ramifications of the Third Elder’s words sank in—Raven Horn included.

Even the Fourth, Sixth, and Seventh Elders, who had previously voiced opposition, found themselves unable to effectively challenge the emergent conclusion.

The paramount apprehension harbored by the Black Scar Syndicate’s leadership—the Elders of the Alston Heritage—had perpetually been the potential incompetence of the chosen Legatee. They dreaded the prospect of an heir squandering accumulated power and generational efforts in a misguided pursuit of their ancestral mandate.

A recurrence of the Alston Imperial Family’s downfall, or the ruin of the Belloc Marquisate, was a fate they vehemently wished to avoid.

Based on the Third Elder’s assessment, and at the very least from initial observations, Alex appeared to be anything but the inept, ignorant individual unworthy of inheriting such a legacy.

Bang!

The Grand Elder brought his cane down forcefully upon the floor. The sharp report reverberated through the chamber, instantly commanding the complete attention of everyone in attendance.

"As you are all aware, Admon being granted authority over our forces within the Wildlands was intended as a trial—an observation to gauge the Legatee’s conduct. Based on the Third Elder’s evaluation, it is clear the Legatee has performed admirably with the power given to him.

"Considering this, I believe it is time we put aside our biases against him. To honor our ancestral pledge as descendants of the Alston lineage, we should offer more aid—both to foster his development and to further our common goal of liberating our plane from the gods' tyranny.

"As ever, any power bestowed upon him will serve as both a reward and a test.

"If he fails to meet our expectations, our support will cease, and our involvement will be withdrawn. But should he continue to prove his mettle... then more might be granted in time."

The Grand Elder’s gaze swept across the assembled individuals in the chamber.

"What are your thoughts?" he inquired.

"The Grand Elder’s wisdom is profound," the others responded, their voices nearly in unison.

As expected, not a single objection was raised.

Before long, the meeting concluded.

As the projections dimmed one by one, Raven Horn arose from his kneeling posture, tidying the dust from his trousers.

"Cunning old schemers..." he murmured quietly, followed by a soft exhale.

Though he grumbled inwardly, his understanding of their caution remained. The risks were simply too immense for unfettered trust.

Nevertheless, having personally interacted with Alex, he couldn't help but feel a sense of impatience with their deliberate approach.

At the very least, the notoriously stingy elders had finally yielded, opening their coffers, albeit only a little.

That alone meant he now possessed the means to offer the Legatee more concrete assistance.

’For now, that will have to be enough.’

With that resolve, Raven Horn turned and departed from the villa.

There were numerous matters to address.

He needed to converse with Alex—to grasp the young man’s ambitions and figure out the most effective way to utilize the additional resources now available to him.

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