Jason Marc's world, Earth, was deemed too poor to support his candidacy for Overlord. However, Jason revealed a massive deposit of the rare Aqualith Mineral, stunning the council. This discovery could reshape the economic future of the Primordial Expanse.
Beside Jason stood the Head of the Northern Solstice Magic Academy, a former candidate for Overlord, his face etched with shock as he fixated on the Aqualith in Jason’s hand. Echoing T’arigan’s sentiment, the Academy Head recognized the immense significance of the stone. If Jason had possessed such a trump card all along, their chances had always been nonexistent.
"Is what you're claiming true, Jason Marc? This is a matter of grave importance! Should you be found lying, you will face dire consequences!" T’arigan’s voice boomed as he scrutinized Jason, seeking the truth. Jason, however, merely offered a calm smile and a single nod. Unbekultimately, Jason was being deceptive. He understood that the Aqualith's value stemmed from its rarity, and revealing his true holdings risked attracting unwanted enemies and diminishing future profits. Thus, he had disclosed an amount substantial enough to impress, yet not so overwhelming as to jeopardize his long-term gains. In reality, his reserves were far greater.
T’arigan’s breathing grew shallow as he sank into his seat, burying his head in his hands. In that instant, he felt an unparalleled sense of joy for having sided with Jason. This revelation altered everything.
Noticing T’arigan’s elation, Jason smiled and addressed the council. "The Aqualith deposits belong to Earth, and we are open to trade agreements with parallel worlds. Regarding worlds beyond our domain, negotiations will be considerably more complex due to evident reasons. However, recognizing the importance of close ties, Earth welcomes favorable deals with worlds from parallel domains prepared to extend friendship and forge alliances. We trust you understand."
This statement served as the most subtle threat the council had ever encountered. While normally such defiance would be a grave offense, not a soul dared to protest. The council members exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes betraying a shared sentiment that Jason immediately recognized: greed. The discovery of this stone was an unprecedented event, unforeseen by any of them. Yet, not one individual wished to forego the immense wealth attainable through trading the stone with various worlds within their Domain. Jason’s words, though delivered with a friendly smile, clearly stipulated future conditions: alliance with him and Earth was the sole pathway to these lucrative trade deals.
The hall remained steeped in silence for several more seconds before Hesabeth suddenly threw her head back and erupted into laughter, pure amusement radiating from her. The other council members glanced at her, bewildered, unable to comprehend the source of her mirth. Hesabeth, however, was overcome with uncontrollable joy. She couldn't believe Jason had concealed such a potent trump card. He had already informed Hesabeth and Gina of his plan to secure the council's allegiance, but she had never imagined his secret method involved something so extraordinary. The timing of his reveal, unveiled at the perfect moment, only amplified her amusement. The expressions on the faces of the other council members sent her into fits of uncontrollable giggles. This was the man Hesabeth had chosen as her husband – an absolute master strategist.
Hesabeth waved her fan towards the council members who were staring at her, signaling them not to concern themselves with her amusement. The council watched as she turned back to Jason, her face alight with the most radiant smile they had ever seen her bestow upon anyone. Hesabeth’s eyes softened with affection, like a woman gazing upon the love of her life. When she spoke, her calm voice resonated pleasantly throughout the hall.
"I am confident that the evidence presented today overwhelmingly establishes the most fitting candidate for the position of Overlord of the Sixth Domain. Honestly, I anticipated this outcome from the outset, but I never imagined it would be decided by such an amusing turn of events. Hahaha~ I haven’t experienced this much entertainment in centuries. I, Queen Hesbeth, holding the Seventh Seat on the Council of Nine and One, and also the Queen of the Minori, hereby nominate Jason Marc of Earth as the most suitable individual to ascend to the seat of Overlord of the Sixth Domain. I am certain he will achieve great things in the times to come."
A gentle smile graced Jason’s features as he listened to Hesabeth’s pronouncement, and a faint flush touched Hesabeth’s cheeks upon receiving his smile! Swiftly bringing her fan to cover the lower half of her face, she concealed her blush. Jason then offered a nod of gratitude to Hesabeth before turning his attention as Farlow’s voice cut in from the side!
"I, King Farlow, occupying the Third Seat on the Council of Nine and One, and serving as the King of Arandelle, formally nominate Jason Marc as the most appropriate candidate for the role of Overlord of the Sixth Domain. I perceive no justifiable reason to oppose this selection, after all."
Farlow’s declaration carried a weightier tone than Hesabeth’s, and his words were delivered without a hint of a smile. Nevertheless, Jason detected an undertone of amusement within Farlow’s serious demeanor, understanding that his stern facade stemmed from his naturally haughty disposition! Jason responded with a soft chuckle, a gesture of mild amusement, and inclined his head in thanks to Farlow before shifting his gaze as another council member promptly voiced their endorsement. This time, it was T’arigan, the esteemed leader of the dwarven race, whose nomination was delivered with an fervor Jason had rarely witnessed!
As moments elapsed, an increasing number of council members began to lend their support through nominations. The first individual to break ranks from Jason’s initial trio of key allies was Lamina. Given that Jason had already submitted a substantial body of evidence affirming his superior qualifications, Lamina no longer felt the necessity to publicly back Diane, as the council would no longer perceive it as indicative of favoritism. Thus, Lamina simply raised her hand and put Jason forward for the position of Overlord. Following Lamaina, the next to pledge their support was Kalum, the sovereign of Getrine and the ninth seat holder on the council. Once Kalum had voiced his endorsement, it became a simple matter for Val’kat, the leader of the goblins and the fifth seat on the council, to follow suit! As a goblin, Val’kat possessed an innate avarice, understanding the intrinsic value of wealth perhaps more acutely than anyone else on this council, and Jason had already ascertained that Val’kat would readily abandon any previous allegiances once he perceived greater personal profit to be gained from aligning with Jason!
Baron Skarr represented one of the council members who prolonged their indecision the longest, and Jason observed the palpable internal struggle manifest on the man's countenance as he attempted to reconcile his sense of duty with his overwhelming desire for personal gain.
