The atmosphere in the eting hall froze in an instant, and Amon's expression turned stern.
Anger, sadness, regret—various emotions must have been swirling within him.
Of course, I felt the sa.
Who in their right mind would willingly cut ties with their own father and brother?
If we could work together as a family, nothing would be better.
But Amon, for the sake of the fox tribe's survival and to protect his people, had no choice but to do so.
Just like and Baldia, we had no other path but to fight alongside Amon to protect those dear to us.
"Whoa, don't get mad. I was just asked to offer so guidance and advice. The kind-hearted decided to teach you all about 'provocation,' that's all."
Asteca, noticing our grim expressions, exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders and joked.
Looking around, the other tribal leaders were either sighing, looking exasperated, or watching our exchange with keen interest.
The Beast King Sektos, who was presiding over the eting, remained silent.
Was he testing us, or was this how etings usually went here?
Either way, it seed fine to engage in the fight we were being sold.
When I gave a subtle glance, Amon nodded slightly and smiled as he looked at Asteca.
"I see. Your imdiate guidance and advice are truly appreciated. This seat, won after breaking away from my father and brother's misrule, is indeed exceptionally comfortable to sit on."
"Heh, you've got so nerve," Asteca replied, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
From what I could see, no other tribal leaders joined in to mock us.
I cleared my throat to gather everyone's attention and, with a sidelong glance at Asteca, began.
"There's a saying that if one horse goes mad, a thousand will follow. But judging by the deanor of everyone here, it seems there are no 'followers' among you. That's a relief."
As soon as I said this, Sektos and a few other tribal leaders burst into laughter, snorting through their noses.
"Hey, Rid Baldia. Watch your words," Asteca glared, trying to intimidate , but I just smiled, shrugged, and joked.
"Oh my, that's quite the statent. I was rely following your guidance and advice on provocation. Just the ramblings of a novice, so please don't take it to heart. If you neigh too much, your true nature might show, oh great Asteca of the thousand armies."
"You little..."
"Calling a guest like 'you little' is a bit much, don't you think? You were the one who started this, after all."
Asteca probably intended to undermine us and take control of the eting, but I wasn't going to let that happen.
If we were talked down here, we'd lose respect among the tribal leaders, and our influence and persuasiveness in this setting would weaken.
As we locked eyes without backing down, Sektos' hearty laughter echoed through the hall.
"Impressive,Rid. No wonder you're called the unconventional rising star who defeated Elba. Your courage to stand your ground even against a tribal leader is comndable. Asteca, that's enough. Your self-introduction should suffice for now."
"...Fine," Asteca clicked his tongue, glancing at sideways before sitting down, a smirk on his face. "Lid, I like you."
"Much obliged," I replied emotionlessly, giving a perfunctory nod.
As Asteca sat down, the bird tribe leader next to him quietly stood up.
"Allow to reintroduce myself. I am Horst Padgory, leader of the bird tribe. I hope to build a good relationship with both Amon and Rid."
Following Asteca's antics, Horst's polite and courteous deanor was highly appreciated.
That is, if the incident in the guest room hadn't happened.
"Thank you," Amon and I smiled and bowed politely in a diplomatic manner.
I glanced around Horst but didn't see Iby or Ilia.
It seed they hadn't been brought to this eting.
As Horst smiled and sat down, a languid voice spoke up. "Well, well. Guess it's my turn now."
A rabbit tribe woman stood up. She had long, curly black hair and two pointed black rabbit ears on her head.
Her sharp eyes, with brown irises, gave off a cunning, snake-like impression.
Her outfit reminded of a cheongsam from my past life, with a long slit from the waist down, revealing glimpses of her legs as she moved.
"I'm Vene Nomos, leader of the rabbit tribe. By the way, until now, I was the youngest among the tribal leaders. So, I'm genuinely happy to see this generational shift. Well, nice to et you all."
As Vene spoke, she glanced at a dignified rabbit tribe man standing behind her.
He had short black hair similar to hers, with black rabbit ears drooping to the sides.
His narrow, sharp brown eyes exuded a shrewd, battle-hardened aura.
His attire resembled a changpao—a long, one-piece robe with slits from the waist down, paired with long pants.
He cleared his throat and gave a respectful bow.
"I am Sia Nomos, forr leader of the rabbit tribe. Now, I serve as Vene's advisor, so please rember as such."
Sia spoke in a deep, low voice, calm and composed.
As Vene slowly sat down, Sia silently took his place behind her.
"Next, it's my turn," a bright, energetic voice rang out.
A woman who had been watching us with keen interest from the start stood up, smiling cheerfully.
She had yellow hair tied back and large, aqua-blue eyes.
Her outfit was similar to Vene's but slightly different.
It seed designed to show off her shoulders, exuding a mix of allure, elegance, and practicality.
"I am Jeti Listo, leader of the monkey tribe. By the way, can I call you two Rid-chan and Amon-chan? I don't think it's a problem given our positions, but what do you think?"
"Uh...?"
Caught off guard by her request, Amon and I instinctively glanced at each other.
Almost imdiately, sighs could be heard from a few of the tribal leaders.
She must be like this all the ti.
Unsure of her intentions, I looked at Jeti's face, which was beaming with a smile and eyes full of expectation.
I sensed no hostility, and she seed genuine.
At that mont, her expression reminded of soone, and I suddenly understood.
She was like Sandra—soone who just wanted to have fun and enjoy herself.
Realizing this, I scratched my cheek and forced a wry smile.
"Uh, in a formal setting like this, I think it's best to refrain from that."
"Oh, what a sha. But if it's not okay here, then it's fine elsewhere, right?"
Jeti leaned forward, her eyes sparkling, leaving flustered as I continued.
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