"Good day, everyone," Douglas said to the dozens of reporters who had gathered at his emergency press conference. "I'm glad all of you have come. Today, I have some important news to share with all of you." Due to the urgency of the situation, Douglas used the resources and manpower of the Cygni Coalition to bring the reporters from the different TV stations into the capital city of the Griffin Clan, the Wingdom City. A day had passed since he and Zion had a certain discussion, and now, he would put the teenage boy's proposal into action. He knew that by doing this, he would effectively cut ties with the Ashford and Stallard Clans. But he no longer cared about them. Just like what Zion had told him, he should take the initiative to burn his bridges before the two Monarchs could get off of it. "I'm sure all of you are very curious as to why I have gathered all of you here today," Douglas stated. "So, without further delay, I will now make an announcement. As of this day, the Griffin Clan will officially make an alliance with the Central Government and the Leventis Family. "The main reason that ultimately led to this decision is my detest for the vile actions of the Ashford and Stallard Clans, who both tried to use my people as hostages against me. I will now show all of you the video footage of what transpired during our talks after they arrived here in the Cygni Continent." Immediately, a video played on the giant LCD Screen behind Douglas, and it showed him talking to Aaron and Norman inside his office. Thirteen had asked Douglas to put hidden cameras inside his office the moment the former was informed that the two Monarchs were on their way to the Cygni Continent. Douglas also felt that the teenage boy's advice was sound, so he cooperated with him. Meanwhile, Aaron and Norman, who were watching the press conference from another city, looked at their TV Screens with dumbfounded looks on their faces. "That bastard!" Aaron went livid after seeing the familiar scene in the Douglas' office. He already knew what was going to happen next, so he immediately tried to call his subordinate in the Sirius Continent to cut off the connection of Douglas' Live Broadcast. Unfortunately for him, Athena had already hacked into the network of the TV Stations, preventing them from going off-air at this critical moment. Everyone in the world watched as a despicable exchange between the three Monarchs transpired. "Douglas, we've been friends for a long time, so I won't beat around the bush," Aaron said. "I want you and your clan to become our subordinates. If you agree, Norman and I will help you in this war. We assure you that, in the worst-case scenario, we will welcome you and your people in the Sirius Continent with open arms." "That's right, Douglas," Norman replied. "Aaron and I have agreed that we will only help you if you agree to our condition. If you don't, we will not put a lot of effort into this war, and you, as well as your people, will become homeless. Do you really want that to happen?" Everyone saw how Douglas' expression on the video footage changed from surprised to anxious as he berated the two comrades who had decided to take advantage of his current situation. "Are you mad, Aaron?" Douglas looked at his comrade in disbelief. "No. You've always been mad." Aaron chuckled. "I already gave you a proposal, and it's up to you whether you accept it or not. However, remember this—Norman and I are in this together." "That's right." Norman nodded. "Make sure to think about it carefully. After all, the future of the Griffin Clan is at stake." The two Monarchs then left Douglas' office with smiles on their faces. When he was certain that they were no longer around, Douglas smashed his fist on the table in front of him, breaking it in half. "Bastards!" Douglas growled. "F*cking bastards!" Everyone who watched the footage from their TV screens showed varying expressions of disbelief as a reaction to the exchange between the three Monarchs of Pangea. The video ended there, and Douglas spoke once more to get everyone's attention. "As you can see, the Ashford Clan and the Stallard Clan have chosen to stop being human. Instead, they chose to become vile beasts who prioritized their own interests, openly speaking of their intention to devour not only the Griffin Clan but also the people of the Cygni Continent. "This is a clear betrayal, not only to me, but to all of humanity! Such vile acts shouldn't be overlooked and must be judged by the world! I vow on my name, as well as the name of the Laplace Demon, that everything you have seen is the truth! "I am very disappointed in the Ashford and Stallard Clans. It seems that the real monsters in our world aren't those from Gomorra or Solterra. They are here with us, acting like righteous people who have come to save humanity from the monsters that wish to conquer our world." Douglas laughed in disdain before showing a middle finger at the camera. "Aaron and Norman, you two bastards, do not think you will get your way!" Douglas declared. "People of the Cygni Continent—my brothers and my sisters who are currently living in the Sirius Continent, do not be deceived. "These people only want to treat you as their subordinates. Their dogs. Their slaves! They're not fighting for humanity, but for their own benefits! Fortunately, there are still people in this world who really are fighting for the safety of our world. "The Central Government and the Leventis Family are here to protect our world. Lastly, Zion—errr, they are not using blackmail to get their way!" Pica and Pico, who were also watching the live broadcast with Zion, glanced at their Master with dumbfounded looks on their faces. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮 "Wow, he almost slipped, huh?" Pica said. "He didn't almost slip, sister," Pico commented. "He slipped and tried to fix it right away." "What a useless human." "Damn right, Sis." Sherry and Princess Aracelle smiled faintly because they were aware that Zion had not only tried to blackmail Douglas, but he had even written the script for the speech the Monarch was using on live television. What was worse was that Douglas had pledged in the name of the Laplace Demon. This was one of the most sacred oaths a Wanderer could make. Because Laplace Demon hated those who used its name to make pledges and didn't adhere to them. There had been more than one occasion when the right-hand rabbit of The One had descended to the world to obliterate those who made pledges using its name. Thirteen had already talked to Laplace Demon beforehand and asked for permission to use its name in this live broadcast. Although the possibility was small, the last thing he wanted to happen was for the Laplace Demon to appear on live television to smack the living lights of Douglas, who had just made a pledge using its name in front of the entire world. Now that the cat was out of the bag, the two remaining Monarchs, Wendell Elrod and Trevor Remington, became painfully aware of the ambition of Aaron and Norman. Both of them were currently in the Aldebaran Continent, preparing for their departure to the Cygni Continent, when this live broadcast started. "Those two have really been corrupted by power," Trevor said calmly. "I never liked them from the start," Wendell commented. "So, what do you plan to do now? You already know what they did to poor Douglas. Are you still going to turn a blind eye to their ambition?" The Monarch of the Remington Clan sighed deeply before shaking his head. "I've already known they have changed over the past hundreds of years," Trevor stated. "There have been many signs, but I chose to turn a blind eye for the sake of our past friendship. "But it seems that even that friendship is no longer valid in their eyes. All that remained was their wish to control others, so they alone could have a say in the world. But I have a feeling that Zion has his hand on this matter." "Oh, I wouldn't be surprised if you are right." Wendell chuckled. "That kid is fearless. But I'm now more worried about him than ever before. Should we go to the Cygni Continent now to make sure that Aaron and Norman won't take him into their custody?" "Fine." Trevor nodded. "Prepare to leave in half an hour." Wendell nodded before glancing at the TV one last time. Truth be told, he had long wanted to burn bridges with the Ashford and Stallard Clans. But seeing Douglas do it brought a sense of satisfaction in his heart. Now, he could watch from the sidelines and enjoy the aftermath that would happen right after this live broadcast ended.