By noon the next day, Ryan was still dining when he received news from Piltover.
Starting today, Piltover's Council had expanded from seven seats to eight, and Jayce Talis had officially become the first Eighth Councilor in Piltover's history.
Upon taking office, Jayce promised that he would protect the safety of Hextech, safeguard the property of Piltover's people, and ensure that the city's citizens would no longer suffer from crises.
"After such an eventful day yesterday, he ended up being the biggest winner." Katarina raised a brow. "I heard Mel and the Medarda Family were behind it."
Compared to Jayce becoming a Councilor, she cared more about Mel. As another exiled daughter, Mel seemed to have a better head on her shoulders. Though Katarina could twist off her head in a very short time, these past few days with Ryan had made her realize that
most of the time, brains mattered more than force.
"It isn't too surprising. That gives the Medarda Family two fixed seats on the Council. Add the other two Councilors with whom they have close ties, and the Medarda Family holds nearly half of Piltover's voice."
Ryan's expression remained calm. Occupying four of the eight seats would never be Mel's ultimate goal. What that woman desired was at least five seats on the Council. Or perhaps, to turn eight back into seven.
Katarina set down her knife and fork. After thinking for a moment, she said, "That woman is very capable, but I always feel she'll get herself in too deep."
"An assassin's intuition?" Ryan asked with a smile.
"I don't like that woman," Katarina said bluntly.
"Jayce Talis is Piltover's pride. There's nothing wrong with getting drawn in," Ryan teased.
Katarina gave a cold snort. "Once a woman is blinded by love, she is bound to do some very foolish things."
"Time will prove it. So long as he does not betray Noxus or abandon his family, he will remain our friend," Ryan said.
Mel had always grown under the shelter of her family. He did not believe that one day she would abandon her family's position for Jayce. Her family had given her everything, things Jayce and Piltover could never provide.
"My lord."
An embassy soldier respectfully approached Ryan's side and said quietly,
"Someone wishes to visit you. He is a gentleman with limited mobility."
"Bring him here. He is a friend of Noxus, a man with wisdom and talent worthy of respect," Ryan said lightly.
Upon hearing this, the soldier's expression immediately grew solemn. He nodded seriously, then hurried toward the door.
Noxus admired all who possessed talent. No matter the kind of talent, it deserved respect.
Soon, Viktor was helped into the dining hall by a soldier.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Viktor. Would you like an attendant to prepare lunch for you?"
"No, I have already eaten. I apologize for disturbing you so abruptly, Lord Ryan."
Unused to being supported by someone, Viktor was helped into a chair. Just as his hand searched for somewhere to brace himself, the soldier had already placed his cane in the most suitable position.
Watching the soldier bow respectfully and leave, Viktor felt somewhat uncomfortable.
"Are all Noxus soldiers like this?"
"Not all of them. Soldiers stationed in Piltover must learn the etiquette of receiving guests, while soldiers in Freljord and Shurima are required to have strong physiques and stomachs capable of handling strong liquor," Ryan explained.
He could tell that this was the first time Viktor had received such treatment, but in Noxus, it was a required course.
To survive in Noxus, one had to learn something. Only by having a skill would one avoid being looked down upon.
Serving others was not a derogatory occupation in Noxus. For most people at the bottom, it was an exceptionally valuable trade.
Viktor considered Ryan's words, then suddenly asked, "What about Zaun?"
Hearing that question, Ryan was slightly taken aback, but he quickly recovered and said pointedly,
"That depends on Zaun's style and leader. The Upper and Lower Cities have no need for two embassies. Viktor, I believe your ambition should not be merely that of an assistant."
"Lord Ryan."
Viktor clenched and released his fist. After a long while, a resolute determination appeared on his face. He looked at Ryan with hopeful eyes.
"I have always had an unattainable dream. I want Zaunites and Piltover citizens to have equal rights, rather than what happened in the Council today, where the Councilors looked down from on high and did not regard Zaun's residents as people."
Jayce's compromise and the arrogance of Piltover's people had made him understand that if Hextech were handed to those people, Zaun could never welcome prosperity.
Instead, the gap between Zaun and Piltover would only grow wider, until those in the Upper City could freely decide the life and death of those in the Undercity.
And all of this had been pointed out by the man before him.
Before coming here, Viktor had actually understood very clearly that Ryan was not without demands of his own. Perhaps he wanted Zaun, perhaps he wanted Viktor. In any case, he had something in mind.
Yet that reassured Viktor instead. He had had enough of Piltover's style of speaking beautifully in public while doing absolutely nothing in practice.
"Even if that means abandoning your partner, disappointing your teacher, and surrendering Hextech's future?"
Ryan slowly wiped the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief. Each question seemed to pierce straight into Viktor's heart.
"I..."
Viktor's mouth opened slightly as he tried to say something. But in a daze, countless memories flooded into his mind all at once.
His visions with Jayce for Hextech's future, his journey of study under Professor Heimerdinger, the fascination that had consumed him while researching Hextech.
All of it washed over his heart without pause, making it difficult for him to choose. Even his once-firm expression began to waver.
He covered his face with both hands and lowered his head, unwilling to let Ryan see eyes filled with pain and conflict.
He had expected Ryan to raise these matters, but when he truly faced the choice, he understood that saying it was far easier than he had imagined.
Piltover seemed to hold far too many memories he could not bear to part with.
"Viktor, raise your head."
Viktor slowly lifted his head. He saw encouragement in Ryan's eyes, like an invitation from a demon.
"Sometimes, people get hot-blooded and think they can definitely succeed. Making a choice seems simple; with a slap to the head, you can decide something. But success is difficult. Perhaps after spending vast amounts of time and effort, all you receive in the end is nothing."
"You mean..." Viktor was somewhat surprised.
"Do not let your ideals blind you, Viktor. You need a clear plan for your future. I have arranged to meet a Zaunite this afternoon. Have you considered coming with me to take a look?"
"Zaun... Thank you immensely, Lord Ryan." Viktor revealed a bitter smile.
He was actually very confused. In that moment just now, he had no confidence that he could resist being persuaded by Ryan.
Ryan could clearly crush him with words alone, even make him betray Piltover with ease, yet Ryan had not done so. Viktor wanted to know why.
"Why not dress yourself up later and pretend to be a Noxus citizen? Try experiencing your hometown under a different identity?" Ryan suddenly suggested with a smile.
Viktor wanted to refuse, but after considering it carefully, he thought it might be a worthwhile experience. He nodded.
"I believe my lord happens to be lacking an attendant."
"The soldier from earlier will help you. See you shortly, Viktor."
"See you shortly, Lord Ryan."
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