The faction that had driven up prices was a genuine duke family—albeit a former one that had since been demoted to a viscount family.
Even so, compared to the inexplicable "Philosopher Duke," they were still nobles of impeccable pedigree.
Over the past three centuries, the family had produced several capable figures in succession, and the momentum of their revival was extremely clear.
Someone from the family currently held an important post in the Empire's upper ranks and was also a member of the Energy Block Alliance.
But in terms of real strength, the two sides were about evenly matched, and their previous cooperation had been fairly pleasant.
When they learned that Digital Phantom had spread the word, the duke family was first shocked, then enraged—did they really dare open up two fronts? But in the end, they had no choice but to face reality: the Hegel Family was someone they could not afford to offend, and neither could they!
Moreover, they had noticed that Digital Phantom had started by talking this time instead of acting directly.
That left much more room for mediation.
The duke family had specifically sent a Supreme from the Core Circle to clear things up—it would be best if the misunderstanding could be resolved.
The Supreme was still facing Claire. He felt somewhat uncomfortable about it, but he did not dwell on it.
He stated that his side had never intended to offend Digital Phantom. It was purely a business matter.
However, under Mu Guang's guidance, Claire merely asked in return, "If we don't react, what will others think? Those who know us might say we can't be bothered to argue, but those who don't will think we can't afford to offend you!" Once the matter was framed at that level, the Supreme had nothing to