Pre-War Meeting

Aserkelo Hearthstone tavern.

Joshua had temporarily set up a stage inside the Hearthstone tavern, as if he were holding a product press conference.

High Elves from Aserkelo sat below, led by the two elders, Queitoan and Capeas.

The two elders respectively came from the High Elves' Reformist Faction and Conservative Faction.

But after meeting with Joshua today, they were unexpectedly unanimous about what they intended to do next.

"Let me sort out your plan."

Joshua opened his Magic Net interface and displayed the book Heretic Inquisitor's Diary before everyone.

"After reading this book, you discovered the hiding place of the true culprit behind it all—the Hall of Inquisition—and planned to settle the score with them in person?"

"This matter has nothing to do with you, Child of the Forest. For Capeas and me, it is merely... a personal grudge."

Elder Queitoan had only briefly asked Joshua about the inquisitors. Once Joshua looked into it more carefully, he could only lay out everything he was preparing to do.

"Grandfather, your decision is far too reckless."

Aurelian, who had been sitting at the very back of the Hearthstone tavern, immediately stood up. She would never allow her grandfather to venture deep into the enemy's headquarters himself.

"Miss Aurelian, please sit down."

Joshua rubbed his forehead. The overwhelming amount of information in his mind was more than he could process for the moment, and he had no time to argue with Aurelian.

"But..."

"Otherwise, I'll dock your pay and cut down on your performances."

Joshua displayed the authority of being Aurelian's employer. Docking pay might have been exceptionally effective when calming Ciri down, but Aurelian feared the latter part much more—"cut down on performances."

Sure enough, Aurelian had no choice but to sit back down.

"First of all, I have no intention of