Isn't Being a Villain Enough? (Relatives Are Coming to Pay New Year's Visits Again Today)

"Mr. Dita, I was quite surprised to see you."

Fang Zheng stood up and looked at the president of IBC before him. The latter merely smiled faintly.

"Not just me, Mr. Fang Zheng."

As Dita spoke, several figures emerged from the darkness. Leading them was a man with long black hair and a scar on his face. It was none other than Crossbell Bracer Guild's ace—the Sword Saint of Wind, Arius Maclaine.

Beside him stood a woman with blonde curled twin-tails. She looked about the same age as Ellie, though she appeared far more mature.

Next to the blonde girl stood a burly middle-aged man. He said nothing, merely staring at Fang Zheng as though appraising him.

"Allow me to introduce them. This is the Sword Saint of Wind, Arius. Beside him are my daughter, Mariabell Crois, and Attorney Ian."

President Dita stared smugly at Fang Zheng, trying to find even the slightest trace of alarm or surprise on his face. But Fang Zheng simply watched him in silence, saying nothing.

"I imagine you must be wondering why we have gathered here. The reason is simple. I have a plan—a grand plan..."

As he spoke, President Dita raised his hands.

"Now, I invite you to join my plan, Mr. Fang Zheng. I believe that once you hear it, you will surely become one of us..."

"Isn't it just the Phantasmal Jewel?"

Before President Dita could finish, Fang Zheng interrupted him with utter boredom.

"...Huh?"

Dita's expression changed at Fang Zheng's words, while the other three looked at Fang Zheng in surprise.

"Humans always love making the same mistakes. It was true a thousand years ago, and nothing has changed now. You merely wanted to tell me about Crossbell's current situation, say that you wanted Crossbell to become independent and hoped