Charlemagne and Aivena were visibly hesitant when Hao Ren suddenly threw out the invitation.
It wasn't that they lacked resolve or courage. Rather, after just suffering a pirate attack, the siblings were on high alert. The disparity in information and their current state of helplessness meant they had to think things through carefully before agreeing to anything.
Hao Ren understood this perfectly, so he didn't pressure them. "You can go to the Rest Room next door and discuss it, but I hope you can give us an answer as soon as possible."
Vivian also chimed in. "I know you've become more cautious after being attacked, but I also trust your ability to judge people. We clearly have nothing to do with those pirates. The World Tree Temple has been isolated from the world for a long time, and we need a channel to reconnect with the outside world. You, meanwhile, urgently need protection and assistance. This can be seen as a mutually beneficial transaction, one that benefits both sides."
Charlemagne took a deep look at the people in the room and nodded slightly. "We'll discuss it and give you an answer as soon as possible. However, this time..."
Before he could finish, Hao Ren waved his hand. "Don't worry. There's no eavesdropping this time."
"I hope you can understand. It was precisely that eavesdropping that made my sister and me wary of you." Charlemagne spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, then left the room with Aivena.
After the siblings had left, Vivian finally let out a breath. "Phew—Hao Ren, what do you think about this?"
As soon as the hatch closed, Hao Ren stretched shamelessly. The serious expression he had been wearing vanished in an instant. He leaned back in his chair, unable to hide the smile at the corners of