"How do we know whether what you're saying is true or false?" the Guildmaster asked with a frown.
"Whether it's true or false, won't a few deals make that clear? Besides, even if it's fake, what harm would it do you? But if it's real, it would be a reversal that upended the fortunes of every guild member. Guildmaster, you ought to think about what happens then—when the myriad nations came to pay homage and countless forces across the Free Star Sea flocked here in your name. What would you do then?" I countered.
The Guildmaster held up his wine for a long while without taking a sip. Clearly, he was also warring with himself. With such a huge guild in his hands, one wrong step could bring the danger of total ruin.
"Our guild and Your Excellency would indeed gain inexhaustible wealth, but at the same time, we would face the covetous eyes of countless forces across the Free Star Sea. Your Excellency certainly knows how to scheme, yet you wouldn't have to bear the slightest consequence." The Guildmaster frowned at me.
"Compared with immense wealth, what are the consequences worth? If you're so afraid of being coveted, why not abdicate in favor of someone more capable? Find someone willing to shoulder the responsibility and put him in your place. Wouldn't that solve the problem?" As I spoke, I swept my gaze over the guild members present.
The old hands of the guild did not all aspire to sit in the highest seat, but if they could be the boss and chose not to, they would not be sitting here.
"Hmph. Behind our guild stand several esteemed sects jointly holding the reins. Why would we fear being coveted by others? Your Excellency is underestimating us!"
"Exactly. The Guildmaster is