Threat

"Control of the Mysteries Society?"

Anvis revealed a look of 'sudden realization' and nodded, his gaze gaining a measure of vigilance and twice as much disdain.

"Thank you very much for the prince's generosity, but regrettably, I have no interest in joining the Eternal Gold Club. My heart has long since been filled with mystery and Magic, leaving no room for power and desire."

Hearing Anvis's reply, the Eighth Prince raised an eyebrow, and a hint of amusement flashed through the depths of his dark violet eyes.

"Anvis, Your Excellency, I advise you to carefully weigh the pros and cons before giving me a serious answer.

"Perhaps I was not clear enough just now. Joining the Eternal Gold Club would bring you many benefits, such as... ensuring the safety of your forces and merchant caravans.

"Though your forces have developed quite well, times have changed. With the continent in such turmoil, there are quite a few newly emerged 'Bandit Organizations' within the Empire!"

"Of course, given Your Excellency's Olyvendi surname, ordinary bandits would likely not dare provoke you. But for the ordinary Professionals among your lower-level forces, the threat remains considerable.

"Though we eradicate bandits every day, everyone knows they can never be completely wiped out. Even some previously unaffiliated Professionals will moonlight as bandits when the price is right."

Staring intently into Anvis's eyes with his pale violet ones, the Eighth Prince spoke in a subtly threatening tone, listing one by one the forces under Anvis's command that he had investigated in an attempt to pressure him.

"Let me see—the Mysteries Society, the Eternal Gold Crown Merchant Guild, and several Construct Factories? Anvis, Your Excellency, you truly do have quite a number of forces. You must have invested a great deal of effort in them, yes?

"It would be