That representative's expression changed at once. He immediately changed his tune, saying he would gather the originally stipulated amount as soon as possible and would raise no further objections.
The most eye-catching groups were naturally the delegations from Ladon's main city and several other core city-states that formed the main force of the allied army.
They had arrived the latest and brought the largest entourages, but their atmosphere was also the heaviest.
They needed to ransom not only large numbers of soldiers, but also many officers, Chrysos Heirs, and even several Ladon elders themselves.
That ransom list was enough to cripple even a wealthy city-state.
The representatives' faces were livid as they engaged in several grueling rounds of negotiations with Okhema's officials.
They tried to reduce the amount, secure a longer payment period, and even subtly proposed certain political exchanges.
However, Okhema's attitude was exceptionally firm.
Zhao Gao, who handled their negotiations, wore that inscrutable smile the entire time, yet refused to yield an inch.
"This is not a transaction. It is compensation for established facts and an investment in future relations."
Zhao Gao spoke unhurriedly:
"The Holy City's patience and goodwill are limited. Those who challenge the Holy City's authority must pay the corresponding price."
"If your side cannot even demonstrate this much sincerity, then it will be difficult for us to believe that you truly wish to preserve the peace."
Under immense pressure, and unwilling to completely burn bridges, the representatives of those core city-states ultimately gritted their teeth and signed the agreement, pledging to deliver astronomical quantities of resources within the specified time.
These included vast amounts of grain, rare minerals, precious alchemical ingredients, and even certain crucial ancient texts related to the Titans.
When the Ladon elder was carried out like a lump of mud and