World-Shaking Wisdom, Both Sides Plot an Ambush

"You two clan chiefs must be tired after coming all this way. Why not join me at the banquet and let me welcome you properly?"

Gray Hoof spoke with a smile. Ignoring Kha'Zix's ugly expression, he added before the frowning Gabri could decline, "I'm sure none of you want to make a poor impression before Lady Meyer. Besides, we still need to discuss the arrangements for your audience with her, don't we?"

Gabri's eyes flickered as though he had realized something. He looked at Meyer, who seemed utterly bewildered by what was happening, and inwardly cursed his own carelessness.

He hurriedly dropped to one knee before her and said gravely:

"...Lady Sage, I acted rashly. Please forgive me."

"Uh, it's fine. I haven't finished sculpting the Minotaur figure I need for the ceremony anyway, so you don't have to stay here with me. Go take care of your business first."

Meyer was a little puzzled that things had gone nothing like John had predicted. But the Minotaur before her was Gabri, the former clan chief she had only heard about in her previous life after becoming the Sage. The Bull Clan chief of that time had told her Gabri had died in an unusual disaster.

By any measure, this was the first time Meyer had met Gabri.

She could see the respect in his eyes. And he had just punched that detestable serpent half to death for insulting her dignity as the Sage.

Meyer decided this rather slow-witted-looking Minotaur probably wasn't a bad person.

Besides, hadn't John told her the Bull Clan was one of the few Beastfolk clans that still followed the Sage? Once she carried out their plan and proved to the clan that she was the new Sage, they would surely fall at her feet!

Oh, and