Just as Saint Topman Warcury congratulated himself on his quick response and clever tactics,
having temporarily "stabilized" the situation with a speech and offered that carefully designed "figurehead position," believing he had succeeded,
he finally glanced back instinctively to see Gern's reaction.
But what met his eyes was the utterly unchanged smile on Gern's face.
Yes, an unabashed smile!
There was not a trace of anger at being manipulated, nor any resentment at his impending restraints. There was only... the composure and amusement of someone watching a buffoon perform.
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, standing beside him, had already turned ashen.
He even lowered his voice and hissed at Saint Warcury through clenched teeth,
"Warcury! He deliberately forced you to come forward and announce this second move!"
"Forced us into our second move?" Saint Topman Warcury clearly did not believe him. He even thought Saint Shepherd Ju Peter was overreacting.
"With things as they are, we've given him a 'perfectly reasonable' arrangement, silenced him, and offered him both prestige and substance, even if that substance is hollow.
How could Gern possibly counterattack now? Could he really refuse this 'promotion'?"
As far as he was concerned, this second move was the best possible solution after putting Gern on the spot.
Gern now had almost no choice but to accept.
Especially with the entire world watching the broadcast. The World Government could not go back on its word, but neither could Gern openly refuse a promotion!
After all, the Navy and the World Government had not yet severed ties completely!
So he refused to believe it!
Yet Gern would leave him no choice!
The instant Saint Warcury finished speaking, Gern moved again.
First, that unsettling smile vanished from his face, replaced by an expression of absolute solemnity.
Then he stepped forward, his burning