Swini found himself caught in a dilemma.
He had never imagined Ferid would take things this far and leave him no choice at all.
If he continued pressuring him, he might actually trigger a war.
Countless casualties would inevitably follow, and the Makarov Family might fall, weakening the Alliance once again.
If the Makarov Family really had harmed the Alliance, all of this would be justifiable.
But if this was merely the Makarov Family's private affair, the Guzman Family would have to bear the blame.
Abusing power for personal gain, persecuting another family, being blinded by greed-the family's reputation would surely plummet.
And to quell public outrage, the family would inevitably make him, the First Elder, take the blame.
But if he backed down now, the Guzman Family would lose all face as well.
And the First Elder's standing in the family would surely plummet, leaving him subjected to endless criticism!
Meanwhile, several family representatives in Swini's group wore expressions of utter panic.
Their families were relatively weak. They had only come along to cheer on the major families and pick up a few benefits along the way.
But unlike those major families, they could not withstand Makarov's retaliation.
If they really brought the flames of war down upon their families, even dying ten thousand times would not absolve them of blame!
So they could no longer spare any thought for the Guzman Family and immediately called out:
"Clan Leader Ferid, please hold off! I only came to take a look and prevent anything evil from harming the Alliance. I never intended to attack Makarov. Since you have given such firm assurances, Clan Leader Ferid, I am willing to trust your character. We will stay out of this matter. Would you let us leave?"
Once the first spoke up, a