Gabriel’s father felt the other Conglomerate Masters turn their heads towards one direction.
He followed their gaze, eventually landing on a woman leaning on her chair with a triumphant smile on her face.
Then, his guard said: "They’re from Metropolis, sir."
...
...
...
Duchess Regina savored the look on everyone’s faces as the truth began to dawn on them. The Metropolis faction that they were so quick to dismiss was still actually well and thriving.
In fact, thanks to Michael and the Reborn company’s renovation these past few months, Metropolis was on the way to becoming a true powerhouse of a territory. Of course, behind only that of the Nation of Reborn.
"It looks like I’m not welcome here, so I shall take my leave," said Duchess Regina.
The Conglomerates raised up to their feet, immediately wanting to stop her from leaving.
"Wait—"
She turned around, a smile on her face. "Oh now you want to talk to me. Alright."
Gabriel’s father cleared his throat. "It has just come to my attention that the Metropolis faction is in possession of a construct called an Automobile. A transport vehicle that is faster than any beast and requires no magic or Aubility Power."
Finally, the rest of the factions inside this meeting were enlightened to whatever they discussed by themselves.
Immediately, whispers and jabs erupted within them.
"There’s no way a vehicle like that exists!"
"No magic nor Aubility Power? That’s just absurd."
"It must be a trick of the mind!"
Gabriel’s father glared at the useless chatters, making them stop instantly. "Are you saying that I cannot discern the truth for myself? You think that lowly of the Conglomerates?"
The Zenthaven Monarch raised his hand slightly. "It’s not that, Master Vanderbilt. It’s just that we have not heard about this automobile since you told us.
There is no way that Regina can hide something like that for so long. If this is true, which I still doubt, then it would cost a lot of time and money to research and create."
In his defense, if a vehicle like that existed, then he was sure that the Metropolis faction would have already used it before this.
They all turned to the Duchess, waiting for her rebuttal.
She shrugged. "I don’t have to explain anything to you. Whether you believe it or not, it doesn’t matter to me. After all, it was not me who created those automobiles."
Gabriel’s father and the rest of the Conglomerates held on their seats as they waited for her next words. Their soldiers and guards were instructed to immediately scour Metropolis for whatever name came next from the Duchess’ mouth.
"Those automobiles are property of the Reborn company," she revealed.
For a brief second, every single person in this room froze. They weren’t expecting to hear that company’s name uttered here at this moment.
The Reborn company? They only heard that name along with the demi-human Maugnetic.
They were the ones who created the automobile?
The Conglomerates immediately signaled their guards and soldiers to contact the Reborn company for a possible acquisition of those automobiles.
The only exception would be Gabriel’s father. He was half a second later than the others, which was uncharacteristic for his usually sharp business decision making skills.
He just didn’t expect to hear that name.
After all, just today, he told his son that the Reborn company was only valuable because of their demi-human Maugnetic.
But now, he just learned that they were also responsible for this game-changing transport vehicle that would make most beasts and carriages obsolete!
Could he truly be underestimating this company?
Or could lightning really strike twice?
He had no idea. But he knew that he really needed to meet with the man responsible for this whole thing. Michael, the leader of Reborn.
...
...
...
Michael enjoyed himself in the festivities.
After the conclusion of the Archery Tournament, a Colosseum-wide celebration was started.
The Brownblood Werewolves howled to the moon, euphoric at this unexpected all-around tournament victory. They would have never expected to win in both brackets!
But it was all thanks to their current ally, the Reborn company.
And so, in the arena where the Sanctum Duels took place, one could see Brownblood Werewolves drinking and dancing with Rebornians till they passed out for being too drunk.
Michael stayed at the Viewing Deck with a smile on his face.
Beside him was Yuna.
They both sat at the ledge, their legs hanging over.
"Are you sure those guys are going to be okay?"
Yuna gestured down at the arena, where some Shadow Orcanine Orcs were playfully wrestling with the Werewolves.
"It’s fine," he said. "They’re just letting off some steam before they’re sent off to work in construction."
Tomorrow, Castelle’s plans to construct a Road System directly to New Sparta would finally start.
She was in charge of everything. He let her. Not only was she 100x more competent at this than him, but he would rather spend his time just sitting here with Yuna right next to him.
In fact, today, he resolved to simply enjoy the festivities. He wasn’t going to be dealing with any Reborn business.
Even when he was told that the automobiles became a hot topic of conversation just outside the Colosseum, he didn’t mind it. Sheina would handle all of that.
Bzztt... bzztt...
The phone in his pocket vibrated.
He looked at it and saw a new message from none other than the Duchess herself.
{From: Regina}
{Michael. Just a heads-up, the Conglomerates are coming over to see you. The cat’s out of the bag. They want to buy your automobiles.}
And true enough, down at the arena, the festivities were suddenly interrupted by the appearance of some well-armored guards bearing the symbol for their corresponding Conglomerates.
"Here they come," Yuna said.
Michael nodded. "Sheina’s handling it."
Down below, a white-scaled Dragonborn approached the Conglomerate representatives, who were surprised at her appearance.
Wasn’t she the infamous demi-human Maugnetic?!
"Good evening to everyone."
The Hephaestus representative was the first to recover from his stupor. "Ahem... we are here to discuss with the Reborn company. Is there someone—"
Sheina interrupted. "You need only to talk to me. I am Lord Michael’s secretary."