Wizard: My Skills Can Infinitely Break Through

The atmosphere in the meeting hall instantly froze.

The smile on Anton Clan Leader’s face stiffened for a moment before he quickly recovered.

”Well... Niece Aidele, while the Shadow Guard’s brand is indeed our clan’s, it was stolen and forged some time ago...”

”You’re right, Uncle,” Aidele interrupted, her tone still calm.

”If someone truly is framing you, then the Hawkwood Clan is also a victim. Our two clans should join forces to find the real culprit.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. ”But what if... it wasn’t a frame job?”

Anton Clan Leader was silent for a few seconds before speaking slowly.

”That guard... what was his identity?”

Aidele sneered inwardly but her expression remained impassive.

”That is the second matter I wished to address.”

She took out a second piece of evidence—a sheet of parchment detailing the guard’s personal information.

”This guard is named Mai Lun. He joined the Justice Clan Guard Team three years ago. His recommender was a mid-level steward who has since passed away. However, our investigation revealed that before his death, that steward was in close contact with a young master of your esteemed clan.”

Her gaze swept over the younger faces seated below before finally landing on Anton Clan Leader.

”Uncle, where is Collins? Why do I not see him today?”

Anton Clan Leader took a deep breath and said in a heavy voice.

”Collins acted recklessly and has been confined by my order. Niece Aidele, this matter... was it truly his doing?”

Aidele didn’t answer directly, merely pushing the parchment forward.

”The evidence is here. You may examine it for yourself, Uncle.”

Low murmurs broke out in the meeting hall. Several Hawkwood Elders exchanged glances, their expressions complicated.

Anton Clan Leader picked up the parchment and read it carefully, his face growing darker and darker.

He put the paper down and was silent for a long time.

”Niece Aidele, this matter... is a result of the Hawkwood Clan’s lax discipline. But it was just the foolishness of a junior. Let’s not allow it to affect the thousands of years of friendship between our two clans.”

That was an interesting way to put it.

”You are right, Uncle,” she said lightly.

”It’s understandable for young people to be competitive and act foolishly in the heat of the moment. But understanding is one thing, and rules are another.”

She looked directly at Anton Clan Leader. ”Assassinating an Honored Guest Elder and planting a spy are not the actions of friendly clans.”

The air in the meeting hall nearly solidified.

Anton Clan Leader slowly sat back down in the main seat, the smile on his face completely gone, replaced by a grave expression.

”What kind of resolution does Niece Aidele want?”

Aidele was already prepared and spoke unhurriedly.

”First, Collins must provide appropriate compensation to my Honored Guest Elder.”

Anton Clan Leader’s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t object. The demand wasn’t excessive; one could even say it was quite restrained.

”Second, regarding the matter of the spy,” Aidele continued.

”Within the Justice Clan, we’ve identified seven individuals with ties to the Hawkwood Clan. We will deal with them according to our clan’s rules.

But the Hawkwood Clan must also give us a resolution. For the next thirty years, the transit fees for the Justice Clan’s merchant caravans on the trade routes of the Three Eastern Cities will be halved.”

As soon as she said this, the expressions of several Hawkwood Elders changed slightly.

The trade routes of the Three Eastern Cities were one of the Hawkwood Clan’s most important sources of revenue.

Halving the fees for thirty years was no small loss.

”Niece Aidele, this...” one Elder couldn’t help but speak up.

Aidele raised a hand to cut him off. ”Third, during the investigation of the assassination attempt, my clan expended a great deal of manpower and resources, and even had to alarm the Elder Council.

The Hawkwood Clan needs to show some consideration for these losses. The specific arrangements can be negotiated.”

After speaking, she picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said no more.

A brief silence fell over the meeting hall.

Anton Clan Leader closed his eyes in thought, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. The other Elders exchanged looks, clearly weighing the pros and cons.

Finally, Anton Clan Leader opened his eyes and said in a deep voice.

”For the first matter, you will have a satisfactory answer shortly. For the second... halving the fees for thirty years is too much. Ten years.”

Aidele shook her head. ”Twenty years. That is the bottom line my clan has given me.”

Anton Clan Leader was silent for a moment, then nodded. ”Fine. But this matter ends here. Our two clans will let this go and must not allow it to create a rift between us.”

Aidele set down her teacup, revealing her first smile since entering the meeting hall.

”You are a direct man, Uncle. Then it’s settled.”

She stood and gave Anton Clan Leader a slight bow. ”Thank you for your understanding, Uncle. Aidele takes her leave.”

”Wait,” Anton Clan Leader suddenly called out to her, his gaze complex.

”Niece Aidele, you already possess some of your father’s flair from back in his day.”

Aidele smiled faintly. ”You flatter me, Uncle. I am merely acting according to the rules.”

She turned and left, her footsteps echoing in the meeting hall.

Only after her figure disappeared beyond the doorway did Anton Clan Leader slowly sink back into his chair, sighing inwardly.

’That wretched son... His ambition far outstrips his talent. It seems I’ll have to reconsider the matter of the Clan Leader position...’

The carriage left the Silver Sail City State, heading toward the Teleportation Room at Silver Sail Port.

Delia finally couldn’t hold back any longer. ”My Lady, you were incredible today!”

Aidele leaned back against the soft cushions, a trace of relief mixed with her exhaustion.

”It wasn’t about what I did. They were in the wrong, so they had to accept whatever I said.”

She gazed out the window at the rapidly receding fields and suddenly asked, ”Has Ian returned?”

Delia shook her head. ”No word from Naseng yet.”

Aidele was silent for a moment, then said softly, ”Tell me the moment he gets back.”

”Yes, My Lady.”

The East Carriage had just passed through the main gates of the Justice Clan’s main residence when Delia lifted the carriage curtain and lowered her voice.

”My Lady, Elder Soron and Elder Darcy are already waiting in the meeting hall.”