While Derick and Castorice were resting, Caenis's plan was set in motion.
She first went to the Demigod Council at Dawncloud Cliff and summoned the Elders of the Elder Council.
Most of the Elders were unaware of Caenis's intentions and looked at her with puzzled expressions, wondering what she wanted to say.
"Everyone, I've called you here to discuss something. Something very important..." As she spoke, her tone became low and heavy.
"Our Okhema has suffered a disastrous defeat, a defeat that can only be described as shameful. And all of this is due to the incompetent leadership of the Golden Lineage's Aglaea."
A disastrous defeat?! This news struck the hearts of the Elders like a heavy hammer. For a city in such apocalyptic times, any disastrous defeat would place the city on the brink of danger.
"A few days ago, Aglaea dispatched the Golden Lineage members Trianne, Castorice, and Mydei to Suspended Sword City. She even collaborated with that demigod of the Trickster Titan, Cipher, in an attempt to reclaim Nikador's Core Flame." Caenis omitted the fact that their trip to Suspended Sword City was to save Derick, and even directly counted Cipher as being on Aglaea's side.
"...And the final result was the loss of Nikador's Core Flame. We have no idea where that monster will appear, meaning the outcome of the Flamechase Journey will have many variables and will be greatly delayed."
"Look at this! We, Okhema, entrusted the city's authority to her, and the entire population of Okhema has dedicated all their strength to the Flamechase Journey of these Golden Lineage members. And what do we get in return? This is their answer to us."
Caenis spoke with great conviction, as if she genuinely cared for the people of Okhema.
Although we have given much to the Golden Lineage, the Golden Lineage of Okhema has also done a lot for us!
Some Elders in the Elder Council thought this, but seeing the indignant faces of others beside them, they kept their mouths shut and dared not say more.
One Elder shouted at Caenis, "But, Caenis, without the Golden Lineage, how can we face those Titans?"
"It's simple. We just need to obtain the power of the Titans ourselves." Caenis proudly puffed out her chest and said to the crowd, "If we obtain the power of the Titans, we can completely protect ourselves. Although this was a disastrous defeat, we were not without gains."
"A young man has appeared, a young man who does not belong to the Golden Lineage but has obtained Nikador's energy. His appearance signifies that the Titans and the Flamechase Journey are no longer the exclusive patent of the Golden Lineage."
Caenis informed the Elders of the Elder Council about Derick absorbing Nikador's energy.
"Not of the Golden Lineage, can one truly obtain the power of a Titan?" an Elder muttered, a look of anticipation in his eyes.
"Yes, from what we know so far, it's not impossible. Each of us can obtain the power belonging to the Titans. Is the collective strength of us Elders inferior to that of those Golden Lineage members?" After Caenis finished speaking, her tone changed again.
"Moreover, Derick possesses more than just the power of the Strife Titan. Some of you have heard that the young man named Derick can have physical contact with Castorice. His body can also resist Thanatos's call. If we knew the secret of his body, we Elders, and even the citizens of Okhema, could all obtain this ability."
This time, even the previously hesitant Elders couldn't help but swallow.
Power and immortality – these two temptations were laid before the Elders. Even the Elders who supported the Flamechase Journey were somewhat swayed.
Caenis made a gesture for a vote.
"Now, fellow Elders, make your choice. Shall we summon Aglaea for questioning, or even impeachment, and invite Derick for an inquiry?"
Although it was called an inquiry, it was, in fact, no different from an interrogation.
Hearing her question, most of the Elders hesitated. However, those die-hard followers of Caenis supported her proposal without a second thought.
And under the half-coercion and urging of those die-hards, most Elders still chose to support summoning Derick, Aglaea, and the others for questioning.
...
At the Heroes' Bath, Aglaea was still soaking in the very hot pool water.
She glided gracefully into the water, only her shoulders and delicate collarbones exposed. Her golden hair was damp from the steam of the pool, a few strands clinging wetly to the side of her long neck.
In the water, Aglaea wore a pensive expression.
Tribbie sat by the edge of the pool and asked her, "Aglaea, you said it wouldn't be long before the Elder Council's accountability would arrive? Actually, we've long known there was a mole in Little Phai's team. Why not deal with him, but instead let him pass the information to Caenis and the others?"
"To show our sincerity, and not to plant seeds of doubt, my master. I don't want to show this operation to the Elder Council, but to all the citizens of Okhema. This operation was a very serious failure. Such a failure, even if concealed, can only be hidden for a while, not indefinitely. If we don't offer an explanation, the versions spread by the populace will become bizarre and varied," Aglaea said slowly to Tribbie.
"Our Flamechase Journey requires not only the efforts of the Golden Lineage but also the support of all the citizens of Okhema. If we encounter such a situation and don't let the citizens know, but instead try to cover it up, they will naturally doubt our actions, doubt whether their support for the Flamechase Journey is of any value to them."
"From a rational perspective, such suspicion is very dangerous. Therefore, even if I need to expend greater effort to make the citizens accept our actions, I don't want to cause them any doubt."
"Letting them know everything is the best choice."
As she spoke, she slowly stood up from the pool water. Her wet clothes clung to her body. Aglaea picked up a dry towel from the edge of the pool and dried herself. Walking to the changing room, she changed into a clean and tidy set of clothes and put on golden high-heeled sandals.
"My master, I am going to Dawncloud Cliff now. Could you help me by going to Derick and Castorice's side? The Elder Council will definitely summon Derick as well. Given Castorice's current mental state, please don't let her cause any major trouble."
"Alright, I understand."
Tribbie nodded and then walked towards the outside.
However, after a few steps, Tribbie felt there was something off about Aglaea's words.
Don't cause major trouble? Does that mean minor trouble is acceptable?
________
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