As Blue and Williams left, there was a bit of look exchanging among everybody.

- So now you two are gonna rule over the city, huh? - Zora said with eyes focused on Hatta.

Her facial expression was clearly showing how pissed she was.

- We are just doing what's the best for the city, and as long as I have anything to say about that, we will keep doing that - he answered.

- And who decides what is the best? You? Hmpf! - she snapped and left almost knocking the chair over.

She was followed by the rest. Some of them clearly shared her opinion about the situation, but others didn't. Jayadeva was an example of those people.

- So this is now how it's gonna be? - asked Aisha, bitter, but calm at the outside.

- Remember that you are the person responsible for all of this - said Will. - I believe we warned you about him several times, didn't we?

She looked away, pissed off by his statement.

- Be as angry as you want, but that's the truth.

Amit sighed heavily.

- How about you all grow up? There is no place for bickering like little kids at the top of the food chain. You win some, you lose some, so get you shit together - he said, and just went outside, clearly tired of the situation.

- He is right - Nobuo followed. - I like Blue's plan of expanding our territory, which doesn't mean I see him now as a friend. He still is an enemy, but we shouldn't make irrational moves because of that. If he is willing to support us, there is no reason to not take the offer. Isn't there a saying, keep your friends close and enemies closer?

- Yes. We all are on the same ship. Let's sail with the favorable winds, we don't have to fight them as long as they lead us to our destination - Boris joined.

- Favorable for who? Only for you and him - said Aisha.

- Didn't you also get a piece from our hunt in the canyon? - asked Will, raising his eyebrows. - Hailwic is welcome to come with us again. That's a huge boost to your strength. On top of that, it's not like you are getting limited by us. We are using a hunting ground that's out of your reach anyway.

- Fine. I lost anyway. I just hope we won't derail with Blue at the controls.

- He is not. We are. We have the most votes. How about you embrace it, and work together with us? Let's learn from our mistakes. No more secrets - said Will.

As he did, they both peaked at me. I just nodded.

- Fine, but I have few conditions. First, while you hunt in the canyon, I'll always want to have somebody from my group with you. Second... I want to know what Blue wants to talk with you about - she looked at Hatta.

- Then come with us - he replied, and stood up.

With that discussion concluded, and we got outside, to meet with Blue. Amit was there too, waiting while leaning on the wall of Velvet Lotus.

- I didn't expect her to tag along, but I guess now we cant avoid it. How about we return back inside then? - Blue proposed.

So we returned, taking the spots around the tables, as we did before. We waited for him to start the conversation, but he instead stared at Aisha in silence for quite a while. Eventually, he snapped back to reality.

- I know that you still have bad blood with me - he said looking Hatta straight in the eyes. - With this still hanging above us we can't really cooperate as close as I would wish to, so I'm willing to yield. If you are to promise me I won't be sentenced to death, I'm willing to admit my part in the process behind Zhang Yong's death.

I had to collect my lower jaw from the ground, and I was not the only one. The corners of Hatta's mouth twitched. I noticed, which meant Blue also did.

- All of you. Have to promise that - and he looked at Aisha. - Especially you.

Nobody said a thing, we just looked at each other.historical

- I guess I should give you a moment to talk it through. I'll be outside. Call me when you are ready to give me your answer.

And he left, again. Leaving us speechless, but only for a moment.

- I vote to lie and get him sentenced to death. We can't outsmart him, but if he is willing to put the rope over his neck, we should hang him - said Aisha. - If we don't do it now, we will have a second Mark. This time smarter than we all together.

- I disagree. I don't know about you, but I believe in second chances. Maybe he really wants to go back? - stated Boris.

- I'm not promising him anything - I said.

- I would be a hypocrite if I refused him a second chance. Sorry Peter, but I'm willing to agree - said Will.

He couldn't look me in the face, but I knew where his decision came from.

- I will say this. Zhang Yong was a great man, but behind the success of Wuxia always stood Blue. As soon as he showed up. He helped recruit people, he helped keep up the morale, and his ideas were simply great. Is he a dick? Yes. Does he regret what he did? Hell no. But if there is a possibility to go back, which we got clear information about, then he will find it. Probably way sooner than we would - said Amit. - On my part decision is simple, but I would still kick his ass if I could for what he did.

Hatta listened carefully to what his lieutenant was saying.

- I always wanted for him to go through a fair trial. This might be the closest we ever get with that. Let's all agree - he said.

- I'm not agreeing. You might do what you want. No hard feelings on my part - I stated, and then left.

I wasn't angry. Kinda disappointed though, but that was more my hatred towards the guy than rational thinking. I was still firmly believing that all Blue did was just a facade we couldn't see through.

I went past him in silence, and headed to the city center, to waste the rest of the day, knowing I'm gonna head back to the canyon tomorrow.

The day came to an end with 643 121 points remaining on my account, as well as five unspent class points.